Greensboro Daily Photo

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!

Photo Shoot on Lewis & Elm

Lewis and Elm has become a fun part of town. Lewis and Elm is both a business and a crossroad. The business has light appetizers, wine, cheese, and often live entertainment. Bourbon Bowl is in the area, a place to buy Wrangler jeans, Elsewhere Museum, Boxcar Bar and Arcade, and so much more. This is a part of town where you can go and hang out and have plenty of social activity. In the above photo, a graduate has chosen this location for some graduation photos. This is such an exciting time of year. By the end of the first week of May, university graduations begin and at the end of May, the high schools start their graduation ceremonies. 

Do you have a special place in Greensboro to take ceremonial photos? Many people like to use the murals or graffiti as a backdrop. To anchor the photo in Greensboro, or at the school, signage with the name of the school is always a good bet. Another idea is with one of the pairs of fiberglass jeans since in the mid-20th century, Greensboro was the denim capital of the world. The Bog Garden and Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden are prom photo favorites. It can be nice to have a natural setting so the background doesn't detract from the people in the photo. If you can find a place that holds a special memory or is linked to your career choice, those can make fun photos. Perhaps it was the lighting (bright, but not harsh sun) or the plain gray wall that attracted the graduate to the space. At any rate, this trending corner of town is much busier once the sun sets. 

If you have a graduating senior in your life, may you find the perfect spot to capture those photos. Location! Location! Location! Happy Thursday.

Governmental Plaza

Part of the fun of being at the Food Truck Festival downtown on Sunday was seeing all of the people. It was also special seeing streets lined with families. Governmental Plaza was busy and provided lots of shade on an otherwise blistering day. Governmental Plaza can feel so "heavy" when people have to go appear in court, serve on jury duty, get their taxes settled, etc. Business, business, business. However on Sunday, the plaza area, extending from Market and Eugene Streets to Greene and Washington Street came alive with people enjoying each other. The above photo was taken on the southeast corner of the plaza, near the parking deck. Children were playing and enjoying the bounce park. 

As you can see, the trees are starting to leaf out. Temperatures will be in the 80s today so it will really feel like summer. Let's hope the city can keep up the momentum and do even more to entice people to spend time downtown.

Happy Tuesday!

Eggstravaganza in Downtown Greensboro!

Today is the day for the Downtown Greensboro Truliant Eggstravaganza. There are hidden eggs and prizes throughout downtown. Participating businesses have eggs hidden in their establishment and if you find one and show a picture of the egg at the register, you'll receive an egg with a prize. The event is happening today and tomorrow. Read HERE for more details. In the above photo, Lauren and Allen of Healthy Boro Fitness and Nutrition Shop were toting bags of eggs to their juice and smoothie shop, Healthy Boro is located at 106 Paisley Street, just north of the Marriott. 

For the last four years, Lauren and Allen have been providing customers with nutritional liquid meals and more. They are such an upbeat, positive couple. Spend a few minutes around them and you will feel the positive energy of this husband and wife team. Stop by their store tomorrow and hunt for an Easter egg and you just may win one of the big prizes. Lauren and Allen carried these large bags of Easter eggs all the way from 536 South Elm Street to their shop on Paisley. That is a pretty long walk! Healthy Boro is not open on Saturday, so, if you want to earn one of those eggs, see them today. Some businesses are participating on Friday and Saturday. We had to laugh because we spotted Lauren and Allen when we were at the corner of McGee and South Elm. By the time we ran to catch up with them, they were already in front of Scuppernong Book Sellers! Meeting them was well worth the run. Happy Friday!

Friendly Avenue Baptist Church Fire Truck Easter Egg Drop

Yesterday was a very special day at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church.....

Children, from toddlers to 5th graders, were invited to hear the Easter story and then participate in the Fire Truck Easter Egg Drop. In the above photo, you see children scrambling to gather Easter eggs filled with treats, just after the eggs had been dropped from a fire truck's bucket ladder extended several stories high. In addition, there were stations all over the church lot with games, activities, and light snacks for the children. Everything was free and family friendly. Every detail was meticulously executed. Participants pre-registered, ensuring sufficient volunteer staff and enough Easter eggs.  By the start of the event yesterday, thousands of eggs were carefully stuffed and sealed with tape- wheel barrels full. Children were given clear empty bags to stuff with plastic eggs. In spite of the cool, breezy weather, fun was had by all. Friendly Avenue is known for having these big, inclusive events that help build memories for children. Yesterday was one of many examples of their efforts to build a sense of community.

If you were wanting to go to church at Friendly Avenue today, Palm Sunday, there is an 8:30 am service; Sunday school is at 9:45am;  and the late service is at 11:00am. Five o-clock in the evening is Kids Praise time; students and adults also have a group gathering at 5:00 pm. For Christians, today, Palm Sunday, commemorates the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, when palm branches were placed down, marking the path. We're betting today will also be a very special day at Friendly Avenue Baptist.

Happy Sunday!

Lynn Witherspoon

Today, we're featuring the ever enthusiastic and energetic Lynn Witherspoon. Lynn's impressive credentials include working with the National Folk Festival, the North Carolina Folk Festival, the upcoming Greensboro Bound Literary Festival, and the Carolina Blues Festival- to name a few. Lynn is the person who, as she puts it, takes care of all the things that happen in the background at festivals and community events. She ensures that the infrastructure is in place. As an example, with the folk festivals, she determines where the stages will be, how many tents they need, where vendors and food trucks will set up, how many volunteers will be needed and where, how to meet the needs of guest performers and presenters, and more. She learned the art of managing the inner workings of a festival by shadowing the crew of the National Folk Festival. However, Lynn had already amassed a tremendous skill set which includes being organized, loving to work with diverse groups of people, seeing the big picture as well as all of the step-by-step details; not to mention she is extremely computer literate. If you don't recognize Lynn, it is because she prefers working behind the scenes.

