Greensboro Daily Photo

Freedom House Thrift

Yesterday, Freedom House Thrift opened in the former location of Tuesday Morning, on North Battleground in the same plaza where Big Lots is located. They had a smaller store a few doors up; however, that plaza will undergo major renovations and some buildings replaced. The new location must be three times the size for the retail portion and the back room for processing is large. They can process as much as they need there, even prepare bales that must move on to another place.  The store is bright, clean, and impeccably staged with vignettes by master designer Lori Gray. The Greensboro community answered the call to send in donations to stock the store and, at least on opening day, there were plenty of volunteers to wait on customers and to keep restocking shelves. The store actually has well-labeled departments. Other than not having duplicate items, you would think you are in a regular retail store. Everything, except the antiques, is nearly new.

The thrift store is a way for Freedom House to make money to fund their Christ-centered, residential facility for mothers struggling with addiction to receive treatment. Freedom house is a large community where participants work and live together for a year and than graduate, but continue with support and to help each other. It was the vision of  Ann Reilly who got it started in 2006. Nineteen years later, the program continues to thrive. The thrift shop keeps items out of landfills, gives their shoppers great items at a reasonable cost and the money helps women and families in need. Read more about the program HERE, and head to North Battleground to see the new store. And if you do not shop thrift stores, do consider items to this store that is local.

Happy Friday!

 

Greensboro's Adopt-A-Street Program

Have you ever notices the Adopt-A-Street signs around town? Are you part of an organization that has adopted a street? In Greensboro, the Parks & Recreation Department oversees the Adopt-A-Street program. This is a two year agreement for groups to clean their street four times a year and to report the clean up activity to the city. Trash bags and gloves are provided. Neon vests and trash grabbers are also available- unless they all happen to be checked out. There are guidelines for where and how to leave the bags of collected trash, but the program is a very relaxed one that brings great joy to the neighborhoods, businesses, and houses along the way.

For Greensboro Daily Photo, we urban-walk a lot and stumbled on the above sign when leaving Greene Street and turning right on Spring Garden (between Gateway Plaza and the railroad tracks). We were intrigued to see Spring Garden is sponsored by THE UNO CLUB. Could that possibly be Mattel's game of UNO?  As it turns out, UNCG, indeed, has an Uno Club. When classes are in session, the club meets to play UNO for about an hour a week,  as a way to relax and enjoy a little friendly competition. We're guessing the street cleaning is a way for university students to also get to know and give back to the community where they study. Spring Garden Street is five miles long. beginning in the 300 block of South Elm Street downtown and continuing to Market Street, after which point it becomes Muirs Chapel. Conveniently, the adopted street of the UNO CLUB runs through the UNCG campus. We tried to find a master list of all streets being sponsored and their sponsors. So far, no luck.

There are so many volunteer opportunities with the City of Greensboro. See HERE if you are looking to share your time and talents with our community. That would make a great New Year's resolution.

Happy Monday!

Bike Giveaway at Guilford County Schools

On Thursday afternoon (October 24), in Fleming Gym at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1,800 third grade students in Guilford County Schools came to UNCG. The event seemed like a pep rally. UNCG cheerleaders were on site and student leaders from the Middle College at UNCG were on the sidelines building excitement in the crowd. Spiro the Spartan was also working the crowd.  The third graders were at the event knowing 5 of the students would be selected to get bikes for having written a winning essay. However, at the end, Middle College at UNCG students rode in about 100 bikes, students learned that all 1,800 of them would get a brand new bicycle and the  students cheered jubilantly. Many civic organizations contributed to the purchasing of the bicycles. The program is part of the BIKES for KIDS hat started in California in 2002.  

In addition to the great thrill of getting a bicycle, for some students, Thursday's outing was their first on a college campus, in a college gym. Who knows, that may be the spark that inspires some students to pursue higher education when they get older. As for the high students who helped, they got to share in this special event, knowing they were part of sparking joy in the elementary school students. Truly, it was a "feel good" afternoon. The above photo features community members and Guilford County School staff, including Superintendent Oakley (the person with long dark hair behind the students with winning essays, who are just behind the bicycle).

,Happy Monday!

