Greensboro Daily Photo

People of Greensboro: Beverly Ramsey, Maskmaker

Since May, Beverly Ramsey has made over 4,000 masks and gives them away every Sunday, starting at 10:00 am. Quickly, they are gone. Beverly is an early childhood educator (and also a paralegal) who lost her position when COVID came along and childcare centers had to close. To focus on something productive, she recruited her mom to help her sew masks. Beverly first started using up the cotton fabric from her sewing room and made about 75 masks a week. Lately, she has been sewing 350 a week, which, even she admits, is a little daunting. Now, Beverly purchases fabric and focuses on a weekly theme. The theme for the past week was baseball. Previous themes have been, voting, dogs, cats, music, and sharks- to name a few. When we asked her how many she makes a day, she said that she can't really answer that because they set up a sort of assembly line and one day may be a day for cutting fabric and another for sewing. While there is no fee for the masks, she depends on donations to keep the project going. 

On the day we were there, people were thanking Beverly and telling her how much they enjoy the masks. Some were getting masks for family members, friends, and friends of friends. Admittedly, we took a few extra to give to people who weren't able to get out and get one for themselves.Greensboro is so lucky to have people like Beverly who help bring people together and are community oriented. Beverly says she loves hanging out in her yard on Sunday mornings, enjoying the fellowship with people who stop by for masks. This mask maker extraordinaire lives on Sylvan Road in Sunset Hills, just off Elam. Let's hope she receives enough donations to continue offering masks to the community and help get us through the COVID times. Also, as businesses start reopening, let's hope someone needs a very generous, community-oriented early childhood educator or paralegal! 

Artisans Mercantile

The Artisans Mercantile by Sweet Tea Studio hopes to open in October. They will have 40 vendors in a store that will be brimming with things for the home and a place to gather. The store located at the corner of Golden Gate Drive and State Street. You may remember the Saltbox, formerly in this location. The Saltbox was Greensboro's "go to place" for artists' trunk shows, amazing fall candles, hand-crafted lighting, folk art, and so much more. It closed in 2012, after being in business for 38 years. Next, a dance studio moved in to this space. Now, the building will go back to being more like the Saltbox, a shopping destination with ample parking behind it. 

State Street is a Greensboro Street with the feel of a quiet North Carolina beach community: cozy shops, not much traffic, and very walkable. Eclectic by Nature, Vida Pour Tea, and Yamamoto Jewelry are a few of the businesses that have believed in State Street for a very long time. Many new businesses have opened over the last few years. Hopefully, Artisans Mercantile will be part of the reinvigoration of this part of town and will be around for a very long time. It is always nice to see new life breathed into a building.

Tobacco Harvesting Time in North Carolina

The above photo features a field of tobacco in the westernmost part of Guilford County. It is time to harvest tobacco; and, harvesting can be brutal when the weather is hot.The bottom leaves are harvested first and, when done by hand, is backbreaking work.  Since the Civil War, tobacco has been a big crop for North Carolina. However, after World War II, interest in agriculture in general has declined in the state. And with education about the harmful nature of smoking tobacco, use has decreased.

Greensboro has an interesting history with tobacco. A tobacco factory opened in 1881 and local production peaked here in 1890. Tobacco production had its ups and downs in the 20th century. In 1954, Guilford County was 4th in the state in tobacco production.  In the late 1970s, Greensboro had two tobacco warehouses, but both were closed by 1984. By 1990, there were only 644 tobacco farmers in Guilford County and local production fell to 25th in the state. Ed Williams' 1990 article in the "News and Record", updated in 2015, is one of our references for today's post, and is a really good place to start if you want to learn more about Greensboro's relationship with the tobacco industry. Read here.

It is fun to drive around and see if you can find a tobacco field and and old tobacco barn. If you know someone in the industry, it is really interesting to see the sticks hanging in the barn before and after the tobacco is cured. Seeing a field like the one above sure takes a person back to the old-time ways, back when tobacco barns, mules, and tobacco plants were seemingly everywhere.   

Here is a document prepared by NC State and suggested for use by school teachers.

