Greensboro Daily Photo

Opt Outside & the Really, Really Free Market

After preparing yesterday's post, we decided to dig a little deeper to learn about REI's # Opt Outside initiative. By closing their stores on Black Friday, 15,000 employees have the opportunity to spend time outside. They launched the initiative in 2015 and they encourage the nation, especially their 24 million members to have that mindset. (read more HERE).

The Really, Really Free Market on Black Friday is also an initiative with a purpose driven mindset. Greensboro's first Really, Really Free Market was  in 2008, offering people an alternative to mass consumption.  Kathy Clark,- in the red overalls in the above photo, welcoming us to the market in previous years-  replicated the market that started in Miami and Raleigh in 2003.*  At the Really, Really Free Market, people bring items to give away and everyone is free to take what they want. You do not have to barter, exchange, or even talk to anybody about what you are taking.  And, indeed, you never know what you're going to get. Today's event if from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at 1312 Glenwood Avenue. The Glenwood neighborhood remains committed to this event, and is hosting it again this year. By the time the event starts, so many items will available; however, people will be bringing items all throughout the event. So many of us have an abundance of items we don't need, use, or wear. It is so nice to send them on to someone who would really appreciate them. 

So, today, you can spend the day outside, biking, hiking, walking, and swing by the free market. They day can be so meaningful, without being part of mass consumerism. If you are going to make retail purchases, remember, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday; you can get a jump start on it a day early.

Happy, Not-So Black Friday!

*read more about the Really, Really Free Market  HERE in Triad City Beat).

Jelly Fungus Among Us

North Carolina, including Greensboro,  has been experiencing a lot of rain lately. During all of that wet weather, mushrooms were popping up everywhere. The above variety is known as Trumella mesenteric, or common jelly fungus. Another name, perfect for this time of year, is witch's butter. The gelatinous texture is a sight to behold and feel. The lobed surface feels greasy and slimy when damp. This jelly fungus can dry up and then swell back up when it gets wet again. The above piece of dead wood, that fell from a mature tree during the recent storm,  is the perfect host for this fungus. According to Wikipedia it is edible, but tastes bland.  As for us, we'd want it approved by an Eastern European, German, or rural North Carolina mountain grandmother before we tried it.

If you look closely, you can see that there is another type of mushroom also growing on the tree branch. Jelly fungus seems to be attracting interest. The study of mushrooms in general due to health benefits and therapeutic uses.  Locally, we need to interview Dr. Omon who is one of the nation's leading authorities on mushrooms and is a professor at NC A&T University (read more HERE). He is originally from Nigeria; so, we need to add Nigerian to that list of people we would trust regarding the edibility of mushrooms! Nature is amazing and there is so much to explore right here in Greensboro- especially on lawns or fields that are not excessively groomed.

Happy Thursday!

Brad Light, Barnes & Noble College Division

 

Brad Light, originally from Morgantown, West Virginia, is General Manager of the Barnes and Noble College Division in the Greensboro area. In the above photo, he is at the bookstore on UNCG's campus, where he has worked for 28 years. Yesterday, we had a chance to ask Brad about bookselling in the digital era. Brad explained that, over the course of his career,  the majority of requests are for materials have gone from being physical copies of books to digital materials. To address this shift, Barnes & Noble has initiated a program called "First Day Complete."  

As stated on their marketing materials,  "UNCG First Day® Complete is a course materials delivery program (rental) that lowers the cost of course materials and ensures undergraduate students have their required course materials on the first day of class." Students pay $19 per course hour to receive all of the textbooks and digital materials needed for their courses. The program has been extremely successful, with the majority of students using this option. According to Brad, the program is a great one, but it is actually more labor intensive than stacking books on shelves.

It is always a pleasure to talk to Brad. He works hard to meet the needs of the UNCG students, faculty, and staff-- and does it with a smile.

Happy Wednesday!

Tree Down On Bald Eagle Trail at Lake Higgins

After all of the recent rain, we were eager to get outdoors on one of the trails around one of the Greensboro Lakes. We selected the Bald Eagle Trail around Lake Higgins as it has short segments and parking is easy. Here, we were about half way through the hike (between the Lake Higgins Marina and Carlson Dairy Road) when we saw this felled tree. It had been uprooted and knocked down by the high winds and muddy terrain. The base of the hardwood tree was quite large and this usually-fearless terrier was hesitant to jump back down onto the trail. In the background, you see one of the two people out trying to cut the tree so people could walk and bike on the trail.

We could hear the buzzing of the chainsaw near the beginning of the hike. By the time we reached the course, we couldn't even see the person with the saw. At the rate one person can work, it will take a really long time to get this trunk off the trail. However, we sure appreciate his effort. In the meantime, everyone will have to climb up and over. Minor inconveniences like this pale in comparison to what the people of Western North Carolina are experiencing.

Happy Tuesday! Can you believe October is upon us?

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA)

The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA)  brings secondary-level educators from participating countries to the United States for six weeks.  During their time in the USA, they attend academic seminars at a host university, travel, experience short homestays, and have a 40-hour field experience co-teaching with American public school teachers. UNCG is one of eight host institutions and the only one in North Carolina selected for this prestigious opportunity. The above photo features the international teachers, their American co-teachers, and Dr. Maria Anastasiou (bottom row, left). Dr. Anastasiou is Associate Provost and Senior International Officer in the Global Engagement Office at UNCG. She oversees the Fulbright TEA Program, ensuring participants have a rich and meaningful experience and that the expectations in the Fulbright grant are followed with fidelity.  Also in the photo is Dr. Jane He (top right), Assistant Professor in Teacher Education and Higher Education at UNCG. Dr. He provides academic seminars for the Fulbright TEAs and co-teachers.