The Yoga Connection

The Yoga Connection is a not-for-profit collaborative community that offer free group yoga classes (and free childcare) to immigrant and refugee women in GUILFORD COUNTY. The goal is to foster well being through an accessible group yoga class. Participants- immigrants and refugee women, volunteers, and teachers- gather to strengthen body, mind, spirit, and social connection. This innovative program, centered around the concept of "seva"  (selfless service in Sanskrit) has caught the attention of yoga therapists across the country. The above photo, taken by local photographer Rose Fama Hankins,* features a class in session.

The Yoga Connection offers two 8-week sessions. The first will begin on January 23rd and the second one will begin in September. If you know of someone who would benefit from this very special program, please help them register here, or if you are in the position to donate time or other resources, follow the link to this page. Classes are held Tuesdays from 12:45- 1:45 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Peace Church, 2714 West Market Street. The chance to spend time with other women and practice yoga together is a very special experience for all involved. The Yoga Connection, now  501c3, was started in 2019 by Syrian-American Mona Flynn, a local yoga therapist and exercise physiologist.

*read Rose's inspiring story here.

 

 

 

122 North Elm Street Self Help Building

The Self-Help building at 122 North Elm Street is a 10-story office building that offers space solely to nonprofit agencies. In mid-December, when we were walking by, we noticed that renovation is taking place on the ground floor. This is the space that formerly housed the Junior League's thrift shop, Bargain Box. The Bargain Box is now located on Mill Street and since they vacated the above space on Elm, it has been empty. In 2019, there was discussion about Action Greensboro moving into the Self-Help building. Possibly, they are the ones preparing the space.

Action Greensboro was formed in 2001 to bring together local charitable foundations and business, higher education, and local government. Downtown, they were instrumental in bringing Center City Park to fruition, as well as the Downtown Greenway and Union Square. On their website, Action Greensboro now lists their address as 122 North Elm Street, Suite 110, which sounds like this space. We'll have to head downtown and see if, indeed, Action Greensboro is here. We like the way you can see the men working through the glass and also see the reflection of the space outside. 

Happy Thursday!

The Arc of Greensboro and High Point

The Arc of Greensboro began in 1953, and in High Point in 1957. It is a grassroots organization started by the parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.A large part of the early years of the organization was dedicated to advocacy and educating the community at large about the potential of this special population. It is incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) that gets grants  from many organizations; however, they also have fundraisers.

This evening, The Arc of High Point will have their annual art auction. It is a silent auction of art painted by program participants throughout the year. You can attend in person at The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards (400 West English Road, Suite 151) from 6:00- 7:30 pm, or you can actually bid online. Get tickets HERE. The above photo features three pieces of art on the wall of The Arc School and it is very likely these pieces will be for sale tonight. Hats off to their art teacher, Liz McKinnon, who determines the theme for the evening and help students hone their art skills all year long. Liz has a way of bringing the inner artist out of her students. From Greensboro to High Point and all the corners of Guilford County, events like this have a way of bring people together. They remind us that all people who live here are part of our village. The theme this year is Art Eternal.

Happy Wednesday!

Inspiring Women in STEM

Last night, NC Global Leadership (NCGL), in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, held a conversation with international women in S.T.E.M. The title of the program was "Hidden No More, International Women Leaders in S.T.E.M. Fields." The event was sponsored by, and held at, the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. NCGL Board Member Lisa Stahlmann Jessar moderated the program. The above photo features the seven, international visiting scholars among new friends, students, and supporters who came out to hear them speak. All were engrossed in conversation before and after a brief pause for this photo. The visiting scientist/leaders are from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Iraq, Mongolia, Nigeria, Panama, and the Republic of Korea. 

These  international women leaders in S.T.E.M shared their educational and career journeys and challenges they had to overcome. During the question and answer time, they mentioned the need for equal opportunities for women and more balanced opportunities in the field. They said people in the science fields need soft skills, entrepreneurship and leadership skills. Answering a question of a doctoral student from Kenya about how she could help and nurture women in science, Ms. Wara Mendez (Bolivia) said "there is no need to reinvent the wheel, resources are out there; but you have to seek them out."  A man in the audience said he believed these international visiting leaders are successful because they "never took no for an answer."  