Downtown Street Time for Pedestrians

Downtown Greensboro is closing off sections of South Elm Street to give people a chance to dine and walk out of doors. The above photo was taken last night, and the same event will be happening tonight. If you want to get out and walk a little bit, maybe even get a bite to eat, Greensboro is making every effort to allow you to socialize and be safe.

The above photo was taken in the 300 block of South Elm Street, across from Cheesecakes by Alex. People are dining outside at 1618 downtown and at Jerusalem Market. Look how beautiful Greensboro looks on a warm summer day! The streets got busier as the even went on, but never overly crowded. The sign from Miller Furniture Company remains as a backdrop, even though the store has been gone since 2007. As an aside, Miller Furniture Company was family-owned and open from 1893- 2007; 114 years!

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!

Protest at the Home of the Postmaster General

Irving Park, one of Greensboro's oldest and most established neighborhoods, is not accustomed to seeing protests. Yesterday, at 2:00 pm, a peaceful protest was held there at the home of the Postmaster General of the United States, Louis DeJoy. A few hundred people peacefully assembled, all wearing masks, and many holding up signs, expressing concerns about the changes Mr. DeJoy is making to the organization. Mr. DeJoy's position is that he is making the postal service more efficient and fiscally sound.

It is interesting to know that someone of such national significance lives right here in Greensboro. It is hard to believe that three years have passed already since President Trump visited Mr. DeJoy and his wife, Aldona Wos in 2017 (see here).

Morgan and Sanchez @Outdoor Street Art Gallery

The corner of Pisgah Church Road and Church Street just got a little more visually vibrant. Marty Kotis has expanded his outdoor art initiative to northeast Greensboro. The walking path,  outdoor lights, and 46 panels are installed and primed. Many of them already have art and several are in progress. The above photo features an artistic duo from Raleigh who are sharing a panel in the park, Raymond Sanchez (left) and Morgan Cook (right). Each has a very distinctive style, but find a way to mesh their images into a cohesive scene. Cook, @artofMCK on Instagram is really known for his alphabet lettering. Sanchez @welsed is known for his visual storytelling and teaching art as a "paint and sip" instructor (@welsed on Instagram). It will be fun to follow this dynamic duo and see their panel once they have deemed it complete.

If you want to see graffiti artists, muralists, and graphic designers at work making great art, head out North Church Street and watch. Even though they are extremely busy, in most cases, they will find a few minutes to talk to you about their process and vision for their panel. You can also keep up with progress through Kotis' website, here. So much outdoor art is happening in Greensboro.

Reading the World with Scuppernong Books

Scuppernong Books in downtown Greensboro is hosting a year-long reading series of contemporary fiction in translation from around the globe. The discussions are held the first July of each month. We are a day late in telling you about the July meeting, which snuck up on us and was held last night (see description, here). They met via Zoom and discussed a book from Israel/Palestine. But, it isn't too late to get the book for the August session. it will be from Morocco and is entitled, "The Butcher of Casablanca" by Abdellah Hadouchi. If you call Scuppernong, they will order the book for you (336-763-1919). Anyone can participate. During these times of self-isolation, we all need to get a little creative in staying connected to the world. An international-themed book club with mostly local folks participating sounds like so much fun.

If you look at the above photo, which was taken on Elm Street mid-day on Tuesday, as you can see, the street is empty. Understandably so, there is not much foot traffic these days. So, doing something like ordering a book, and participating in a Zoom call, could be something fun and educational to anticipate in August. 

Have a happy Thursday and may July be filled with good times and fresh vegetables!

Peach Season in NC

It is peach season in North Carolina. Every summer from June - September, with July being peak, some type of peach is available in North Carolina. While they are grown south of Greensboro, in the Sandhills, we have access to great peaches at a great price. The above photo features the peach display at the Harris Teeter at Friendly Center. The beautiful display is front row and center when you enter the building. And, just look at those peach-colored balloons.