We selected the "fun" photo to feature today because it shows how much the Fulbright teachers and their American co-teachers were enjoying their initial day together. Teachers all over the world speak the same language and by the end of the day, friendships were forged. The field experiences begin this week. Participating schools in Greensboro are: The Middle College at UNCG, The Doris Henderson Newcomers School, and Western High School. There are a total of twenty international participants from eighteen countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Haiti, Latvia, Moldova, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka,  Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam. The Fulbright teachers arrived on September 11th and will return to their home countries on October 28th. If you see them around, please give them a warm Greensboro welcome!

(photo by Journalist Will Zimmerman)

 

Yard Sale at Morehead UMC

Morehead United Methodist Church on Horse Pen Creek Road has a dynamic congregation that does a lot of extra events. Yesterday, they had a yard sale in the parking lot and people were jubilant, given the storm had passed and Greensboro was not terribly affected. We did have some limbs down and power outages, but our experience paled compared to western North Carolina. There were a lot more tables set up at the yard sale, but they were mostly behind the camera.

The above church building dates to 1970; however, the original Morehead Chapel dates to 1888 (read more HERE). It has been through relocations, a merger, additions, and more. However, at the end of the day, it is the people that make the church and everyone we spoke to at the yard sale was very nice. People were enjoying the sunshine and the fellowship. 

Happy Sunday!

Happy Birthday Beth

Yard signs have really trended.  The above sign, "Happy 50th Birthday, Beth" was seen earlier this week at the corner of Bearhollow and Hobbs Roads. This 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom house was built in 1998 on a third of an acre, at a time when these yard signs had not yet been invented. It is a lot of fun to be celebrated by friends.

Would you want the signs in your yard? They look like the signs from Triad Yard Cards that were placed in our friend Jane's yard (HERE). These yard cards were very popular during COVID when people had limited contact with each other. The signs brought joy and contact when contact was mostly outdoors and at a distance They sure put a smile on our face, and we don't even know Beth. Happy birthday, Beth. Here's to many more.

Happy Saturday.

Closed Due to Inclement Weather!

According to radar, it looks like Greensboro may be spared excessive damage due to Hurricane Helene. We sure hope so. Yesterday was rainy and precipitation is expected today. Temperatures will remain warm- between 69º- 81º.  The Asheville area of North Carolina has experienced significant flooding; however, high winds are predicted today. Unless the storm takes a significant turn, Greensboro should be spared. Regardless, concern about the weather was significant enough for school to be cancelled. The teachers we know have plans for catching up on grading papers today.

The above photo was taken off Tate Street in the parking lot of the Weatherspoon Art Museum. We were struck at how the museum visitor had a backpack matching the yellow parking lot cone on the left. Rain can do significant damage; however, it is incredibly photogenic- creating a mood that is very different from that of a sunny day.  We hope you are safe and, if you have children home today, may you enjoy every minute with them.

Happy Friday!

GCS Celebration of Excellence & Teacher of Year

Last night, Guilford County Schools held their Celebration of Excellence at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. The venue has a wonderful sound and lighting system and is such a special space.  At the celebration, Counselor-, Social Worker-, Rookie Teacher-, Mentor-, Assistant Principal-, Principal-, and Teacher-of-the-Year were selected. The most enthusiastic schools in the audience were also honored with a Spirit Award. To the right of the podium is Superintendent Oakley. Next to her is Jeffery Silverthorne, Western High, who was selected as GCS Teacher of the Year. He came to teaching after a couple of decades in the corporate world. And now, he is an adjunct instruct at High Point University as well as a teacher at Western High.

On the right side of the stage are the other Teacher of the Year Finalists: Suzanne Stringer, Triangle Lake Montessori (fourth from right in green dress); Natasha Richmond, Brightwood Elementary (third from right); next, Marthaniel Grinton, Northern High, and Christen Blanton, The Academy at Lincoln. Everyone on the stage was a winner, not only last night, but every day in their dedication to the children in the Guilford County Schools.

Happy Thursday!

 

Quaker Village Is About To Have a New Food Option

Quaker Village has seen changes over the years. Located on Friendly Avenue, between Guilford College Road and Dolly Madison Road, it opened in 1964, seven years after Friendly Center. For over forty years, it was doing fairly well. In 1972, a movie theatre opened, remaining open in some form until 2003. In 2010,  the center filed for bankruptcy. In 2015, a neighborhood (mini) Wal-Mart opened there. 

The above spot was the location of Boston Market, which was open in Quaker Village until 2023. Now, a Chipotle is opening in the Boston Market location. Chipotle should be a fit for the area, giving Guilford College students a fast option for a meal. As we were walking around the shopping center, we noticed that the space of the former Carolina Diner is now available. What to you think would be a good business for that spot. We love seeing existing retail space get repurposed- a great alternative to clearcutting new parcels of land. Retail stores and restaurants count on us to vote by visiting and spending. Hopefully, Quaker Village will remain strong for years to come. Keep you eye open and head to the new Chipotle and some of the other stores in Quaker Village.

