Greensboro Daily Photo

Savor the Moment

Savor the Moment is a bakery on Davie Street, right beside the Cultural Arts Center and across the street from Center City Park. It is a super convenient place to go and have a treat after visiting the Central Library on Church or any of the other spaces on this north end of town. Owner Tanya Dickens works hard to make sure that customers, indeed, savor the moment when they come in for a treat. Their signature, original treat is the Crunch Cheesecake. It is a combination of her cheesecake and strawberry crunch cake recipes and, if those flavors and textures sound good to your, it will be DELICIOUS!  Tanya's signature Crunch Cheesecake now comes in 16 flavors. Perhaps the young couple on their way into the store will order one.

Read more about Tanya and the bakery in "High Point Discovered" Magazine, HERE. You will learn that she is quite the entrepreneur and that her business has already expanded to High Point. She weathered the pandemic, which took her business in a very different direction. She has instilled the sense of entrepreneurship not only in her own children, but in the many children she mentors. In addition to growing her own businesses, her community service is to help others learn to conceptualize and launch a business. What may seem like just another bakery, is really an incubator of ideas, generosity, and yummy sweet treats. We were initially attracted to "Savor the Moment" because of the positivity in the name. "Savor the moment" is quite an expression to ponder.

How will you spend your Saturday? How will you savor the moments?

Brown Gardiner Drug Store

The Brown-Gardiner, located at 2101 North Elm Street, is a pharmacy and soda fountain and old-fashioned breakfast and lunch counter. It has been serving Greensboro for over 60 years. Their motto is, "The Place to Be". Indeed, it is the place to be. There have been so many good stories written about this community institution (see HERE). Back when Congressman Howard Cable was alive, his office was right across the street and he always loved the food and fellowship when he headed to the lunch counter.

The business opened in 1958 and has been in its current location (formerly a laundry mat)  since 1962. Pharmacist Robert Shearin, owner of Brown-Gardiner, her worked there since 1972.* We're not sure if that is Mr. Shearin filling prescriptions. If it is, he would be in his 80s. We wouldn't be surprised if it were him. The store has quite a loyal following and the more things stay the same, the more they like it. We were in the other day for a late breakfast and ran into a friend who owns a business on State Street. She commented that Brown-Gardiner has the best BLTs in Greensboro. That sounds like a good excuse for going back. If you have about 3 minutes, watch this YouTube video. It will help you plan your visit and have an idea of who will be there when you arrive.

Happy Friday!

 

*reference and read Jim Schlosser's article in O.Henry (2012) HERE on pp. 26-28.

The Adventures of Frederick the Duck

Early in July, Frederick the Duck and his partner mysteriously arrived at the Lake Brandt Marina. The hen disappeared after about a week, but Frederick remains and is living his best life. He hovers near the Lake Brandt office. Mallards are monogamous, so we hope he recovers from missing his partner and, with a little luck, finds another one.  He has a duck box and he gets his fill of minnows to eat. There is a sign at the office that requests people leave the door closed so that it will remain cool inside and so that Frederick will remain outside. In spite of his being friendly, we must respect the fact that he is a wild animal and efforts should not be made to make him a pet. However, these ducks do tend to be gregarious and sociable. They are so much fun to watch, and photograph. He is such a beauty.  The next night paddle on Lake Brandt will be August 1st. We look forward to seeing if Frederick is still there.

Happy Thursday!

Dean and Marilyn Green Rehearsal Hall

Such was the scene, yesterday afternoon, at the corner of Friendly Avenue and North Elm Street. To the right, on the  floor is the Dean and Marilyn Green Rehearsal Hall, located in the Self Help Building at Center City Park. The community will have a Bird's-eye view of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra rehearsing and, when weather permits, will get to hear them, too. This rehearsal hall is just a block away from Tanger Center where they perform.

We're not sure what they were doing to the building yesterday, but the cranes and buckets were out and, at least on the ground floor, windows were being cleaned. Plus, there were people inside. This is such a creative initiative for Greensboro. We can't wait to see it in use. You just never know what you are going to see when traveling along Elm Street.

Happy Wednesday.

Summer Camps at UNCG

Last week, we featured the Governor's School Program, hosted on the Greensboro College campus. Today's photo features the soccer camps at UNCG. UNCG holds camps for K-12 students all summer long. Topics range from sports and e-sports to camps for children with autism to STEM to academic camps. Last week was a big week for soccer camps. It looked like students os all ages were participating. The above photo was taken on the soccer field at the corner of Spring Garden Street and Josephine Boyd. The baseball stadium was also full of soccer players.

These camps are wonderful on so many levels. First, young athletes, some of whom will be first generation college students, get to learn first-hand about life on college campuses. They even get to eat in the cafeteria- making food choices that their parents may or may not approve of. They have a structured routine and deepen their skills and knowledge of the theme of the camp.  We are lucky to be in a city with so many universities, colleges, and community colleges. If you have pre-collegiate children in your life, you should simply pick a topic they are interested in and see which institution of higher education offers summer programs. The time to plan for next year is now.  The first day for high school students is August 26th. The fall semester for UNCG begins August 12th. So, camps will be winding down... summer, too.

Happy Tuesday!

