Greensboro Daily Photo

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

Yesterday, we featured Bailey Village and affordable housing complex in East Greensboro. The above photo is of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, right across the street from Bailey Village,  at 901 East Friendly Avenue. We took this photo last week and the weather was so lovely. While the church, built in 1956,  is beautiful on the outside, it is especially beautiful inside with all of the white doves of peace in the stained glass windows. That angled A-frame roof also enhances the interior view. If you are interested in attending this morning, Sunday School is at 9:00 am and Sunday Services are at 10:00 am.

As we close out 2023, we encourage you to search back under "religion" if you like these Sunday, more spiritual posts. We think we've written one for all 52 Sundays. If you want to get a review of our posts for the year, we invite you to check back tomorrow when we will share the "photo of the year" which is a January 1st tradition on the City Daily Photo sites. On January 2nd, we always feature a Mr. and Mrs. GDP photo, our one of the year. We hope you will continue to read our daily posts on into 2024.

Happy Sunday! Happy New Year's Eve!!

Bailey Village in Downtown East

Bailey Village is an apartment complex off of East Market Street, between NC A&T, the United House of Prayer for All People, and Bennett College. This area that is quickly becoming known as Downtown East. Bailey's Village, a 172-unit apartment complex, was constructed on a 13 acre lot owned by the United House of Prayer for all People. In addition to housing, there are plans to develop more amenities, like retail stores in the village. There is also a dog park, green space, streets within the community, and more. This new housing option is not student housing and there is an effort to keep it affordable. Here is a link if you want to see floor plans and amenities.

Formerly, this southeast Greensboro lot housed a building of the US Postal Service.  This is definitely a a part of Greensboro growing before our eyes. If you are out and about this weekend, drive over and see Bailey's Village for yourself. It is named for a former pastor of the United House of Prayer for all People. One of the main streets off of Market, is named Bishop Charles Grace Lane. Bishop Grace, born in 1881 in Brava Cape Verde Islands, was the founder and  respected leader in the church. You will know you have arrived when you see these three crosses on the church on the corner.

Happy Saturday!

Closing Out 2023 with Mebanesville and One Last Cup of Coffee

As is only natural, the end of the calendar year is a good time to reflect on the previous year and anticipate the new. Throughout 2023 on Greensboro Daily Photo, we have shared many changes in the Greensboro community and the surrounding area of Guilford County. Today's post takes us to Gibsonville, on the Guilford/Alamance County line. Saturday, December 23rd, was the final day of the coffee shop, The Guilded Bean. This coffee shop was a very fun place to hang out and to purchase great coffee on East Main Street in Gibsonville. It may even have been the eastern-most coffee shop in Guilford County. 

Above, the band Mebanesville is seen performing on the afternoon of the last day. This performance was especially significant, because Mebanesville also played on the opening day a few years ago. Mebanesville is so named because the members are located in or near the town of Mebane and practice in Mebane a lot. The musicians in the photo are Larry Vellani on guitar and vocals; Sherry Lea, percussion; Peggy Boswell, penny whistle; David Thompson, bass. They played and sang a lot of holiday tunes and even had a small band of pre-schoolers join them near the end. The band performed in an alcove between the Guilded Bean and Wade Jewelers. It is bittersweet to have a coffee shop close. Hopefully, another one will open to fill the void. Coffee shops have a way of bringing people together, creating a meaningful "third space", and attracting great music talent like Mebanesville. Mebanesville is known for its world music from the Mediterranean basin, the British Isles, Ukraine, and beyond. 

Happy Friday!

 

122 North Elm Street Self Help Building

The Self-Help building at 122 North Elm Street is a 10-story office building that offers space solely to nonprofit agencies. In mid-December, when we were walking by, we noticed that renovation is taking place on the ground floor. This is the space that formerly housed the Junior League's thrift shop, Bargain Box. The Bargain Box is now located on Mill Street and since they vacated the above space on Elm, it has been empty. In 2019, there was discussion about Action Greensboro moving into the Self-Help building. Possibly, they are the ones preparing the space.