Happy Wednesday!

Frogs of Greensboro

For today's photo we only had to go as far as our backyard in Greensboro. We have a raised bed planter full of  mustard greens and chard and this tiny frog guards the box diligently. He is only about the size of a thumbnail. We have to watch that we don't disrupt him when we pick greens for dinner. We're not sure what kind of frog he is, but he isn't afraid of his humans.

Below the box, a toad sets up residence every night starting at dark and leaving before dawn. The toad is about the size of an adult hand. If it is indeed the same today we featured earlier (see HERE), he has grown and looks really healthy. It is so fun to stop and observe nature. We hope you have an opportunity to do so. Sometimes, it is just an issue of taking a closer look. Here is a list of amphibians and reptiles in Guilford County, if you are curious about these critters.

Happy Tuesday!

Greensboro Pride Festival

Yesterday was perfect weather for the Greensboro Pride Festival downtown, primarily on Elm Street. It is the main event for Alternative Resources of the Triad (ART). According to WFMY-2, the Greensboro Pride Festival started in 2006 with about 400 people.  The goals of the event are to give members of the LGBTQ+ community a chance to socialize and have a space in public to come out and be surrounded by support from within the community and allies. Special services and resources are available as well as opportunities to purchase merchandise of interest.

Here was the schedule.from yesterday.  If you missed it this year, you can start planning for next year. Also, for those who missed the  event, there is an LGBTQ Center at the Guilford Green Foundation and there is  a local Facebook group. 

Happy Monday!

Fall in Greensboro (and) North Carolina

It is officially fall. Fall in North Carolina ranges from crisp weather in the 50s to mid-80s. The above photo is what we're using for a Sunday more spiritual post. The seed heads remind us of the life cycle and change. Within a few days, they open up and start blowing away, leaving nothing but the stem behind. During the first couple of frosts, the base plant will dry up. Next spring, if left unattended, new weeds will sprout wherever the seeds have landed. 

There are so many fall festivals in North Carolina. Today is the final day of Pow Wow in Country Park. Art in the Arboretum will be Sunday, October 6th. October 12th, Bur-Mil Park will host a fall festival. Soon, in Greensboro, leaves will change colors and the landscape is glorious. Nothing is more beautiful than nature and fall and spring in Greensboro as nothing short of spiritual.

Happy Sunday!

Oscar Oglethorpe Eyewear

Earlier in the week, leaving the celebration for Justice and Mrs. Frye and heading to our car, we noticed this window at Oscar Oglethrope Eyewear at 226 South Elm Street. Seeing those eyes staring back at us in purple and burgundy caused us to reminisce about a time, decades ago. Back in the day, storefronts were the Internet and social media for a store. Grocery stores posted ads of what was on sale, what was not available. Clothing stores dressed mannequins that drew y ou in. Consumers went "window shopping." Doing window displays was a popular profession.

In the 21st century, storefronts simply don't have that same allure. But look at how the Oscar Oglethrope Eyewear window draws you in. Their windows are always so creative and change often; same with their trendy glass frames. Their inventory is constantly changing. Decorating a downtown window  seems so appropriate. As for the 200 block of South Elm Street, here is what the documentation for the "National register of Historic Places Inventory- Nomination Form" has to say about the 200 block of South Elm.

"This area contains the most architectural diversity of any part of the district, Here are found the simple Italianate structures of the late 1880's, 1890's and early 1900's, as well as the Art Deco buildings of the 1920's and 1930's and the modern structures of the 1950's and 1970's. The entire area is included because all structures fit together so well to form a complete sereetscape of both sides of the street and show such a wide range of architectural styles. Most of the structures are two-stories in height, although a few do rise to three and four stories."

Happy Saturday, a perfect time to go window shopping and reflect on what you see.

Bobby Goffredo, Graffiti Artist

Bobby Goffredo is a graffiti artist from Staten Island, New York. He has been in the Jamestown/High Point area for five years. Yesterday, we saw him painting murals at Dino's Audio Video at 3116 Battleground Avenue. Bobby has been at it a few weeks, with more to go. Bobby has been painting graffiti for years,  remembering fondly riding into New York City, as a child with his dad, and being fascinated by all of the graffiti. He developed his graffiti skills in New York back when the work was not appreciated  as an art form in the same way it is today.

Bobby is a cancer survivor whose cancer is attributed to being a first responder at the Twin Towers on 911. As inspiration to himself and others, on the other side of Dino's, he has plans to paint a cancer ribbon and writing the encouraging message, "Nobody Fights Alone."  He also paints his fingernails the color the cancer awareness ribbon for a given month (see colors HERE). We hope Bobby feels at home in the Greensboro area. Maybe Bobby could teach a graffiti class at Hirsch Wellness Center, a place dedicated to bringing  art to cancer survivors and their families. In the meantime, we'll keep our eye on the building across from Balance Day Spa on Battleground Avenue as it transforms into a bright pop of color; not only advertising Dino's business, but also reminding us to live every day to the fullest.

Happy Friday!

NC A& T Drumline

On Tuesday, Justice Henry and Shirley Frye received the key to the city of Greensboro for their lifelong service to our community. It was a lovely service. The atmosphere was even more celebratory having the NC A&T marching band drumline performing.  The NC A&T band was started in 1918 as a small program and the band became an integral part of the music. The percussionists at the University have developed quite a following, as they not only exude a percussive sound, they dance and perform exciting routines.

