Greensboro Daily Photo

Superintendent Oakley

 

Yesterday, the newly-appointed Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley held a the first of the Superintendent's Teachers Advisory Council meetings for the 2022-2023 school year. Each school in Guilford County was asked to appoint a teacher to attend and represent. At the meeting, Dr. Oakley reflected on the challenges and successes of the Guilford County Schools (GCS) during the pandemic. She lauded the hard work of teachers and staff for making the adjustments needed during those unprecedented times. After the "where we have been" segment, she updated the group on "where we are now" and the importance of continuing what works in addressing learning recovery and learning gains. She shared updates on repair needs and construction in progress. She also acknowledged the staffing shortage GCS is currently facing. Finally, she addressed "where we are going" especially vis-a-vis a portrait of a GCS graduate and what we want for students after their K-12 experience.

Dr. Oakley is a product of the Guilford County Schools, getting her start at Guilford Primary with Dr. Doris Henderson as her principal. She has degrees from East Carolina University, Greensboro College, and a doctoral degree from UNC Greensboro. She has made a career of serving the Alamance-Burlington and GCS school districts. Having a leader with an emic/insider's view will go a long way in addressing the complex variables and needs of Guilford County Schools, the 50th largest school district, of the 14,000+ public school districts in the United States.

Thank you for your leadership, Dr. Oakley. Happy Friday, dear readers!

'Tis the Season, Indeed!

The above photo was taken at yesterday's "MADE 4 THE HOLIDAYS" Market at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville Street. The weather was cool, but sunny, and the event was well attended. It was so nice to see the market full of artists and crafters; actually, there were also vendors even vendors outside. Vendors able to return inside as renovations are now complete. One part of the renovation was the painting of the braces on the ceiling. The black paint not only looks nice, it is said to be more durable than the finish that had been there previously.

To the left, you see lights for sale at Gardner's Garden, perfect for outdoor, holiday decorating. The people who sell the 3' lighted stars were there (lights are attached to wooden sticks and can be used indoors or outside). The next Made 4 the Holidays event will be Sunday, December 4th from 11:00 am- 4:00 pm. In the meantime, there are shows popping up everywhere, from people's homes to church fellowship halls, to independent stores, to The Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Art & Craft Festival at the Greensboro Coliseum (November 25-27). There are about 6 weeks until Christmas. Please make every effort to shop local. The artist and crafters yesterday were all talking about how wonderful it felt to be back in person and interacting with their old customers and making new. They are ready for us! Head out and see that renovated farmers market.

Happy Monday!

Voting Concluded

Yesterday was a big day. Someone in California won the Powerball, we had a full moon, a total eclipse, and voting is over. The above photo was taken at the Lewis Recreation Center near the intersection of Pisgah Church Road with Battleground Avenue. The Lewis Center is one of Greensboro's ten recreation centers and it is used for multiple purposes and by people of all ages. This was an early voting site, which is one of the reasons we're guessing that voting seemed light there. When we were there before 8:00 a.m. this morning, people were trickling in one at a time. 

According to the North Carolina State Board of Education, in Guilford County, 28.74% of registered voters voted early. Received by mail were 7,577 ballots and 101,202 people voted early. Let's hope the 71.26% of the people who didn't vote early voted yesterday. Hopefully, all of the polls were orderly and voting went smoothly. Soon, the results will be confirmed and all of the signs and political ads will go away. Those of you who ran for office, campaigned, canvassed, and worked the polls, thank you for your service!

Next up, Thanksgiving and possibly some cooler weather.

Happy Wednesday!

Irving Park UMC

Irving Park United Methodist Church (featured in the background and located at 1510 West Cone Boulevard) was the site of Boy Scout Troop 230's annual BBQ Chicken fundraiser. They have been holding this fundraiser the first weekend in November for 36 years now. It has been so long that they aren't even sure who built the cooking system. In the above photo, you can see the 1,200 chicken halves being prepared for their chicken dinner sales. At about 4 pounds a half, the end result is nearly two tons of chicken being sold yesterday. The troop has been meeting at IPUMC since 1966. How wonderful that this 56 year partnership between the church and the scout troop exists.

On the property of the church are two storage buildings, likely where all of the equipment is kept for this big fundraiser and where the troop meets. If you are interested in attending the church, services are at 11:00. Rev. Patrick Snow will be there to welcome you with open arms. We're betting a lot of the troop 230 scout families will be there to welcome you also. Who knows, they may even have a leftover chicken dinner or two. 

Have a happy Sunday! Let's all mark our calendars and be on the lookout for this great chicken dinner next year.

Day of the Dead

For those who celebrate Day of the Dead, you know that it is today and yesterday. The above photo was taken last night at the Center for Visual Artists in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Casa Azul has put up altars, remembrances for deceased relatives. There are 12 altars in all; at least that's what we think. There was a high school student there counting them for an assignment for Spanish class. Many of the altars, also known as ofrendas, were created by middle and high school students. Casa Azul is a group that supports Latino arts and culture. Every November, they install altars to help celebrate latino cultures and also to educate people about the purpose of the holiday. The movies "Coco" and "The Book of Life" are a great place to start if you want to understand the cultures. Of course, you could also ask someone who celebrates the holiday or your favorite Spanish teacher.

If you are interested in seeing the ofrendas and learning more about them, the display will be up, free, and open to the public now through November 12th. Remember, this Friday is First Friday, a perfect opportunity to see the display. On Friday and Saturday, there will be music in the Van Dyke Performance Space in the Cultural Arts Center. Hope to see you there!

Happy Wednesday!

 

The Good Witch

This past Saturday, Leanne Pizio hosted the "Keep It Local" art show. When Leanne hosts, you know you will have a good time. If you look HERE, you will see her attire as the host of the visual arts and crafts show on her Oak Ridge property. The show was very well attended and the selection of art was amazing. If you missed Leanne's show, there will be several other options to shop locally. A few of the shows we'll be attending include the Mimosa Holiday Home Show at 2103 Mimosa Drive on November 12th; the Made 4 the Holidays show at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville, November 13th; and Whimsical Women at Bailey Park in Winston-Salem on November 19th. If you know of other shows, please let us know and we'll try to advertise it for your and even attend. Also, remember that this Friday is First Friday in downtown Greensboro. 

