Greensboro Daily Photo

Triad City Beat & Thomas Sayre's Greenway Art

Today is a special day on so many levels. First, a loyal reader suggested we photograph the above Greenway artwork and mentioned that it is especially attractive near sunset. Second, we serendipitously met up with Carolyn de Berry, staff photographer for Triad City Beat (TCB), who was on location taking photos for TCB. Carolyn was with her son, Lliam Robinson.  Third, we found something new being constructed downtown, fulfilling the request of a loyal reader.

Carolyn and Lliam: Carolyn relocated from Connecticut to Greensboro to attend Guilford College, where she majored in psychology.  Also trained as a commercial photographer, Carolyn has been a photographer at TCB since the paper was first established seven years ago. Carolyn looks for good, interesting, and newsworthy Triad subjects to feature. Her photos are published in TCB weekly. The intellectually curious, outdoor-loving Lliam is a student at New Garden Friend's School.

The artwork: The earthcastings, the trio of sculptures to the righ,t are by Raleigh artist Thomas Sayre. Sayre and his team installed them in late November. They are located near Guilford Avenue and Westerwood Tavern on the path of the Downtown Greenway. In the News & Record article about these concrete structures, Sayre is quoted as saying, "The greenway is about finding your way through downtown Greensboro [and i]n some ways I see the cairns as stacked stones that for centuries humans have used to find our way" (Kane, Nov. 17, 2020). The greenway project is progressing nicely and is anticipated to be completed in 2022.

If you are looking something fun to do, you can't beat urban exploring. And, who knows, you just may run into Carolyn and Lliam or David and me! It was so special finally meeting each other.

Free Food Pantry

Food insecurity is a big issue in Greensboro. There are, however, several organizations committed to helping people have access to food. One such initiative is the Free Food Pantry at the corner of Haywood and McCormick Streets. This location is between the UNCG buildings on Gate City Boulevard and the Glenwood neighborhood. All of those big buildings in the background belong to UNCG. The above free-standing food pantry resembles the free libraries. This yellow one looks like a giant block of cheese!  Supplying and using the box is the honor system. People donating only put food in the pantry (hence the box of toys at the side); people taking only take what they need and keep it nice. Yesterday when we visited, it was filled with plenty of bread, spaghetti-O's, and chick peas. There were a few other items like powdered milk and a couple cans of green beans. 

There are several other sources of free food and meals in Greensboro. If you use these services, likely you know who is serving where and on what days. If you know someone in need of food, or you are in a position to help, here is a list of organizations getting food to those in need. As the saying goes, it takes a village and Greensboro is a pretty awesome village. Happy Wednesday!

Skating

Today's photo features the "pop-up" skating rink in downtown Greensboro. It is located in the parking lot, just west of Elm Street accessible from Lewis Street. You can see the Eugene Street traffic heading into town above the rink. The rink was not very crowded yesterday, but the middle and high school students out on the rink seemed to be having fun. The Piedmont Winterfest is technically located at 123 West Lewis Street. The rink will be open until January 31st. According to the schedule on their website, skating will be open today from noon until 4pm, closed on Christmas Day and then open again on December 26th from noon-10pm. The cost is $12 for a one hour and forty five minute session and you can pre-purchase tickets, which is a good idea since they have to limit the crowds for safety.

PART: Connecting Communities!

The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, known locally as PART, is still running its routes, even during COVID. They do encourage passengers to remain 6' apart. The above photo was taken a couple of weeks ago, in downtown Greensboro. The bus was headed west on West Washington Street and stopped at Greene Street, just in front of the parking deck. The red, holiday lights really accentuate the graphic design on the bus. The vehicle in the foreground adds a little movement to the night scene.

Here is a link to their official website, in case you want to plan your route or track your bus. As stated on their website, PART was created in 1997 as a means of enhancing transportation in the Piedmont Triad. It is nice to have public transportation options, especially one that helps make it possible to get to other nearby communities. It is a way for Point A to Point B to be done in a way that decreases the carbon footprint. Happy Monday!  

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market has been serving up fresh produce since 1874. Located on Yanceyville Street across from the old War Memorial Stadium, the curb market is a place for farmers to sell their fresh produce and other edibles. It has also been a place for people to go to enjoy each other. You can talk directly to the farmers and learn from them. You can find vendors who specialize in items you like and arrange to have items ready for you at each market. Sometimes there is entertainment; sometimes themed-events. Today's photo features a view from the Lindsay Street Side, a lone shopper seated, long after the market had closed for the day.