Common peach varieties in North Carolina are Biscoe, Candor, Carolina Belle, Derby, and Norman. According to the NC State extension agency, North Carolina is the 7th top peach producer nationally (reference). California, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey are the top four producers of peaches. If you are in search of North Carolina peaches in Greensboro, you can find them at the local farmers markets and several grocery stores. If you want a day trip: Here is a map of places to buy NC peaches throughout the state. In the meantime, the 99¢ a pound peaches at Harris Teeter were very tasty. We did, however, forget to verify whether or not they were NC peaches. Don your best peach colored attire and enjoy the hunt! Happy July!

Blackout NC Demonstration Greensboro

Yesterday afternoon, and into the evening, Greensboro held a Blackout Demonstration led by a new local group, Greensboro Rising. The event started in LeBauer Park and later, proceeded down Elm Street. In the above photo, Lauren Cunningham is singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing".

Lauren has a beautiful, powerful voice and often sings around town. Lauren was one of many people who played a leadership role in yesterday's event.Times are changing and Lauren is an example of someone who has her hand on the pulse of the path to change. As you can see from the above photo, the event was very well attended. The crowd of thousands was diverse with people of all ages and all ethnicities participating.

This Is the Time to Remember: Class of 2020

The graduation season in Greensboro has started, and the public high schools have all organized drive-through ceremonies Students pull up in their car with family members and walk across the stage, one-at-a-time to be recognized, to get their diploma and to officially graduate. Billy Joel's 1986 song "This Is the Time" has so many lines appropriate for the Class of 2020. "This is the time to remember, cause it will not last forever." The Class of 2020 has had to learn to navigate so much change. 

Yesterday, the middle and early colleges held their ceremonies on their respective campuses and the weather was lovely. The above photo took place on the UNCG campus for the Middle College at UNCG. Ms. Andrea Green, Teacher of the Year at the Middle College, called out each student's name. Principal Keisha Brown and Dr. Tony Watlington, Chief of Schools, were also on the dais for the ceremony. To the left, you see photographers on hand to capture the moment on film. Truly, this is a time in their lives they will remember. This has been a pivotal year on so many levels. Hats off to Guilford County Schools for providing a safe and memorable ceremony for all of its graduating seniors. It will be a memory students will hold with them for a lifetime. 

We Stand Together

Yesterday was Day 6 of protests and the first night of a curfew in Greensboro. By 8:00, people were supposed to be off of the streets. According to news media, the night was relatively calm and protesters mostly disbanded at curfew time.  Notice the messages written above, on the boarded up storefront on south Elm Street, "We Stand Together. BLM Forever. Unity. Together We Stand. Together We Change." Walking from one end of Elm Street to the other, and reading the messages on all of the plywood gives us an idea of how people feel and what they want. The messages are largely positive.

To be sure, we at Greensboro Daily Photo don't have the answers. However, people in Greensboro are feeling marginalized, wronged, and angry, and the situation cannot be ignored. From parents, to daycare workers, to teachers, to politicians, to religious communities, and beyond, lots of conversations need to take place. May we find a way for all to have their voice heard. 

Sunday Afternoon on Elm Street

Greensboro has a long and rich history with the Civil Rights Movement. With two historically black colleges and universities in Greensboro, Bennett College and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and several other institutions of higher education, our city pays very close attention to issues related to social justice. Yesterday afternoon, people made their way to Elm Street for Day 2 of protests. The four women above, were passing through the 500 Block of South Elm Street. By 6pm, large crowds of young people from diverse backgrounds had congregated on South Elm. Every indication was that the protests would be peaceful. After Day 1, some storefronts needed to be boarded up. Others, boarded up, just in case. 

Only time will tell the direction events will take. Perhaps Greensboro will again play a leadership role on the continued path to social justice, like they did in the 1960's during the Sit-Ins.  However, we cannot deny that a lot of work needs to be done, regardless where each of us stands on issues. Largely, Greensboro's downtown business owners are known for being allies, supporting people from all walks of life. Hopefully, Day 2 remained peaceful. 

Floral Installation at Cone Health

Floral designer Lewis Miller has taken NYC by storm with his flash floral installations!*  As you can see in the above photo, Greensboro received its own impromptu, floral installation this past week. Tonya Anderson, owner and passionate designer at ABBA Designs, created the above installation. She said, after seeing Miller's creations, she knew she wanted to design one for Greensboro. Tonya made the arrangement to thank healthcare workers and to simply spark joy during this difficult time. Truly, the act was one of generosity and giving back to the community as Tonya didn't even put up signage to show that the flowers were from her shop.  ABBA is that beautiful little shop, a sort of oasis in the 700 block of Eugene street, not too far from Deep Roots Market.