This event was an example of partnerships within partnerships resulting in cultivating international relationships on many levels.  Since its inception in the 1940s, the International Visitor Leadership Program has among its past participants over 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government. With great interest, we will follow the careers of the women in this cohort.

Happy Tuesday!

Howl-O-Ween 2023

Yesterday, Country Park was filled with Trick-or-Treaters and their canine companions. Dogs came dresses as everything from ladybugs and been (above) to bats and superheroes. The little dogs seemed to love  strutting their costumes and the bigger ones seemed to tolerate them well. The event was sponsored by Guilford County Animal Services and Greensboro Parks and Recreation. This was  the third year for the event. Dogs got treats, too. 

In addition to getting out and enjoying the lovely fall weather and getting exercise, many businesses and organizations that offer services for dogs were on hand too. When we were there, all dogs were well behaved and everyone was complying with having their dogs on a leash. There were even food trucks on hand to feed hungry adults. Every indication is that the event will be held again next year. Let's hope between now and then, we can get the shelters cleared of as many animals as possible. Events like Howl-o-Ween remind us to adopt, not shop!

Happy Monday!

Saturday Night: Trash Bash Competition

On Saturday night, Reconsidered Goods held a Trash Bash Sculpture competition at the Greensboro Project Space at 111 East Washington Place. It was like Greensboro's own Project Runway style competition event. Twenty five people signed up to participate at Reconsidered Goods and were randomly assigned to one of 5 teams. Five people who had never met before, some not even artists, came together and had 70 minutes to assemble items from giant tubs of repurposed materials brought from Reconsidered Goods. Teams quickly came together and produced very creative works of art. Community members milled around, observing the event in process. Snacks were provided. Master makers walked around and drilled things to the wall as requested.

The exhibition will be on display at 111 East Washington Place until October 17th. The final pieces are fascinating. The one photographed above, Team 2, happened to be the grand prize winner. The winning team also used their "mystery box" of junk, earning bonus points. In true Reconsidered Goods fashion, their grand prize trophy was fashioned from materials harvested from Reconsidered Goods. A baby doll head was at the top of their trophy, as well as all of the consolation trophies. Team 5 created a giant Medusa head. It was fantastic, too. To be sure, they were all unique. This is such a good example of community building, turning trash to treasure, and nurturing creativity. Donate to Reconsidered Goods and you will be doing your share to make great events happen.

Happy Tuesday!

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Since September is almost over and it is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we're sharing this photo before October sneaks up on us. If you get a chance, wear teal this month, visit the Research Ovarian Cancer Knowledge Support website at SHE-ROCKS.ORG. The above photo was taken at Revolution Mill, off of Yanceyville Street, near the entrance to Hirsch Wellness Center. Preparing this post reminds us that we need to get by the Cone Health Cancer Center at Wesley Long on Friendly Avenue. While they provide support services, too, it is nice to get out into the community a little and Hirsch at Revolution Mill provides yet another support system. Finally, as you will see at the Silent Auction and Gala on Friday, so many of the healthcare professionals involved with treating cancer patients also donate their art, money, and time to Hirsch. 

The saying "it takes a village" extends beyond raising children, but also fits so many other situations, especially centered around the big "C".  When we interview and ask them what they like most about Greensboro, the number one answer is "the people."  We wish you a happy Tuesday and hope that you have a special community of support and social network, if it is for wellness and self care!

Clay Thornton, Executive Director, Hirsch Wellness Center

Clay Thornton recently joined Hirsch Wellness Center as executive director, but he has worked in creative services for the last 35 years. He has a BA in fine arts and graphics with a minor in ceramics from UNC Chapel Hill. Above, he is photographed in front of some of the art currently being auctioned as a fundraiser for Hirsch Wellness.  See HERE.  for over 200 works of art to view and bid on. The bidding will culminate on Friday evening at 8:00 pm, after a gala evening with entertainment and fun to be had by all. All members of the community are invited to purchase a ticket for the gala ($50). 