One of the many features that makes Lynn the perfect person for playing a leadership role in the operations of a local festival is the fact that she is a local herself. When the decision was made for the 2020 North Carolina Folk Festival to be virtual, with her knowledge of Greensboro, Lynn helped find the perfect locations to film. She selected: The Underground Railroad Tree at Guilford College; The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum; The Old Mill of Guilford; The Carousel at the Science Center of Greensboro; The Civil Rights Museum; Magnolia House; Center City Park; the First National Bank Baseball Field; and Gateway Gardens. While the folk festivals are near and dear to her heart, right now, Lynn is focusing her efforts on the Carolina Blues Festival* and the Greensboro Bound Literary Festival.  The entire Literary Bound Festival will be indoors and all of the details are nicely outlined on the festival's homepage. While the festival is free, through the homepage, you can access a sign up sheet. The organizers want to  have an idea of how many people are planning to attend each presentation and to honor the capacity of the venues. This in-person festival will be held May 19-22, and don't be surprised if you don't see Lynn. Rest assured, she will be working non-stop every step of the way!

The interview was conducted earlier in the week at Common Grounds, a coffee shop on Elam Avenue. 

*The Carolina Blues Festival will be also be held in Greensboro May 21st- 22nd in LeBauer Park.

It's Prom Time for Guilford County Schools!

It's prom time for Greensboro and Guilford County high schools, and this year promises to feel like life back to normal. No masks needed. The expenses of prom can be great; however, there are ways to keep costs down. Above, you see a sampling of the prom dresses available at the Goodwill Store on Lawndale Avenue near Harris Teeter and Target. They have at least 1,000 dresses available, organized by color. The collection has been closely curated and the dresses all look good-as-new. This Goodwill is located on the edge of the Irving Park neighborhood; where residents are in the position do donate generously.

Prices range from $9.99 to $99, depending on brand and style. They also have sparkly, shiny high heel shoes, ranging in price from $6.99 to $19.99. If you are in the position to sponsor a high schooler in financial need, consider bringing them here and treating them to prom attire. Yesterday afternoon, there were so many young shoppers having a blast selecting prom dresses. Standing in the aisle, we overheard, "You would look great in this dress." "I love this dress, but it is not my size." "Bree would look great in this dress." It is so heartwarming to see young people happy and having fun- just like old times.

How wonderful that it is cool to buy used. It is better for the environment and better for the pocketbook.

Happy Saturday!

Bach's Lunch

Yesterday was Johann Sebastian Bach's birthday and Starmount Presbyterian Church is hosting Bach's Lunch every day this week. The free, open-to-the-public concerts start at 12:15 p.m. and last for about 30 minutes. Today's concert is Debra Reuter-Pivetta on flute and Federico Pivetta on piano. Reuter-Pivetta is the principal flutist with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and a flute instructor at Salem College. Federico Pivetta is a chamber musician and teacher who often plays duets with his wife. Their performance today will be well worth attending. The rest of the schedule for the series can be seen here. They will continue through Friday. These concerts have been held every March since 1985 and except for the two years of the pandemic. We encourage you to call a few friends and head out to this event. It was easy to forget about these great community events during the pandemic, after two years of of blank calendars.

Starmount Presbyterian is a beautiful church located at 3501 West Market Street. The church was established in 1952, an outgrowth of Orange Presbytery, Church of the Covenant, and the First Presbyterian Church.  This is when Greensboro was really expanding westward. Starmount Presbyterian does so much for the community. It is part of the Greensboro Interfaith Hospitality Network, a group that houses homeless families. They have missions abroad. For one week, each March, their mission is to bring high quality music to the public. Head on over this week and show them some support! You won't regret it.

Happy Tuesday!

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

What on earth did Greensboro do before the Tanger Center?  Did we realize before it was built just how many performances would be held there? This past week alone, they have had a Lyle Lovett concert; The Simon and Garfunkel Story; and tonight is Anne Lamott, the second in the Bryan Series Lectures. Lion King just closed March 6th. The calendar is full, full, full every month and with top of the line performances. Hamilton is less than a month away!

The Simon and Garfunkel Story was performed this past Sunday. It is os the genre where musicians portray the original musicians, chronicling their lives with original film footage, and perform music from the repertoire of group. The harmonies on stage were outstanding and the audience realized the performance was as close to the real Simon and Garfunkel as we will ever likely hear again. If you are in the position to purchase tickets, the Tanger is as good as it gets! Even better is the fact that we don't have to leave town!

Happy Tuesday!

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse: The Redcoats Are Coming

After a two year (COVID) hiatus, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, of the American Revolution, was reenacted this past weekend. And let the record show that Saturday was the coldest on record for the event. At the coldest point on Saturday,  temperature of 16 degrees was recorded at the airport. One of the participants told us that the fact that it had rained and the ground was wet really added to the discomfort. Another said that at least he had bragging rights to take back to his friends who elected not to participate this year. Truth be told, war is never "cozy" so those should who came out for the reenactment of a battle that was fought on March 15, 1781 were reminded of just how cold and brutal war can be. In the above photo, the British infantry is getting ready for yesterday's battle.