Together with her assistant, Carrie Little, the duo worked their design magic. They spread 300 roses- that's 25 dozen- around the Cone Health sign at Wesley Long, on the Friendly Avenue side. If you see Tanya or Carrie, be sure to thank them for their generosity. If you need someone to design flowers for a special event, give them a call. See other examples of the ABBA aesthetic, here. Stop back tomorrow, and we'll feature Tonya herself, as seen via our Zoom call! Unfortunately, the installation is no longer there, but the memory will stay with us for a very long time.

 

*see here for some of Miller's floral installations.

 

Shops Opening Back Up

The above photo shows people waiting in line to enter the Spectrum store this past Sunday at Friendly Center. Slowly, stores are opening up. Some people are more diligent then others about wearing masks, but for the most part people were maintaining reasonable physical distance. There was also a line a couple of stores over at Pier 1 as they are going out of business. Several people were inside Barnes and Noble; one woman, purchasing a puzzle, said that was the first store she had been other than a grocery store since mid-March. Another woman was purchasing a book for her book club. 

As the weather warms up and schools come to a close, it will be interesting to see how people spend their time. People seem eager to get out and spend time together... but apart. Happy Tuesday. Happy, almost summer.

Congratulations 2020 Graduates!

Our 2020 graduates are having a year to remember. Living in quarantine is especially hard for high school seniors who were not able to have prom, an awards ceremony, or graduation ceremony. In North Carolina, colleges also finished spring semester remotely. One way to compensate is that schools are providing families with yard cards to recognize their graduates. The above yard in northwest Greensboro has two graduates. Andrew is graduating from Wesleyan Christian Academy, a private K-12 school in High Point. Elizabeth is graduating from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Congratulations to the two of you.

This year will be one to look back on,  and surely, something good will come from your sacrifices. Maybe this situation will help you define your career path. To all of our graduates, and others who are celebrating milestones in quarantine, in Greensboro and beyond, congratulations. If you know someone with a senior or see one of these cards in a yard, perhaps you can find some special gesture to help the graduates feel special. Happy Friday, dear readers!

Heather & Victor: Lock of Love

The bridge on the greenway near Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro is slowly starting to fill with locks of love. People put locks on the chain link fencing. If it is a lock with a key, often, the lock gets thrown into the water. The above lock, a combination Masterlock, was placed there by Heather and Victor. We aren't sure when this tradition began, but we hadn't noticed noticed this tradition prior to COVID-19.

This tradition of placing locks on bridges is also one that is popular in Paris, France. Perhaps the most famous case is Pont des Arts Bridge over the Seine River at the Louvre. The bridge was cleared of locks in 2015, and already, they report having a million locks put back on since then, which equates to 45 tons. The average car weight 2 tons or 4,000 pounds. So, if you are inclined to add a lock to a fence, know that you are contributing to tons of extra weight. Still, it is kind of a sweet thought and it is interesting that it has spread to Greensboro and, the action is not exactly impulsive. It took a lot of pre planning for Heather and Victor to get their lock engraved and leave it above Lake Brandt.

Face-To-Face School Has Concluded For This Academic Year

Yesterday, Governor Cooper informed us that school will not resume face-to-face in North Carolina this year. Students will continue with online learning. The above photo features the busses at Grimsley High School, just west of downtown Greensboro. The busses sit there in the parking lot, silent for the rest of the school year.

Greensboro, High Point, and Guilford County all have very dedicated teachers who are delivering lessons online. Regardless of what decisions get made about grading, hopefully students are intrinsically motivated and will want to have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow. Everyone is new at teaching, learning, and surviving a pandemic. Let's hope that we flatten the curve in Greensboro (and beyond) and that our residents, especially students, will thrive. Happy Saturday! Does it feel like the weekend?

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!