Vida Pour Tea

Vida Pour Tea, located at 412 State Street, had a big birthday. This past weekend, they celebrated their 10th! Above is a photo of Sarah Chapman, the genius behind Vida Pour Tea and her artist in residence, Liz McKinnon. The photo was taken on celebration day and a quiet moment before all of the planned festivities began. Before opening the shop, Sarah started out learning about teas and mixing small batches for doulas, local businesses, and her growing following of tea drinkers. After carefully looking for a place to open a brick and mortar store, she decided on this 1940s stand-alone building on State Street. She took a chance on State Street when it was struggling to find an identity and to attract customers- in spite of being on the edge of Irving Park. Indeed, over the years, Sarah and her faithful staff have played a key role in helping with the revitalization of State Street.

Some customers come into Vida Pour Tea, knowing exactly what they want. For others, less experienced or decisive, Sarah and her staff lead them to the perfect choice.  If you want to learn more about Sarah's journey from Syracuse, New York, where she played ice hockey with the guys, to tea-mixologist in Greensboro, read this very nice article about her in Our State Magazine in 2018 ( HERE). We've been sold on this Greensboro treasure since the beginning. See our 2014 post HERE. And not to slight Liz, she has been painting walls, signs, having her art shows, and selling artwork at Vida Pour Tea since the beginning. It is easy to see how this dynamic duo has become best of friends. Liz is currently working on a calendar with a different tea maiden every month. Her watercolors are so earthy and organic, a perfect fit for the tea shop.* Stop in and see both for yourself- but not today. They are closed Sundays and Mondays.

Happy Monday!

*See a post about Liz, HERE.

The Giving Tree

This past week, the above red oak tree at the southeast corner of Fernwood and Fairfield Avenue was removed. It carried with it a tremendous amount of church history for Guilford Park Presbyterian Church.  It was the location where the church first began. Members worshiped under the oak tree until McGinnis Hall was completed on the property in 1947. The oak tree has long been a symbol of Guilford Park Presbyterian,  appearing on church stationery and other church documents. Arborists determined  it couldn't be saved and it was not safe. The tree has meant so much to not only church members, but also community members. It carried with it church history and provided great shade for the park and the neighborhood.

The stump reminds us of the brevity, yet generative nature of life, nothing living lasts forever. But one living thing dies and another comes along. It also evokes the message of Shel Silverstein's, "The Giving Tree", reminding us of the gift of giving and loving. The old oak gave and gave for years and was there for the milestones of many people. When we were visiting it, just yesterday, an elderly woman who had lived in the neighborhood her whole life, stopped to tell us of how many memories the tree held for  her. She lives a few houses away on the same street and, a while back, had to have an even larger white oak removed from her yard.  Perhaps a new tree can be planted in its place and future generations can build memories around the new tree.

Have a lovely Sunday!

 

Shannon Lee Furniture

Shannon Lee (above) has relocated her business, Shannon Lee Furniture & Decor, from Kernersville to Greensboro. Her warehouse is now in the former hardware store beside the former McKay's Bookstore on Battleground Avenue. She is a hardworking business person who, by chance, landed in North Carolina. Shannon is originally from Ohio, but spent much of her life in Jacksonville, FL.  In her previous career, she traveled working on international soccer events. In 2006, Shannon stopped in Mebane and a stranger noticed her NYC energy and suggest she sit and rest for a minute.  She was so struck by southern hospitality.  The kindness of people to each other in the South convinced her North Carolina would be a great place to live. By 2008, she had relocated here and hasn't looked back. She is such an interesting person In our quick interview with her, we learned she was featured on the Converse website when they featured her 30 days of wearing Converse tennis shoes. Those are the only shoes she wears and actually has 260+ pairs. We think she should set a goal of having a different pair a day for a whole year!

If you need furniture, Shannon has all-new, factory close-outs and overstocks in her showroom. Arrive at Shannon Lee Furniture with measurements because her furniture and accessories sell quickly. As proud as Shannon is of her very difficult journey to becoming a successful business owner, she is most proud of her children. Stop in and welcome her to Greensboro-  and see what color Converse Chuck's she is wearing! To be sure, we want her to stay!

Happy Saturday!

Night Kayaking

The photo is blurry, but you can get this idea that night kayaking on Lake Brandt is fun! Last night was not very well attended because of the late afternoon storm. However, by the time 8:00 p.m. rolled around, the weather was perfect for being on the lake. Greensboro Parks and Rec. have so many events scheduled to get us outdoors (see here). Learn about night kayaking on Lake Brandt and Higgins (here). At night kayaking (or paddling), participants can get on the water at 8:00 p.m. and must be back on shore by 9:45 p.m.  You can bring your own kayak and launch for $8 or rent and pay from $15- 30 depending on what you use. People are very social. You can come alone, or bring a friend. Some people were in 'paddle quickly" mode; others made the event a leisurely date night with music and food. We saw one couple listening to music and holding hands not too far from the launch area. It was so sweet.

It is the weekend and all the lakes will be open with plenty of options. Get outdoors! Happy Friday!

Got Katydids?