On a lighter note, as a participant observer, it was fun and educational to walk among campsites and hear all of the educational conversations about weaponry, historical accuracies, clothing details and colonial ways. In the pop up shops, you could buy linen socks, swords, tankards, and other items that would have been used in the late 1700s. While attendance was lighter this year, we noticed considerable intergenerational interaction; the old guard mentoring pre-teens into the colonial ways and the ways of reenactment. Greensboro is lucky to have this opportunity for residents to not only observe, but also participate in living history. We complimented a group in their spread of food and they invited us to partake! 

Happy Monday; happy making memories in Greensboro!

Northern Roots to Open on South Elm Street!

Great things are happening in the 300 block of south Elm Street. The above photo was taken at the building between 300 South Elm, where Glitters USED to be and just north of Scuppernong Books. If you have been in Greensboro since the 1990s, it is where Indigo Beads used to be, before Wenty moved her store to Pisgah Church. The store with the butcher paper on the windows will soon be Northern Roots, an antique store and coffee shop. What a great idea for a business on this block. The business is owned by a woman moving down from Ohio. Perhaps that's the reference "northern" in Northern Roots comes from.

The man in the suit is one of the people uplifting the space and getting it ready to becoming the coffee shop. The inside is painted white and fabulously clean, so ready to house a stand-out business. The company doing the work is Empire Building and Remodeling, and it looks like they are doing a fabulous job. We're not sure when the new business will open, but let's hope Northern Roots will  be in Greensboro for a very long time. Oh, and the white suit is for safety measures. When the shop opens, the guys in the white suits will have moved on to their next renovation. We can't wait to visit. Not only us, but the people on this block, are probably looking forward to this new business.

Happy Friday! Please get out and enjoy Greensboro- or whatever city happens to be your corner of the earth!

International Women's Day

Pull up a chair, or sofa, and join us for International Women's Day which began in 1911. Women's Day was first celebrated in Europe and in 1975, it gained traction when it started being celebrated by the United Nations. Today's photo was taken at the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. This painting on the wall above the sofa is part of an exhibit at the Center for Visual Artists (CVA). The wall mural, Eve Genesis,  was painted by Kidd. The title of the whole, multi-artist exhibit is "The Eve Gene." The exhibit is curated by Virginia Holmes who is a local artist and activist.  

Purple and white are the colors of International Women's Day. If you read this before you get dressed for the day, please consider wearing purple and white, whether you live in Greensboro or elsewhere. If you want to learn more about IWD, read this BBC article. Also, the Greensboro History Museum is going a presentation at noon today. The CVA is open from 12pm- 5:00 pm today. Come sit on the big blue couch with us and reflect on all of the art in the room and on all of the great things the women of Greensboro have done.

 See more information, here.

Manning Franks on the Beat in Downtown Greens'BORO!

Manning Franks of WFMY News 2 was on Elm Street yesterday afternoon covering a new policy in downtown Greensboro that permits people to carry alcoholic beverages out of one establishment and into another. The policy began yesterday at noon. The idea is that the policy is not about drinking, but walkability, the ability to stroll and shop in stores even if a beverage hasn't been completely consumed. There are very strict guidelines, including using an approved container/cup, not just any open container one might just happen to have. Also, the establishment a person is entering must have a square sticker on their door that has written on it, "G  BORO OUTSIDE DRINKS welcome."

Manning, the ever personable Four2Five Photographer/Editor, was on location interviewing shoppers and business owners  on Elm Street about the policy. Manning Franks is a Greensboro native and graduate of High Point University.  He is out covering current events a lot, so, if you are out attending an  event, chances are you will run in to him. Manning is easily recognizable as he looks a lot like a younger  John Stamos. He also looks like Profe Dickerson (who taught in the Guilford County Schools for about 14 years). Seeing the giant camera is also a clue. You can tell by that smile on his face that he loves people and loves his job!

Happy Wednesday! 

Spring is Just Around the Corner

If you were out driving on the north end of Glenwood on Haywood Street, behind the Kaplan Center for Wellness, you would have seen this landscaping crew hard at work. In this day and age, the internet if full of people complaining about others. Our post today is something along the lines of "caught being good"! As we drove by, we noticed everyone on the crew was working quickly and efficiently as a team. We stopped to ask if they were mulching or making major changes; they let us know they were mulching. We drove by their truck to and saw that this crew was truck 23 of Bland Landscaping Company. 

Bland is a full service landscaping company established in 1976. They serve the whole Piedmont area and the Costal Carolinas. Bland doesn't appear to have an office in Greensboro, but they service the area and have some big accounts here and we can see why. Whether you are going to do your own yard work, or if you are going to hire a landscaping company, today's photo reminds us it is time to start scheduling the work

Happy Wednesday!

Guilford Green Foundation

First of all, happy 2/22/22! What a date to remember!

Today, we're featuring two volunteers at the Guilford Green Foundation table at this past Saturday's "Really, Really Free Market."  Guilford Green is an organization that works for equality, diversity, and inclusion in the Greensboro community. They are also an LGBTQ Center and work hard to see that everyone is accepted and valued for who they are. Guilford Green concentrates on helping young people who might not have adults in their lives who know how to support family members with gender identities that are different from their own. You may have noticed, many people now sign their names with the pronouns that match their identity. On the table on Saturday, they gave away free buttons with pronoun choices on them.