The COVID era has changed the protocols for the market; masks; controlled entrance point; an earlier entry for the community's most vulnerable, more outside. The good produce and direct interaction with farmers keeps people returning week after week. Now is the time for cold weather vegetables, cabbage, greens, collards, turnips. If you want meats for the holidays, you might want to make plans soon. This upcoming Sunday 11/15/2020, the market will host a holiday arts and crafts event, Make 4 Market.

Warm Fall Day on Lake Higgins

The above photo was taken at Lake Higgins yesterday. The water was a brilliant blue and the reflections were fabulous. The leaves have been colorful in other years; however, the view is still pretty fabulous. The three Greensboro lakes have nice trails and they are very walkable. For this photo, we were at the juncture on Carlson Dairy Road at the bridge and between two legs of the Bald Eagle Trail. In spite of being such a lovely day, Lake Higgins was very empty. October is a perfect month to take advantage of the nice weather for outdoor sports. It is also a perfect time of the year for taking photos. Here's to an afternoon at the lake!

This 226 acre lake has been an important municipal reservoir since it was constructed in 1956.  If you're heading to Lake Higgins, the marina and launch are located at 4235 Hamburg Mill Road. If you have any questions about use of the lake, their phone number is 336-373-3739. 

Opening Day of The Summit, on Highway 68

The Summit has been a portable church meeting at Oak Ridge Elementary School. With a membership of about 1,000, the Summit has long been ready for its own building. Well, today is opening day for this glorious facility on Highway 68. When we were on site yesterday, Pastor Andy and his family drove into the parking lot to introduce themselves (and probably to figure out who was in the lone car in the parking lot on a Saturday. He informed us that, locally,  this is actually the third Summit, with one in Jamestown and one in Kernersville. If you want to attend tomorrow, on opening day, be fore to go online and get an event ticket. They have services at 9:00 and 11:00 am, and likely, both services will be at COVID capacity. You can also watch online. Here is a link to their website. Surely, this homecoming or incoming, will be a glorious event for all involved. All the best to the congregation and staff. "New" is a most exciting and hopeful of times.

I-840 Over Greensboro

Friday is a great day for admiring a beautiful sky view. Today's photo features I-840 over Greensboro. This view northern section of the Urban Loop is from Horse Pen Creek Road on the bridge between Caldwell Academy and Greensboro Montessori. This section of the loop goes under Horse Pen Creek. The green sign on the right announced the Battleground Avenue exit in a mile. Currently, it spans just over 15 miles in Guilford County and it is also known as the Urban Loop. It is changing the landscape significantly; but clearly, getting from Point A to Point B is more convenient and traffic is diverted from more urban areas. Currently, a lot of work is being done in the Lake Jeanette area. 

Have a great weekend. Perhaps you will find a little time to explore these new highways and by-ways!

Carolina Theatre 2020

Having opened in 1927, The Carolina Theatre is billed as Greensboro's original performing arts center. It is as beautiful now, 93 years later, as it was when it opened. Amid the backdrop of the rain this past weekend, the theatre is especially beautiful. The only thing that would make it make it look even more beautiful would be to have it filled with patrons of the performing arts. It isn't entire clear when the theatre will open again; however, to be sure, it majestically sits on Greene Street, waiting patiently for the next performance. Keep the lights on; we'll be back soon!

Kathleen Price Bryan YMCA

The Kathleen Price Bryan YMCA has reopened for indoor exercise and members love it. The above photo shows the facility, located on the corner of South Spring and West Market Streets. It was a sunny day yesterday and traffic downtown was light. However, people are cautiously optimistic that they are able to return to working out indoors. The YMCA organization was implemented in Greensboro in 1859 by Julius Gorrell and the "Y" has been enriching the minds and bodies of Greensboro for 161 years.

During COVID, the Y has made an effort to stay connected with members, from providing online exercise to Facebook posts, to some exercise outdoors. So many Y members have built not only their exercise regimen but also their socialization around the Y. It has been a hard six month and slowly and cautiously, members are reestablishing some of their routines. The building is beautiful on the inside and outside, especially on a sunny day.

Sunset On Lake Higgins

The above photo was taken at the bridge on Carlson Dairy at Lake Higgins. The sunset was so beautiful and the water was still; a perfect combination. Greensboro's three lakes have gotten popular during the pandemic. People are using the lakes for water sports and using the hiking trails surrounding the lakes. HERE is a list of Greensboro's hiking trails, brought to us by the city of Greensboro. The Bald Eagle Trail along Lake Higgins is 4.1 miles and the Bald Eagle Loop is 1.2 miles. For part of this trail, the lake is visible. Someone even put chairs down by water's edge and many people take their hiking breaks at these chairs.