This is an insect we saw hanging out on our bean plants. After researching, we've concluded it is a katydid, a sort of  cross between a cricket and a grasshopper.  It was so beautiful, but that "snout" and looking-right-at-ya eyes are a little intimidating. Katydids are of the Orthoptera order- with "ortho" meaning "straight" and "Ptera" making reference to flying. Katydids do have  chewing mouth parts, but they don't tend to do too much damage to leaves, and we haven't noticed any. Perhaps they get full eating harmful bugs in the garden. We try to let nature take its course and  let the critters live. We have a toad who comes out every night and doesn't go in until sunrise. We've seen him at 5:00 am, but he's gone by 7:00 am. Perhaps he is eyeing the katydid. They make a distinctive sound. While they are rare, pink katydids do exist. Habitat loss and pesticides are said to be stressors on the katydid population. 

Have you seen a katydid in your yard? Have you ever seen a pink one? Nature is so fascinating. Let us know what you are seeing in your Greensboro yards. Planting edibles; not spraying chemicals and raking less yields a yard of fascinating critters.

Happy Thursday!

Pediatric Dentist Dr. Ed Miller

Greensboro lost a good soul in January, Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Ed Miller.  He lead such a full, rich life. He worked hard, caring for the teeth of many of the children in Greensboro. He helped little ones be brave and not fear their dental visits- maybe even look forward to them. Dr. Miller liked to tell a good story and joke (age appropriate, of course). The above photo is of the mantle in his family room at his Greensboro home on Tatum Place, near Country Park, where he walked almost daily. Some of these clay figures on the mantle were in his office off of State Street. The caricature of him was done in 1976,  possibly done on one of his many sailing trips or while at Emerald Isle. 

Dr. Miller loved sailing, bicycling, spending time outdoors, communicating on his amateur radios and more. If you knew Dr. Miller, and have not seen his obituary, you will want to read it (HERE). His was a life well lived and he was active to the very end. In 2023, she sailed the Atlantic from Rhode Island to Mallorca, Spain. He and his wife Marty were married for 52 years, before her death in 2020. She was every bit as active as he was.  It is hard to imagine not seeing them around town or in the park. We hope their myriad collections and extensive book collection found good homes.

Thank you for being you.

The Barbie Truck Tour Visited Friendly Center on Saturday!

On Saturday, the Barbie truck came to Friendly Center as part of the Barbie Truck Tour, making its way around the United States. It is also referred to as the Dreamhouse Living Tour, and at any given time, there are two traversing the nation. This is a growing trend to sell merchandise by limiting supply; selling in person, but in a merch van, as opposed to committing to a brick and mortar store.

Even late in the afternoon, people were lined up, excited about the opportunity to purchase hoodies ($65),  t-shirts ($29), tote bags ($35) and more! It was a lovely, but hot day while families were out shopping.  Young girls were living out their Barbie dreams as they approached the van. If you want to understand this craze, and the youth today, watch this video. The young girl who filmed the video (probably in middle school)  lives 3 hours from Kansas City and her family took her there to make purchases and to create content for her Youtube channel. Watch this video and you can appreciate the 21st century teens and tweens. Imagine needing to watch a math video for school, but REALLY wanting to watch a briefing on a retail event coming to your town. Here is a Fox 8 video clip for the tour that came to Greensboro in December. For some children, this will be a summer highlight. We smiled when the young girl suggests that Mattel bag the Barbie merch in a pink bag (a la Barbie) as opposed to that plain black bag. We're betting Mattel will listen to this young influencer.

Happy Tuesday!

Governor's School West

Greensboro College is the host campus for Governor's School West for the 2024 season. Opening day was June 23rd and it will last for a month. High school students have been participating in campus-wide events: performances, presentations, classes, speakers, and more. Above, participants of this very prestigious program are at the International Civil Rights Museum on South Elm Street. The four-week program is highly competitive even among the most gifted and talented high school students. There are no credits, tests, or grades; just highly-motivated and intellectually curious students receiving highly-engaging opportunities, facilitated by talented teachers.

At Governor's school, there are several academic disciplines to choose from: Art, choral music, dance, English, Spanish, instrumental music, mathematics, natural science, social science, and theater. If you ever have a chance for a loved one to participate in Governor's School, by all means encourage them to do so.  The Governor's School in North Carolina was established in 1963 by then-Governor Terry Sanford. Twenty-four states have some form of special opportunity for students. How wonderful that one of these opportunities is held in Greensboro. The other site is Meredith College in Raleigh.

Happy Monday!

 

* see here.

Brokenness Ministry in Summerfield- just North of Greensboro

According to their website, the Brokenness Ministry is a non-profit based in Greensboro. The above branch is located in Summerfield, in the same plaza where Golden Antiques and Treasures is located, on the Summerfield Road side of the plaza. Brokenness Ministry was established in 2010 with the mission of evangelizing in different cities and countries. They even  have a prison ministry, and are committed to helping children and veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Their website explains that Brokenness Ministries works hard to help heal those who have been broken by life's circumstances. Their main studio is located in Revolution Mill.

You know the old saying about not spending money to look all fancy when the money can be channeled to doing good.  This ministry is committed to working hard to help others get back on their feet. Members work together to meet their goals. Members even travel together. Sometimes we get to know and trust each other by building memories, not just by work, but also by play. We hope to learn more about them and to meet some members. Here is another website to get more information about Brokenness Ministry.

Happy Sunday!