Teens of today are navigating in a very different world from even ten years ago. Through the Internet, they have a world of information at their fingertips, and they are searching. Teens are talking about and making life choices, often, with parents who don't quite know how to navigate this changing landscape. Guilford Green is a great resource. The organization offers a drop in youth night on Thursdays from 6-8 pm at their headquarters at 121 North Green Street. They are also hiring. For graduating high school seniors attending an institution of higher education in the fall, the Pearl Berlin Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000- $3,000 for someone who identifies as LGBTQ or who is a straight ally.

As for the two workers at the table on Saturday, we're sorry we didn't get your name, but thank you for all you are doing in the community.

Happy Tuesday!

GCS School Board Meeting

Yesterday evening, the Guilford County Schools held their regularly scheduled board meeting at 6:00 pm at the Eugene Street building. As we drove by, we noticed a group had assembled outside from 5:00-6:00 pm. The were holding signs requesting schools to tell the truth. They did not say what group they affiliated with but signs said things like, True History Unites. Racism Divides; Tell the Truth PERIOD! and Turning a blind eye on our history has not saved us from its consequences. We were struck at how peacefully the group had assembled.

A lot of discussion at yesterday's board meeting centered around whether or not to continue mandating masks and the extent to which COVID tests should be administered to athletes. The decision has been made to continue wearing masks at least until the next board meeting. These decisions are never easy, but issues need to be discussed and decisions need to be made. We would like to thank all of the school board members for giving their time for the community. If you want to know more or be involved, the school board meetings are always broadcast live. If you want to get a point across, sign up to speak (3 minutes and under), send your representative an email, or, assemble peacefully like the group above.

Happy Wednesday!

Magnet Application Time Is Upon Us!

If you have children of an age where they are attending school, and you live in Guilford County, you probably are well aware that it is magnet application time. It you have children already enrolled in a program, you are helping your school recruit students who will be a good fit for the theme of the program. If you are looking, you have likely found the schools that are the best fit for your children. The Guilford County Schools are known for their school options at every grade level. The above photo was taken at Brooks Global Studies Magnet School. The Sign "Brooks Your #1 Choice" is an impressive advertisement for the school. As you can see from the more permanent sign, donated by Gate City Rotary, reminds us that the magnet application period runs from January 14th to February 21st.

Brooks Global is a year round school, which means that it is on a different calendar than the schools on a traditional calendar. Exciting things are happening at Brooks Global because land has been made available and plans have been drawn up for an all-new, state-of-the-art facility. As wonderful as Brooks is now, it will be even more spectacular when the new building opens. The new location backs up to the arboretum so the new lot will be as wooded as this one. We hope you have a great weekend, and, if you looking at the magnet schools, we hope you find one that is just right for your child.

Happy Friday, some schools are offering virtual sessions today!

A Little Snow... A Lot of Beauty

This is what Greensboro woke up to Saturday morning. Temperatures were in the teens and while there wasn't a lot of snow, There was enough to blanket years, streets, and windshields. The  bright sunshine helped roads melt quickly. In the above photo, taken in northwest Greensboro, just look at the beautiful shadows the morning rays of sun were casting on the hill and snow covered driveway.

Yesterday's weather conditions were such that many in-person church services are canceled or reduced today- with online options. As an example, the First Presbyterian church of Greensboro will have one service at 11:00 in person am today and live-streaming. There will be no Church School. West Market Street UMC will have a similar arrangement. Nothing beats in-person fellowship; however, it is nice to have the option for virtual fellowship or simply having some quiet time to reflect and be thankful. We are so conditioned to go, go, go; however, sometimes, staying home and admiring the beauty of the natural world around is spiritual in its own right. Even if all of the roads are clear, if there was any remaining water on the roads, there could be black ice conditions.  The low today is 21 degrees while the high may be 46°.  

Happy Sunday; may we all appreciate and enjoy our beautiful city.

Snow is Lingering and Getting Cleared

While it didn't snow yesterday, workers were busy clearing it up in parking lots and on streets. The above pile of snow was one of many in the shopping center on Lawndale Avenue. As you can see, it got warm enough yesterday for the parking lot to melt; however, after sunset, the temperature quickly dropped to freezing and by sunrise had dropped to 23°F. The main roads have been cleared, but the side streets are still bad. Efforts will be made to get the streets cleared today. Also, garbage pick up is pushed back by another day as efforts continue to clear the streets. Forecasters are predicting that we could get some more snow on Friday.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation clears snow "based on connectivity, traffic volume, trucking routes, and importance to hospitals."* They do not remove snow from driveways or sidewalks. Homeowners are expected to address these issues in front of their houses. In the meantime, small children are all out making snowmen and getting in the first sled rides of the season. Do you have a special sled riding spot in your neighborhood? Happy Tuesday and if you must go out, please try to stay on main roads and go in the middle of the day when roads are warmest.

*reference and additional information, here. The top priority is interstates and four lane divided highways. 

Happy MLK Day... First Snow 2022 Yesterday

Well, it happened. We got our first snow of 2022 on January 16th. The snow started about 6:30 am and an accumulation of snow and ice continued throughout the day. People sent rumors that Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel was headed to Greensboro. To our knowledge, he was only in Asheville. The snow and ice continued into the evening. Today is predicted to be sunny. According to Accuweather, 71% of Greensboro received 1-3" of snow with 1% receiving 6" and 1% receiving less than 1%. In the early hours of the morning, the snow was really light and fluffy; as the sleet and ice came, the snow got wetter and heavier. During the day, temperatures hovered in the 20s and actually warmed into the 30s after dark. 