The band played tirelessly yesterday before the event and long after the event was over. Between the ceremony and the performance of the percussionists, there was a vibrancy in Center City Park. Usually, during the week it is a very quiet place. But Tuesday, the park came alive. It was such a joy to watch and hear the band perform. Their sound carried for several blocks. Perhaps, the wooden shelter in front of the band added to their sound. In case you want to hear them, the band will be playing at the NC A & T home football game against NC Central. The game starts at 7:00 p.m.

Happy Thursday!

Glenwood Ave. in the Glenwood Neighborhood

On Saturday night, we went to a party in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. As we were leaving, we headed down the street to our car. We were struck by how beautiful the street looked at night. Curiously, all of the cars parked on the left are white. The cars on the right have a little more color. Notice that blue strip on the street, cast by that blue/purple street light. Duke Power has replaced a lot of those, but we find them charming and there are many in Glenwood.

The Glenwood neighborhood is located near downtown and on the south edge of the UNCG campus. It encompasses about 1/2 square mile of land with about 2,500 residents. Glenwood extends from Freeman Mill Road in the east to West Gate City Boulevard  in the north, and Coliseum Boulevard in the west. The southern tip of the neighborhood is a pie-shaped wedge, where Coliseum Boulevard and Freeman Mill intersect. Glenwood is one of Greensboro's earliest planned neighborhoods. Its residents have goals and plans to strengthen the community fabric; increase walkability and bikeability,  reduce perceptions of crime and danger, and more.*  Many of the houses are two bedroom, one bath and on about .10 acre lots. House prices are still affordable. While we don't live in the neighborhood, we have many friends there and are tempted to downsize take advantage of that great sense of community the residents are building.

Happy Tuesday!

* read about the neighborhood HERE.

Topgolf Greensboro

Topgolf Greensboro opened Friday, September 13, 2004. It is their fourth facility in North Carolina. Topgolf bills itself as an entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range. Food and drink are available and they encourage parties and events. As seen in the above photo, players hit from a covered area into an open green. If we counted correctly, there are 64 climate-controlled bays. People at all skill levels can play and the high-tech balls score themselves. Prices range from $28- $56 per hour per bay, depending on time and day of the week. Each bay can accommodate up to six players.  Tuesday is half-price day!

The venue is highly visible from I-40 between Guilford College and Bridford Parkway.  As we left Topgolf yesterday, we gained considerable patience waiting to turn left out of the parking lot onto Guilford College Road. We got a chuckle getting on I-40 east and noticing that exit 218-A leads to Pinehurst, making it possible to practice at Topgolf in the morning and head to Pinehurst for an afternoon tee time. Indeed, North Carolina ia a paradise for golfers. Topgolf should do well here.

Happy Monday- and start planning your 6-some for half-price Tuesday tomorrow.

Grace UMC Church, 438 W. Friendly Avenue

This Sunday's spiritual place is Grace UMC, located at 438 W. Friendly Avenue. Grace bills itself as a Lighthouse Congregation, meaning that they welcome all who are seeking a new church, even those who do so due to disaffiliation. According to their website, Grace was chartered in 1891. The Urban Ministries of Greensboro was also founded in this church. They have also hosted Habitat for Humanity and are partnered with Guilford Child Development, offering free childcare to immigrant and refugee families. Located downtown, Grace endeavors to be everything an urban church needs to be.  

A link to their rich history is the cornerstone in from of the church which reads, "GRACE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. " The architect of the church, in its current iteration, was Hobart Upjohn. He was a New York architect whose work is attributed to 50 churches and educational buildings. He also designed Temple Emanuel and Holy Trinity in downtown Greensboro and the First Presbyterian Church of High Point. It is so fun to explore the history of our community and those early people who left their mark on the footprint of downtown Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

Meet Louise Courts, Guilford Education Alliance

Meet Louise Courts, Development Director for the Guilford Education Alliance (GEA). She has worked for this organization since its inception, 2005. GEA aspires to lift up schools in Guilford County and helps connect the local community to our public schools. GEA oversees the Teacher Supply Warehouse at 311 Pomona Drive, Suite E. As an example of the great work they do, in the 19 days before school started this year, the Teacher Supply Warehouse filled 2,132 orders which amounted to a $312,195 value of supplies distributed. And, as you can see from this photo of the back wall of the warehouse, there is plenty left for the taking.

GEA is in a position to gather financial donations from the community and use them where needed by GCS. For example, during COVID, GEA raised a million dollars to purchase laptops so students could begin learning remotely. When cafeteria workers were on strike, GEA purchased $20,000 worth of pizzas to distribute to schools for student lunches. GEA responds to needs as they arise. However, they also have longstanding events they support. As an example, they underwrite the GCS Celebration of Excellence where Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and more, will be recognized. This year, the Celebration of Excellence  will be held at Tanger Center on September 25th.*

See here to volunteer or learn more about holding a supply drive or donating to GEA and the Teacher Supply Warehouse.  Also, call Louise at 336-841-4332.  She, and everyone involved with GEA are catalysts for building high impact community/school partnerships. 

Happy Saturday!

*see the names of 2024 finalists, HERE.