Lake Higgins is a 226-acre municipal reservoir, the smallest of our 3 lakes. It si so small they have stopped allowing boats with motors on this lake because invasive aquatic plants were chocking out native plants.*  So far, this situation is not an issue on Lake Townsend and Lake Brandt and motorized boats are still allowed. On an non-related note, recently, we used the above photo as a backdrop for Zoom meetings. People as far away as Santiago, Chile can say they've seen a sunset on Lake Higgins.

* read more, here.

Ducks At Country Park

There is so much to see at Country Park in Greensboro. The waterfowl have been spectacular this year, from ibis, to heron, to ducks, and geese. The paddleboat fowl in the background are pretty impressive, too. Please remember that you are not to feed the birds in the park, and bread is actually harmful to them.

While the days are still long and the weather warm, be sure to head to Country Park. Parking is very convenient at the Spencer Love Tennis Center off of Pisgah Church Road. It would be a good mid-week activity!

Rotary Club Carousel at Natural Science Center: Soft Opening

Yesterday, the glass garage doors were lifted and people were trying out the Carousel at the Natural Science Center. Only a few were riding yesterday, including the little guy and his dad at the pink flamingo. August 20-23 are the "by invitation only" donor days. The member preview for the Greensboro Science Center members is August 24th-25th. The grand opening for the public is Wednesday August 26th. The cost is $2 for the general public and $1 for science center members. Masks and social distancing is required.

The project was initiated by and largely funded to commemorate 100 years of the Rotary Club of Greensboro. The club in our city dates to 1917 and is one of the earliest clubs- founded only 12 years after Rotary International was founded. If you want to keep up with the happenings at the carousel, it has its own Facebook page (Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel).

Happy Saturday! May these last ten days of August be special. You have ten more days to have a watermelon milk shake at Cook-Out, the perfect item for a pre- or post- visit to the Greensboro Science Center and a carousel ride!

Country Park in August

Country Park is such a dynamic place to be in August, especially on a sunny day. There are still several hours of daylight in the evening. People from all walks of life are out exercising, maintaining a safe distance, and in their family "bubbles". People are out walking dogs, riding bicycles, running, and exercising. In the background of today's photo, you can see a group lifting weights. In the foreground is one of the many painted turtles along the water's edge. This one is dedicated to Noah Chambers, an 11-year-old who was hit with a car, and died as a result, while trunk-or-treating. Noah's turtle reminds us that life can be fleeting and we need to do the best we can to be kind to each other and appreciate the beauty of life, family, and friendships. Those words will become very important as we get closer to the elections.

It is so to see people enjoying each other and the beauty of nature in Country Park. We didn't see any turtles we were walking the loop, but we did see a lot of birds. Please note that the park asks us not to feed the waterfoul. And remember, wherever you see waterfowl, bread is not good for them. With the abundant rain recently, there seems to be a lot for the birds to eat! Happy Wednesday, dear readers!

View of Downtown: From the Perspective of O. Henry's "Pete"

Today's post features the O. Henry statues downtown. At the corner of Bellemeade St. and North Elm, is a trio of statues dedicated to O. Henry. O.Henry was born in Greensboro in 1862. You can only see two of the three pieces; the bronze likeness of O. Henry himself is actually off to the left. The above view is from the perspective of his small dog. In front of the trees is the large cement book with the little boy peeking in. The visible page features "The Gift of the Magi" O.Henry's most famous work.

The pieces were dedicated in 1985, with a week-long celebration, seventy-five years after his death.* It has now been 110 years since his passing in New York City. Something notable about this view is that the little dog, referenced as "Pete" from "Memories of a Yellow Dog", is staring straight at Greensboro's new Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, located directly across the street. It would be really fitting to feature a performance of an O. Henry tale right there in plain sight! And if not, that's O.K. because just beyond the Tanger Center is the Greensboro History Museum and every September, they feature the 5 by O. Henry Plays!

Happy Saturday. Do something to celebrate the history of your community, whether you are in Greensboro or beyond!

*reference and more information, here.

Community Theatre of Greensboro

About 8 years ago (in 2012), the Community Theatre of Greensboro entered a lease to purchase plan and moved from the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street to the 500 block of South Elm Street. According to their website, CTG is the oldest arts organization in Guilford County. It was founded in 1949 and for over 70 years, has been giving community members an opportunity to learn to perform on stage and to do all of the many tasks involved in bringing good theatre to a community.