We heard from so many people in Greensboro who spent much of Saturday cooking up a storm... or, that is, in anticipation of a storm. The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro as we were out on a morning walk. It is alway fun to get out and romp in the snow; less so, of course if it is work related. Speaking of work, we are one of those holdout families who receives home delivery of the Greensboro News & Record. Our Sunday paper yesterday was double bagged and actually delivered to our doorstep. We love supporting the community paper and are grateful the delivery drivers are willing to brave the elements. Thank you to everyone who is working through the storm.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is intended to be a day of service. It looks like this year, the MLK Day of Service through the Volunteer Center at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State's Student Center will host this event, open to the public, next Sunday, January 23rd from 3-5pm (see HERE).

Happy Monday and stay safe regardless of what you decide to do.

Snow, What are your Storm Foods?

Do you think by this time tomrrow we will have snow? Yesterday, everyone in line at the Walmart Supercenter on West Elmsley Street south of Greensboro thought so. When we went in the store about 4pm, the self-checkout line was backed up almost to the back of the store. Fortunately, the line moved rather quickly. Most people were just picking up a few items. We were behind a worker who was buying something to drink and a snack, either after work or during break. We wish we'd thought to buy it for him and thank him for being there. Workers were filling shelves about as fast as customers were emptying them. If you notice the worker's vest, above the Wal mart sun, it says "6 bottles recycled to make this vest." In front of the employee, was a woman who bought a large pack of corn tortillas and three gallons of milk. We all have our "go to" comfort storm foods. What are yours.

The Elmsley Wal mart Supercenter is one of the newest in the Greensboro area. It is large, clean and (normally) well stocked. Sometimes you can find random things there that other stores don't carry- like 25 pound bags of rabbit pellets. It is located between South Elm-Eugene Street and Randleman Road and driving out the back exit to Randleman Road, we took Florida Street to Josephine Boyd to Spring Garden and made it to Reconsidered Goods- almost at West Market Street- to drop off a donation in a little over 15 minutes. One of the perks of knowing Greensboro well it getting from Point A to Point B and avoiding the busiest streets. 

Happy Saturday! Hopefully, we won't need to hunker down!

Publix Distribution Center

Sometimes, on weekends, we like to drive from Greensboro to Kernersville, Burlington, Reidsville, Asheboro, High Point, or Pleasant Garden to see how the roads into and out of Greensboro are changing. Last weekend's venture took us to Burlington Road,- which is also U.S. 70, and East Wendover. We were shocked to see the above change, between Mt. Hope Road and Knox Road. What was formerly a small golf course (possibly nine hole), is now being transformed into the Publix Distribution Center near McLeansville. The center is 940,000 square feet on 338.69 acres. This industrial complex is scheduled to open in 2022.* This part of Guilford County is quickly becoming a place for trucks to get consumer goods and food from Point A to Point B. The $400 million investment should bring at least 1,000 jobs - not including the other jobs created as a result of having more people and commerce in the eastern end of Guilford County. Salaries will average between &42,000 and &44,ooo.**

It is fun to watch the progress. Now is a nice time to go have a look, especially on the weekend, as traffic is not yet excessive. On Sunday, it was as if the sky was pointing to the distribution center. Look at that arc of clouds. The photo doesn't do the site justice as the facility stretches as far as the eye can see. This is a case when a drone view would be best. Next time you need to drive somewhere east of Greensboro, consider taking the "back road" and seeing how much the area has changed.

Happy Wednesday!

 

• reference.
• ** reference.

Gas Prices Exxon 801 East Market Street

This Exxon station at 801 East Market Street, open 24 hours, is one of the closest gas stations to town. As you can see, in the background, the Lincoln Financial Group building is not far away; it is one of the most iconic buildings in Greensboro. We jokingly say that, in Greensboro, all roads lead to the JP/LFG building. 

We like to check in at this Exxon once in a while to document gas prices. When we were there on December 5th, regular gas was $3.18 a gallon. It will be fun to see the price this time next year. The last time we did this, June 16, 2017, gas was $2.35 a gallon. As you can see, the price is up 83¢ a gallon in 4 1/2 years. This gas station will be even more in demand when Bailey Village is completed across the street.  This Exxon seems like an island and in a way, it is. You can access it whether heading east or west through town.

Happy Monday. Only five more days until 2022, can you believe it?

United House of Prayer for All People

The United House of Prayer for All People is seen in the background, with the bright blue steeple and triangular roof. This church, based in Washington D.C. and serving the Pentecostal community, is known for good sermons, strong community outreach, and fabulous meals. In the foreground, on the right, you see one of the buildings being constructed on their 13.7 acre lot. After nearly 15 years, this lot, which was formerly housed a US Postal Service facility, will become Bailey Village, a complex of apartments, retail, and recreational space. To be sure, with North Carolina A&T State University and Bennett College as neighbors, Bailey Village will fill quickly and get plenty of use. This private investment in east Greensboro will have walkable spaces, possibly a grocery store and will be just a few blocks from downtown Greensboro. This will change the footprint of east Greensboro as this lot has been empty and creating somewhat of an island in an area that is ripe for housing, recreation, and retail.*

Not only will this development be good for east Greensboro, it will also be good for downtown Greensboro as it links downtown with the eastern part of Greensboro. Greensboro has grown significantly in the North with the ballpark, Tanger Center, and the new apartments across from the ballpark. It is only logical for Greensboro to expand eastward. If you are up for a Sunday drive, head over and see all of the changes along east Market Street and Dudley Street. It will be fun to watch this project evolve during 2022!

Happy Sunday!

* reference and more information, here.