Action Greensboro was formed in 2001 to bring together local charitable foundations and business, higher education, and local government. Downtown, they were instrumental in bringing Center City Park to fruition, as well as the Downtown Greenway and Union Square. On their website, Action Greensboro now lists their address as 122 North Elm Street, Suite 110, which sounds like this space. We'll have to head downtown and see if, indeed, Action Greensboro is here. We like the way you can see the men working through the glass and also see the reflection of the space outside. 

Happy Thursday!

Koi Pond and Holiday Decorations in Kernersville

Today, we are cheating a little bit on Greensboro Daily Photo and taking you to Kernersville, a community just over the Guilford line and into neighboring Forsyth County. Kernersville continues to grow and seems to be especially festive this year. Recently, we visited North Main Street, in the afternoon, in time to visit some of the shops and to see the koi pond in the center of downtown. As you can see from the above photo, the koi are large and very photogenic. The reflection of the Moravian stars in the water adds visual interest. If you are interested in planning an afternoon/evening in Kernersville, read on.

The lights at the Ciener Botanical Garden on Main Street are spectacular. Of course the decorations at Körner's Folly house are three floors of beautiful. Also, there is a big Christmas tree in town and Moravian stars along the way. Perhaps most spectacular of all are the  strands of lights in the trees on Main Street. They are called "Kernersville Lights" or "Blinkies." Roger Briles designed them with what he refers to as the concept that "less is more." While he created them around 2002 for himself and friends, they really started to gain popularity about 2012. A 36 foot strand of lights only has 14 white, blinking bulbs and they blink slowly. The effect is so subtle and delicate. And then there are the shops, which are bound to be having after Christmas specials. Musten and Crutchfield Food Market will be there for your specialty food needs. So, if you are looking for something to do between now and the first of the year, you can have a days worth of things to do in Kernersville without veering too far from Main Street. Do remember to call for hours and to see what will be open. Other than the ever faithful koi who are there year-round, other places will have different hours and availability.

Happy Wednesday!

Greensboro's Skyline & Local Gas Price

We love this view, driving into town from east Greensboro On East Market Street. Beside the Exxon sign, you can see the JP building, now the Lincoln Financial Group. Also, the Exxon gas prices are visible and $2.99 on December 23rd. According to the gas price information on AAA's website, the highest average gas price recorded for Greensboro for regular gas was $4.61 a gallon on 6/13/22. So, a year and a half later, the price is down $1.62 a gallon. It will be interesting to monitor prices over the next year.

Soon, we will feature other views of this part of town, which has changed a lot since the addition of Bailey Village across the street from the Exxon Station. Of course, just east of here, one street back is the beginning of the North Carolina A&T University campus. This is probably a "go to" gas station for university students and staff. What is the gas station you frequent? There are so many options in Greensboro now, from the big box stores, to grocery stores with loyalty programs to the ubiquitous Sheetz.

Happy Tuesday, that feels like a Monday. We hope you have a great week!

Santa and Mrs. Claus, We Wish YOU a Merry Christmas 2023

Merry Christmas. Today is the day so many children have been waiting for. While the spiritual and religious reason, the birth of Christ, is the reason for the holiday, Santa is a big part of Christmas for many children. Last week, the above Santa's helpers, Ray Knirs and Kelly L. Taylor were spotted at the Corner Market on West Market Street. They spent the day at the market bringing  joy to shoppers and vendors. Other days, Ray and Kelly are accomplished artists; Ray, a potter and Kelly, an oil painter.

If you are looking for things to do on Christmas Day, while the farmers markets are closed, consider going to a movie. Golden Ticket Cinemas Ale House*, near Trader Joe's (Formerly Brassfield 10), is finally open! Double check times and offerings before going, though. Usually Chinese restaurants are open today. Parks are open. Nature trails and the greenway are open for your walking and biking pleasure. We love urban walking, which is very different without food or vehicle traffic.  As it gets dark, which will be at 5:10 pm tonight in Greensboro, you can drive through and see the decorations, the lighted balls, in Sunset Hills. Henderson Road in Hamilton Lakes has the "Blinky" lights originating in Kernersville. Jefferson Road has many inflatables. We hope you start some Christmas Day tradition alone or with friends and family, even if you don't celebrate the holiday or its commercial aspects. December 25th is a day when a lot of retail is closed and, not unlike Covid Times, the earth breathes a little bit in the still and quiet of the day. As for Mr. and Mrs. Claus, thank you for bringing joy to so many. May you sit back today and reflect on a job well done.