While they haven't resumed face-to-face production yet, CTG is doing some very creative programs this summer. For example, this Thursday at 6pm, they are having a Facebook Live Concert called, "A Musical Celebration of Black Men." Men who have performed at CTG in the past will be collaboration to bring the public a concert. Tune in this Thursday, June 18th for this show which is sure to be fabulous. The above photo features the facade of the CTG theatre on Elm Street and, indeed everything CTG does radiates love, including the concert this Thursday!

Picnic at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market

This past Saturday, the Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge was very busy.The market is named for former state senator and Guilford County commissioner, Bob Shaw. Shaw was a a strong supporter of the farmers market. (Read more, here).

Even though we had masks, we decided to avoid the crowds and simply walk the perimeter of the market. One feature we discovered was a bank of picnic tables between the Moose Cafe and the pavilion. There was a couple picnicking, but there were still several tables, providing plenty of options to eat and keep your distance. 

Even though the Moose Cafe isn't open, there are plenty of food options throughout the market. Alternatively, you could pack a picnic lunch, and head to the market to eat. It is nice to find a way to be among people, while maintaining distance. Look how beautiful the trees are, and they provide plenty of shade for the area. This is yet another example of the beauty of Greensboro.

Have a great week!

GREENSBORO STRONG

GREENSBORO STRONG! As we've been quarantined for over a month and non-essential businesses have been closed, it is so refreshing to drive by Friendly Center and see the GREENSBORO STRONG sign. Hopefully the Friendly Center businesses will make it through this difficult time. The essential businesses in the center seem to be staying relatively busy. Harris Teeter and Whole Foods keep locals supplied with food. Gate City Pharmacy, located in Friendly Center, will bring your prescription out to the car if you call ahead and make arrangements.

With Moses Cone just a block east, we are all reminded why we are staying home. In the meantime, driving from one essential chore to the next have a peek at what your friends, neighbors, and favorite businesses are doing to remain GREENSBORO STRONG. We're betting this sign was brought to us by TRIAD YARD CARDS, a local business started by a Grimsley High School Student. What a fabulous idea, to greet people with a custom message! Seeing GREENSBORO STRONG is just what the doctor ordered!

 

Thank you Postal Workers

Yes, there is a street in Greensboro called Merlot Way. It is located in a neighborhood known as Laurel Park, across from the Spears Y, off of Horse Pen Creek Road. On one of the mailboxes in the neighborhood is a message thanking the postal workers. While that note is touching, it is especially heartwarming that the postal carrier left a response, "Loved your note. T(hank) Y(ou).

Driving a truck as a postal carrier can be an isolating, stressful job. Unless you have a permanent route, it can be hard to master the logic of a route. Now, in this era where we are supposed to remain home, postal workers are considered essential and continue to deliver the mail daily. Something as easy as expressing gratitude, orally or in writing, to these essential employees can bring great joy to the recipient. May we lift our glasses and join us in a virtual toast to this family on Merlot Way (even if we are only drinking grape juice). 

Thank You First Responders

Today's photo is of Wesley Long Hospital, taken from Green Valley Road. While not always part of the Cone Health network, Wesley Long has served the Greensboro community since 1917. Wesley Long was named for Dr. John Wesley Long; indeed, there was a Wesley Long! The hospital prides itself on being community-based. It is a 175 room, private-bed hospital. The staff members at Wesley Long are doing their best to treat patients who present symptoms of the corona virus, while trying to contain the virus and help prevent the spread.

A heartfelt thank you to all the first responders, at Wesley Long and beyond. Happy Tuesday, readers!

Abbotswood at Irving Park

At Abbotswood, senior citizens can find a living option whether independent or in need of assistance. They also have options for residents who have deteriorating memory. Abbotswood is located on North Elm Street between Cone Boulevard and Pisgah Church.  Facilities like this help when the daily tasks of maintaining a home become too much. Nothing we could find online states the year Abbotswood was built, however it was sometime in the mid-late 1990's. Kiosko Retirement Communities began construction on an Abbotswood expansion project in 1999- Verra Spring assisted living units.

The above photo shows the entrance. Abbotswood is receiving a delivery and a few residents are out on the porch, enjoying the sun. In this era of being diligent to distance ourselves, it is the perfect time to call any seniors you know, especially those living alone. If you know someone at Abbotswood, why don't you pick up the phone and give them a call, even if you don't know them that well.

We have to chuckle a little, because, one of our most diligent GDP readers, a feisty independent senior, said recently she received seven calls. In this era where we don't usually make phone calls, seven calls was quite a windfall. Happy Wednesday! Happy checking in!