Happy Tuesday!

NCA&T Homecoming

(Working with typepad to get photos to post. Sorry for the glitch. I'm hoping 5,000 photos aren't gone). This is homecoming week for North Carolina A&T State University. It has been dubbed the Greatest Homecoming on Earth and it is easy to see why. People come from all over the United States to celebrate their university with other graduates. Greensboro is crowded, in a good way. Hotels are booked, restaurants are full, many establishments have parking-lot, standing-room-only space; indeed, the festivities have begun.

The above event was taking place on Friday night at 816 South Elm Street, at the old flour mill downtown, either at the Continental Club or Vault 816, or both! People were waiting patiently in line, talking to friends who were already inside, taking selfies, and talking to people around them. When you graduate from the same university, especially one that you love, there is a camaraderie and a bond that lasts a lifetime. We didn't stick around long, as we were just passing by, but we bet if we were there long enough, we would heard a wave of "Aggie Pride" chants. Here's to good fun and a great day of football and fellowship.

Happy Saturday!

Happy Birthday/Founders Day UNCG

Yesterday was the Founders Day celebration at The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). October 5th was the first day of classes on the campus, 130 years ago in 1892. The event, held on the 6th this year, also honored the school's founders and early leaders, especially Charles Duncan McIver, the first President. Free t-shirts were distributed that said, McIver & Jackson & Sullivan & Gilliam- all four, memorable leaders. President Charles Duncan McIver was born in 1860 and only 45 years old when he died in 1906 at the age of 45. It is hard to believe that this crusader for women's education accomplished so much in his 45 short years. Walter Clinton Jackson was Head of the History Department, served as Dean and Vice President in the first past of the 20th century. Patricia Sullivan served as Chancellor from 1995- 1995- 2008. Finally, Franklin D. Gilliam is Chancellor now.

During Founders Day, the weather was glorious and students were having a ball playing cornhole, taking 360º photos, eating free kettle corn, playing frisbee, and eating free cake. The lines moved quickly and students really seemed to be enjoying themselves. Above is a photo of one of the cakes and, to be sure, there were many. When we left at 3:00, they had not yet run out of cake. Happy Birthday,

UNCG. Fall break is the first two days of next week and, likely, a lot of students will head out early today to enjoy a few days off, before returning and gearing up for the second half of the semester. 

201 North Eugene Street

Today's photo features the lot at 201 North Eugene Street downtown. It formerly housed Guilford Center/ Guilford County Health Department. D.H. Griffin won the demolition bid and demolition began in March 2022, and appears to be complete. According to Fox 8 News, this land was part of a City Council-approved land swap with Carroll Corporation. It was done  to facilitate Greensboro's development of the Eugene Street Parking Deck downtown. The swap and financial transaction with developer Roy Carroll were explained in a 2018 News and Record article by John Newsome. It will be interesting to see what this corner looks like when construction is completed.

We took this photo on Saturday morning, and as you can see, the strong winds blew some of the safety fencing down. Hopefully, it has been secured as this would not be a fun place to land. We're always curious if anything of interest was found once the building was gone. We're wondering where all of the sand came from. While this is not the most attractive view of our beautiful city, it is always fun to see change in progress, especially when the JP/LFG building is in plain view.

Happy Monday!

Banned Book Week with Liz Seymour

September 18- 24, 2022 is Banned (and Challenged) Book Week.  This annual awareness campaign is promoted by the American Library Association and also Amnesty International.  The above photo features Liz Seymour, who is hosting banned and challenged books in the Little Free Library box on Lexington Avenue in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. This little box, on the Florida Street side of Lexington, is filled exclusively with books that have been banned or challenged. Some of the titles may surprise you: The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald); The Catcher in the Rye (JD Salinger); The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck); To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee); The Color Purple (Alice Walker); Beloved (Toni Morrison); Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain) and the list goes on and on and on. Most of these just-mentioned classics are in the above box, to take for free (at least they were there at the time of our visit). Liz also has more contemporary selections like the graphic novel "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Koabe (2019).  All of the books in the Little Free Library are in terrific shape. Sharing banned and challenged books is a way to voice censorship concerns and celebrate free expression.

Liz Seymour has been an active community member throughout her decades in Greensboro. She is perhaps best known as the founding director of the Interactive Resource Center (IRC). The IRC is a day center in Greensboro for people who are experiencing homelessness. It opened in 2009 and Liz was at the helm until she retired in 2014. She retired to focus on writing full time. She is a compelling writer; one of her essays, "Inviting Anarchy Into My Home", was published in the New York Times (March 9, 2006). The piece describes her transforming her home from a conventional married-couple household into an anarchist collective with multiple, non-related people learning to live and thrive together.*  Liz has been one to take a stance and take action for what she believes in. The IRC is still going strong today, thirteen years later. While Liz has also moved on from her anarchist collective, people still talk about what a meaningful experience it was to them. Ever willing to push the envelope, Liz is currently sharing banned and challenged books. Whether they house banned books or just a couple of shelves of someone's mystery books they've finished, The Little Free Library is a great place to give and donate a book. There are many around Greensboro. May your weekend be filled with reading, fellowship with friends like Liz Seymour, and some good ole fall fun. 

*link to the original article.

Welcome Fulbright Scholars!

The above photo features the twenty one Fulbright teaching scholars who hail from twenty one different countries around the globe. They are one of seven cohorts of teachers placed throughout the United States in the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program. During their stay in Greensboro they are hosted by University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). While in Greensboro and through UNCG, they will take classes, experience a homestay, attend a language conference, teach in classrooms and more. They will gain so much from this visit, but also, those who meet the international teachers will benefit. These teachers are goodwill ambassadors from their countries and are a wealth of information. The easiest way to have a global perspective is to travel and meet people from other countries.

In the above photo, participants are on the balcony of the cafeteria on the UNCG campus. While not required to dress in traditional clothing from their respective countries, some participants chose to do so. This was such a great way to initiate conversation. When you have someone from Bangladesh talking to you about his language sporting a kurta, and someone sharing information about her village in Azerbaijan wearing a rubend, and yet someone else switching from Russian to Spanish to English seamlessly, it is as if the United Nations is right there before your eyes. Teachers speak an international language, and Greensboro is so lucky that UNCG brought this international teacher cohort our way.  If you get a chance to meet one of the teacher guests, please give them a Greensboro welcome and treat them to some sweet tea and barbecue!