A Sunset Hills Christmas

The above photo was taken, just as the sun was setting, in Greensboro. The corner of Ridgeway and Madison is "Ground Zero" for the giant ball decorations wrapped with lights. The neighborhood is decorated and ready for carloads to drive through. Last weekend, the Running of the Balls was held. All that remains now is to drop off your donations for local food banks and to simply enjoy all of the time and effort Sunset Hills has put into decorating. The display is especially beautiful because there isn't excessive light pollution. 

Perhaps you read about local middle school student, Cooper Dunning, who makes the lighted balls to sell, using the money to partially fund his college savings and to partially donate to a local charity. His goal is to make 1,000 of the balls this year; no easy task when you have to bend the chicken wire just right so it looks round and to space the lights evenly across the round surface. The non-profit he has chosen to help this year is the "Green for Greens" program that doubles food assistance vouchers for families in need.* How wonderful to see the younger generation stepping up and continuing the decorating and for their helping non-profits.

The Sunset Hills neighborhood was founded in 1924 and every year it just seems to keep getting better and better, as does this holiday decorating and collecting of food. The family of Jonathan and Anne Smith first started the tradition with two lighted, chicken-wire balls in 1996.  Also, their yard is one of the collection places for the local food bank. If you have not experienced Sunset Hills at Christmas, you need to do what you can to get there. Happy Thursday!

 

*read more HERE.

 

Tanger Center

Dear Evan Hansen reopened on Broadway in New York City on Saturday, just as the touring cast was performing the last shows at Greensboro's Tanger Center. Again, attendance was high at Tanger for this show , the third in the Broadway Series (Wicked, Beautiful, and now Dear Evan Hansen). Tanger and the Broadway series have both been a big hit in Greensboro and a much needed addition to 2021.  In the above photo, you see the advertisement board for all of the plays this year. It is located on the LeBauer Park side of Tanger Center and the photograph was taken on a non-performance day when all was quiet. Had we taken a photo yesterday, you would have seen people rushing into Tanger and pouring out, after the shows. 

Next up, at the end of December, is "Come From Away," about what transpired in 2001, the week after the September 11th attacks when 38 passenger planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland.  It is the story of the kindness of locals when 7,000 strangers were stranded in their town. On September 11, 2019, we featured Greensboro's own Katja Brown who was one of the people detained in Gander with her two toddlers. A lot has changed in Katja's life since 2001, and even since 2019 when we interviewed her, one thing is for sure; she will always have the memories of the kindness of people in Gander on September 11th, 2001. To be sure, when Katja sees "Come From Away," it will be through a very different lens from those who did not experience the event! If you want a ticket to the play, you should check availability soon.

Here's to a great week for everyone. If you have students in the Guilford County Schools, you have five more days before winter break begins! 

Festival of Lights, Let the Season Begin!

The Festival of Lights last night was extremely well attended. The two downtown City of Greensboro Parks (Center City and LeBauer) were stuffed with vendors, performers, food trucks, and the many festival going people of Greensboro. A good time was had by all. The above photo features the lighting of the Holiday tree in Center City Park, just before 7:00 p.m. last night.Can you see all of the phones positioned to get a photo of the lighting? 

After the lighting of the tree, people lingered in the parks, went to the Cultural Arts Center, and/or strolled along Elm Street. There are so many shows and events today, it should be easy to find something to do. The holiday parade starts at 12 noon today. Additionally, you can find plenty of opportunities to have fun downtown, and beyond! Remember to shop local.

If you want to see some other activities, there are so many options today. Let us know what you find. 

Black Friday 2021

Today is the day all of the retailers have been waiting for, Black Friday. People will be out shopping for special deals. If you subscribe to the Greensboro News & Record, Wednesday's edition was as thick and full of advertisements, just like old times. Let's hope retailers and shoppers have all of their dreams come true. The above photo was taken outside the K&W  Cafeteria, on Northline Drive, at Friendly Center. Stores at Friendly Center will be ready for you today. If you haven't driven along Northline lately, you might not know that the stops are now 4-way, making it easier for all drivers to get a turn getting through the intersections and left turns are now as easy as right turns.

If you are out shopping, let the above photo of Nancy, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, reminds us to remember others. Whether you donate to the Salvation Army's red kettle or another organization, give to the needy in some other way, or donate to someone in need directly, remember that there are many in need this year and kindness and generosity is especially appreciated. While we were talking to Nancy, who is a bell ringer for the first time this year, the above man got out of his car to drop a donation in the kettle. The people of Greensboro are giving people. We're betting you, dear reader, are already doing your part! Happy Black Friday!

1005 South Josephine Boyd

Yesterday, driving past this house at 1005 South Joesphine Boyd Street stopped us in our tracks. The sun was shining brightly and the combination of the red leaves, the red house, and the red car, punctuated by the pink, yellow, and blue planters looked stunning. With no cars on the road to the left, and the large lot that goes with the house, it looked like we were on a rural country road. In reality, we were just a block off of Gate City Boulevard and very near UNCG. This three bedroom, one bath, house was built in 1928. We can only imagine how rural it seemed almost 100 years ago.

Much of the Glenwood neighborhood is like this; at some places it looks very urban and others, very rural. If you want to drive around and explore Glenwood, we encourage you to attend one of the community events there. Most immediately, on Black Friday,  Glenwood hosts Greensboro's "Really, Really Free Market at the church at 1307 Glenwood Avenue. They could use any donations you have. Everything is free. You can even pick up something for yourself.  It is such a nice gesture, the "Really, Really Free Market has a really, really neighborly feel. Just like the house above!