Continental Club

How will you spend the weekend in Greensboro? The above photo is of a banjo player, yes, a banjo player, heading into the Continental Club on 816 South Elm Street. This is a great place fore music and dancing. The venue is located in a building that was originally "The Mill" a landmark and historical place. It is so great to see those historic buildings put to good use. It sold in 2016 and has been a hub of activity since then. If you are out this weekend, head downtown Greensboro and check out some of these historic properties that are getting a new life. The above property was originally the 1910 North State Milling Company. See a wonderful 2 minute video HERE.

Happy Saturday and happy exploring historic Greensboro.

Hampton Homes

Hampton Homes is an apartment community located south of downtown Greensboro, between Gate City Boulevard, Elm/Eugene, and South Street. It is in the Warnersville neighborhood, and elementary school students attend the nearby Jones Elementary School. About four years ago, the Housing Authority of the City of Greensboro did a major interior and exterior renovation to Hampton Homes.  The 20+million dollar project greatly enhanced the community.*

The Warnersville Recreation Center is located nearby and they offer a lot of programs for children in the neighborhood, as do all of the local churches. This is a neighborhood that works to provide for children in the community. Monday-Thursday, free meals are available for children at  Jones Elementary School. Hopefully, there are other options for Fridays and the weekends. The school personnel who work through the summers work four day work weeks in the summer. The above photo, with no people outside is a little misleading, as this neighborhood is vibrant usually full of life. We'll have to stop back by and take a photo with children outdoors having some good old summer fun!

Happy Friday!

*reference and more information HERE.

Learning about Local Women Veterans with Dr. Beth Ann Koelsch

Beth Ann Koelsch, Associate Professor at UNCG, curates the Women Veterans Historical Project.  This project documents women's participation in the armed forces of the USA. There quite a lot of women who have served over the years at Woman's College, now named the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Dr. Koelsch spent the day last Saturday (July 6th) talking to people at the Forties Flashback Family Fun Day at the Greensboro History Museum. This event is an example of the fine programs available to us in the Greensboro area. It is also an example of how university faculty members can conduct research and organize documents and artifacts in a way that tell a rich story that otherwise might be lost. If you are interested in learning more about the collection, you can contact Jackson Library. We learned so much from Dr. Koelsch and from our day we spent at the museum.

Happy Tuesday!

Yoga on the Greenway

Yesterday, we shared a bicycling group along the Greensboro Greenway. Today, we offer a lovely yoga group that meets under the Greensboro Greenway at Spring Garden Street. The name of the initiative is Tuesdays at the Trailhead in Moorehead Park. The group meets from 6:00- 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays and the opportunity will continue through September 24th. This opportunity is in partnership with the YMCA of Greensboro. All ages and fitness abilities are encouraged to attend! And, in grand Greensboro tradition, the experience is free and open to all. Summers in Greensboro can be so much fun. So, enjoy your mountain and beach adventures, but know there are great adventures waiting for us here in the Gate City! It sure looks like the above yogis and yoginis are having fun!!

Happy Wednesday!

Easy Rider! Relaxed Tuesday Ride Series

Tonight is the night for the Easy Rider! Relaxed Tuesday Ride Series. The above photo was taken last week on the delightful ride partially through UNCG, partially on the  Greenway, and partially through neighborhoods. Here is the group under the bridge,  at Spring Garden Street. Behind the bicyclists, a group was practicing yoga. It is so wonderful to see these community resources being put to good use. 

If you are interested in the ride, arrive at Cycles de ORO on Battleground and Hill Street at 6:00 pm to get registered, meet others, and have time to go into the bike shop to purchase a helmet, spare inner tube or anything else you might need to be road safe. You must partake in the 6:15 pre-ride briefing and the ride departs promptly at 6:30. It returns to Cycles for your parking convenience and to likely get an ice-cream treat from Dale, the owner of the shop.  The rides are under 10 miles and the route changes week-to-week.  This is a great way to fall in love with cycling or to participate in a ride where you actually have time to talk to people! 

Happy Tuesday and summer fun!

Colin Cutler and Hot Pepper Jam

This past Saturday night, Colin Cutler and his band, Hot Pepper Jam, played at Joymongers on Saturday night. The weather was warm and, when the photo was taken, many people were still outside. However, as the evening progressed, the crowd grew and more people came inside.  

As stated on his website, Colin is a "wide-ranging performer whose musical roots draw from the breadth of American folk music...".  Colin's diverse life experiences- from growing up in the Pentecost religion to serving in the Army to performing and traveling around the USA and abroad- have contributed to the diversity in his music.  Perusing his website, you will learn that he is also well-read and writes poetry and stories while on the road. Colin is lead vocalist and plays guitar, banjo, and harmonica. On Saturday, he played everything from a Patsy Cline cover to his own, danceable music. He also makes a tasty hot pepper jam!

If you get a chance to hear Colin and the band play, do so. He is a Greensboro performer who plays at Merlefest, Shakori Hills, the Susquehanna Folk Festival, and the North Carolina Folk Festival- to name a few places.  His next performance is at the  Asheboro Summer Concert Series on July 12th and at Four Saints Brewing in Asheboro on July 13th. So, you'll have to head about 40 miles south to hear him next week.

Joymongers keeps a pretty busy schedule of live music, so you have plenty of options in Greensboro, too (see HERE). Summer is the perfect time to call up a friend or two and head out to support the area's live musicians.

Happy Monday!

