Greensboro Daily Photo

Jimmie I. Barber

Jimmie I. Barber * served the Greensboro City Council for twelve years, from 1969- 1981, which, at the time made him the longest serving black member in Greensboro. Barber Park, located between East Gate City Boulevard and Florida Street, was dedicated, renamed Barber Park, in 1989. It had first been known as Southeast Park. 

The sculptor of the above bust of Mr. Barber is Maria J. Kirby-Smith who finished she sculpture in 1990.  The position of the extended hand, ready for a handshakes, suggests community engagement, the gesture of a gentleman; something that likely helped keep Mr. Barber in office for so many years. According to the above plaque, he was the "people's man" who "belonged to all the people." Contributions to this bronze bust were made by the Greensboro Jaycees, Las Amigas, and The City of Greensboro. The monument is located near the sports building at the bottom of the hill. With the landscaping around it, it is easier to find while walking or on a bicycle. Challenge yourself to find it the next time you are at Barber Park.

Happy Tuesday!

 

• See Mr. Barber's photo, here.
• Learn more about Greensboro's parks in this Our State Magazine article from June 2022.

Happy National Bike Month; Happy Times on the Greenway!

National Bike Month was established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists.* Communities coast to coast have events to promote connecting communities, making streets safer, and connecting people with resources for biking. Last night, there was a great event downtown. It was called "Tune in and Tune Up."  Those involved with last night's event included, The Downtown Greenway Department of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, The Community Bike Shop at Barber Park, Bicycles in Greensboro (BIG)  and volunteer bike mechanics and enthusiasts. Partiicpants came together to at the Cairn's Course spot on the downtown greenway to help bicyclists with simple tune-ups and to receive pointers on  basic bike maintenance.

We had our bikes tuned up, got air in our tires,  and rode the gravel greenway path. The weather was perfect and the sense of community was wonderful. We learned about the Tuesday Beginner Bike Ride that meets at Cycles D'Oro at 6:00 pm. Nobody gets left behind on that ride and there is help if you need it. We also learned about a big event at the  Community Bike Shop at Barber Park on Sunday, May 21st. The bike shop is open every Sunday  from 1-4pm; however, Sunday, May 21st will be extra special there. At the bike shop in Barber Park, you can borrow a bike. Yes, Greensboro has a bike "library"! You can learn about making repairs, about opportunities to volunteer, and more.

Last night was so much fun. We can't wait to bike on the greenway some more. While it will be a couple more years until the downtown greenway is completely paved and finished, for now, the gravel path is a good start. Chelsea Phipps (not photographed) is the Greenways & Gardens Program Coordinator in the Park Operations Division of the City of Greensboro. While she was in attendance last night, we didn't get a chance to include her in the photo. Most days, you can find Chelsea out doing something on the ever-expanding greenway! Chelsea is committed to making  Greensboro's  greenway a space that gets used and loved by the community, be it for bicyclists, runners, walkers, and more. 

 

Happy Thursday! Happy National Bike Month!

 

* Read more HERE.

Women of the Shoah

Shoah in Hebrew means "catastrophe" and specifically the six million Jews in Europe killed by Nazi Germany. The above memorial monument is meant to serve as a place of reflection and learning. It is meant to inform and educate. "To that end, Women of the Shoah will be creating on-site placemaking public programs for students, residents and visitors a the memorial monument in the coming months. A curriculum has been developed in conjunction with the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust and the State's Department of Public Instruction and will be included in the new Holocaust curriculum at the state level." This information was taken directly off of the back page of the program during the April 18th dedication of the above monument in LeBauer Park. (See www.WomenoftheShoahJP.org for more information).

One of our faithful readers brought it to our attention that the monument is not getting much local press and she expressed an interest in knowing exactly where it was placed downtown. Perhaps this view helps clarify. Directly through the trees, on the left, are Cafe Europa and the Cultural Arts Center. Due left would be the public library. The people to the right are reading information available by clicking on the QR codes around the area. Truly, this site is an educational experience. The curriculum, once developed, will be powerful. We hope people come from far around to learn about this dark period in world history. We hope you get a chance to see it.