Scarves for Warmth

The Scarves for Warmth Project has set up it's residency space in the fiber arts studio of the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center. As you can see from the above photo, Room 327 is abloom in color, set up for making scarves for the housing insecure in Greensboro. The photo features Bobby Craddock who spoke about the program tonight during First Friday events. Bobby is the founder and creative genius behind the Scarves for Warmth Project. To Bobby's right is Tunde Peters, a work-study student from UNCG. Through this work-study opportunity, Tunde, a sociology major, is getting lots of ideas of how she can incorporate serving community (especially with art) into her future career. Whatever she does, she will do it well. Tunde's smile and positive attitude light up a room!

In addition to making scarves and adding art to the lives of those in need, The Scarves for Warmth Project helps the homeless in many other ways. For example, Bobby is committed to making the Greensboro community aware of how many homeless people are actually here. The "chiclet" bunting above to the right, a work in progress, will have a square for each of the 1,590 homeless people in Greensboro. In the center of the room, Bobby is assembling squares of denim, one for each of the 492 homeless children in Greensboro. Just seeing these squares reminds us that there are a lot of people who sleep on the street or other places that are very, very temporary.

If you want to help, visit Scarves for Warmth in the Cultural Arts Center. Consider volunteering, or, is you are too busy to volunteer, perhaps you can donate financially to the project- or convince Bobby to sell you one of the treasures his volunteers have made. Tunde is wearing one of the beautiful scarves. Even the purchase of a yard of fleece will go a long way to help people through this project.

Making an effort to uplift others is incredibly uplifting, especially when there is someone like Bobby to guide you along!

Lyndon Rego, Chief Catalyst at CoMetta

Last night, a wonderful community-building, sharing event was held in Greensboro. It was the brainchild of Lyndon Rego. Lyndon, originally from India, came to Greensboro to work for the Center for Creative Leadership. Today, he is "Chief Catalyst" for CoMetta, his initiative that brings people together to celebrate the "Stories of Us."

In the above photo, Lyndon is seen speaking at the event which was held at the Creative Aging Network- NC, at the Bell Campus on Summitt Avenue. Several speakers from groups in Greensboro spoke about some of our city's most creative initiatives. Each speaker had an inspiring testimonial about what lead them to Greensboro and how it is they got involved in community building. Thanks to Lyndon Rego, there will be more opportunities for this sharing. From creative reuse initiatives at Reconsidered Goods to growing greenway space downtown, to Casa Azul, Greensboro is building and sustaining an inclusive, resource-saving community.

Please follow Cometta.co and treat yourself to a Meet. Share. Love. event!

The Greensboro Rotary Carousel Is Almost Ready!

Yesterday, Fox News  shared some fabulous  photos  of  the Rotary Carousel at the Greensboro Science  Center  (see,  here). Their  segment  prompted us to run out and check  on  the progress.  The venue is  stunning with so much thought behind  it. The 56  wooden  and handmade  animals evoke a mash-up  of  Doctor Dolittle, Greensboro's Universities, the endangered species list, the Greensboro Science Center,  and  a whole lot of vision  and generosity on the part of the Greensboro  Rotary Organization. It is so beautiful;  one photo cannot begin to  do  it justice.

The  carousel  is expected to  open  in a few  weeks. It is reported to  have  cost $3  million  dollars, part of the  cost is  attributed to the fact that it is encased  in  a  climate-controlled  glass  structure  that can be  opened when weather permits.  It is the kind of place  where you will probably notice more details every time you visit. Wouldn't is be fun if they had a punch card  and you could keep track  of every animal you had ridden. Are you the kind of person  who would want to ride all 56? 

By Train from the J. Douglas Galyon Depot

Greensboro is known as Gate City because we were the hub of so much rail transporting of commerce throughout the state and south. Above is the train depot downtown, the J. Douglas Galyon Depot. This past weekend, a carbon footprint-conscious family member of ours opted to take Amtrak to Raleigh as opposed to driving. She reported that the ride was fabulous, the train was not very busy (unfortunately) and that the round trip cost was about $30. When you consider purchasing gas, the stress of driving to Raleigh on I-40, fighting traffic once there, and paying to park, $30 sounds pretty good. Shared transportation is increasingly a viable option these days, especially with ride services like Uber and Lyft upon arrival at your final destination. Also, you can take your bike on the Amtrak train if you want to bike upon arrival.

Imagine planning a day trip to a nearby city, going with friends by train, maybe even traveling with your bookclub, scout troop, biking or running group. The more we start using public transportation, the more it will be available to us. That sounds like a good New Year's resolution. Happy Tuesday! Happy Point A to Point B. Look how clean and pretty the depot is. Grab your softest blanket and let's ride!