All proceeds from the event help maintain the Healing Arts programming and classes at no cost to cancer patients. Hirsch Wellness serves not only people in treatment, but also survivors, caregivers, and medical staff. They offer at 35+ experiences a month (from yoga to painting classes) and serve approximately 300 people. If you want to see the artwork this week, you can stop by Gallery 1250 at Revolution Mill off of Yanceyville Street. The gallery is open from 3:00- 6:00 pm, which is how we met Clay. He was so personable, answered all of our questions, and gave us an impromptu tour. He will also be at the 15th annual gala this Friday as will Founder Louise Grape, who is a survivor of breast cancer twice.  Louise knows firsthand the importance of self-care and emotional support during and after cancer. Hirsch Wellness has been helping others on this journey since 2008.  There is so much wonderful art, all donated by accomplished artists in the community.

Carina Cole, Manager of Hannah's Bridge

Carina Cole is the manager of Hannah's Bridge, a thrift shop with clothing for women, children, and men. We had a lovely conversation with Ms. Carina yesterday at the Grove Street location in Glenwood, which is actually Hannah's Bridge, Too. Hannah's Bridge (One) is in the Lawndale Plaza in Irving Park. The banner behind her explains the mission of Hannah's Bridge and their addition recovery program, Hannah's Haven. Testimonials on the wall in the store are from several young women who have seen their life turn around with help through Hannah's Haven. The program and the thrift shop are affiliated with Grace Community Church on West Gate City Boulevard, not too far from the Glenwood neighborhood.

The store is so beautiful. It is clean, spotless, and looks brand new, as do the clothes. Ms. Carina explained that they wanted to make sure their Glenwood location was as nice as the Lawndale one. The public schools in the Glenwood area are Title 1 schools and Hannah's Bridge does what they can to help the local community. As an example, this Saturday (September 30th), at the Glenwood location from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, all clothing and shoes will be sold for $1. If you know someone who needs clothing, please consider taking them to get a new outfit. Alternatively, consider stopping by and leaving a financial donation. They are a great cause. The addiction recovery program is Christ-based and for those who are ready for help, this is a great community resource.

The not-for-profit program was started by Bonnie Harris in 2003; the name Hannah came to her in a dream. When she checked the Bible, she learned that Hannah was a barren woman who cried out to the Lord and then gave birth (1 Samuel 1:19). "Haven" comes from the notion that that a haven is a safe place, and the "bridge" is the pathway to the haven.

Happy Sunday!

 

NC Global Leaders from France Have Arrived!

Greensboro has a North Carolina Global Leadership (NCGL) Council, which is part of the International Visitor Leadership Program and under the U.S. Department of State. NCGL plans programs and hosts participants from all over the world. Currently, the above NC Global Leadership Council participants are visiting from France. They represent a wide array of cities and regions: Rennes, Auvergne, Clergy-Pontoise, Limoges, Bidart, Nimes, and Southern Brittany. Each participant has been identified as emerging leader in their respective field. The title of their local program this week is "Adapting French University Post-COVID Study Abroad Programming to U.S. Demand and Shaping Sustainable Partnerships." Greensboro resident Beth Sheffield (fourth from the right) has been involved with NCGL since the early 1990's. With her cheerful demeanor, knowledge of Greensboro, and extensive understanding of NCGL, Beth is the perfect person to greet the group and help them with logistics.  They arrived at the PTI Airport yesterday, where this photo was taken.

Greensboro is the last stop on the group's multi-city program.  Over the next few days, they will visit several institutions of higher education, where much of the conversation will focus on the internationalization of higher education. Participants will have many opportunities to engage in rich conversations and develop global partnerships.  If you see anybody from the above group, be sure to give them a big Greensboro welcome. 

Happy Wednesday!

Sheldon Herman, Bicyclist and Volunteer Extraordinaire

As we continue our posts about biking in Greensboro during National Bike Month, we would be remiss if we did not feature Sheldon Herman. Sheldon was co-owner and business manager for Lotus Center on Lawndale Drive. In retirement, Sheldon has not slowed down in the least. He works tirelessly with the bike community to get people riding and to make cycling safer. He also helps get bikes for people who have no means of transportation to work. In 2021, Fox News featured Sheldon's efforts to make bikes available to Afghan refugees, others in need, and children who need to experience the joy of riding a bike  (read more here). Bikesboro, a local biking network and group of volunteers, donated more than 400 bikes to adults and children. Through the Bikesboro group, you can become part of a great biking community.  Sheldon is also one of the founders of the bicycle shop in Barber Park, which is where the above photo was taken.