 

Dogs of Greensboro:London

During this time of quarantine, many people with pets are getting to spend a lot more time with them. Greensboro residents love their dogs and cats. The above photo features London, a soft-coated Wheaton terrier who lives in the Westerwood area. In true Wheaton tradition, London is super friendly, energetic, and playful.  Something unique about London is that he loves to have his photo taken! He should model! We had to remind him that we were physically distancing and couldn't touch him (since we are not his owners).

Seeing people out walking with their canines is a little bit of a distraction from spending most of the day in the house- a good diversion for the dogs, the dog walkers, and the people passing by. However, it is important to remember to interact socially while also physically distancing. It is fun, though, to learn the names of the dogs of Greensboro. We give London a four paws up in personality and temperament and were so enthralled with him that we forgot to ask his owner her name. Happy Thursday.

Trees Down in Recent Bad Weather

Sunday night and Monday morning brought severe storms to the Greensboro/Piedmont region. Cell phones were beeping a little after 5am yesterday with a tornado warning. The public schools cancelled their food distribution ahead of time due to concerns over the storm. Fortunately damage was not as bad as it could have been in the Greensboro area.

The above photo shows a tree that fell during a recent wind storm. Considering how bad the damage could have been, the house on this property was relatively spared. The guys in the photo are the crew from Bill's Tree Service that cut up the 90' tree, hauled it away, and cleaned up all of the mess the tree left behind. It pays to have good insurance and a little bit of good luck in these situations. We so desperately need our mature tree canopy, but is is a challenge to figure out which trees are healthy and which are at risk of falling. Here's to sunny day today full of smiles and laughter.

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!

Free Books

As we continue with all but essential businesses closed, disposing of unwanted items has limited options. You can't donate to thrift stores; you can't sell books to used bookstores. You can sell some things online, throw items away, or put them at the street and offer them away for free. Even then, people are reluctant to touch anything that has been in the hands of others.

At any rate, offering books for free is a very nice gesture. The books in this box were very popular, contemporary fiction titles. Someone would love to read them. The books in this spontaneous, "pop up" library were being offered in northeast Greensboro. However, many neighborhoods in Greensboro have Little Free Libraries. If you are interested in setting up a LFL in your neighborhood, read the history and find a map of where they are already located, see here. In the meantime, continue find ways to experience social interaction while maintaining social distance. Happy Wednesday... and today's post is not an April Fool's joke!

Mystery of the Purloined Mug...

Good morning, Greensboro! Are you walking more during this time of distancing? We sure are! On a walk yesterday evening, we spotted this mug discretely placed on the ground, beside a tree on the edge of a golf course in northwest Greensboro. The whole story about how it got here is a curious mystery. 

In a way, these times we are living through are like something of a previous century when people found ways to entertain themselves without leaving home. Sure, we have the internet and social media now. Yes, in an odd way, we can sit around and ponder things that might never be given a second thought when we are home less. To be sure, we're going to follow the mystery of the blue and white porcelain mug. It is in perfect condition. Does someone drink from it daily? Did someone forget it when they were doing yard work nearby? Did someone leave it simply to make us curious? I it a purloined mug? So many questions and so much imagination during this time of quarantine.

Pets of Greensboro: Max the Bunny

As we all spend more time at home and fewer options for leisure time are available, it is a good opportunity to give pets extra attention. If you don't have a pet, perhaps you could consider fostering on from one of the Guilford County animal shelter/rescue groups. Often rabbits are available because people don't realize how messy they are or that the fur can irritate allergies.

However, rabbits can make very sweet pets. They recognize their caregiver, come when called, and jump for joy when treated right. The above bunny is about 6 years old now and originally came from Friendly Pets in Friendly Center. She had hopped into the bin with the male rabbits. It was discovered that Max is female when she was taken to Sheets Pet Clinic on Chimney Rock Ct. to be neutered. Sheets called to say that she would be spayed! Sheets is very reasonably priced and does a lot to get cats, spayed/neutered and adopted.

Consider giving a pet a home or spending extra time with your existing pets as you readjust your schedule over the next few months. As we photographed Max, she was doing a bunny binky (joyful jump-spin). She was so happy to be out of her cage and spending time with her owner.