Temple of Prayer and Worship

Temple of Prayer and Worship is located at 2319 Randleman Road at the corner of Concord Street. It is a church in an old strip mall. They have Sunday services from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon and Thursday Bible studies from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. On the door a phone number and contact email are listed. However, that is about all we could find out about this church as we couldn't find an online presence. Often, churches start out in empty store fronts and when the congregation gets adequate funds, they transition to a stand alone building.  Let's hope this church is successful and that members are happy with their spiritual home.

They say Greensboro is #3 in the nation per capita for number of churches. Plus, we have many houses of worship of other religions. May we all find our spiritual home.

Happy Sunday!

Hops Bine in Greensboro!

Last night, we were at our friends' house near Friendly Center and, upon leaving, noticed that they have a hops plant trellised in their back yard. Hops have been cultivated in what is now Germany since the 700's. Used for making beer and its citrusy, bitter, aromatic flavoring at one time was considered  a wicked and pernicious weed.  See HERE to read the Wikipedia site about hops. The NC State Extension Service can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about hops (see HERE). With all of the craft brewing in North Carolina, these has even been a hops project, helping find cultivars that are most conducive to being grown in North Carolina. Our state has come a long way in knowing the best growing practices for our area.  Greensboro has a rich history of breweries.  Triad Homebrew has been around for over a decade. While Greensboro has a rich history of brewing beer, it is still fun to see a hops plant thriving in someone's yard.  Do you see the hops flowers in the middle of the photo?

Hops bines (not vines) can grow up to 12" a day and only the female plant produces the hops cones. There are about 80 hops farms in North Carolina, or 4% of American production.* Our friends do not have a hops farm in the city, but we do want to go back and ask them if they harvest their hops. The United States has surpassed Germany in worldwide hops production.  While the ideal climate seems to be in the Pacific Northwest, it appears that we are making headway in North Carolina. Even if you don't drink beer or harvest the plant, it seems like it can be a nice alternative to kudzu!

Happy Saturday!

* reference and more information, here. 

Chandler's Coffee on South Elm Street Is Now Open and Ready to Serve You!

341 South Elm Street has new owners. On Wednesday, July 3rd, Chandler's Coffee had a soft opening. Above is owner Alexis Chandler who took time out of her busy schedule to talk to us and welcome us to the store. She and husband, Josh have been working day and night to get the coffee shop ready to open. When we stopped in on Wednesday you never would have known it was the first day. They were packed and the crowd was intergenerational, from toddlers to teens to grandparents. The baristas were pros; there was original artwork on the walls; and it is clean and organized. As you can see from what Alexis is wearing, they already have t-shirts made.

Alexis is from Asheboro and Josh is from Greensboro. They met at UNCG, fell in love, started a family, and are now living their dream with the coffee shop. Alexis, Josh, and their staff are committed to making the store be a hub of community activity, a 3rd space for people to gather to work, socialize, get a great cup of coffee and something to eat.  They are so committed to a local, hometown sense of community, that they have installed the artwork of Peter Schroth, the original owner of the Green Bean. Katie Southard, also a previous owner, is a barista.  All signs indicate that Alexis and Josh's venture is a hit with the Greensboro community. Tonight is First Friday in downtown Greensboro. We're not sure how late they will stay open, but if they are open, go in and pick out something to drink. There are many, many options.

Happy Friday!

Happy July 4th 2024

Full disclosure, the above photo was taken during the Fun Fourth Festival 2023 in downtown Greensboro on South Elm Street. Uncle Sam was working hard walking in the heat and agreeing to take a photo with anyone who asked. The event, Freedomfest, will be held today from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. There will be entertainment, patriotic characters, food trucks, water features, and more. Plan your outfit carefully for the best photos. See all of the festival details, including a map and schedule, HERE. Fireworks will start downtown after the Greensboro Grasshoppers  home baseball game.  The baseball stadium is your best bet for a good view. If you do not have a ticket, setting up a foldable chair outside the stadium is another option. Last year, the game was sold out. 

Meanwhile, just a little north of downtown, the Kirkwood neighborhood will be celebrating for the 75th year. The parade on Independence Road and the 50' flag are the anchors. When you see the 50 foot flag hovering  over the street, you will know you are in the right place. The Kirkwood event times overlap with Freedomfest downtown; however, their neighborhood, originally established for returning WWII vets and their families, will have no shortage of patriotism. However you spend your day today, be safe and neighborly.

Happy Fourth of July!

Community Swim Association

Last night was night five of five for the dual meets at the Community Swim Association. The above photo features the Lake Jeanette pool on Bass Chapel Road, where the club was hosting the Friendly Frogs. The photo features  a heat of boys competing in the butterfly stroke. It was just after 8:00 p.m. and the meet was still going strong. Community swim in Greensboro dates back to 1958 and over the last 66 years has grown from 150 kids from 5-18 years old competing to over 2,000 in 2024. It is a sport that brings people together and all swimmers get to compete. For the year-round swimmers, this is a way to stay in shape and build relationships with other members of their swim club. For the summer swimmers, it is a way to have a summer routine that includes discipline, physical fitness, and camaraderie. While the top tier swimmers want to win and break records, everyone takes great pride is getting personal best times.