Have a great Tuesday!

Holocaust Monument Dedication

Yesterday ws a very special day. First, it was Yom Hashorah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Second, the Greensboro community installed a monument dedicated to the women and children who endured or perished in the Holocaust. The monument, created by artist Victoria Carlin Milstein features five women; one older, one a child, and three young adults. Originally from New York,  Victoria Carlin Milstein now lives and works in Greensboro. Her studio is located at 517 South Elm Street. The above statue now resides in Carolyn's Garden in LeBauer Park in  honor of Carolyn LeBauer- for whom the park and garden are named. The sculpture is very representative of Carlin Milstein's work, with haunting expressions of Jewish women and children. As Ian McDowell of "Yes Weekly" reminds us, this sculpture, called "She Wouldn't Take Off Her Boots," * is North Carolina's first Holocaust Memorial. The Jewish community has been contributing significantly to the Greensboro community (and North Carolina) since the 1800s and remains flourishing, vibrant, and impactful today. It is due time a monument was installed.

Memorial candles were lit, in remembrance of these 5 in the sculpture and the others who died during the Holocaust. At today's dedication, it was mentioned that over 6,000,000 Jewish people were killed during the Holocaust, roughly the same number residing in the United States today. Mayor Nancy Vaughn dedicated the monument. Victoria and Ron Milstein and Shelly Weiner and Rachel Kizhnerman unveiled the monument. The Multi-Cultural Choir sang "Standing on the Shoulders" a moving song that honors forefathers. As hinted in the above photo, yesterday's crowd was large, but orderly. If you weren't able to attend this special event, you will have plenty of time to head to LeBauer Park and see the monument. You will see a bronze camera pointing at the monument, reminding us that the sculpture was designed from a photo a Nazi photographer took to document the killings. Also, there are QR codes all around the garden where you can hear Holocaust stories from people of Greensboro.

*the title of the sculpture comes from the fact that the older woman in the middle was still wearing her boots, even as the Nazis required the women to disrobe before being shot.

A Lovely Day in Steelman Park

Yesterday was a glorious day to explore Greensboro's parks. We walked to one in the Glenwood neighborhood. Located between Gregory Street and Highland Avenue, Steelman Park is a 3 1/2 acre facility that is open year-round for the community and hosts a summer playground program. There is a stream on the south end of the park, a basketball court, fitness equipment and more. Yesterday, there were children exploring in the park laughing, calling out to their dad, and playing in an unencumbered way as only children can. This park is named for  Ruth A Steelman, a retired educator, teacher and principal at McIver School who died in 1990 at the age of 77.  Miss Steelman was also a professor at High Point College and a member of many professional and civic organizations.

In the front end of the photo, you see raised beds at the park. They are part of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Family Gardening Program. Families are invited to create an edible garden with their children. The 8-week gardening program will have weekly hands-on instruction and will provide seeds, tools, and more. Participating families must have children between the ages of 4 and 18 years.*  Fencing helps keep animals out and a lock on the gate helps keep people from helping themselves to produce.  Let's hope it is a good year for produce and that children have plenty of time to explore Steelman Park- and all the other parks in the City of Greensboro.  We're betting Ms. Steelman would be proud!

Happy Friday! 

• register at go.ncsu.edu/family-gardening. or call Julie Hale at Parks and Recreation at 336-373-4549.

Urban Walking and Observing Nature

Urban walking can yield interesting results. The above photo was taken in Peabody Park on the campus of University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Do you have any idea what it is? Well, we didn't either until we went and read the sign on the upper left side of the structure. From that sign, we learned that it is an insect trap and is part of a project in the biology department. Near the sign, there is a bottle of water with several mosquitos in it. The design appears to be working. Just beyond this net trap, in a field of native grasses, are a couple of bluebird boxes and a marshy wetland. These ecosystems are ripe for hands-on research projects and have been used by university and pre-collegiate classrooms alike.