Merry Christmas! 

 

* read more about the theatre in this Yes! Weekly article.

 

 

Merry Christmas Eve 2023

This photo, taken last Sunday, is timeless and could have been taken fifty years ago. It features the Canticle Choir at the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro. This choir is open to children in grades 3-12. Last Sunday, they performed as part of "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols." Dr. John Alexander, Director of Music Ministry and Principal Organist, led the Canticle Choir as they sang Prepare the Way of the Lord, The Friendly Beasts, and Oh, Come, Little Children. 

If you want an opportunity to hear good music and to participate in a special Christmas Eve service, consider attending one of the three offered at the First Presbyterian Church at 617 North Elm Street. While the services will be special in their own right, the great acoustics and lovely design of the church add even more to the experience. Today's services are as follows: 10 am, Family Nativity Service; 5:30 pm, Candlelight and Communion Service; and 11:00 pm, Candlelight and Communion Service. Also, there will be one service on Christmas Day. See HERE for more information and to see what is available on live stream. Happy Christmas Eve, regardless of how you are spending it.

Happy Sunday!

Stephen Johnson, Urban Farmer

This is Stephen Johnson, a vendor at the Corner Farmers Market on West Market Street beside St. Andrews Episcopal Church. He sells produce and delicious baked goods with much inspired by his innovative farming techniques and his Australian roots. Stephen is the person who first had the idea for the corner market. His home is only a block away from the original, Walker/Elam location of the market. Stephen, a trained psychologist, left that career to farm full time. His sustainable farming practices are quite innovative. He seems to work farming miracles on less than an acre of Lindley Park land. From enhancing the quality of water on his property, to ensuring there are bees to pollinate to learning to market his produce to baking and preparing yummy products like pesto, this urban farmer seems to do it all. John Van Lindley (1838- 1913), the pomologist and nurseryman  for whom Lindley Park is named, would be very happy to know the good work Stephen Johnson is doing in the community.

The Corner Farmers Market will be open today from 8-12 noon. Stop by and get some goodies for the holiday season. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about Stephen's gardening techniques and his journey from Perth, Australia to Greensboro, USA, read this 2017 article in the O. Henry Magazine.  

Happy Saturday!

Piedmont Old Time Society's Jam at the Continental Club

If you think this lighting looks festive, you should have heard the above musicians playing old-time, string-band music last night. This group is the Piedmont Old Time Society, or POTS. They meet the first and third Thursday of the month, gathering at the Continental Club at 816 South Elm Street at 7:00 pm. The group is open to those interested in acoustic, string-band music. It is possible to attend and join in on the jam or to go and sit on the sidelines and listen. Each jam needs at least one fiddler, a bass, guitars and banjos. Last night, there was also a mandolin. The group was comprised of people from Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

Last night, the above group was playing in the back room and in the front room a jazz trio was performing. Both events were enjoyable, putting everyone in a holiday mood. The Continental Club bills itself as a "cool, international social club, for disruptors and innovators." For sure, on Thursdays, it seems that way.

Happy Friday!

Remembering O. Henry & Gift of the Magi

Today is the winter solstice, the day the North Pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. Today, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset is at 5:08 pm. In these times of extended darkness, reading is a great way to spend the evening. Let us remember that the writer O. Henry (William Sydney Porter)  was from Greensboro. There is a complex of three statues dedicated to the artist at the corner of Bellemeade and North Elm Street, right across from Tanger Center. It is a lovely place to visit. The above photo is of the open book sculpture. There is also a sculpture of O.Henry himself and a statue of his small dog. The book is 7' by 14'. It is open to the opening page of the short story, "The Gift of the Magi".