The bicycle shop in Barber Park is located in an older brick building at the bottom of the hill, just beyond the enclosed sports complex. There, people bring bikes to donate, volunteers come to learn to repair bikes and get them road ready. While the bike shop at Barber Park has been open for a while now, they have started a new initiative: The "Bike Library." Every Sunday from 1:00pm- 4:00 pm, people can check out bicycles to ride around the park. The volunteers make sure the bike is the right size and even give lessons for those who have not yet learned to ride or who need a refresher. The grand opening of the "Bike Library" will be this Sunday, May 21st from 1:00pm- 4:00 pm. The opportunity borrow a bike is free! A heartfelt thank you goes out to Sheldon and all of the other volunteers. See you at Barber Park on Sunday!

Happy Friday!

Camille's Closet & Theo's Threads

Prom season is upon us and the Greensboro Youth Council is holding a pop-up, prom dress giveaway today from 5:30- 7:30 at the Glenwood Community Center at 2010 Coliseum Boulevard. The program has been so successful that they added two more dates (yesterday and today). This Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department Program provides formalwear outfits to middle and high school students free of charge. Each student-shopper is entitled to a dress (or jacket/suit), shoes, and an accessory. As you can see in the above photo, there are plenty of options for dresses- in every color. The program is sponsored by Four seasons Town Centre,  BackPack Beginnings, and Cheshire Center. 

If you go there to select an item, notice the volunteers. They are all high school students volunteering through the Greensboro Youth Council. This is a well-established group that helps students develop leadership skills and confidence in working with the public. The program is a great way for teens to meet other teens from across the Triad. Also, involvement with GYC is a way to earn service learning hours. In case you are wondering, dressing rooms are available. Just like the whole event, the dressing rooms are pop-up, but they are definitely functional. Now that you know about the program, we hope you will donate formal clothing or money to help support the clothing. Especially needed are menswear and dresses in larger sizes.

 

Let's Close Out the Year by Donating Food.

As we close out 2022, we leave you at one of the carts for donating food for NC food banks. This one is located at the corner of Ridgeway and Madison Avenues, Ground 0 for the light ball display in Sunset Hills. There is still time to enjoy the light display in the neighborhood. And, when these specific donation locations are gone, there are still plenty of locations to donate food around Greensboro. 

The Running of the Balls 5K for 2021 yielded $74,000, 19,000 pounds of food were donated, and 4 million meals were provided to food banks as a result of the Sunset Hills food drive. We don't know if the numbers are in for this year, but this may have been the largest crowd yet at the 5K event. Hopefully, it will be the best year ever for raising money and collecting non-perishable foods for local food banks. If you want to be part of this event in 2023, the date is already set, for 12/16/23. You can get more information about the race HERE. In the meantime, let's all go to a local farmers market today to help our vendors and close out the year by doing something to help the food insecure.

We hope you've had a great 2022 and that we have held your interest on Greensboro Daily Photo. Stop back tomorrow, January 1st 2023, when we will bring you a retrospective of this past year. On January 2nd, we will bring you our anniversary edition as we head into Year 15 of this project. 

Be safe and responsible tonight. See you in 2023!

NeighborWoods Program Brings Trees to Westerwood!

This past weekend, people came out in droves to participate in the tree planting event in Westerwood. The NeighborWoods is funded by private donations to Greensboro Beautiful, with support from the City of Greensboro and the Guilford County Extension Master Gardeners. The initiative is an effort to create tree canopy in neighborhoods where trees have been lost or damaged. The trees get planted in public areas and on streets and front lawn areas. In order to be selected, the neighborhood must show that they have the person power to ensure the trees are watered for the first three years and continue with long term maintenance.*

In addition to the fact that Westerwood will get about 150 new trees, it was also wonderful that people of all ages and walks of life came out to help with the tree planting. There were teams of sororities, college groups, master gardeners, neighbors, and more. The 2021 neighborhood to win the grant was Friendly Homes neighborhood. Friendly Homes is the neighborhood between Wesley Long Hospital and Villa drive and Mimosa. It will be fun to drive around the neighborhood this spring, as well as through Westerwood to see how the trees are doing. Greensboro is known for being a beautiful, green city. These new trees are sure to contribute to the beauty. Let's hope they got planted clear of power lines. Finally, we're wondering where all the shovels get stored and if school groups can check them out for school beautification projects.