Consider Taking the Bus

Spotted at the Friendly Center was zero-emission, battery-electric bus. It is part of the Greensboro public transportation system. The batteries for these electric motor vehicles can travel up to 200 miles before needing to be recharged. As you can see from the rear view, they don't have exhaust pipes. The switch from the diesel engines reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 687,500 pounds per year. *

These busses have been in operation for almost a year now. If one of your New Year's resolutions has to do with helping the environment, consider taking the bus- at least once in a while. The more demand there is for public transportation, the more Greensboro will be likely to spend on it. Ride, if you like clean energy. It is an easy ride from Friendly Center to downtown Greensboro. Happy Saturday! This is the last Saturday in 2019!

 

*Reference and additional information, here.

Merry Christmas 2019

All is calm on Greene Street today. However, on Friday night, after the move White Christmas played at the Carolina Theatre, you could feel the lively energy of downtown Greensboro this time of year. In the theatre, people were experiencing a movie they have likely seen many times before. In the adjacent parking deck, clothing and meals were being served to those in need. It is a good time of year for those more fortunate to remember those who are less fortunate. Greensboro is a town of giving, especially around the holidays. Let's hope the food, clothing, school supplies, financial support, and acts of kindness continue throughout the year.

The Carolina Theatre is so beautiful when it is lit up at night. It is equally beautiful inside. While the Carolina Theatre is closed today, you could go to a movie with your family, perhaps bowling, perhaps you could just spend the day with people you love and plan for making days merry and bright, for as many as feasible in our great community! As for the Carolina Theatre, tomorrow, Super Yamba and Friends will be performing their afro-beat dance music on December 26th starting at 9:30 pm.

Away in a Manger

Centenary United Methodist Church in Greensboro is located on Friendly Avenue, very near Friendly Center. Every year, they display their nativity scene for all to enjoy. The display is on the edge of Sunset Hills neighborhood and visible if you are driving towards Friendly Avenue on Ridgeway.

The scene marks the wise men's arrival to the manger bringing gifts, on Epiphany, January 6th. If you are Catholic, and especially from the Spanish speaking world, the nativity scene is very special to the little ones. Children are much more likely to receive gifts on January 6th rather than on Christmas Day. If you want to start another gift-giving tradition in your community, in early January (Old Christmas) you can leave shoes filled with hay for the camels out to be replaced with treats once the camels have gone. 

Körner's Folly

If you are local to Greensboro and celebrate Christmas, you will want to visit Körner's Folly at 413 S. Main Street in Kernersville. The intriguingly quirky brick house is full of surprises in every room. Plus, local decorators have been called in to compete for "best of show" since a different design team has decorated each room.

Julie Gilmer Körner built the house in 1880 and some rooms in Körner's Folly look more typical of Victorian homes. Other rooms are long and narrow with 5 1/2 ft. ceilings. Many paths to the next level in this 3 1/2-story home consist of two and a half ft. wide stairways. The grand finale is an in-home theatre on the top level, believed to have been the first in America. While you are there, don't forget to vote for the room with the best decorations. And remember, the foyer and the theatre are breathing, but there are other spectacular views, like the one above, sandwiched in between the first and last rooms. Even children have a good time as they look down in the stairwell, participate in the scavenger hunt, and take a spin on the stage! 

Kathy Clark and the Really, Really Free Market

Today, we are featuring Kathy Clark (in red above) and the Really, Really Free Market. Local artist and teacher, Kathy Clark has been organizing and hosting the event for several years now. Kathy's event is always held on Black Friday, with the idea that there alternatives to spending the day competing with each other for door buster specials. At the Really, Really Free Market, people bring items to give away and may take what they want for free. There is no obligation to bring something to take things. The only rule is that no money changes hand, well, and that everyone treat everyone with dignity and kindness. Nobody has to qualify to participate. Everyone is invited.

Yesterday, the event was held at 1417 Glenwood Avenue at the Christ United Methodist Church. Participants were treated to food by Brigett through the non-profit Blessing Box Ministry, based out of the Sharpe Road Church of Christ.

The first Really, Really Free Market took place in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2003. The event is an effort to counteract capitalism and excessive consumerism. The local event attracted people from all walks of life. Some of the items were really, really nice, like beautiful picture frames never taken out of the box, nearly-new purses, and silk blouses. Other items were a little quirkier, like dog shoes that the dog wore "all of 30 seconds", a lone sweet potato, and books on anarchy. Most items found a home quickly. Those that remained were left for Kathy to gather and drop off at a nearby thrift store. A heartfelt thanks to Kathy and all who were involved in the event, including Bridgett, the Blessing Box Ministry, and the Christ United Methodist Church. Mark your calendar for Black Friday next year. And, start saving items to share.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 144

Urban exploring can be so much fun. Yesterday, we were exploring the Holden Road area and, at the corner of Walker Avenue and just behind Lindley Park Baptist Church, this little log building was spotted, just glowing in the sun. It was the chinking shining in the sun that made the building noticeable from the road. The chinking appears to be made from red clay and other earthy materials. The sign over the door reads, Van P. McClellan, Jr. BSA Hut- Troop 144.