This weekend, all CSA teams will come to the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC)  for City Meet, held there since 2016 (see photos from the first GAC meet HERE). Prior to 2016, City Meet for the Community Swim Association was held at Lindley Park Pool (see HERE).  While there was something special about those meets at Lindley Park Pool, GAC has a reputation of being one of the finest facilities in the nation. There is something really special about being in a pool where prestigious national events are held. We are confident that Lake Jeanette Lightning and Friendly Frogs will both fare will.  Good luck to all 20 teams and all 2,000+ swimmers.  If you have never been to GAC, head there this weekend to be a spectator in this fun, Greensboro tradition.

Happy Wednesday!

Greensboro Science Center

This past week, we had out of town guests from West Virginia visiting us in Greensboro. Our friend Joseph Roy (photographed above) is a master gardener with  great knowledge about landscaping and horticulture. He was so excited to learn that the Greensboro Science Center has a Monarch Conservation Center and Butterfly House. He delighted in observing and photographing the butterflies in this well-landscaped habitat. The butterfly area in the science center has enclosed walls and a netted roof that can be opened when it is time for the butterflies to migrate. The center, named for the Cole family, is filled with plants that attract butterflies. The monarchs have plenty of milkweed there. 

The butterfly house opened in 2022 and the first year, seven species, including the monarch butterfly,  were introduced. Last year, nine additional species were introduced. The center will be open until September. If you want to go, be sure to wear a hat for the parts of the science center that are outdoors. Plan to do plenty of walking. However, if you have mobility issues, you can borrow a wheelchair for the duration of your visit. This little gem on Lawndale Avenue is well worth being a summer tradition. Our friend Joe gives it a two green thumbs up!

Happy Tuesday!

Warnersville Traditions & Celebrations

Warnersville is a community that really nurtures a sense of community. There is a recreation center and a community park at 601 Doak Street. Summers are extra special. On First Fridays, they have free movies. This past Saturday, the above  celebration took place outside the recreation center. There were speakers, including James Griffin, Founder of the Warnersville Historical and Beautification Society. Laura Way, President & CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro spoke. There were food trucks, an art walk; the Warnersville Drumline played; and at 7:45, the film about the Warnersville neighborhood was shared.

Warnersville was built on a 35 acre plot of land, purchased by Pennsylvania Quaker Yardley Warner, who divided the land into plots made available to "freedmen" just after the Civil War. This was the first planned African American community in the area.* The Warnersville community continues to build memories with the current generations of residents. On Saturday, fun was had by all. Unless the Fourth of July changes the schedule, there should be a movie!

*reference and more information, HERE.

Happy Monday!

Community Garden at St. Phillips AME Zion Church

Today's photo features the greenway side of St. Phillips AME Zion Church on 1330 Ashe Street in the Warnersville neighborhood of Greensboro. In the back of the church, they have a community garden. The garden is called the St. Phillips Garden of Peace and it was first started on 2/27/21. This is Year 3 of the garden, and it appears to be thriving. This garden is an example of the "un-lawning" initiative to replace manicured lawns with raised beds and edibles. It is also shows how churches work with community organizations to make great things happen. Read this article to learn more about the early beginnings of the garden. This YES! Weekly article talks more about the urban farm initiative to cultivate underutilized land. We also learned from YES! Weekly that the UNCG Communication Studies Department made this initiative possible. Read more here. If you can think of somewhere that would be a good site for a community garden, there are plenty of organizations willing to help. Thanks you St. Phillips for continuing this project!

Happy Sunday!

Reflecting on Fireworks & Starbucks... and the Fourth

Today is the last Saturday in June, which means it is almost July 4th and summer is well underway. The above photo was taken on Battleground Avenue at Edney Ridge Road in the plaza where Aldi is located. The scene got us smiling. Somehow, a fireworks tent and a new stand-alone Starbucks store seem like a strange combination. But, we all need our holiday traditions. Fourth of July and fireworks, for some; Starbucks coffee for some. Just maybe both for some... and then again, neither for both. Diversity is what keeps Greensboro interesting

Have a great Saturday and head out there and see all that you can see!

Rain Making Gardens and Amphibians Happy

Yesterday, we brought you a toad. Today, we're thinking this is some kind of tree frog. He was clinging to a leaf on our bean vine when we were watering. This is either a Gray Treefrog or a Copes Gray Treefrog. The adults size ranges from 1.5" to 2.25". We're thinking this was a baby as it was only about the size of a nickel.

We encourage you to plant edibles and let the beds in your yard be as natural as possible. It is so fun to watch all of the critters in Greensboro's yards. Plus, it is  fun to eat the produce, too. There are so many opportunities to learn about urban gardening in Greensboro. The City of Greensboro has community gardens (see HERE); the Out of the Garden Project has an Urban Teaching Farm (see HERE) to name a couple. In the meantime, with that rain we got yesterday, our beans are starting to swell and the amphibians are singing!

Happy Friday, the last weekend of June!

Southern Toad in Our Greensboro Backyard

According to our car thermometer today, the outside temperature in Greensboro reached 100º, although other sources indicated in the 90ºs. Regardless, it was hot yesterday afternoon. As we were cleaning up around the house, we found this toad who was so lethargic, it made no effort to hop away. We put it in a saucer of water and relocated it in our garden, where we know there are plenty of bugs. 

The above toad is a Southern toad. The indicator for identifying are the bumps on the head, behind the eyes.*

 

*Learn about toads and frogs of North Carolina, here.