In "The Gift of the Magi," a young couple by gifts for each other by selling their greatest treasure. It reminds us, during the Christmas season, that love is more valuable than worldly possessions. The writing on the bottom left panel reads, " "Dell" said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on."  What sacrifices have we made for each other this December? We can do great things without even needing to spend money. Let's all check out a copy of O.Henry short stories from the library, snuggle up, and have a good read.

Happy Thursday!

Shopping at Friendly Center- View from the back of the line at Anthropologie

With 5 shopping days left before Christmas, retail in Greensboro seems to be steady. The parking lot at Friendly Center is busy and foot traffic seems brisk. The above photo was taken at Anthropologie- located in the "new" side of the shopping center. Pink and glittery seem to be popular with shoppers. The original Friendly Center opened in 1957 and it has done a good job over the last 66 years of staying relevant to shoppers. Part of the key is the variety of stores. There is everything from a bookstore to jewelry stores to a drug store, a post office, pet store, clothing stores, and more. 

In 2006, the new side of Friendly Center opened, bringing the largest Harris Teeter in all of North Carolina, an Apple Store, Anthropologie, and more.* Even if you don't NEED anything, it is fun to get out and be part of the crowd this time of year. And, there is the tradition of stopping and getting a photo with the waving Santa, and heading a couple blocks away to Sunset Hills to drive through the streets to see the decorations. If you drive through Sunset Hills, consider swinging by the Harris Teeter and getting some food to consider donating to the food bank collection site at the corner of Ridgeway and Madison.

Happy Wednesday!

 

*read the Wikipedia entry on Friendly Center HERE.

The Kindness of Strangers

The above photo features the cast glass sculpture, Kindness, by Ben Greene-Colonnese. It is perfect for the dark days of winter, serendipitously placed in the window with the "Self-Help" building in the background. In his artist statement, Ben says "he has spent the last 10-plus years [rock] climbing, studying and creating artwork inspired by the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Seeing this sculpture at Green Hill Gallery on Davie Street reminded us that the theme of the O.Henry Magazine essay contest this year is "The Kindness of Strangers." You can be the person who did a kind deed or who had a stranger be kind to you.* There is a 1,000 word limit and the deadline is 12/24 and submitted to [email protected]. Even if your essay isn't selected as the one of three winners, you will have done a kind deed to have shared a great moment in your life. Feel good stories have a way of lifting moods. We love the above sculpture and you can see it (and even purchase it) between now and February 17, 2004. If you have a window where the sunlight can travel through the glass, you will be mesmerized by the way this sculpture changes with the weather.

Let us know if you win the O. Henry Essay Contest, or, if you become the lucky owner of the Green-Colonnese piece. We'll be on the lookout.

Happy Tuesday!

 

*Scroll down on the page, HERE, to read more.

Festive House at 2505 West Market Street

This past Saturday was the Running of the Balls in Greensboro, where about 5,000 people ran through Sunset Hills celebrating the colorful lights wrapped around chicken wire balls and hanging high in the mature trees. The event was a very successful fundraiser for a local food bank. The above house is in the Sunset Hills neighborhood, even though it is not quite in the line of the running course. However, with the leafless winter trees, they can see the festivities from the yard. We love the fact that the owners of this house add their own spin on decorating. They also have Moravian stars and look at those giant ornaments on the ground in front of the door.

As you can see from the photo, 2505 West Market Street is a large Colonial home, often referred to as 5 (windows an the second floor) 4 (windows on the ground level) and a door: Five, four, and a door. The house was  built in 1937 on nearly 1/2 acre. At the time it was built, it would have been on the western outskirts of Greensboro.  Today, it almost feels as if it is in the heart of town. This house is located near the intersection with West Greenway. The current owners have owned the house for the last sixteen years. We're betting they are the ones who painted the red brick white. The sidewalk in front of the home make this section of the neighborhood very walkable.

Happy Monday!