Tommy Orange Visits Greensboro

What a treat it was listening to author Tommy Orange speak last night. His book "There, There," tells the stories of several native people living in urban areas, mostly Oakland California. Their complex struggles with identity, daily living, and coming to terms with issues in their lives that have roots across generations. The format of Mr. Orange's presentation was very engaging. Ms. Carla Banks, Greensboro Communications & Marketing Director, seated in the chair on the right, came well prepared with questions that made it clear she had read the book thoroughly and completely. 

Mr. Orange (he would probably want us to call him Tommy) started writing "There, There,"  when he learned he was going to be a father.  Prompted by Ms. Banks, Mr. Orange spoke about the fact that native people have inherited a legacy of loss and it be hard to have a connection to their history. He exmlained, "We blame ourselves for not having something that was beat out of us" (language, culture, and history). He is especially happy that young people like his book. While he wants to tell the story of his community, he also wants people to have a good read and to experience that feeling that comes from reading a good novel. Ms. Banks mentioned the fact that readers want to know even more more about the  characters in "There, There.". Mr. Orange mentioned that he sold a sequel to the book in 2018 and said that the book is both a prequel and also a sequel given that he talks about so much history, especially boarding schools. When asked by an audience member about his writing process, Mr. Orange said he loves to write in hotels, because he can read out loud and not have to worry about people listening. He also uses Internet programs that read books back to you so that he can listen while running. As you can see from the photo, people stayed around to talk and get their copies of "There, There" signed after the event was finished. 

This author visit was made possible by the Greensboro Public Library Foundation. Please consider donating to this foundation so that Greensboro can have even more special programs like "One City, One Book." Thank you for everyone who made possible the event last evening! Finally, the Terrace at the Greensboro Coliseum is a very nice venue.

Hope for Hiatt Street

We first learned of "Hope for Hiatt" through Triad City Beat, with photos by Carolyn de Berry and an the article by Sayaka Matsuoka. Above is the Hiatt Street property across from the long-gone 8.7 acre Rolane Sock Factory property that is about to be renovated as apartments, townhomes, amenities, and shops. As for the above property, Jerry Wass of Owl's Roost Properties is slated to purchase and develop it. The problem is that, for decades, several families have been living  at Jamison Homes Mobile Park at 2511 Hiatt Street. At one time, 21 families lived there, and in the last several years, all have been members of the Latinx community. Unless something changes, these families need to relocate on or before December 31, 2021.  The residents would love to purchase the land and remain there and many Lindley Park residents are in support of their staying. If you see the "Hope for Hiatt" signs along Spring Garden Street, you now know the back story. All of the mobile homes are to the left of the blue one in the above photo. From the vantage point of this photo, you can houses on Spring Garden Street in the background.

This whole strip of land between Spring Garden Street and Oakland Avenue, just north of Gate City Boulevard and Norfolk Southern train tracks, is changing before our eyes. It will be interesting to chart the change. Even UNCG has property back there , too, including a building for surplus furniture, offices, and some land for sustainable gardening. Hopefully, something will work out for the families, even if they have to move elsewhere. Have a good weekend, everyone.

Blood Drive

Sunday afternoon, we were driving along Lipscomb Road, near Friendly Avenue, and we saw the BIG RED BUS. The big red bus is a mobile place to donate blood. It looked like the event was actually handled by a private citizen as opposed to a church or school.  There was a tent set up in the back yard of this property and there was a medical profession leaving the premises as the bus was packing up.

Here is a link t the BIG RED BUS, in case any of you are interested in hosting a blood drive or learning more about the organization. The donation center will come to you; you don't need to go to it! Look at what a lovely day it was on Lipscomb Road. Donors even received a %20 girt card. We couldn't ascertain the impetus behind this initiative, but it seems like a good cause- community generated. Happy Tuesday!!!

Learning about Day of the Dead at MCUNCG

Dr. Janis L. Antonek, photographed above, is standing beside the Day of the Dead altar she constructed with help from her students and in collaboration with local artist Beka Butts. The exhibit is installed at the Middle College at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (MCUNCG). It is displayed in the hallway for all students to enjoy, not just those taking Spanish this semester. The papel picado/cut paper, the lettering, and the tissue paper flowers were all made by students at the school. The goal of the project is to make it possible for students to make Mexican art and to learn about the practices, products, and perspectives centered around Mexican culture. Even though the theme of MCUNCG is health and life sciences, there are many students at the school who enjoy art. This project is an opportunity to incorporate visual art into the Spanish language curriculum.

The Endowment Grant Committee of the North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation awarded Dr. Antonek a 2021 MAXINE AND DON McCALL ENDOWMENT GRANT for Gifted Education or Fine Arts. Dr. Antonek was delighted to receive the grant because it is making it possible to collaborate with local artists, to purchase supplies, and to let students make art. Dr. Antonek says the students really seem to be enjoying learning about Mexican art and culture.

(photo credit T. Hefner).

Halloween 2021, on Walker Avenue

Sunset Hills may have the reputation for the most collective Christmas spirit with those round light balls in the trees. However, Lindley Park went all out last night creating a pretty fabulous Halloween. Some streets in the neighborhood were closed to vehicle traffic. There were children galore out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Walker Avenue, between Elam and Wendover Avenue was really alive. Specifically, 2406 Walker Avenue was especially celebratory. They had a Karaoke robot dancer and lazer light show. On the left, what looks like flames is light and a smoke machine. Children and adults alike were mesmerized. The family in this small house on Walker, built in 1925- almost 100 years ag0- really knows how to bring the neighborhood alive.