Anna Murphy: FOLK IT! Art & Craft

We met Anna Murphy at the Summer Solstice event this past Saturday. She is such a talented and creative potter and her work is so affordable. We actually asked her why she wasn't charging more for her work. She explained that she has low overhead since her studio and kiln are in her home. However, the even bigger reason is that she is a cardiac stenographer and she travels for her career. Soon, she will be on-site in New Mexico and she doesn't want to have all of this inventory stocked up while she is away.

Anna and her husband are originally from up north, but we are lucky enough to have them living in the Greensboro area now. Let's hope while she is in New Mexico that she doesn't fall in love with it too much. We want her back in Guilford County working in healthcare and creating her unique clay designs. She even makes jewelry! In the short time we talked to Anna, we could tell she is one of those people who can do just about anything they set their mind to doing. You can find her pottery on @folkitcrafts on Instagram and @folk_it-crafts or at [email protected]

Happy Wednesday!

Paperhand Puppet Intervention at Summer Solstice

The Paperhand Puppet Intervention is an inspiration to all who see it. Saturday, at the Summer Solstice Festival in the Greensboro Arboretum, was no exception. The above photo gives you an idea of the craftsmanship that goes into making the larger-than-life puppets. There were at least 25 of them at the solstice event, and many of the people handling the puppets were volunteers, bystanders at the festival. 

The Saxapahaw group was founded 26 years ago in 1998 by Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger. Zimmerman was inspired after having seen the Bread and Hand puppet performance in Vermont. Bread and Puppet was established in the early 1960s in New York City by Peter Schulman. The name derived from the fact that great and oil were served at the puppet shows. Fast forward 60 plus years and Bread and Puppet is still going strong and so is Paperhand Puppet Intervention. This latter group is always a special feature of the solstice event. A but thank you to all involved in bring them to the festival. Imagine the eyes of the little children when these larger-than-life puppets come walking by. The person navigating the stilts and monarch butterfly is likely  trained, as she navigated those stilts beautifully.

We completely in awe of all involved in the Summer Solstice event.

Happy Tuesday!

Meet Greensboro's Golden Solstice Fairies: Kathy and Nicole

Saturday's Summer Solstice Festival in the Greensboro Arboretum was absolutely spectacular. For those who like to take photos, it was so perfect. The Paperhand Puppet Intervention Parade around 5:00 p.m. and the Fire Show at the end of the night were highlights. There were several stages of music. Another solstice tradition is the golden fairy. She sprinkles glitter on your head as people approach and indicate that is what they want. This year, Kathy Clark (left) who is an amazing, local, visual and performing artist, is hoping to retire her golden fairy performances. However, she was able to find someone to apprentice under her and learn the ins and out of this tradition. On the left is Nicole Villano who was co-performing this year in the hopes of her replacing Kathy in the future.

Both women are environmentally conscious, and so the glitter they sprinkled was ordered from England and is plastic-free and biodegradable. It is made from plant-derived, regenerated, eucalyptus cellulose. We hope the fairy duet earned enough on Saturday to cover the cost of that very-expensive glitter that ships from England. At any rate, we found their environmental effort commendable. It speaks to the kind of people they are. Kathy has found a very special person to inherit her wings and bowl of glitter. Perhaps they can work some together. With the intense head and sun in Greensboro on Saturday, it must have been nice to be able to take water breaks and work in shifts.

If you have never been to Greensboro's Summer Solstice Event, try to find time next year. Start planning your outfit! Seeing Kathy and Nicole's clothing should give you an idea of the elaborate costuming you will see on both performers and attendees.

Happy Monday and stay cool. It will be in the 90's!

Donna Barrier: Member/ Historian, Guilford Park Presbyterian Church

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Donna Barrier who is a second-generation member of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. Donna, a Page High School graduate, was a lifelong educator in Greensboro. Now, in retirement, she dedicates much of her time serving her church. Donna is the archivist/historian, documenting all the major events of the church each year.*

Above, Donna is standing beside one of the carvings made by her dad, Harold A. Barrier. Her dad made more carvings because every pew has a different wooden carving at the end. There is documentation for each carving, the symbolism, and carved did it. According to Donna, woodcarving provided many hours of fellowship for the men involved in that project. This carving by Mr. Barrier is extra special because it is the descending dove. It is the symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence, and the story of the descending dove and Jesus' Baptism is found in all four Gospels. The carving is actually the seal of the Presbyterian Church of the United States. The four symbolic elements are a dove, the cross, a book symbolizing scripture, and flames. When we find a person who values documenting history and archiving, we know we have found a kindred spirit. It is the people that make Greensboro a special place to live and people like Donna who make Guilford Park Presbyterian a special place to worship. May we all have a "Donna" in our life.

Happy Sunday, this the first Sunday of Summer!

* See the yearly history HERE.

Visual and Performing Arts at the Continental Club, Downtown

Last night was hopping at the Continental Club at 816 South Elm Street. Viva Le Vox with the Tremors, among a backdrop of  artwork by Jack Stone and Frank Russell.  The guest list read like a Who's Who is Greensboro artists.  We didn't even have a chance to interview anyone because artists were having deep, meaningful conversations with each other. Above, accomplished mixed-media artist Jerry Cartwright and Frank Russell are discussing Frank's mixed media pieces. The fish hanging from the ceiling are also Frank's artwork. You may recognize them from local restaurants over the last decade. The event was billed as a vernissage- the first usage of the word we've heard in Greensboro. Let's hope vernissages are trending in Greensboro. The back room of the Continental Club is perfect for these events, and Preston Wiles was the perfect host. The almost-solstice, very full moon was an added bonus.