First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro

Tis the season. Above is a photo of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro at 617 North Elm Street. The First Presbyterian Church was first organized in 1824 by the Rev. William D. Paisley. This was sixteen years after Greensboro was established. This is actually the fourth iteration of the First Presbyterian Church. The third building remains today, a few blocks to the southeast on Church Street and Summit Avenue. That building is now used as the Greensboro History Museum. The above building was constructed in 1929.*

In addition to church today, if you are in the mood for some Christmas music, this afternoon at 4:30, there is a handbell prelude in the sanctuary and then at 5:00 pm, there are scripture readings and music with the Chancel Choir, the Canticle Choir, and the Coventry Singers and orchestra. The event will also be available through live-streaming HERE. This would be a great way to begin the final week before Christmas. With the music and the beautiful, monumental sanctuary it feels like a little bit of Europe right here in Greensboro.

* read more church history HERE.

Street Scenes: In front of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum

We love walking along Elm Street from Tanger Center to Gate City Boulevard and capturing street scenes along the way. The above photo, taken earlier in the week, shows men delivering a large piece of furniture/equipment in front of the Woolworth building. The Woolworth building, now the "International Civil Rights Center and Museum" is located at 134 South Elm Street. The piece was pulled out of a U-Haul van that looked about 17' long, so we're betting these guys had been at it for a while and we were just seeing the delivery of the last piece. A healthy city is a dynamic ebb and flow of things coming and going. 

According to the website SAH Archipedia, The Woolworth building was designed and constructed in 1929 by Charles C. Hartmann who relocated to Greensboro from NYC in 1921 to design the Jefferson Standard building.  From the looks of the bright red signage, it was as if it were built to be "Woolworth" forever. Fortunately, when the museum opened thirteen years ago in 2010 the signage was kept, as it is a big part of the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro. Hopefully, the guys making the delivery had a chance to look around and take in some of the history of the museum; something that would be great for all of us to do today. The museum opens at 10am.

Happy Saturday! 

Melrose Coffee + Wine Bar

Melrose Coffee and Wine Bar bills itself as California inspired. Melrose is a family-owned and operated business and the owners and employees are from California. The establishment has echoes of the upscale coffee shops that can be found on Melrose Avenue in Los Angles, where you can get everything from a black cup of coffee to specialty tea drinks like matcha late with rose and lavender syrup to cocktails and wine.

While the entrance to the coffee shop is on Church Street, technically, the address is 245 East Friendly Avenue. See this GDP post from 12/26/22 when the idea for the coffee shop was in the early stages. The building, constructed in 1924, says "Fruit and Produce" on the front as the building was originally the W.I. Anderson Wholesale Produce Company.* How wonderful that the building gets repurposed with an infusion of great energy with owners and employees who are really vested in bring coffee and a place for gathering east of Elm Street. East Greensboro has been adding growing over the last few years. As NC A&T expands and more people move downtown, this growth is much needed. This weekend would be a great night to go and check out Melrose. Their Friday and Saturday hours are from 8:00 am- 5:00 pm and from 8:00 pm- 1:00 am!

Happy Friday!

 

*thank you to our reader Victoria Tate for sharing that information last year.

My Big Fat Fabulous Life

Did you know that Whitney Way Thore, the person whose life is featured in "My Big Fat Fabulous Life" is from Greensboro? In 2015, TLC began chronicling Whitney's life, her weight gain brought on partly due to a medical condition, and her maintaining an upbeat, body-positive attitude. The show is now in Season 12. Yesterday we were on one of our frequent strolls along Elm Street and we saw TLC a videographer and photographer on the corner of Market Street  and later, at McGee. The crew  wanted a good sunset photo and also scenes of Christmas in downtown Greensboro. The above photo was taken at Hamburger Square, beside Natty Greene's, and all lenses were on the LFG building.

If you haven't watched the show before, put it on your holiday viewing list. The Thore family exudes so much positive energy and, like most reality TV shows, the lives of the members of the Thore family has become an open book. Sadly, last year, Whitney's mom (Babs) died. She was such a prime example of southern humor, finding the wittiest thing to say and with perfect timing on delivery. It is fun to see Greensboro on the episodes filmed here. Whitney graduated from Page High School in 2002.