Happy Tuesday!

Greensboro Pride Festival 2022

Yesterday afternoon, Greensboro was brimming with pride. The streets felt like Times Square on New Year's Eve. People of all ages and from all walks of life came downtown to show their pride on Elm Street from Washington Street to Gate City Boulevard. You know you are in Greensboro because you can barely see the Lincoln Financial Group building peeking out between the trees. On the left, is the "Free Mom Hugs" booth. It was a busy booth, and when the moms gave a hug, they held on tight for a sustained, heartfelt ten-second hug. While the festival was yesterday, the Greensboro Pride community has been hosting events all week. The festival is organized and hosted by Alternative Resources of the Triad; an organization in its 16th year of supporting the LBGTQ+ community. The celebration started last Sunday with a (sold out) Drag Brunch. See other events below*

Yesterday's event had so many community resources available ranging from merchandise purchasing to to resource centers to healthcare resources. Several churches with congregations that welcome the LBGTQ+ community were on hand. There was even a booth hosted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Policies have changed a lot over the last decade and resources have grown. The Pride Festival is an opportunity to learn more about resources in the Piedmont area and beyond. Above is just one view of the diversity of the Greensboro Community. The weather was lovely and, while there was no rain, rainbows were everywhere.

The next festival will not happen until mid-September 2023; however, you can bet there are ongoing events in the area all throughout the year.

Happy Monday!

*Here is the list of events. While they are over, it gives you an idea of the organizations in the community supporting the LBGTQ+ community.

Great Folk Enjoying Great Music at the NC Folk Festival

Carol Thompson (right) loves Old-Time music. She has been featured in the News & Record at least twice for her flat-foot dancing at the North Carolina Folk Festival. Carol not only dances, she also calls square dances and probably contra dances, too. Her energy and footwork on her portable, wooden dance board are impressive. She preps the board with a little corn meal to create just the right balance between glide and traction. On Saturday, Carol was dancing to the Zinc Kings and the young person on the left, a fiddler from Charleston, SC, came up to dance, but didn't have a board. Without missing a beat, Carol turned her board from portrait to landscape orientation, and the two danced away. The North Carolina Folk Festival is like that: Two complete strangers, united by music and dance, arm in arm, smiling and dancing. 

Other people eventually joined them and Carol even gave an impromptu dance lesson to a child- perhaps about ten years old- explaining that the movements are akin to skipping. He worked at the steps, left with a smile on his face, and then returned to thank Carol. Dancing, music, fellowship, and smiles are the hallmark of a great festival. Thank you to everyone involved in the North Carolina Folk Festival 2022, including Lynn Donovan who was checking her photos before stepping back into action , capturing more photos of a very great day. Not even rain dampened the attendees' spirits!

Remembering September 11, 2001, 21 Years Later

Today is September 11th. May we all stop for a moment of silence in remembrance of all the lives lost on 9/11/2001. This is the site where, yesterday, fire fighters were going to lead a stair climb to replicate the equivalent of 73 flights of stairs, what the firefighters of New York City had to climb to get to the top of the World Trade Center. This photo was taken on Friday evening, before we learned that yesterday's event was cancelled due to inclement weather. It is not safe to climb cement stairs quickly in the rain. While firefighters do it all the time, it was not safe to have when open to community members. This car ramp, at the 220 North Greene Street side looks soul-stirring, in its emptiness with the green reflection. Perhaps, the solitude of this garage, this is the structure's equivalent of a moment of silence.

On September 07, Spectrum News published a very nice article on the anticipated stair climbing event which takes place annually (see HERE, article by Courtney Wallen). In the article, Lt. Holt Alcorn, who has been a local firefighter since 2001, reflects on the last two decades and the changes that have come about as a result of the 911 attacks. He also reminds us that young adults today either weren't born or were two young to recall the event first hand. Alcorn, was prepared to do the climb yesterday with a 26 pound airpack, full gear and hose to replicate the experience of the NYC firefighters who went into the World Trade Center that day. The article inspires us to want to participate next year. And to Lt. Alcorn, who is a lieutenant at the Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire Department, thank you for your to decades of service in Guilford County. May you and the nation ever experience anything so horrific again.

NC Folk Festival 2022: Greensboro Proud

Greensboro can be so proud of the job we are doing hosting the 2022 NC Folk Festival. And, it is so wonderful that we get to host the event. Last night, as the sun set and the full-to-the-eye moon rose over the City Stage tent at the festival, Greensboro came alive. By 9:00 pm, when Sam Bush came on stage, City Stage was standing room only. People congregated to hear this American mandolinist play his instrument at breakneck speed, without missing a beat. Even if progressive bluegrass music isn't your genre, the energy of the Sam Bush Band would have captivated you. To the right of the stage, the ASL professionals signing the concert brought the event alive for the deaf and hard of hearing. How was it possible for them to be so accurate with their interpreting?! Surrounded by good music, food trucks, the merchandise tent, the bar tent, and port-a-potties galore, the festival-going crowd had all of their needs met. That was just one of FIVE places you could go to hear great music. Today and tonight at the festival will be equally engaging. And, even if it is raining, there are plenty of places at the stages to listen under the comfort of a tent. 

You may remember in April, we featured Lynn Witherspoon. She is working operations behind the scene to make sure that the festival is running smoothly; and it is. We have been so impressed with the footprint of the festival this year. Getting from one venue to the next is very manageable and the.food trucks and craft vendors are conveniently located all along the way. And there is such variety in the food trucks. Well worth the wait in line. The Jamaican-jerk salmon was getting rave reviews. We're not sure how many people are attending the festival from out of town and out of state. But, we're hoping the NC Folk Festival is here to stay in Greensboro and we can all do our share to promote it, attend it, and to help those around us have a good time. We have seen so many old friends and made some new ones. For the rest of today and tomorrow, great memories are only a ride-to-town away!

Happy Saturday!