To the Hoop: Basketball and Contemporary Art

The Weatherspoon art Gallery, at the corner of Walker Avenue and Spring Garden Streets, is a great resource for seeing art in Greensboro. Currently, there is an exhibit about art and basketball. With the history of the ACC tournaments here, Greensboro is known as a great town for the sport. The art exhibit is a perfect tie-in, scheduled to coincide the ACC tournaments.

If you are interested in seeing "HOOPS", you will need to call the Weatherspoon, or check their website, to determine if they remain open during these precautionary times with COVID-19. While UNCG is transitioning to online teaching and learning, as of now, the Weatherspoon is hoping to remain open.

If they are open, the exhibit is free and well worth seeing, especially if you read the artists' explanation beside the art. Yesterday, the above couple was doing just that, taking in every detail of the pieces of art. Museums are such a great place to go; once you begin concentrating on the art, the cares of everyday life have a way of being temporarily suspended. May your weekend be filled with art, love, and hope!

HICAPS, Winston-Salem, and Cheesecakes by Alex

Great things continue to happen on Trade Street in Winston-Salem. You may ask what a street in the next county over has to do with Greensboro. Well, the answer is, a lot! Since 2002, Alex Amoroso has been baking cheesecakes at Cheesecakes by Alex on Elm Street. His business continues to grow as does his lineup of cheesecakes. He now has 24 varieties of cheesecake. Alex, a Western High School graduate, is expanding his business to Winston-Salem. HICAPS, headquartered in Greensboro,  has the contract for the Winston project. They also helped Alex when the Greensboro location expanded in 2015 (see here).

HICAPS, a full-service project management company, was established in 1984 by Dan Hood. He and his family have been an integral part of the Greensboro community for over thirty years. HICAPS has worked on many exciting projects, including the renovation of the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Whether it is a public project or a private endeavor, HICAPS has a reputation for meticulously minding every detail. Soon, if you are in Winston, eating cheesecake on Trade street, you can know the community has Greensboro to thank for the experience- from concept to completion. Congratulations Alex and HICAPS!

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? 

Christmas Tree Lot

It is that time of year when the ubiquitous Christmas tree lots have popped up on the corner of a parking lot in neighborhoods across the city. For those who celebrate Christmas, going to get the family tree can be such a memorable experience. Of course, with so many Christmas tree farms in North Carolina, you can go for the ultimate experience by heading to the mountains, around Sparta, and picking your tree right from the farm. However, another option is to go to that grocery store parking lot and pick out one that will fit the ceiling in your house.

From stepping on the lot, to selecting the tree, to having it tied to your car, to getting it home and decorating it is a picture perfect moment. The above photo was taken at Wagoner's lot on New Garden Road. The Wagoner name has been associated with Christmas tree selling in Greensboro since the 1930's. 

The Running of the Balls

The Running of the Balls is happening in the Sunset Hills neighborhood this Saturday night. It is an opportunity to build community and help fill local food banks. People will don their brightest, blankets holiday clothes, strap their children in jogging strollers, and decorate their canines to run or walk in Greensboro's sparkliest night run.

The above photo is merely a small example of how the entire neighborhood looks now and will look during the run. Chicken wire balls wrapped with Christmas lights fill the trees along Ridgeway and Madison Avenues, Rolling Road, to name a few. Some lights must be about four stories high. This year, the park in the heart of the neighborhood is filled with the decorative balls.

Because there is darkness, we appreciate light even more. Please treat yourself to a little light therapy and drive through the display. It is almost impossible to capture its beauty with a camera. It helps if you arrive just after sunset when the sky still holds on to a little bit of color. Happy Thursday.

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.

Quaker Village Is Getting a Facelift

Quaker Village is getting a facelift! Trending on social media are those photos from 2009 and then, ten years later to 2019. We happen to have a 2009 photo of Quaker Village, taken in the first year of Greensboro, see here. In 2016, we published another photo with better information, here. The strip mall opened in 1964, so, now, it is officially a senior citizen 55 years old. The 44,000 sq. ft. shopping center across from Guilford College filed for bankruptcy in 2010, but appears to be back on its feet.