We hope schools, families, and teachers alike all have grace today. Between the NCA&T Homecoming this past weekend and all of the Halloween events, there will be a lot of tired people today. But, whenever it is possible to safely celebrate together, being a little tired the next day, is a small price to pay. Last night, we officially said goodbye to October. Hello November, we are ready for you, from Walker Avenure and beyond!

Dia De los Muertos

Today's photo features one of the altars from the 2020 Casa Azul Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos exhibit. It was set up in the Center for Visual Artists at the Greensboro Cultural Center at 200 North Davie Street. Last year, with more stringent COVID restrictions, families brought in pre-made altar boxes. This exhibit features photos of the deceased and the Virgin of Guadalupe, an apparition of the Virgin Mary in Mexico in 1531.

The Day of the Dead holiday starts tomorrow, as does the 2021 Día de Muertos Offend Exhibition in the Center for Visual Artists (see HERE). Opening night hours, November 1st, will be from 5-8pm. Tuesday will be extended hours from 12 noon - 8pm. The event is free and open to the public and will be shown until November 13th. If you and your family celebrate Day of the Dead, you will already know about the holiday. If not, The holiday is a time to honor ancestors and loved ones that have gone to the spirit world. The movies "The Book of Life" and "Coco" are related to the holiday. Also, you can learn about it from the exhibit and Casa Azul volunteers. 

At the Corner of West Market & New Garden

Greensboro has been having so much road construction being done lately. The above photo features the corner of West Market Street and New Garden Road. It can seem confusing to know where and how to proceed through an intersection with barrels; however, take your time and you will figure it out. Of course,  we all know, in the end,  any and all improvements will be worth the inconvenience. A lot of work is still being done in Greensboro on Horse Pen Creek and Westridge and Battleground to name a couple. Take your time and you will be able to navigate these temporary traffic patterns. If you are out this weekend, do be careful.

In spite of the cooling temperatures and fewer hours of daylight, when the sun is out, just about everything is glorious about Greensboro's scenery, even roads with barrels. You have yourself a nice weekend. Thank you for your loyalty to our blog, especially those of you who have been reading GDP for 13 years now!!! We've published over 4,500 photos of Greensboro! Today's photo is not our most beautiful, but it is a little slice of life of happenings in our great city.

Wicked at the Steven Tanger Center (aka T-PAC)

"Wicked" played to a sold out crowd last night at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts (T-PAC). It was the last night of the play. It was extremely well received by the community, as is the Tanger Center itself. The above photo was taken well before the play started, before many people had taken their seats. Helping with filling the house is the practice of having a digital lottery for seats available for $25 for those who are selected (see here for details, in case they offer this option for future plays). Broadway in NYC has "Rush" as their opportunity for heavily discounted "same day" tickets. The theater is so wonderful and seeing a Broadway quality play performed is something everyone should experience at least once. If you ever have an extra ticket that you can't use, consider giving it so someone who otherwise might not be able to afford one.  Everything about "Wicked" was fabulous, from the acting, to the set design, to the orderly manner in which ushers helped people to their seats. All of the seats appear to be good ones.

The next Broadway play offered at Tanger is "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" from November 9-14. This run is not as long as "Wicked." If you like that 70s sound, get your tickets soon. See the rest of the lineup, here. After one big show, people are already talking about what a wonderful community resource we now have downtown. As we were leaving the theater tonight, all of the trucks and a bus were lined up to strike the set for the play. By the time this post publishes, there will. be no evidence that "Wicked" was ever in Greensboro; well, that is except for all of the t-shirts and other items from the merchandise stand everyone will be wearing for a very long time.

Bellemeade Parking Deck

Bellemeade Parking Deck between Elm, Bellemeade, and Greene Street just got a whole lot busier now that it is one of the designated parking decks for the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. The above photo was taken recently as people were filing in to attend Wicked. Police have been there to help ensure traffic runs smoothly in these opening weeks of Tanger. As you can see, traffic bogs down a little bit, so you want to arrive early. Plus, it is fun to stroll leisurely to your seat once in the theater. Sometimes, there can be a little bit of a delay getting out. We just need to remind ourselves that we didn't have to drive to Durham, Raleigh, or Charlotte to see Broadway plays.

The Bellemeade Deck is 8 stories and can accommodate over 1,200 cars. Did you know it is built on the site of the former O. Henry Hotel and that the O. Henry statues are right across the street from the deck? As you can see from the above photo, the structure is a combination of cement and granite. The cement is functional as it is strong enough to support the weight of the cars; the granite is a stylish touch. Today is Friday and while it is not First Friday, it is always a great time to be downtown.

Pumpkin Patch Time

It is pumpkin time again and this patch found out in front of the Guilford College United Methodist Church at 1205 Fleming Road, where it intersects with New Garden Road and Ballinger Road.  You only have to walk around the pumpkin patch and look at the signage to realize just how dynamic this church is. In addition to church service, they have Girl and Boy Scout troops meeting there. They offer adult English classes on Wednesdays. They have a pre-school.  They are advertising a Brunswick stew sale. This Saturday, October 23rd, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, they are having a Fall Festival with professional crafters and a bake sale. This should be a fun event and one of many things you will be able to do this weekend to get out and celebrate autumn. If you buy a pumpkin, the proceeds to to the youth groups at the church. What a wonderful opportunity to do something for a church that does so much for the community.

Do you have your pumpkins yet? Do you like the traditional orange or are you seeking the white, green, and pastel ones? Do you like the textured ones that look like they have warts on them? It seems like every year there are more and more novel options. Happy week of the full moon! Happy pumpkin hunting!