 

Songs of Hope & Justice

Last night, from 8:00- 11:00 pm was the pre-festival concert for the North Carolina Folk Festival. Songs of Hope and Justice was presented in the Van Dyke Performance Space at 200 Davie Street in the Cultural Arts Center. The venue was just right big enough to feel like a good gathering, yet small enough to feel intimate. This concert has been performed since 2015, the first year of folk festival, back when it was the National Folk Festival. A special thank you goes out to Laurelyn Dossett for hosting the event. The concert was such a nice blend of performers, genres, and, songs with the unifying theme that they focused on themes of freedom and social justice. It was a special treat to hear Alice Gerrard (right, in red)  perform again at the festival. Her career spans about seven decades. We hadn't heard fiddler Faye Petree play before, so that was a real treat. 

If you get a chance, sit down and plan out your weekend at the North Carolina Folk Festival. It will be well worth your while. HERE is the schedule.

Folk Festival 2022

The North Carolina State Folk Festival is upon us. How wonderful that Greensboro has earned the honor of having the festival here. Let's all head downtown and support these musicians. So many different genres of music and ethnicities of people will be represented. There is something for everybody. Tonight is the 7th annual pre-festival concert,  Songs of Hope and Justice, in the Van Dyke Performances Space at 200 North Davie Street. HERE is a link to learn more about the concert and to purchase tickets. You can also access the festival lineup, performance schedule, and festival map from that same link.

Much consideration has gone into ensure the pedestrian footprint is safe and walkable. The northernmost street is Bellemeade, extending south to Market and Washington Streets. Church and Eugene Streets are the east/west boundaries. You might want to bring a water bottle and a lightweight folding chair. The North Carolina makers marketplace will be at the crossroads of Elm Street and Friendly Avenue. The above photo was taken last year at the Old Courthouse Stage on Market Street and it will be in about the same position this year.

We sure hope to see you downtown. Donate and make purchases if you are able. And remember, clapping and other signs of appreciation bring performers and volunteers so much joy. 

Happy Thursday! Happy weekend of music!

 

Rast Mural on Mill Street

How lucky we were to be driving along Mill Street and notice a mural being installed! The graffiti street artist Julien Ripert, the artist known as Rast, is featured in the above photo. Julien hails from Paris, France, but is in Greensboro for three weeks to create this mural and another one at Red Cinema. He has been an artist for 15 years and is self-taught. His work can be found in France, Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Belgium, and more. If you look at his work on Instagram (@artisteRAST), you will notice that he is known for painting building-sized, murals, busts of people. Some of his murals include very powerful images of men, and women, mostly older. The texture of his work, and the items people are holding or the things surrounding them, really add a focal point to his work.

The above mural is only half way done. We'll have to return for a follow up photo because Julien will connect the mural to an electrical source and part of the mural will spin. We can't wait to see the movement, added dimension, and additional paint to this project. One of our favorite pieces of Julien's work is "Good Planet" Urgency, an acrylic mural of an older man with a gray beard and mustache,  holding a globe that actually spins (posted on Instagram on May 2, 2021). Drive by, behind Saffron on Mill Street, and have a look if you get a chance. If you see Julien, please give him a big Greensboro welcome. He speaks French, English, and Spanish- and maybe more!

Happy Wednesday!

Center Creative Leadership

Last night was the opening reception for an art exhibit at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) on 220 North near Owls Roost and Bur-Mil Park. Six artists have their work in a show, entitled, Unexpected Treasures (Kathy Brusnighan, Laura Clisset, Vicki Johnson, Susan Lange, Jean Smith, and Ashley Walters). The opening reception was very well attended with the parking lot full on a Friday night. There were nice snacks and the atmosphere was conducive to relaxing, admiring art, and even strolling the lovely grounds of the Center for Creative Leadership.

Founded in 1970, CCL is committed to advancing the understanding of leadership what it entails to be an effective leader.   When on the CCL campus, you can see the video and artifacts about the Richardson Family. The family's lucrative business began with Lunsford Richardson, American Pharmacist and founder of Vick Chemical Company. It would be H. Smith Richardson, Jr., who would turn the concept of leadership and training leaders into a business. Today CCL is a global enterprise with its roots and home base right here in Greensboro North Carolina. 

One of the big surprises was that during the opening reception, lovely piano playing could be heard throughout the building. The pianist was Lisa Sinclair, a CCL employee for 34 years. While you won't be treated to Linda's piano playing, it is possible to stop by and see the artwork, by appointment, until November 18th. 

Happy Saturday!

National Night Out 2022

National Night Out (NNO) is always the first Tuesday in August. The seeds of the initiative began in 1970, in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.*  It is an initiative to help build safe communities, for neighbors to get to know each other and their surroundings. It is a way for law enforcement and community members to get to know each other. NNO brings law enforcement and neighbors together for a positive reason.  There are 38 million "neighbors" and 16 thousand communities registered. However, who knows how many people participate who do not formally register. 

On "sure bet" neighborhood we knew we could find people out celebrating National Night Out in Greensboro was Lindley Park. They were having an ice cream social in front of the pool and recreation center. The above photo shows neighbors bicycling through the community at a little before 7:00 pm. The photo was taken at the corner of Walker Avenue and Wesdale Place. It looked like they were headed in the direction of the community center. In addition to the planned events, in Lindley Park, there were several people out walking their dogs and pushing babies in strollers; some doing both. Nothing beats a positive sense of community, which is precisely what makes a neighborhood a neighborhood. It doesn't take a big time commitment or anything super formal. NNO just takes a person, or two, or a few, banding together to celebrate the neighborhood. Hats off to Lindley Park for doing just that. If your neighborhood celebrates, please share with us what you do. Please share as many places and ways as you can. We'll try to get around to your neighborhood next year!

Happy Wednesday. Happy day after NNO!

 

 

* see the timeline, here.

St. Francis Episcopal Church: Pop Up Paperback Book Sale

As you are planning out your weekend, on Saturday, consider heading over to St. Francis Episcopal Church on Lawndale Drive for a pop up book event. The event will be much smaller than their traditional shows. They are making a real effort to be COVID safe. Also, only paperbacks will be offered- two dollars for the larger paperbacks and one dollar for smaller format books. Book sales are a key way for St. Francis to raise funds and, the money they earn, goes right back into the community. As an example, after the last sale, they were able to help Urban Ministries restock their food pantry. Hopefully, this small-in-scale, pop up format will be a success.