Happy Monday!

 

*reference and learn more HERE.

Happy Pollinator Week!

Happy Pollinator Week. It is an initiative started by the Pollinator Partnership, an international organization that endeavors to protect pollinators. While their scope is international, they are based out of San Francisco, CA. The pollinator in the above photo was seen this week in our Greensboro backyard. It is a hummingbird moth. It flies and moves just like a hummingbird. This one was suspended at a flower and you can see its very long tongue. This one is visiting their bee balm. The female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves and the caterpillars crawl down under the leaves to spin their cocoon. So, if you rake all  your leaves, you are likely raking away pollinators.

At any rate, happy pollinator week. If you are interested in helping pollinators in your yard, read up on the whole process. The insect/nature balance is a pretty delicate one. Syngenta, a company with local roots, has a pollinator program, too. Their US headquarters is on Swing Road. We featured the company on GDP in February (see here). Greensboro Beautiful is another great organization to support locally if you want to see more pollinators. And then, there are some pretty great individuals, like Mr. Mullins who faithfully brings his honey to the Greensboro Farmers Market on Yanceyville Street. We featured him 13 years ago on Greensboro Daily Photo. Now, his is a business to support if you like pollinators and you like to support local businesses!

History Museum Shop & Event Tonight

Today's photo features the Gift Shop at the Greensboro History Museum. What a clever slogan- Bring HISTORY Home. If you want Greensboro's iconic Boar and Castle sauce, you can get it here. If you want something with the state bird on it, get it here. If you are looking for books about Greensboro, get them here! If you need a Wrangle jeans apron, see above! Related to Greensboro and books, there is a very special event tonight from 7-9pm. It it is called, "The Life and Works of O. Henry", with Ben Yagoda and Jim Dodson. The book they will be discussing tonight is an anthology of O. Henry stories. Ben, the editor of the collection, and an accomplished writer himself,  is coming in from Delaware to discuss Greensboro's favorite author. Jim Dodson, of Greensboro, also an accomplished writer, will co-present the event. You may recognize Jim's name from O. Henry magazine; not only does he write for the magazine, he is its founding editor. All of this good local history and lore is brought to us by the Greensboro History Museum, Greensboro Public Library, and Scuppernong Books. While we can't guarantee the museum's shop will be open, you can be sure there will be books available for purchase.

If you plan to attend, please visit the museum's website (HERE) for tickets. Also, you can learn about attending virtually from the comfort of your own home- the new normal. Almost as good as the wonderful event itself is the fact that it is FREE, but do reserve a spot! If you can't head downtown this evening for the event (130 Summit Avenue by Tanger Center), please put The Greensboro History Museum on your to-do list to get by at another time. The single best thing you can do for our community is support our public non-profits.

Greensboro Bound Virtual

Yesterday, on GDP, we celebrated Greensboro's public library system. Today's photo is the window of Scupperonong Books, advertising the Greensboro Bound Virtual Literary Festival begins tomorrow; another example of literary goodness in our community. Greensboro Bound is billed as a festival for "readers, writers, students, academics, and volunteers who are passionate about books, writing, and reading". It is a non-profit organization established in 2017 (reference and more information). The festival is the brainchild of  Steve Colyer and Scuppernong Books owners. The annual festival has hosted many writers, many of whom are known internationally. 

Here is a link to see the list of events and RSVP to attend virtually. Many of the topics are timely and something for everybody across genres from young adult fiction to short stories, poems, cookbooks, crime writing, and more. When community partners, businesses, writers, and volunteers come together, in an event celebrating reading and writing, everyone benefits and the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts! Drop into a session and enjoy!