Keystone Apartments at Horse Pen Creek Road

Yesterday morning, we noticed construction being put into place at the newest neighborhood on Horse Pen Creek Road. Keystone is a neighborhood of apartments near New Garden Road. Cresting the hill on Horse Pen Creek Road, we noticed this praying mantis-like piece of equipment hovering above the cleared acreage. The 1-3 bedroom apartments boast many amenities. The leasing office is on Seabiscuit Lane, the main entrance into the neighborhood.

According to the Triad Business Journal,  Keystone Homes, established 1996, is the #1 privately held housing developer in North Carolina. Scott Wallace is president and Mark Michael is vice president. Their headquarters is located at 3708 Alliance Drive, , off of Wendover near the car dealerships. Horse Pen Creek is no longer your sleepy little, heavily wooded road. It will be interesting to see this community finished.

Happy Friday!

Starbucks, Downtown

This Starbucks at 500 West Market Street is conveniently located across from the Bryan Y. It has off street parking and a drive through. As much as we love our indie coffee shops, the parking and drive through are great perks. The shaded, outdoor seating area is a plus. The architecture is a standout at twilight. The store was built on the lot that formerly housed a Hardee's. It has been open for about a year now. With several churches nearby, it probably gets busy on Sundays. 

Of course the pumpkin spice latte is back; however, the new kid on the block is an iced apple crisp non-dairy chai. The PSL is 21 years old this year. It is their most popular specialty beverage and probably one of the reasons we become a pumpkin spice nation in the fall. We tried to find out how many total coffee shops are in Greensboro. However, counting coffee shops around here is rather like counting churches; the number seems infinite. However, wanderlog.com shared 37. . What is your go-to place in Greensboro. As for us, we love exploring and experiencing the vibe of different places. That is a start! Maybe we can try to visit all thirty seven. 

Happy Thursday!

911 Memorial Stair Climb

It has been 23 years since the terrorist attacks in the USA. Around this time Greensboro holds an annual stair climb to honor the first responders who lost their lives that day. Greensboro has held this stair climb for 5 years. Greensboro firefighters, community members,  and police participated. Initially, the stair climb was held at the Bellemeade Parking Deck, recently, it has been held at the Eugene Street Parking Deck, at 215 North Eugene, directly across from the Grasshoppers stadium- First National Bank Field. The happening of the event usually coincides with the NC Folk Festival. The memorial for Sandy Bradshaw, the Greensboro flight attendant who died on United Airlines Flight 93 is located beside the stadium.

It is hard to believe that some of the first responders had not yet been born in 2011. The Eugene Street Deck opened a little over three years ago, in June of 2021. As this part of downtown sees more growth, this public parking deck will be a great asset to the community. Even though the run is over, let us remember 9/11 and hope an event like those on that day in 2001 never happen again on US soil

Early Fall in Greensboro

This is what "early fall" or, as some call it, "fake fall" looks like in Greensboro. If you are local, you can feel that big temperature drop to the low 50ºs and some days, not even reaching 80º. There has been less humidity in the air. When there is less moisture in the air, the skies aren't as hazy. At least, that's what treehugger.com says. And, when those leaves start changing, those blue skies are a perfect backdrop. Soon, if not already, the monarch butterflies will start their journey back to Mexico and the Blue Ridge Parkway will be the perfect place to go see this miracle of nature. Leaf viewing and visiting orchards are another reason to visit the mountains of North Carolina. For those of us who want to stay more local, on Saturday, September 21st, Karen C. Neill will give garden tours at the N.C. Cooperative's Demonstration Garden at 3390 Burlington Road (see HERE). Eventbrite has about 80 opportunities to celebrate fall (see HERE). And, of course, pumpkin spice everything has already hit the shelves.

In the meantime, we're going to keep taking those long walks to see what nature brings our way. The above photo was taken near Lake Higgins.

Happy Tuesday!

NC Folk Fest Year 10 Has Concluded

Well, Year 10 of the NC Folk Festival has come and gone. The music was spectacular, the weather perfect, and the new layout along Church Street seemed to work well. Additionally, there was  a stage on Elm, one in the Cultural Arts Center, and one in LeBauer Park, and it seemed to work well. The above photo features the Center City Jams Stage, which was half way between the (Train) Depot Stage and the Wyndham Stage. UNCG was one of the sponsors and many alumni helped and/or performed at the festival; as was the case with the above musicians. During this performance, we were seated by a former UNCG professor who flew in all the way from Washington State for the festival.  He had taught at least two of the above musicians. The above group performing at the Honky Tonk Jam, led by Mark Dillon (UNCG Class of 2010),  was not one that rehearses together, but people who love music and just got together to jam at the festival. They were fantastic. That driving honky tonk sound had the audience enthralled- including us.

Now back to concentrating on all things fall. The season is upon us.

Happy Monday!

West Market Street United Methodist Church

This is the facade of the West Market Street United Methodist Church. This year at the NC Folk Festival, there isn't a stage in front of this church; however, we still ended up walking past it. It is so beautiful by day and by night. With the curve of the roofline on the 0arch and the lighting, it makes us feel as if we are in Europe. The architect was S.W. Foulk and the style is Romanesque. It was constructed in 1893.