 The above photo features the book depository. If you are a regular to the St. Francis book sales, you know when that garage door goes up, you will see floor to ceiling books. It appears that tomorrow's book sale, from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm, will actually be held in the Parish Hall. To be sure, when you drive around back to park, there will be people to guide you to the books. St. Francis, an outgrowth of the Holy Trinity Parish, has been providing people with a spiritual home since 1954. For the last six decades, they've been bringing us great books.

Can you believe this is the last weekend in July. The books you buy tomorrow will be a great addition to your August reading list! Happy Friday! What authors can you recommend for us?

Weatherspoon Art Museum: Big Gal Faith

Today's 8 ft. x 26 ft. dress is a piece of sculpture from the exhibit entitled "Ostensibly So"at the Weatherspoon Art Museum at the corner of Tate and Spring Garden Street on the UNCG campus.  The artist, Leslie Dill, fashioned it out of a mannequin, oil paint, oil pastel, fabric, paper, wood, silver and gold leaf. The words and images relate to Dill's concerns: Cruelty and violence, lust, forgiveness, reflection, and transcendence.

Today from 12 noon to 1pm. there will be a free talk at the Weatherspoon about the three dimensional objects in the gallery. The presenters at these events do such a good job at helping even the novice art critic, and sometimes skeptic, understand the artists' goals and intended message. One time, we went into a session asking "Is this art" and by the end, with the explanation, actually fell in love with the piece. If you are looking for something fun, FREE, and a way to stay cool, head over to the Weatherspoon, see the exhibit and hang around for the talk. This is another example of one of Greensboro's great opportunities in the arts. Thursday hours are from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. So, even if you can't make the talk, you can stop by and see the exhibit on your own. The security guards at the Weatherspoon are so great, they can probably answer some of your questions. When we were there yesterday, Angela actually remembered us from a previous visit and she even took a (Facebook moment, not intended for GDP) picture for us with the above piece of art.

The Martha Bassett Show

During the summer, there are many live music options in the Greensboro area. We had the very difficult decision of attending MUSEP at Guilford College or attending the live recording of Martha Bassett's show at Triad Park. We have never attended a performance at the amphitheater at Triad Park, so we went there. The Martha Bassett Show is usually recorded at the Reeves Theatre in Elkin, NC. Last night, however, the Triad area got a treat when Martha's show was recorded at Triad Park on the Guilford/Forsyth County line. Guest musicians were- to the audience's right of Martha (who was in the black and white dress), the South Carolina Broadcasters (David and Ivy S. Sheppard [member Steve Marshall was not on stage in above photo]); Molly McGinn and Jonathan Byrd. This line up was fantastic. All of the musicians were quite accomplished and their songs were prefaced with stories, and in many cases, an explanation of what inspired the song. Martha also played for the audience. As Martha states on her website, she is passionate about collaboration between artists of varying styles, cultures, and generations- and it shows! Martha has been a musician for over 20 years. While originally from West Virginia, she now makes her home in the Piedmont Triad.  Surrounding Martha (to audience's left) and in the back are part of her house band. They are fantastic and seamlessly provided whatever backup sound the guest musicians needed.

Triad Park, at 9252 West Market Street, is quite a recreational resource for the area. In addition to the above amphitheater, there are seven sand volleyball courts, nine horseshoe pits, an asphalt path for walking, biking, and skating, picnic tables and shelters, and more. Also, Triad Park is the location of the field of honor. If you haven't explored it, you owe yourself a visit. If you haven't listened to a recording of Martha Bassett's show, or heard one of her podcasts, we encourage you to do so. Follow this link to hear some of Martha's music. 

Guilford College In Summer: Brimming with Music!

Guilford College was founded in 1837 by the Quakers. Guilford College is a four-year, co-educational liberal arts college, and we are very lucky to have in Greensboro. Summers, the campus looks very different from the academic year. If there would be one word to define summers on campus, it would be music. Especially in July, Guilford College is brimming with music. Last night, another fabulous Eastern Music Festival (EMF) concert was performed in Dana Auditorium. Before the concert, Maestro Peter Perret provided insights into what to look for and anticipate during the evening concert featuring five student-conductors in training. The concert had nice attendance and the audience and student-performers alike seemed pleased with the concert. We sure enjoyed it! The above photo features musicians heading back to their dorms after performing; they were walking and enjoying each others' company. Circling them was a young doe who perhaps was startled as the performers walked through the courtyard.

Sunday, Guilford College will host Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP). And, about where you see students walking, from 6:00 pm- 7:30pm, the MUSEP concert will take place. However, if you come early, you can enjoy a picnic on the lawn with friends or new friends that are easily made at a MUSEP concert. There will be a couple of food trucks, if you don't have a chance to pack something. The band will be "The Beauty Operators." The concert is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Here is the line up for the rest of the MUSEP summer in case you haven't seen it yet. As for EMF, here is their schedule. Thank you Guilford College for inviting the community in for all of these music events, and, thank you for hosting them. Being known for great music events is a good thing! Hopefully, the EMF students will be able to enjoy the MUSEP concert.

Happy Saturday!

Ukrainians in the Carolinas

Saturday, the Ukrainians in the Carolinas organization held a fundraising event for Ukraine at the Calvin Graves Plantation in Caswell County. The festival, known as Ivana Kupala, was a summer solstice celebration. The event featured music, food, crafts, the making of Ukrainian live-flower wreaths (vinok), dance lessons and more! The live music was a combination of  genres, including Ukrainian folk music. The above photo features the East Piedmont Rounders, a group of old-time musicians. They were playing traditional acoustic tunes with Jan Gittleman flatfoot dancing. The musicians performing are David Thompson, Mary Charlton, Mike Collins, and Larry Vellani, with Charlie Berry working sound. The Red Kalyna American-Ukrainian band also performed later in the afternoon.