We were convinced that a google search of the name Van P. McClellan, Jr. would provide details about his being a scout troop leader, eagle scout, or someone very involved with Boy Scouts. Instead, the first thing that comes up is from the U.S. Patent Office. On Nov. 6, 1967, Van P. McClellan, Jr. of 608 Scott Avenue filed for a patent for the invention of a mop head.* If you know someone from Troop 144 please ask them how the building got its name. It is hard to believe that this beautiful little log cabin has stood the test of time and that it is hidden in plain view!

*reference, here.

Pedal Boats at Country Park

Country Park has a great assortment of pedal boats. They look so lovely corralled at the launch on the lake just behind the science center. They are open from May through October on weekends and holidays and are available for 30 minute rentals. One to four people can ride in the boat. Imagine the memories that can be made riding around in one of these fiberglass animals. Everyone has a personal favorite. 

Country Park and the Greensboro Science Center are transforming before our eyes. It is so important to have public parks. For-pay activities like pedal boats are OK, provided there are also free activities. At no cost to users, Country Park is a lovely setting for walking a dog, running, enjoying nature, and riding a bike.

The day we were walking by, we felt compelled to burst out in song, "Fiberglass duckie, you're the one, you make pedal boating lots of fun. Fiberglass duckie, we're awfully fond of you!" We'll be back for a ride in May!

Day of the Dead

Last night, at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street in downtown Greensboro, it was as if the community were transported to Mexico to the Day of the Dead celebration. The above photo shows the gallery where Casa Azul set up the altars and offerings to remember people who were no longer with us. It is the belief a person stays alive as long as someone on earth remembers them. At the cultural arts center, there is a creative altar featuring the characters in the movie "Coco." There are more personal altars where people remember their parents and siblings. The UNCG Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department has an altar for Spanish professor Dr. Amy Williamsen who died this past year. 

The exhibit is still open and is a great opportunity to see first-hand the products of the Day of the Dead and to gain an appreciation of the practices and perspectives centered around the Day of the Dead. As children entered the exhibit last night, you heard exclamations of "oooh, aaah." It is not a time to be afraid, but a time to celebrate lives well lived and people who have been well loved.

Day of the Dead

The above advertisement is for the Day of the Dead display hosted by Casa Azul, downtown, in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. While this display is for the event a couple of years ago, the same event opens tonight at 6:00 p.m. You won't want to miss it. Case is a non-profit committed to show all of the wonderful traditions the Hispanic and Latinx community bring to Greensboro.

Elaborate altars commemorating people who are no longer living will be displayed. Usually, there is a blend of altars for famous people, like Frida Kahlo, and for local people, relatives of people in the Greensboro community. The event is so special and emphasizes the lives of loved ones. Stop by tonight, from 6-9pm, it is free and open to the public.

Reconsidered Goods Event Space

Reconsidered Goods, on Patterson Street, is a creative reuse center that resells donated goods and teaches people to make things out of items that might otherwise end up in landfills. After a few years of holding classes and make-and-take events in the resale store, they have opened a second space, right behind the first, for classes. What was formerly a Cross Fit box for rigorous fitness is now a space for sparking creativity. Today is the big day! From 12:00 - 5:00 pm, Reconsidered Goods is celebrating the grand opening of their event space. 

In the above photo, taken yesterday, Martha, Paige, and Laura stop for a brief minute to be photographed and celebrate the fruits of their labor. They have worked tirelessly over the past couple of month to transform the space from a square slab of cement into a colorful place full of art with plenty of tables and chairs for the public to come and create. While the make-and-take fee is usually $6.00, it will be free from 12:00- 5:00 pm today during the grand opening celebration. Share with us in a virtual toast to all of the hard work that made this great dream a reality!

Participatory Budgeting

Participatory budgeting happens every two years in Greensboro. This democratic process allows residents in each of the five city council districts to vote on how to spend $100,000 in their district. A half a million dollars has been set aside to fund projects that residents want to make enhance their district. Some projects are city wide- as an example, a weekend trolley that would run in downtown Greensboro to help alleviate traffic as people try to venture from point A to point B. The program was approved in 2014 and the process began, with funding, for the 2015-2016 cycle (reference and more information, here).