This use of the Peabody Park is aligned with its original use when constructed in 1901. Then President Charles Duncan, established the park as a place for recreation and hands-on learning.* UNCG has changed so much since its early days as the State Normal and Industrial School. Peabody Park is smaller, there is no longer a lake, but here is still a creek meanders through,there is a small part of a golf course, and a nice path to take and interact with nature.

Happy Tuesday!

 

* reference and additional information.

First Hike of Year

The above photo was taken in Price Park, the part just below Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library, as you start up the hill, on the right. to the left is the Price Park Butterfly Garden. We'll make sure to explore that trail in spring and summer. This time of year, is so nice for hiking because visibility is really good since the trees are without leaves. The trail hovers below Jefferson Elementary School, along a fence line, and curves back behind the library. Along the way is a great horned owl box. The great horned owl is the largest owl in North Carolina. The females are 25- 30% larger than the males. The species has an average wingspan of 4.6 feet and they can be 18- 25 inches long. Also, along the way is a storage building insulated with clear plastic bottles. 

Exploring these public spaces of Greensboro is so fun. If the weather reports hold true, today and Saturday would be better days for hiking. Sunday, it could rain. The winter hours of Price Park are from 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. By 5:00 pm, it is getting dark in January.  Hope to see you on the trail.

Happy Friday!

LeBauer Park on a Rainy Night

This is what LeBauer Park looks like on a cold, but above freezing, rainy night. There is a certain charm about its calm emptiness. The time was about 10:00 pm as we were leaving the Tanger Center. The one-night-only showing of the Hip Hop Nutcracker was last night. The troupe performed to a sold out crowd. Their 10th anniversary performance was spectacular. It is nice to park in the Church Street Parking Deck, because to get from the Tanger Center to the parking deck, you get to walk past the park.

LeBauer Park opened on August 8, 2016. In its 6 years, this 4-acre 10 million dollar park  has grown to be one of the major city-owned, gathering places for fun downtown. This is the location of the ice skating rink this winter. There is also a playground, fountains, and a dog park. The Janet Echleman polyethylene sculpture, suspended 130 feet above the park's great lawn, is a nod to Greensboro's textile history. It is always nice when a piece of art is made with the history of a city in mind. If someone is looking for a fun and meaningful project, consider taking a photo a day of LeBauer Park. It is beautiful in all weather conditions, and when empty as well as when full of people.

Happy Thursday!

Morocco for the Win

This past Saturday, when Morocco beat Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup 2022, local Moroccans came to Center City Park to celebrate. Women and children were in the park proper. The men were off to the side, by their vehicles, beside Friendly Avenue, also celebrating. They were holding flags  and some had them draped over them. It was an impromptu parade of jubilant people. The above scene reminds us of just how diverse Greensboro and North Carolina are. According to the 2010 Census, there were over 33,000 Arabs living in North Carolina. Other articles indicate that the Arab population in North Carolina has close to doubled since then. Arabic is one of the 6 official languages of the United Nations and it is now taught in some public schools in North Carolina.

Arabic is one of top ten most widely spoken of the the 118 languages spoken by Guilford County Schools students. Even if you don't speak Arabic, on a day like Saturday, a lot of gesturing and smiling got the point across. Smiling seems to be a universal language and soccer seems to be a universal sport. If you have Moroccan neighbors, now would be a good time to greet them, smile, and talk soccer!

Happy Monday!

Safety Town

All is quiet in Safety Town now. Located off of Pisgah Church Road, beside Lewis Recreation Center, Safety Town is a community resource sponsored by: Greensboro Police Department, Nat Greene Kiwanis Club of Greensboro, Greens pro Parks and Recreation, Volvo, Greensboro Optimist Club.  As stated on their website, Safety Town is a two-hour-a-day, two-week program for five and six year old children that teaches safety about strangers, traffic, pedestrians, fires, bicycles, bus, poisons, water, and guns. The program has existed for 39 years. So many generations of children in Greensboro have participated in the program over the years. Other efforts in other cities model their safety town design on the Greensboro complex.