Calvin Graves was a North Carolina politician who, according to the historic marker in front of this house (above), in 1849, cast the deciding vote for the North Carolina railroad. While this venue 40 miles north of Greensboro, it is an easy day trip. The money used during Saturday's fundraiser will help build a well for drinking water, medical and tactical supplies in Ukraine. If you are interested in donating, see here. Also, Greensboro will likely see an influx of Ukrainian refugees and there will be ways for you to help Ukrainian refugees. See here.

Have a great Wednesday!

Eastern Musical Festival: Young Artists Piano Recital

Listening to a piano recital performed by young artists at the Eastern Music Festival was the perfect way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. For one hour yesterday, Dana Auditorium, on the campus of Guilford College, was filled with the brilliant music of talented young pianists. The above photo is of Alvin Wang who opened the recital with "Chromatic Fantasy and Fuge in D minor, by J.S. Bach. There were about 75 people in the audience as the five different musicians performed: Alvin Wang (Bach), Ann Gao (Chopin), Hazel Musto (Ravel), Robiya Akromova (Rachmaninoff), and Andrew Reveno (Greig). Musto and Reveno were accompanied by Anthony Bock and Akromova and Gao were accompanied by William Wolfram. The remaining Sunday 3pm piano recitals are July 17 and 24 at 3:00 pm in Dana Auditorium. All are free thanks to the sponsorship of Steinway Piano Gallery. By choice, this photo was taken from the very last row in the auditorium, but there are usually plenty of seats up closer.

Here is the calendar for the remaining performances. Some of the events are free, some require the purchase of a ticket; all are open to the public. There is no performance scheduled for today, but tomorrow, from 10:30- 11:30, a string quartet will perform at the McGirt Horton Branch of the Greensboro Public Library at 2501 Phillips Avenue. Later that evening, the Eastern Chamber Players will perform from 8:00- 10:00 pm and those tickets are $33. Fifteen musicians on string and percussion instruments will perform in that evening performance. Please treat yourself to one of the performances this month.

Greensboro Community Swim Association: City Meet 2022

The Community Swim Association (CSA) is such a wonderful opportunity for swimmers between the ages of five and nineteen. Whether someone swims year round or simply in summer,  CSA provides children good, fun opportunities to hone their swimming and team-building skills. Swimming as a sportis all about swimming your personal best for yourself and your team. Yesterday's competition at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) did not disappoint. The above photo features the top three fastest female teams in Event 39, the 15-19 Medley Relay. The Bur-Mil Marlins, one of the newest teams in CSA and a group that practices at a public pool in Owl's Roost, took first place; The Lawndale Lizards, a team that meets closer to town and one of the older teams, took second place; Henson Forest, a newer team, located in Summerfield, placed third. The medley relay features each of the four strokes: Back, breast, butterfly, and freestyle. Four swimmers work together, to earn their team a victory.

If you want something fun to do today, head to the Coliseum Complex and for the price of $5 to park, you can have a wonderful spectator experience in a state-of-the-art facility. Here is a link to follow along of events and results. Today's events are: Freestyle, individual medley, and the free relay. Swimmers compete in the morning to determine who swims in what heat in the afternoon. Even is you don't have a child or relative swimming, chances are, you will know families with children competing. 

We hope you have a happy Saturday and, if you see a CSA swimmer, ask them what they enjoyed most about summer swimming. You will get an array of answers. For many, competing at the GAC will be a highlight, and, if they are luck/accomplished enough to make the podium, it feels a little bit like the Olympics! Look at those smiles!

Hello Summer... Let's Swim!

Hello Summer! Recently, we were at Lindley Pool having nostalgia for the Greensboro Community Swim Association and all the years the summer meets for the city were held at Lindley Pool in Lindley Park. It was fun having the meets outdoors and the park was great entertainment for siblings who weren't swimming and during those long waits between events- which can seem like a lifetime to the 8 and under swimmers. However, not the meet is held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) and it is going on today and tomorrow. There will be at least 20 swim clubs and about 2,000 swimmers between the ages of 5-18. If you go to the CSA website, you can monitor the results as they are reported.

GAC opened Summer 2011 and for the past 11 years, the facility has provided Greensboro with state-of-the art pools bringing many national events to the area. As a matter of fact, in two weeks, the YMCA long-course nationals will be held at the GAC, but for the next two days, those lanes belong to the children of Greensboro who competed in dual meets for their home swim clubs. Some children swim year-round, some just swim in the summer. Regardless of one's level, fun will be had by all. In the meantime, for those who aren't swimming in City Meet and who aren't interested in the meet of the summer, Lindley Pool is open and ready to welcome you with open arms!

Happy Friday!

 

Eastern Music Festival 2022

Are you ready for the Eastern Music Festival (EMF) 2022?It is back with 60 concerts and events! The events for this 61st season begin tomorrow and last until July 30th. The founder, Shel Morgenstern, created the program at Guilford College in 1961. Young artists from around the world attend the summer program to gain additional instruction, exposure, and performance time as a way to help launch their professional careers as classical musicians. 80% of them receive merit or needs-based scholarships. Musicians are lucky to have this program and Greensboro is lucky to have access to all of this high-quality music. Read more about the history of the festival, here.  Also, see here for the schedule.

The above photo is of Dana Auditorium on the campus of Guilford College. Many of the EMF events are held here. It is always exciting to turn off of Friendly Avenue, drive by Dana Auditorium, and see the flags unfurled, announcing the EMF. This photo was taken a couple of nights ago, when the sun was setting about 8:30. We caught the sunlight, just as it was casting a golden glow on the top of the building. Thank you Guilford College for bringing great events to the community since 1837!

RIP: Women's Hospital

Women's Hospital on Green Valley Road is no more. The above photo does not even begin to show the scope of the debris on the site. D.H. Griffin is in the middle of the demolition and, if you didn't know better, you would think it was in a war zone. A drone photographer needs to capture this scene.*  

The hospital was known as Greensboro Hospital when it opened in 1977. In 1990 when Cone Health bought it, the facility became Women's Hospital. In 2021, Deep River Partners acquired the property. Due to COVID, the transaction was delayed so that Cone Health could use the hospital for a COVID-19 care facility- the first in North Carolina. It was used as a COVID-19 care facility for 11 months. People also could get vaccines there. Deep River Partners is a leasing agency for non-residential real estate. It will be interesting to watch the property transform as the new facility gets built.  Have a drive past it, at the corner of Green Valley Road and Westover Terrace and see the transformation in process. Now that it has started, the changes will happen quickly. There is a really good news release from Cone Health providing the history of the hospital and the future for the site.**  

*David Bartenfield?