The businesses are open, but it can be a little challenging to find the entrances. Please continue to patronize the shops. Once you get past the chain link, you have the same great businesses inside. Since the Wal-Mart neighborhood store opened on the back side of the Quaker Village,  the other sides of QV are a lot more accessible. Happy Saturday! 

The First Amendment

Yesterday, a group that pushes the envelope with respect to First Amendment rights, assembled in several places around Greensboro and High Point. Westboro Baptist Church assembled and with signs that incited very strong reactions from the liberal groups they were targeting.

Above was part of the crowd at one of their Greensboro stops; specifically, at the corner of Josephine Boyd and Spring Garden Streets. The counter protest of people assembled was peaceful, determined to send a message of tolerance and love. There was an impromptu band in the background that, at one point, was playing Baby Shark. Throughout there were hundreds of counter protesters dancing and chanting along the way. At the end of the day, the protests were peaceful and participating students got a good lesson on the right to free speech and to assemble peacefully- even when the message is hurtful.

Folk Dances at Van Dyke Performance Space

Folk dances were a big part of the Day of the Dead event at the Cultural Arts Center this past Friday. Folk dancers performed in front of a full house at the Van Dyke Performance Space. If we remembered correctly, the above photo features the dance where indigenous dancers wore costumes that poked fun of their European colonizers. 

The audience really loved all of the dances and, at the end, spectators were invited to the stage to have photos taken with performers. Many people in the audience dressed or wore makeup to celebrate Day of the Dead and they looked right at home with the performers. The Van Dyke Performance Space is a nice, small venue to see special events and was perfect for the event that was made possible through Casa Azul and many sponsors.. 

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.

Trader Joe's Opens

Trader Joe's has been trying to open a store in the Greensboro market for several years now. Yesterday, that goal became a reality and the above photo shows the hustle and bustle at the Brassfield store on Battleground Avenue. Business was steady all day. The whole event felt a little like Black Friday shopping as customers pushed their carts around finding their TJ favorites and looking for some pumpkin spice flavored items. The staff was exuberant, as were the customers. The police at the entrance were ensuring that people were able to cross the street safely.

As hard as Trader Joe's worked to open a store near Friendly Center, at the end of the day, it seems like a good thing to spread the wealth and open on North Battleground. The Brassfield Shopping Center was busier today than it has been in a very long time, which was a good thing! From the cut flowers as you enter the store to the rows and rows of specialty items, everything is masterfully displayed. TJ knows their demographic. Go to their website, here.

Welcome!

Pumpkin Patches

It is pumpkin patch time in Greensboro and Centenary Methodist Church at 2300 West Friendly Avenue is ready to help you with your pumpkin/gourd needs. White pumpkins are trending this year and people are really getting creative at carving them. Profits will be shared with the Boy Scouts and other groups at Centenary UMC. The church invites preschools and daycares to bring children to have story time in the patch. This activity is especially fun at this centrally-located church- as long as the weather cooperates.

Although you may pay a little more for your pumpkin at a fundraising patch, your money is going to help the local community. Also, you are building memories by picking out a pumpkin from an outdoor patch, as opposed to purchasing from a big box store or supermarket. It is predicted that 145 million Americans will purchase pumpkins for Halloween and spend $377.23 million on pumpkins for carving into jack-o-lanterns.* We're betting the Greensboro does its fair share to contribute to these data!

*reference.

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.

Goodbye, Weekend!

The above shoppers are leaving the Liberty Antiques Festival late Saturday afternoon. The big sellers this year were furniture, especially primitive, and all things metal. Vendors reporting having a good show; however, the general consensus was that the extreme heat kept people away. It is hard to believe at the end of September temperatures were in the 90s. 

This was such a busy weekend in the Greensboro area. In addition to all of the regular happenings in town and the Liberty Antiques Festival in Randolph County, the Greek Festival was held, Triad Local First held an event, there was an art show and sale featuring the art of artists over fifty, and more! As we walk away from the weekend we face a new week, and new month; time to start planning our fall adventures.

Hello, Monday... you are the only thing between us and October! Are you hiding fall from us?