The sanctuary beautiful, making the church quite a place to experience, from the exterior to the interior to the members. The 68, yes 68, stained glass windows can only be fully appreciated from the interior on a sunny day. They were recycled from the German Pavilion at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. According to the church website, the church is "(a) vibrant urban church creatively worshipping, full of great programs for families, youth and ALL ages, in mission to serve the Lord!" 

Happy Sunday! 

Depot Stage at the North Carolina Folk Festival

The North Carolina Folk Festival is in full swing and last night the weather was perfect. In the above photo, Holler Choir, a group from Asheville is performing. This group of young musicians puts a creative spin on Appalachian music with songs titles like, "Carolina Moon" and "Hamlet Blues." The tent was full last night, with a few seats remaining, here and there. This tent is set up in the parking lot of the train depot at Washington and Church Streets, a convenient location  for anyone coming in from other cities by train. The train depot, truly a step back in time, had more foot traffic and got more visibility than it had in a long time. The Depot Stage has several food trucks around it, making it possible to eat and listen at the same time.

The Depot Stage and Elm Street Stage (a couple blocks to the west) are the two southernmost stages, a footprint that encourages people to visit the many businesses on or near the 300 block of South Elm. The northernmost stage, the Wyndham Stage, is located at the corner of Church Street and Summit Avenue, just past the Children's Museum; Summit Avenue to Washington Street are your east/west borders. Church Street, between Washington and Friendly Avenue, is filled with marketplace vendors. Jewelry, skins care products, and some very creative clothing were among the booths we saw. We saw so many people we know last night, but are still surprised at the number of locals who have never been in the ten years of the festival. 

Happy Saturday! Hope to see you strolling along Elm and Church Streets. Our t.wn is at its best this weekend!

Nature + Cooler Temps + the NC Folk Festival = Fall in Greensboro

It is starting to feel and look like fall in Greensboro. Temperatures are dipping into the 50ºs and it is getting dark earlier. In the above photo, in northeast Greensboro, not too far from Lake Higgins, look at that copper tree bark. The sun is setting earlier, but as it lingers close to the horizon, it casts a breathtaking glow on the tree trunks. The changing, sweater weather is a big sign that fall is on the way.

Another big clue is that it is time for the North Carolin Folk Festival, which comes to town this weekend. Here is the schedule and here is the map. The footprint is a little tighter this year, which is a good thing. It is easier to get from Point A to Point B, yet the acts aren't so close together that they interfere with each other. There will also be lots of vendors and about 20 food trucks. If all the music, and dancing, and workshops kind you needing a break, head out to one of the trails near the lakes and scenes like the one above will reground you and energize you so that you can head back down to the folk festival. Out of all the cities in North Carolina, they chose Greensboro. Let's show our support. See you downtown tomorrow!

Downtown, View from the Davie Street Parking Deck

Not being drone photographers, we don't get a photo from above very often. However, in late August, during the Food Truck Fesitival, we walked top the top of the Davie Street Parking Deck and got this photo.  It shows a few of the big buildings downtown. Peeking out in the background is the Lincoln Financial Group Building. In the foreground, on the right, is the Center Pointe Building. To the right is the Renaissance Plaza  Building, and in the middle is 300 North Greene Street. Below, is Friendly Avenue and the greenery is in Center City Park.

Center Pointe was constructed in 1966. It is a 17-story building with 97 condominium units. the 19-story Renaissance Plaza was built in 1990. The landscaping there is beautiful. 300 North Greene Street was built in 1989 and is a 21-story office tower. This north part of Greensboro extending from Tanger Center (established 1921) to First National Bank Baseball Field (established 2005) has seen a tremendous amount of growth over the last couple of decades. If you go downtown for the North Carolina Folk Festival this weekend (and we encourage you to do so), have a look at how the footprint of the city is expanding.

Happy Wednesday! 

Along Battleground Avenue During a Storm

Greensboro had some interesting weather this weekend. The above photo was taken at 4:50 pm on Friday night. The skies darkened quickly and then came the rains. We pulled off the road at T.J. Max and walked up the hill to get a good view of the sky. We got tickled when noticing that the sign for the tattoo salon looked like a rainbow. If we couldn't have a real rainbow to photograph, this would make a good runner up. That business location on Battleground was formerly a dance studio. Strange Beauty is a place you can get your hair styled, a massage, piercings, and a tattoo all in one place.

Strange Beauty Salon and Tattoo Collective at 2835 Battleground Avenue opened in April. See the My Fox 8 interview with owner Jessica J Paul. Jessica's goal is to create an inclusive space where the magic happens. Jessica believes attitude matter. She wants customers to leave feeling like they are part of something. What started out as our wanting to watch the storm roll into Greensboro turned into learning about a new business. At one time, tattoo parlors were in an isolated part of time that did not necessarily attract the mainstream consumer. Strange Beauty is right there beside T.J. Maxx and Ross Dress for Less. That's pretty mainstream. Getting a tattoo is now pretty mainstream.

Happy Tuesday!

Tabata Chisse, Photographer

This past Friday night, Casa Azul held an opening night reception with an opportunity to see art and meet artists.  The theme of the exhibit was "Chronicles de Cocina: The Stories We Tell Through Latinx Food." The event was held at the African American Atelier in the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. The above photo features photographer Tabata Chisse with the three photos she has in the exhibit. To the left of the photos are her proud parents. Tabata's photos are centered around the theme of corn, a staple of Mexican cuisine and culture.  Corn represents sustenance, fertility, and ancestral wisdom. In the Mayan and Aztec empires, it was used in ceremonies and seen as a sacred gift from the gods.