** reference and more information.

Greensboro Summer Solstice Event Today!

Today is the day! From 2-10 pm the Greensboro Summer Solstice event will be in full swing at the Greensboro Arboretum and Lindley Park. If you are attending the Greensboro Summer Solstice event, we encourage you to dress in your best fairy costume, wear garlands of flowers, bring your sparkliest magic want, carry a parasol to protect you from the sun, bring some cash to tip performers, and be prepared to have some good ole solstice fun! In case you missed our post yesterday, here is a list of performers and a schedule for the day. The person in the above photo is an example of the kinds of costumes you will see all day long. Don't be shy about what you wear. Also remember they are charging $10 for everyone over the age of 12. The entrance fee will help defray costs and make it possible to pay the performers. 

Happy Saturday! Hello Summer!

Summer Solstice 2022

It is time for the Greensboro Summer Solstice. This year's event will happen this Saturday from 2-10pm in the Greensboro Arboretum & Lindley Park at West Market Street. The festival began in 2005 and has steadily continued to grow since with attendance anticipated to be at about 9,000. Artisans, performers, entrepreneurial vendors, and a diverse group of people will come together for eight hours tomorrow to celebrate Mother Nature and the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most light. 

The above photo was taken at the 2019 event and is an example of the types of activities that are available at the event. Everyone dons their best and brightest clothing. Tulle, floral headbands, silk skirts, pixie ears, and more will be standard attire for the day. Here is the list of performers and a schedule for the day. Note that vendors will shut down their booths about 8:00 pm with performers entertaining the group well past sunset. Also, the entrance fee is now $10 for everyone over age 12,  which makes it possible to pay performers and help sustain Greensboro's live music scene.

The event is well organized and a lot of fun. Plus, the arboretum/park is such a lovely venue. For 17 years this has been Greensboro's way to welcome summer! You won't want to miss it!

Porchfest 2022 Culminates at Sternberger Park

Porchfest in the Dunleath neighborhood this past Saturday was a big hit. Having started in 2017, they just celebrated their 6th annual concert filled afternoon. All afternoon, people gathered to play music and to listen to music; porches became venues. Summit Avenue, Park Avenue, Cypress Street, Percy Street (and a few more streets) were filled with great music and fun, neighborhood socializing. The event culminated with people gathering at Sternberger Park at 715 Summit Avenue with a group providing a final concert. It was a fulfilled time with a food truck, people with lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers of food. It was a mini MUSEP concert. The above photo features the group "The Headless Chickens" warming up.

Greensboro neighborhoods are doing a good job of branding their neighborhood with special events. While the Dunleath neighborhood is an amazing place to live and hang out 365 days a year, for one afternoon in June, Dunleath becomes one giant concert. If you did not get to attend this year, mark your calendar for next year. What does/could your neighborhood to give it a special character? Let's all do something to help our respective neighborhoods thrive.

And, hats off to Dunleath where creativity and neighborliness is standard fare!

Bonnie Raitt at Tanger Center

Last night, Bonnie Raitt gave a spectacular concert at Tanger Center. The concert started at 8:00 p.m. with the ever talented, singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams as the opening act. She sang for an hour and the performance was spectacular. After Lucinda, it took a while to get the stage ready for Bonnit Raitt's concert. The stage crew worked masterfully making the transition. Once the instruments were in place, Bonnie and her band sang without a break until about 11:00 p.m. She mentioned more than once how nice the Tanger Center is and that the acoustics are good. She also mentioned a few times how nice it is to be back performing in person. Her band is very talented, which she acknowledged. 

Tanger Center has transformed downtown Greensboro, especially in the north. Also, it is truly spectacular that we don't have to travel to Durham or Charlotte for concerts any more. She was in Durham last night and will be at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia tomorrow and Friday night. However, for one special night, she was right here with us in Greensboro, NC. She requested that no photos or video be taken and she wanted people to be "in the moment." She even scolded people who were filming. However at the end, she invited people to "take all the photos you want now," which was our cue to capture a photo from a very special evening.

There will be many concerts in Greensboro this summer. Some, like the MUSEP series on Sunday evenings, are free. Others, like the performances at Tanger Center do cost. As for music genres, Greensboro can boast that there is something for everybody. Happy Thursday!

Urban Gardner, Extraordinaire

Sunday, at the Parisian Promenade in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden,  Stephen Johnson spent the afternoon teaching kids to garden with a paper cup, soil, and sunflower seeds. All while they were planting their seeds in the cups, he was explaining about keeping them watered and how to care for their little planting. Stephen has become an expert, urban gardener,  growing produce on land at 712 S. Elam Avenue. He and his wife live on 3/4 acre just down from the Elam and Walker Avenue intersection. As their website states, they provide food and occasional plants at the Corner Market on Saturdays, all grown on their city lot. They would love to have more people on the urban gardening journey with them. Read their website (referenced below) and you will realize how easy it is to plant edibles!

In the above photo, Liz Lopez (right), is volunteering and helping Stephen for the day. Liz is a teacher and doctoral student. For Liz service and volunteering are a high priority. She has even taught a course in it at UNCG. Thanks to Stephen and Liz, there will be a lot more sunflowers growing in Greensboro and the average age of these young farmers if probably about eight! If you are growing sunflowers, especially one from Sunday, please take a photo and share it with us!

Read the Elam Gardens website, and you, too, might just be inspired to be an urban gardener.

Mt. Pisgah Choir Sings at Memorial Day Service at Friendly Center

It is always nice when churches perform community service. Today's photo features the Mt. Pisgah Choir singing at the Memorial Day Service at Friendly Center. Music always adds such a nice touch to any ceremony. Their Department of Music offers opportunities for people of all ages to be involved in music, starting as young as 4 years old. The church has a praise team band, a handbell choir, and more. Amberly Johnston is their director of music.* The music program at Mt. Pisgah UMC is very strong, if you are looking for an opportunity to share your special talent, or just have a desire to participate. We're not sure where else the choir will perform out in the community, but to be sure, they will be singing at the 8:30 and 11:00 am services today. Mt. Pisgah is located at 2600 Pisgah Church Road. It is the church you can see from the Lowe's parking lot on Battleground Avenue.