Downtown Greensboro #DGSOTOGO

Downtown Greensboro Incorporated is an economic development organization. The staff works tirelessly to ensure that downtown businesses, venues, and public spaces have what they need to thrive. This has been no easy task during the pandemic. They also work to see that community events like Fun Fourth and the Festival of Lights operate, as feasible. Their committees include 1) economic development; 2) fundraising; and 3) events and entertanment. The Downtown Greensboro organization was formed in 1997, and has been in their current location (536 South Elm Street) for five years. The above photo features part of the staff, from left to right: Zack Matheny, Joy Ross, Keith Holliday, and Stacy Calfo.

We had the good opportunity to meet everyone when we went into their office yesterday to collect a prize. Downtown Greensboro is currently holding a drawing where people who make purchases of $25 or more downtown have the chance to win $500 and the business where they shopped also wins $500. While we didn't win the cash prize, we won a very generous shopping bag full of t-shirts and items celebrating Greensboro.

Downtown Greensboro does so much for the community; read about them at this link ( which was one of our primary sources for information). And stay tuned, when we were visiting, they had just finished a meeting planning future events for the remainder of 2021. Hats off to this fine group and organization. Let's all show them a little love and head downtown this afternoon. It isn't First Friday, but it is always a Fun Friday-  in downtown Greensboro!

Recycle Styrofoam In Greensboro Now!

How wonderful. It is finally possible to recycle styrofoam in Greensboro. The above photo features the foam container bins conveniently located at 1310 West Gate City Boulevard, behind Tiny House Community Development, Inc. There is a narrow driveway to the right of the Tiny House building. However, it is also possible to enter to the left of the Tiny House building, just to the right of the Sprinkle Service Station. The above photo helps with the orientation. If you notice, the bins are back by the railroad tracks. As a matter of fact, a train was passing when the photo was taken. Also, the UNCG water tower can be seen in the background. Just behind the bins is a model, tiny home!

If you want more details, here is a two minute YouTube video that will give you more information about this foam recycling program. Really interesting products are made from the recycled foam that gets broken down and extruded as a product that looks like a toothpaste. . The funding partners for the project are Emerging Ecology, Environmental Stewardship Greensboro, Greensboro Beautiful, Inc., and Tiny House Community Development. So, if you purchase something like an exercise bike, it will arrive packed in at least 8 jumbo pieces of clean, styrofoam that will not biodegrade if thrown in a landfill. Please recycle your foam and offer to take your neighbor's foam to the bins if they are having trouble getting out. Also, if you haven't been to this part of town lately, you might be surprised just how much the area has grown. Have a great weekend. See you back here in the morning!

 

Watch the short, informative Youtube video here.

Deep Roots Co-Op Grocery Store

Deep  Roots Co-op  has been on Eugene  Street for a few years now,  having relocated from Spring Garden Street. The  downtown store is so  nice and they have a  hot  bar. If you are downtown and need  a healthy,  quick  meal or  just a snack (and nice  clean bathrooms), stop here.  You don't have to  be a member to  shop at Deep Roots, and the uncharge for non-members is only  5%.

Deep  Roots also holds many interesting community events  in their community  room in  the front of the store. Also, if you notice in the above photo, there were vendors  set up  out  front this  past Saturday.  While the  large corporate options for healthy food are nice, nothing  beats a local,  community-owned option.  Deep  Roots  feels  "old-school"  in a way that is comfortable and inviting. Shop there  a few times and it will start to feel like the Cheers-bar of  grocery stores.  Happy Tuesday!

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.

Project Hero

Project Hero was founded in 2008 as an organization dedicated to Veterans and First Responders who are living with with PTSD, TBI, and injury. The non-profit helps them take steps towards recovery. The organizations helps Veterans and First Responders combat mental health issues brought about from PTSD. The organization often sponsors bike rides and sees that participants have adaptive bikes as needed.

The above car was parked yesterday in the Walker Avenue Parking Deck on UNCG's campus. It is a www.ProjectHero.org  car with a California license tag. There was no indication as to why the vehicle was in town. Perhaps there is an upcoming event. Perhaps the Veteran who drives the sedan is a UNCG student. At any rate, it is a vehicle that commands attention; it makes you want to stand up and salute it, even when it is empty.