Through her photography, Tabata aspires to keep Mexican culture alive not only in herself, but also in others who are far from their homeland. Her photographs keep Mexican culture close. Also, to Tabata, photography is a way to express her feelings and emotions and has therapeutic aspects. In her artist's statement for the exhibit, she states she learned from a young age that love and food are one and the same.  In Mexico, she has been part of 10 different exhibits, and now, she is exhibiting in the USA. In addition to being a photographer, Tabata is a credentialed nurse and make-up artist. From what we've seen, she is one of those people who can do anything she sets her mind to. We look forward to following Tabata's career(s) in Greensboro.  We hope you can get to the Cultural Arts Center see the exhibit and that you have a chance to meet Tabata somewhere along the way. You can tell by her smile she is a warm and kind person.

Happy Labor Day!

Kallam Grove Christian Church

Since it is a three day weekend, we ventured into Rockingham County, about 20 miles from Greensboro to spend the afternoon on a friend's farm. The winding country roads are beautiful between Greensboro and Madison. Our friend lives at the end of a road that is not paved into her property.  There are still roads like that in Guilford County, but they are getting harder to find.  On the way back, we drove past Kallam Grove Christian Church. It was established in 1865, right in the middle of the Civil War era. The original meeting area was under a brush arbor.Eventually, a small, white, wooden church was built. Since the beginning, they have been a Christian church, operating on a congregational model. All church business is presented to the church and voted on by members.

The church building shown above is the 1992 iteration of the church.  Off to the right is a sanctuary. In the background, you can see the cemetery with graves dating back to the 1800s. Driving on those winding, back country roads in this part of North Carolina, and stumbling upon a country church is such a special treat. They are everywhere with most likely struggling to maintain membership. But knowing all of the history of these churches, and the families that have donated land and supported them over the years, is a special part of the history of North Carolina. We drive around on these weekend jaunts, we are reminded of the second line from J.R.R. Tolkien's poem, "The Riddle of Strider".  "Not all those who wander are lost." Indeed, when we are out wandering, we are not lost. And, we always know that we are only an online search away from getting exactly where we want to go. So, be adventurous and hear out and explore the roads within a 20 mile radius of Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

Center City Park with the Fryes

Greensboro has two parks downtown: Center City Park (west. 2006)  and LeBauer Park (est 2016). Above is a photo from Center City Park, located at the corner of Friendly, Davie, and Elm. It was taken during the food truck festival. The unidentified couple above were enjoying refreshing fruit juices on this very hot day. They were resting at the statue of  Justice Henry and Shirley T. Frye. Both Fries are impactful community members. Mrs. Frye, ever the dedicated community volunteer, integrated Greensboro segregated YMCAs in the 1970s. Henry Frye was the first African-American chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. 

We sat in Center City Park for a good while watching people at the Frye sculpture and how they interacted with it. Many people had their picture taken beside the Fryes. One young teen stood up on the statue, standing beside them. We had mixed feeling about climbing on the statue, but the pride on his face gave us a spark of hope that he aspires to become the great community member, just like the Fryes. Center City Park, on the day of the food truck festival, was everything a city park should be. People were milling about, resting and enjoying their food; children were playing as parents watched from a distance.  Seeing everyone enjoying the afternoon and interacting would have made the Fryes proud of their community. 

Happy Saturday!

Underpass from Gate City Boulevard to UNCG Campus

Did you ever think an underpass would connect Gate City Boulevard to the UNCG Campus. Such is the case and the above photo is evidence. Yesterday after, there was a downpour in this part of town, the underpass was a welcome shortcut. For those without umbrellas or rain jackets, it served as a great place to wait until the heavy winds and rain stopped. The underpass is ten. years old this year. It was constructed in 2014 through a partnership between The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the North Carolina Railroad Company. The purpose of the underpass is to provide safe pedestrian access under the rail corridor. 

Train tracks are private property and trespassing is not only dangerous, it is illegal. However, it is hard to convince people not to walk across tracks in undesignated places when doing so saves significant time. The underpass has been a wonderful way to link the south side (Glenwood side) of campus to the main part of UNCG. It is a fine example of how partnerships are good for a community.  Another fabulous feature of this space is that it is a great backdrop for photos.

Happy Friday! Let's all get out and explore Greensboro.

Elon School of Law & Union Coffee Company

Today's post is at the 200 block of West Friendly Avenue on the corner with the Elon School of Law and the Union Coffee Company. This is a perfect location for a coffee shop, because law students can sit in the coffee shop and study. Across the street if the West Market Street United Methodist Church. People can meet for coffee centered around church meetings. Just down the street is the federal building. Finally, there is a barber shop next door.  

Union Coffee Company is owned by Daniel Davidson. We need to meet this young entrepreneur who, with his wife, has his hands in other ventures in downtown Greensboro (see HERE). Additionally, he has played the cello for 25 years. When we stopped in after the food truck festival, we had great service and actually found a great cold drink. Also, there was free water available. Best of all, the employees seemed to love their job. While Daniel has owned it for only a couple of years, the shop has been open since 2019. Hopefully, the five year mark is a good indicator that a solid client base has been established.  We love the crisp, angled look of this part of Friendly Avenue.