If you don't have access to TLC, you can see a lot about the show on YouTube. We'd love to interview Whitney for Greensboro Daily Photo! If you know her, put in a good word for us.

Happy Thursday!

Hiking and Hammocks Along Lake Higgins

These two hammocks are a bit of a mystery. They were suspended between trees along Lake Higgins last month. According to their website, Guilford County operates and maintaining approximately 1,800 acres of passive parks and over 300 miles of trails. The trails are open to the public for unstructured activities. Passive parks* are open from 8:00 am - dusk, which is about mid-December. Sunset is at 5:06 pm tonight. While Bald Eagle Trail is not listed as one of the passive parks, it is a 7.2 mile out-and-back trail at the edge of the Greensboro city limits and Summerfield. As more and more land gets developed in the area, these areas open to the public are seeing more and more use. We're finding out a little late in the year that 2023 has been advertised as "Year of the Trail" which is a campaign encouraging everyone to get outside. We're betting the owners of the above hammocks is an advocate of getting out and using the trails. Today's temperature should get up to the mid-50s, which is not bad for getting out for a hike. See you on the trails.

Happy Wednesday!

*Read more about passive parks HERE.

311 S Elam Ave

Have you noticed yellow accent doors are trending in Greensboro? 311 South Elam Avenue, located between Lindley Park and Sunset Hills, is one such example. When you drive or walk by, this door is a stand out. It also brings out the yellow in the surrounding landscaping. This single family home was built in 1956. It is a lot bigger than it looks. In this three bedroom, three bath house, there is a garage behind the house, as well as a full basement. Also, it is built on almost a half acre. According to Zillow, the last time it sold was in 2012. So, the current owners must be happy, especially given the amount of appreciation the house has had. 

At one time, we were trying to find homes in Greensboro that were every color of the rainbow. For now, we think we'll settle for red-purple doors. This yellow is about as yellow as it gets. It looks like at one time the house was red brick. Paint certainly changes the aesthetic of a house. Do you have a favorite color for accent doors? Do you have one in mind we should feature on Greensboro Daily Photo? Let us know.

Happy Tuesday!

Hudson Hill 527 South Elm Street, Formerly Coe Grocery

This is one of our favorite photos from The Festival of Lights. South Elm street looks so lovely with families milling about and stores open with colorful lights framing the scene. Then there is Santa peeking out of a second story window, where so much magic happens at Hudson Hill- lively conversations, plan making for future businesses, ideas about recapturing some of Greensboro textile history. Hope for the future grows when you realize that many of the people sewing leather and denim are young- as in between 25 and 40.

As seen on the signage on the side of the building, the Hudson Hill Building was formerly Coe Grocery and seed (See 2016 photo HERE).

Pastor Susan Hoyle, Hinshaw UMC

Susan Hoyle has been the pastor of Hinshaw United Methodist Church for about two years. Originally from the midwest, she moved to Greensboro about nine years ago because, as she explained it,  her two daughters landed here. Hinshaw UMC, located at 4501 West Gate City Boulevard, is committed to community outreach. The congregation has hands-on mission projects both locally and in other parts of the world. Locally, they are involved with God's Helping Hands Food Pantry, the Appalachia Service Project, the Sedgefield Elementary Summer Meal Program, and more. We first learned of them when attending a brunch at the church.