Today, the arts will continue to thrive with the Summer Solstice event at the Greensboro Arboretum from 2:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.  We can't wait. See you there.

Happy Saturday!

Happy Summer Solstice 2024!

The 2024 summer solstice arrived yesterday at 4:50 pm. It was a glorious day  with a temperature ranging from about 64º to 86º. There was so much going on, including an event at Revolution Mill.  The "golden hour" was especially photogenic yesterday. The above photo was taken along Battleground Avenue about 8:30p.m. Even though the scene is not especially picturesque, you can see the vibrancy of the sun in the western sky.

For about the next week, we'll celebrate the solstice as the hours of light will be the longest for the year. Yesterday, the sun rose at 5:32 a.m. and set at 9:10p.m., close to 16 hours of daylight. Tonight, the sun sets at 8:40 pm. There is a Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game with fireworks after dark. Tomorrow from 2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m,  the annual Summer Solstice event will be held in the Arboretum. If you like taking pictures, this is a great chance to see people dressed up in all of their summer solstice creativity. The more festive you dress, the more you will enjoy the event.

Happy Solstice!

Florayma Garcia and Kiosco Mexican Grill

Today's photo features Kiosco Mexican Grill at 3011 Spring Garden Street (established 2009 at the corner of Holden Road). The first thing you notice upon entering Kiosco is the mural painted by local artist Chip Holton. You may recognize the style from Chip's artwork at Lucky 32 and the O. Henry Hotel. The above scene is of Degollado, a small town in Jalisco, Mexico, the Kiosco owner's hometown. 

Upon arrival we were greeted like royalty by Florayma Garcia- above. We went to lunch with dear friend Alice Hill, a retired UNCG Spanish lecturer and Kiosco regular. Florayma greeted "Alicia" by name and we could tell by the enthusiastic exchange, they have become friends. Florayma knew all about the mural and the artist and pointed out Chip's other murals throughout the restaurant. Alice has been telling us about these murals for years. We are so happy to have finally seen them. Truly, Chip Holton is one of Greensboro's treasured artists. Also, the food at Kiosco is fabulous, and Florayma is a personable, exemplary employee. After meeting Florayma, we saw how,  you are a regular, she will learn your name and you can pick right up where you left off on the conversation from the last time you visited. Places, like Kiosco with good food and original art, make Greensboro a wonderful city to live in, but it is the people, like Florayma, Alice, and Chip who make Greensboro so special. 

Happy Summer Solstice!

Next Chapter Bookstore Gift Shop to Celebrate Juneteenth at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market

Yesterday, we finally had the chance to stop at Ben's Boyz Restaurant in Friendly Center. Not only do they have delicious food, they also have a bookstore and gift shop at the entrance of the restaurant. Pictured above is Sherricka Carpenter Stanley who owns Next Chapter Bookstore. Her store represents over 70 authors and several local artists. The brick and mortar restaurant started as a food truck in the space where Starbucks is now located in Friendly. They opened the restaurant in May of 2021 and then on September 18, 2021, Sherricka launched the bookstore; fulfilling a goal she had on her vision board since 2011. Sherricka came to Greensboro to attend NC A&T where she majored in math education. She taught math for 25 years but has since left the classroom and works in her bookstore. Additionally, she is a published author with two of her own books for sale at Next Chapter. One is a rhyming book about family for little children. The other is a book about Kamala Harris.

If you want a good meal or a bookstore that has books and gifts for every occasion, head to 2711 Grandview Avenue in Friendly (up by the Juice Shop). Thursdays are their late night when there is an open mike when singers, musicians, poets, spoken word artists and paint live artists gather from 5:00- 8:00 pm to showcase their talent. We're not sure what their hours will be today, though, since we know Sherricka will be at the Juneteenth SOULebration..  SOULebration is happening at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax from 11:00 am- 6:00 p.m.. The event is free and open to the public. 

Happy Juneteenth!

Carpenter Bee... Wondering Where You Live!

Tis the season for all the bugs and insects in Greensboro. Carpenter bees are going strong. They look like bumble bees, about the same size and some carpenter bees are yellow and black (some are all black). Carpenter bees have shiny abdomens, not fuzzy. This photo is a good example of those slick bodies. Carpenter bees bore holes in hardwood (in houses and trees) and lay their eggs in tunnels. If you see a hole, you have to cover it up, otherwise, they will reinhabit it and  nest there again. In the insect world, they are long-lived and can live up to three years. If you are in bed and hear your window buzzing or vibrating, check for these critters.

Above, you see a carpenter bee having a field day on our bee balm. Females can sting, usually only when provoked. This female was fed up with our taking photos of her and did follow us, but fortunately, we did not get stung. We absolutely love documenting the animals, insects, and reptiles we see around our yard in summer. How about you? Do you? What have you seen in your yard this summer? Tomorrow is Juneteenth and Thursday is the official first day of summer. The Fourth of July is in about two weeks. By Labor Day, students will be back in school. Pace yourself and enjoy every day of summer. Keeping track of critters is good, free fun. It can also help protect your house.

Happy Tuesday!