Happy Thursday!

Deer

North Carolina's deer population is estimated to be at about 1 million. While you can't hunt in the city limits, the deer is the most hunted game in the state. According to Landwatch, there are 193 properties that are designated "hunting land" in Guilford County. For those in lands designated for hunting, it opens in most areas on September 7th. It is hard to believe that deer were once endangered in North Carolina. With all of the construction, It is more and more common to see deer practically living in suburban back yards, as is the case in the above photo. They are herbivores, so you can count on them eating hosta and other plants. Here, two bucks and a doe are openly grazing in the late afternoon sun in Northwest Greensboro. They are graceful and fun to watch. But they are agile; able to jump a 5 foot fence easily. Do you have them in your yard?

Happy Wednesday!

First Day of School Fall 2024

Today is the Monday closest to August 26, the day State Law says school can begin. So, happy first day of school! Today, there will be noticeably more traffic, so allow more time to get from Point A to Point B. Also, refresh your memory about driving in school zones and when busses stop- ALWAYS stop when you are behind the bus, but what about if you are on a four lane road with a median?.*  

The above photo was taken at the bus parking lot at Dudley High School. In addition to bring students to and from Dudley, the school also serves as a hub, transporting students who ride to out-of-district schools. While the official address of Dudley is 1200 Lincoln Street, Lincoln Street has no outlet and most of the traffic is for The Academy at Lincoln (Middle School). The bus parking lot is on the Willow Road side of the school. Be on the lookout for high school seniors with "Last First Day of School" shirts. When their parents insist on their "first day" photos, those are incredibly cute.

At last count, Guilford County has almost 69,000 public school students. Let's hope they all return, and have a great school year. Guilford County is the third largest district in North Carolina. Of course we like to think it is the BEST. Happy 2024-2025 school year. And please do take the photo, even if your children protest. And let's all be super nice and respectful to our bus drivers.

Happy Monday!

 

Here's to a year with no incidents with busses or cars;  to all children being safe.

 

* get a refresher course on stopping on two and four lane roads HERE. 

Raleigh's Crossroads UMC

Raleigh's Crossroads UMC is located at 715 Guilford College Road, near I-40 and Wendover Avenue and just off Hornaday Road. It is really easy to spot when driving by. We've checked our archives and it doesn't appear that we've featured it in 16 years of Sundays. We guess, in a way, it has been hidden in plain sight. As you can see from the above photo, the building is right at the road. According to the UMC website, the lead pastor is Tamara Ingram, attendance is 77, the primary language spoken in English, and the primary ethnicity is African American/Black. Their Facebook page reveals a men's choir and you can also see sermons by the preacher from a few years ago. An interior view of the church, the sanctuary with an A-line ceiling, can also be seen. The building was built in 1974.

The Northern Piedmont District, United Women in Faith, will hold a Social Action Workshop there on October 5th. The church appears to be an active congregation and willing to open their space to others. We're wondering if, in the church's 50 year history, if it has always been Raleigh's Crossroads UMC; however, we can't find evidence of any other name. Next time we drive by, we'll look for a cornerstone. In the meantime, enjoy the view and see if you can find it next time you are on Guilford College Road headed towards I-40.

Happy Sunday!

 

DeTomaso Pantera Arrives Near the Corner of Walker and Elam

The De Tomasa Pantera is a mid-engine sports car produced by the Italian automobile manufacturer DeTomasa, from 1971- 1992. Seven thousand of them were manufactured between those years. We were admiring the pumpkin orange car yesterday, in front of Suds and Duds on Walker Avenue. It  has a "Power by Ford" sign on it and one of the men standing there admiring the car  with us said that Ford supplied V-8 engines for the car, that was used in racing. He also  said that these cars inspired the futuristic cars in the movie Blade Runner. The car certainly drew a crowd. 

We love the serendipity of urban walking, seeing something interesting, and becoming part of a group of complete strangers talking about something. Did that meticulously maintained car could not possibly have had an owner who was at the laundry mat? Possibly, they were at Bestway, or one of the bars or restaurants in the area. Possibly, it belonged to a college student, as school is back in session.  We wish we'd waited around to see whined it, but then, dinner called Maybe we'll see it again this semester. 

Happy Saturday!

Passion Flower & Ailanthus Webworm Moth

Recently, when it was overcast and windy, we snapped this photo in an open field in northwest Greensboro. While it is grainy, it captures a little Greensboro flora and fauna at its showiest. The passion flower was in full bloom. That corona is breathtaking. The plant can exude a sticky fluid which traps insects. We're not sure if that is what is happening to that moth. It is an ailanthus webworm moth. It has the coloration of a monarch butterfly and actually likes milkweed, just like the monarch does. They are found from New York to Florida, although we haven't seen one before. But then, it isn't every day that we zoom in at the macro level where subjects are showcased larger than life. Indeed, this bug was hiding in plain sight. Passion flowers are edible; however, we couldn't bring ourselves to pick any. 

As we enter this fourth of five weekends in August, let's head out and take a close up look at the plants around us. Currently, mushrooms are a plenty on the trails around Greensboro's lakes. Monday, the traditional public schools will be back in session. And next weekend if Labor Day. Have you felt the fall weather beginning to sneak in? 

Happy, happy Friday!