Friday, October 4th a Participatory Budget pop up event was held at Scuppernong Books on South Elm Street during the First Friday Event. Above is a photo of Jon Decker of the Budget and Evaluation Committee of the City. Jon and a volunteer were recruiting people to take a few minutes and vote on which projects should be funded in each resident's given district. There will be more pop up events throughout the month and the last opportunity to vote will be October 31st. Voting is super simple, and you can vote online. You can also start thinking of ideas to recommend for the next cycle.

Fourth Pool at the Greensboro Aquatic Center

Yesterday, Greensboro Daily Photo got to enjoy a sneak preview of the 4th pool at the Greensboro Acquatic Center- GAC. The grand opening is slated for Tuesday, September 24th. Pool 4 has eight long lanes and nineteen short lanes, depending on how the lane ropes and dive platforms are placed. Located at the Coliseum Complex, with the addition of the 4th pool, the facility is now over 100,000 square feet. There is plenty of room to swim, dive, practice, shower, and watch and wait for events.

The controversy about opening such a costly swim facility, before it was built in 2011, has long been forgotten. The GAC is considered one of the premiere facilities for swimming in the nation and it generates great revenue for the City of Greensboro. If you get a chance, visit the GAC this fall, or mark your calendar and attend the grand opening. While the space is always beautiful, it is especially beautiful in preparation for the grand opening. Even new signage has been added. You will be impressed. Here is an interior shot of the main pool area taken by GDP in the first year the facility was open. We really like the write up of that post.

North Carolina Folk Festival

The North Carolina Folk Festival kicks off today with a concert by Anya Hinkle and Laurelyn Dossett, Songs of Hope and Justice. This event will be in the Van Dyke Performance Space downtown at 7pm. Then, from Friday to Sunday, the streets of Greensboro will be filled with stages of free performances. This year, smaller, indoor spaces downtown will also be hosting performances.*

We cheated a little on today's photo and found one from a few years ago during the National Folk Festival when it was held in Greensboro. The national festival rotates to a new city every fourth year in the hopes that the given town will have built an infrastructure to continue to host a state festival. Greensboro was able to do so and is into hosting North Carolina Folk Festival #2. While the Eastern European family in the above photo will  not be performing this year, there will be plenty of folk music of many styles for your enjoyment. As we type, the town is filling with stages, crafts, food trucks, musicians, and volunteers to bring another fabulous music festival to town. If you are local, you must go enjoy some live music and support these hardworking musicians!

 

*schedule, here.

Pools Closing- End of Summer

Labor Day signals the end for most outdoor public and private pools; the last hurrah for swimming. Many pools have longstanding traditions on Labor Day weekend. For example Friendly Pool has a picnic and performance by their synchronized swim team. The above photo features the Bur-Mil Aquatic Center on the closing day. The Bur-Mill pool is part of the 250 acre Bur-Mil Park in Northwest Greensboro. Bur-Mil has only been a park since 1989, and the pool was added in 2003, but both are extremely popular. 

As you can see from the above photo, the pool is clean and inviting. It is reasonably priced and open to the public. If you want to visit the pool, you will have to wait until Memorial Day. In the meantime, the walking and biking trails and golf facility are open at Bur-Mil, as are many of the other amenities. Please support these public parks in Greensboro and help the young children develop a love for nature and spending time outdoors. Bur-Mil is a great place for people of all ages!

Book Club Book Sets Available from GSO Public Library

Did you know that the Greensboro Public Library System maintains sets of books that local book clubs can borrow? Usually each title has 10-15 books available. One person from the book club checks out the entire set, is responsible for distributing the books to members and getting them returned.* I learned about this program while at the Central Library interviewing Beth Sheffield about the "One City, One Book" kick-off event to be held this Saturday (August 24) at 6:30 p.m. in the Greensboro History Museum. By the way, the library has several sets of Trevor Noah's "Born a Crime" available to loan to local book clubs! 

Beth (photographed on the right) oversees book clubs and programming for adults for the Greensboro Public Library. If there is a literary event happening in the downtown parks, a public library, or the community in general, chances are, you will see Beth there, either facilitating the event or in the audience. Come to the "One City, One Book" kick-off event to hear Osha Gray Davidson talk about his book "Best of Enemies" and race relations in North Carolina. Davidson's session is a way to discuss racism, a theme from Noah's book, within a local context.

*read more about the Book Club program and search titles, here.

(photo credit: Karen Garraputa- who happened to walk by and, serendipitously, is in my bookclub)!