Really, Really, Free Market on Black Friday

The Really, Really, Free Market is going on right now in the heart of Glenwood at the People's Market. Every Black Friday, Greensboro resident Kathy Clark, organizes and hosts this market where anybody can bring anything to give away and anybody can take these items. There are no strings attached; no entrance fees; and you don't have to bring to take items. Kathy, and her very dedicated crew of volunteers, do this to remind us that we can do good for the community and keep things out of landfills. 

The event reminds those who are more fortunate that we don't need to partake in the shopping frenzy on Black Friday. Those who are in need know where to go, one day a year, to find toys for their children, coats for winter, and even furniture and household goods. Consider joining in on the fun. Also, consider, at the end of the day, helping Kathy put away tables and get any leftovers to a thrift store. Thank you Kathy, Angela, et. al., for this great community service.

Driving Hope

Driving Hope is a breast cancer awareness and fundraising initiative. The above pink truck was spotted in front of the Crown Paint and Body Shop off of Wendover Avenue on Norwalk. The Driving Hope initiative is part of the Earlier.org campaign which gets people to test earlier for breast cancer. The Crown Automotive Group has an ongoing partnership with the earlier.org group. That is a pretty amazing paint job on that truck. Imagine if that is what you drove around town. Perhaps Crown Paint and Body is the source of this pink paint job and the addition of the decals.

 If like to help raise awareness about cancer, here is a Cancer Awareness Calendar. This past week was the National Women's Health Week. May 31st is World No Tobacco Day. You can keep up with all of these important awareness days, maybe even play a leadership role in spearheading an event. Do you think you could get everyone you know to put down their cigarettes for one day? Let's all try!

Backpack Beginnings

Backpack Beginnings is a non-profit organization serving families with children in the Guilford County Schools. It was started in 2010 by Parker White, with the program serving one school and 50 children. Today, Backpack Beginnings serves 5,000 children and is growing, given the growing food insecurity in Guilford County. In the above photo, Michele Alvarino, office manager of the 9,000 square foot facility on Radiance Drive, is explaining the program, standing at the impact wall at the entrance.

Today, Backpack Beginnings has four programs. 1) The Food Bag Program serves 1,400 students in 32 elementary schools. Each child receives a bag of food to take home for the weekend. The bags contain two each of a protein, cereal, juice, milk, and fruit; 2) The Food Pantry Program serves 26 middle and high schools, distributing 9-10 thousand pounds of food a month; 3) The Comfort Backpack Program provides abused, neglected, homeless, refugee, and foster children a one-time backpack filled with personal hygiene, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items; finally, 4) The Clothing Pantry Program provides clothing for children from newborns to high school students. 

The all volunteer organization has eleven regular volunteers who work in the warehouse; 200 delivery volunteers who take the food to the schools; and scores of community volunteers. There is always a need for more food and volunteers. To learn more about Backpack Beginnings or how to help, visit their website, here. 

Triad Goodwill and Charitable Giving

Triad Goodwill, also known as Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina, has been serving Guilford and surrounding counties since 1963.  Goodwill focuses on programs to get people meaningfully employed. According to their website, 85% of the money earned in their stores goes to providing career development services and work opportunities for people in the community. As of yesterday, they had 35 local job openings.

Goodwill Industries dates back to 1902, when it was founded by Edgar J. Helms in Boston, MA. Helms was a Methodist minister who was known as a social innovator. He collected items in wealthier neighborhoods of Boston and hired and trained the poor to repair the goods. These repair skills were very valued in an era when everything from ink pens to clothing to umbrellas was repaired and mended as needed. In today's society where it is usually easier and cheaper to purchase a new replacement than to get something repaired, Goodwill focuses more on job skills and work opportunities. Helms' commitment to giving people "hope, dignity and independence"*  remains as relevant today as it was 115 years ago.

The above photo features the donation center at the Goodwill on North Battleground Avenue. Lines are starting to form and bins are filling as people rush to make final charitable donations for 2017. Two days remain to contribute and get a tax receipt for this year. If you are looking for ways to donate, above and beyond household goods, here is a list of Greensboro non-profits and charities.

*Quote and timeline, here.