According to the cornerstone at Hinshaw UMC, the church was originally organized as Midway UMC in 1915. However, it was rebuilt and renamed Hinshaw in 1949. Mr. Hinshaw was pastor at that time and was struggling with cancer. The church is a reminder of what High Point Road used to look like, before all of the strip malls and retail spaces sprang up and before it was even renamed Gate City Boulevard. It is a church that works hard to stay connected to community in an era when community in the 21st century is quickly being is being redefined. If you want to learn more about Hinshaw UMC, consider attending a service on Sundays at 11:00 a.m., or make an appointment to talk to one of the leaders at the church. For Christians, the advent season is a lovely time to make a spiritual connection.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Hanukkah 2023

Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish Festival of Lights. It is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and special fried foods. Hanukkah means "decdication" in Hebrew, because it celebrates the rededication of the Temple. The menorah is a candelabrum. The giant menorah in the above photo can be found at the corner of Hobbs and Jefferson near New Garden. Last night was day 2 of Hanukkah and people were at the temple for Shabbat or Sabbath services. The evening was crisp,  in the low 40s, a day of rest for Jews. The Jewish citizens of Greensboro have contributed significantly to the community. Their mitzvot (good deeds) are everywhere.

The original Temple Emanuel on Greene Street was built in 1924. The temple on Jefferson Road was completed in 2002. It is hard to believe it is already 21 years old.

We hope this holiday is a memorable one.

Happy Saturday!

Ice Skating in Downtown Greensboro

For ice skating in Greensboro, you have two choices. For outdoor skating, Piedmont Winterfest is your best bet. It is located between LeBauer Park and Center City Park. Skaters of all abilities are welcome. It will be there until December 28th, at which time, just like Frosty the Snowman, it will "melt". An indoor option for skating is the Ice House, located between Bridford Parkway and West Wendover Avenue. The Greensboro Ice House opened in the fall of 1997. It is hard to believe it has been there for 26 years. The Greensboro Ice House does it all, from giving lessons to serving as a venue for birthday parties to having ice for hockey games, figure skating, and more. Historically, Greensboro has been more of a roller skating town than an ice skating one; however, these two venues are a great way to get children acclimated to the sport. As you can see in the above photo, children around our there trying their hardest. See you on the rink!

Happy Friday! 

Triad A Cappella Connection

The above photo was taken at Scuppernong Books on Friday night at the Festival of Lights, just as the Triad A Cappella Connection was finishing up two hours of unaccompanied singing. Their hands jubilantly went up in the air after their evening of harmonizing to holiday songs. The group specializes in four-part harmony, a cappella singing, barbershop style. According to their website, they offer a wide variety of music from jazz, traditional, Broadway hits, and more. They like to dress up in costumes and prepare choreography as the opportunity permits. They were a fun group to watch perform.

The group is based out of Kernersville and they are accepting new singers. If you are looking for something to do, groups like this one are a great way to socialize and connect to others. They are an affiliated chapter of Sweet Adelines International. If you aren't read to join, but want to see where they are performing next, see HERE.

Happy Thursday!

The Greensboro Ballet

These two talented ballet dancers were at the cultural arts center during The Festival of Lights, spreading light and advertising the Nutcracker presented by the Greensboro Ballet. Performances will be held at The Carolina Theatre and begin this weekend (December 9th and 10th) and then next weekend, December 16th and 17th. The Nutcracker has been a Greensboro tradition for more than 40 year. There will also be a Tea with Clara on December 9th at 12:45 pm and on the 10th at 1:25 pm.

The dancer on the left, above, has been dancing for five years, and the one on the right for ten. They are both very personable and very committed to dancing. When young people like these two are walking around in the Cultural Arts Center, the building absolutely comes to life. just like all of the characters in Clara's dream during the Nutcracker ballet.

Happy Wednesday!

Patsy Paints

Today's photo features Patsy Bohlen who offered her paintings for sale at the holiday market this past Sunday at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville. Patsy, or Señora Bohlen as her students called her, retired from teaching second grade at Jones Elementary School. Patsy taught in the Spanish immersion program with special expertise in science. Perhaps that is the reason she loves painting plants and animals.  While already a talented painting, Patsy still takes lessons from Carol Coates at Revolution Mill. If you are interested in purchasing a painting or lovely cards, made from her artwork, contact her at [email protected] If you are still looking for gifts for family and friends, please remember our local artists.

 Thank you Sra. Bohlen for your years of service to the Guilford County Schools. Here's to success in your second career!

Happy Tuesday!