After church, if you are looking for something to do, head to the Parisian Promenade in Bicentennial Gardens on Hobbs Road from 12:00 - 5:00 pm today.  The event is free and open to the public. It is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. A promenade is a paved public walk; to promenade is to take a leisurely public walk so as to see or be seen by others. Remember, as you stroll along the path that YOU TOO are an important part of the event- and plan your outfit accordingly!

Happy, glorious Sunday!

 

* more information here.

Congratulations Class of 2022!

Spring is a very exciting time in high schools. Students start getting college acceptance letters and making plans for post-high school. Many students attend prom. Now,  high school graduation season is upon us. In Guilford County Schools, the middle and early colleges start the process with traditional high schools not far behind. Now that Covid is less of an issue, in-person graduation returned and students get a few more tickets to distribute. The first graduations started on May 25th. The above photo is of the Middle College at UNCG.*  Their graduation was on the first day; also graduating on 5/25 were Early College at Guilford, Greensboro College Middle College, Middle College at Bennett, and Kearns Academy.

According to the graduation schedule on the  Guilford County School website, the final day for graduation is tomorrow, Sunday, June 5th with Eastern, Andrews, Dudley, and Page holding graduation ceremonies in the Coliseum Complex. If you see graduates, please congratulate them. Every year, graduation is a milestone; however, this class was deeply affected by the pandemic and all of the changes that came about as a result of having to take classes remotely and, in many cases, having to take part time jobs to help their families. Those smiles in the students above are evidence of the joy and sense of accomplishment they are feeling. Congratulation class of 2022!

 

 

* photo credit Keisha Brown, Principal MCUNCG.

Barnhill's Art at the H20 Exhibit at Green Hill

Yesterday, we featured Jim Barnhill, artist, on Greensboro Daily Photo. Today's we're featuring a glimpse of his three pieces currently on display at Green Hill in the Cultural Arts Center at 200 North Davie Street. Barnhill's two paintings are gigantic and when you stand in front of them, it is as if you are in the ocean yourself viewing the scene. The placement of the three pieces is masterful.  The paintings are both close to 8' by 12' (yes feet!). The Exxon Valdez painting is from 2012 and the BP Deep Water Horizon painting from 2013. The Cachalot Whale, carved from crabapple wood, was painted in 1993, early in Barnhill's career. The three pieces, spanning 20 years, hint at Barnhill's great love of water, the ocean, and the environmental impact of man's harvesting of fossil fuels. How appropriate that Barnhill is featured in Green Hill's  H20 exhibit! The cachalot whale is the largest toothed predator. As we were walking past the paintings, we began to wonder... who is the real predator, the whale or the oil companies? What you can't see in our photo is that the whale is swimming above a pool of tar.

If you attend First Friday tonight from 6:00 - 8:30 pm, you can see these pieces, and many others, for yourself. Barnhill's paintings, and Holsenbeck's "Where is Our Water Falling" (made from 10,000 water bottles and lots of plastic rope) are so large, you must see them in context. Regardless of what you have planned , have a great weekend!

James Barnhill: Artist Extraordinaire

Greensboro artist James Barnhill is known for his larger-than-life sculptures: The February One monument at NC A&T, the Nathanael Greene monument downtown at Holliday Circle, and the Minerva statue behind the student union at UNCG. Jim Barnhill taught art at NC A&T University for 25 years and has garnered an international following over the forty plus years he has been a professional artist. He came to Greensboro in the early 1980s to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree at UNCG. He tells the story of being in a drawing and painting class and seeing others sculpting and telling his professor that he wanted to sculpt. That was the start of his career in sculpting. Part of what makes Jim's pieces so special is his talent for sculpting in a way that tells a visual narrative. If you stand in front of Jim's sculptures, it is as if you are experiencing the lives of the subjects themselves.

However, as evidenced by the above painting from 2017, Jim is also a fine painter. This painting features Jim's longtime partner, Edie Carpenter. When we were interviewing Jim at his house and asked what piece of art he wanted to be photographed with, he thought about it for a minute, and then pointed to this painting. This large canvas was painted from a photo of Edie when she was in Queens, New York. We had just finished talking about the balance between selling artwork and having pieces you want to keep in your personal collection. It is a pretty sure bet this realistic likeness of Edie will stay put on Jim's wall for a very long time.

Jim, who is recovering from a stroke he suffered exactly a year ago, will be at First Friday tomorrow night at Green Hill in the Cultural Arts Center. While Jim struggles with speaking, his mind is as sharp as ever. First Friday is from 6:00- 8:30 and is free and open to the public. Put a trip to Green Hill on your calendar for tomorrow night, and head to 200 N. Davie Street to see not only Jim and Edie, but also three of his works which are part of a  multi-artist exhibit entitled H20.

Prayers for Ukraine Took Place at Congregational United Methodist Church

Today is May First. In many places, it is International Workers' Day. In the above photo, taken last Sunday at Congregational United Church of Christ on Radiance Drive, it is a scene of their Earth Day celebration and a day to pray for Ukraine. All the blue and yellow strips of cloth have prayers and words of concern for Ukraine written on them. There is a duo playing music in the background, and a duo of children playing with nature stamps in the foreground. All is so peaceful in this shaded corner of the church lot.

The labyrinth at the church symbolizes wholeness; the path is meandering, yet purposeful. The labyrinth is a place of meditative prayer, a journey to the center and back again. The quilt the children are on adds even more texture to the scene, with the circle in the middle of the quilt echoing the circle in the middle of the labyrinth. The whole scene itself is calm and sedative in a world we humans seem to make so complicated for ourselves. It is so important to seek out these places of calm and to take time to reflect on all that is good in our lives. Just looking at this scene is guaranteed to move blood pressure in the right direction. Happy Sunday! Happy International Day of Workers! Happy all of us, especially the little ones on the blanket!