Center City Tree Lighting 2023

The Festival of Lights was held Friday, December 1st, with the annual tree lighting just before 7:00 pm. In anticipation, people had been milling around downtown, shopping at LeBauer Park, ice skating, spending time in the Cultural Arts Center and listening to live music on Davie Street- which was only open to pedestrian traffic near the park. As the time grew closer for the lighting of the tree, the crowds grew thicker with small children hoisted on parents' shoulders, and cell phones primed for the perfect shot. After the lighting couples captured photos kissing with the tree as a backdrop. Some of this anticipation and joy is captured in the above photo. Always special for us is fitting a little bit of the Lincoln Financial Group building in the scene. 

Check back this week, we'll be featuring lots of around-town, slide-of-life views.  May we all find ways to illuminate these low days of December. Remember, "Nothing can dim the light from within" (Maya Angelou). 

Happy Monday!

West Market United Methodist Church Andrews High School

Yesterday was the Holiday Parade in downtown Greensboro. The above photo features Andrews High School turning off of Greene Street onto Market, approaching Elm Street. West Market Street United Methodist Church can be seen in the background. It is the closest church to the Market/Elm intersection where the streets divide north/south and east/west. When the community comes downtown and families have a fun, save time together downtown, it is a moving and spiritual feeling. 

It you are looking for a downtown church, West Market Street offers traditional, modern, music, and radio services and has been a Greensboro institution for nearly 200 years. That romanesque building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. It is located by the courthouse. We hope you find time in December to explore downtown, and, today, the West Market Street UMC is having a carol service at 11:00 am, if you are looking for a way to kickstart the holiday season. Tonight, from 5:30- 6:45, is the start of their 3-week group to get questions answered about advent and the Christmas season in general. This is a very dynamic church. As for the Andrews High marching band, in the foreground, they are dynamic and amazing too. Yesterday was an all-around great day in Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

Festival of Lights 2023

The Festival of Lights last night in downtown Greensboro did not disappoint. People came out to celebrate in droves and the drizzle did not dampen the festivities. From LeBauer and Center City Park on North Elm to Gate City Boulevard and South Elm, businesses were open and people were strolling along the streets. The above photo features a trio of carolers in LeBauer Park with the Janet Echelman's 95 by 65 foot aerial sculpture as a backdrop.  This is the second iteration of her "Where We Met"  sculpture that continues to light up the night sky over the park.

Last night, there was plenty of entertainment in LeBauer Park, including a holiday market and an ice skating rink. The park remained busy even after the tree lighting took place just before 7:00 pm. Performers entertained everyone until the event drew to a close at 9:00 pm. Here is a link listing many of the performers throughout the night. December, the month with the least amount of daylight in the northern hemisphere, is a time when to work a little harder to bring light into the lives of each other. Last night was just such an event. Will we see you at the parade today?

Happy Saturday!

Principal for a Day 2023

Yesterday, the Guilford Education Alliance held their 2023 Principal for a Day program. Local community leaders shadowed workers in Guilford County Schools. The above photo features Brent Christensen with Keisha Brown. Mr. Christensen is President and CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Brown is Principal of the Middle College at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Ms. Brown gave Mr. Christensen a tour of the Middle College, and it was a perfect day to visit the school, because the high school seniors were giving final presentations for their Pathways class. Pathways is a dual-credit class (high school and college) that prepares students to be college, career, and life ready. One of the components of Pathways is internships in the local community. 

The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, located downtown at 111 W. February 1 Place, is the largest business organization in Greensboro. According to their website, The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, established in 1877,  serves over 1,300 businesses, helping them succeed and grow. They also help attract new businesses to the area. The chamber plays an integral role in attracting new businesses to the area and keeping existing businesses here. To that end, developing relationships with the local school community is to the chamber's advantage. Having an opportunity for the school community to know more about local leadership, businesses, and opportunities for entrepreneurship is also beneficial. Thank you to the Guilford Education Alliance and Guilford County Schools for providing this opportunity. Thank you to Mr. Christensen and Ms. Brown for taking time out of your very busy schedules to participate in this initiative. It was a very productive day. 

Happy Friday!