There are also opportunities for teens to register as Ambassadors. It is such a great way for teens to develop leadership skills. Everything about Safety Town is a win-win. Happy Wednesday. Tomorrow is December- already!

 

 

Jeansboro Sculpture at LeBauer Park

It is hard to believe this photo was taken less than a month ago, back before this cold snap brought in by Hurricane Ian dropped the temperature to the 50s. The photo shows you the vibrancy of downtown, especially on Davie Street between the two city parks. The artwork is a fiberglass pair of jeans, celebrating Greensboro's rich heritage of making denim and jeans. There was a time when Greensboro made more blue jeans than anywhere else in the world. While that empire has moved overseas, the memories remain. In 2015, the name "Jeansboro" was coined as a nod to that history. We even have a Jeansboro Day.*  

The artist of the above piece is Sage Hanna Betts. There are several of these blue jean sculptures around town, one at PTI airport and another at the Greensboro Science Center.  The 4' tall sculptures were painted by local students and artists. Here is a GPS City map. We haven't tried it, because we have a pretty good idea of what is where in Greensboro; however, if you want to map out a tour, try here. We hope you have a great weekend and your are safe and your home is dry! If we took this photo today, people would be in long sleeves, rain jackets, and jeans. It is time to put the shorts away.

Happy Saturday!

* read more here.

Book of Common Prayer

This book of Common Prayer from The Church of England is on display at The Battlefield Visitors Center at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. The park and center are dedicated to the history surrounding the Battle of Guilford Courthouse during the Revolutionary War on March 15, 1781. The facility and park are located at 2332 New Garden Road. The center is open 9:00 am- 5:00 pm seven days a week. The rangers there are so helpful and seem to love it when people stop in to ask them questions. During this battle, even though soldiers represented different countries, wore different uniforms, and represented different religions, they were all praying to the same God. There isn't much related to religion at the Battle Visitors Center, but the rangers have stories of interest. They told us that the Quakers took in the wounded of all religions and made every effort to nurse them back. That is a memorable story. 

We hope you have a happy Sunday and that you get out to the Battlefield Visitors Center. We especially love the big picture window that takes on a different character with every season. It is such a special place that is makes one prayerful, regardless of religion.

Caribbean Flamingos at the Greensboro Science Center

Yes we have Caribbean flamingos in Greensboro. If you have been to the Greensboro Science Center lately, you have probably seen this exhibit. The Caribbean flamingo is native to not only the Caribbean, but also South America and the Galápagos Islands. These interesting creatures are approximately 5' tall and weigh between 4-9 pounds. They can live up to 50 years. They usually only lay one egg at a time and it takes close to 30 days to hatch. The birds can be hard to get them to the point where they warm up to their keeper. However, the ones at the science center  seem relatively settled in. It is fun to watch them eat and to interact with each other.

We hope you have been  safe during the recent storms, and, that you get a chance to visit the Greensboro Science Center soon! Have a great rest of your day!

Happy Wednesday!

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

As many of you may remember from the post on Sunday, it was General Nathanael Greene's birthday. We know that the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park always has a lot happening in March, about the time of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. However, we don't recall their celebrating his birthday in August. This past Saturday, they had a dedication of a new cannon that is a closer replica to what actually would have been at the battle than the cannon in he above photo. The young man in the photo, dressed in what would have been civilian clothes from the time period questioned the ranger. He had just returned from seeing the firing of the new cannon and questioned its size, wondering how it would fit through the door. The ranger admitted that they were going to have to increase the size of the door to get the new cannon through. How heartwarming to see a young student that attuned to history and interested in history so much so that he dresses for the occasion. 

Seeing the exhibits at the visitors center is very special, but even more meaningful is talking to people knowledgeable about the time period.  We are looking forward to seeing the cannon in its new home. Every time we go to the park and to events there, we learn a little bit more about the history of Greensboro. Mark your calendar for mid-March 2023, when the reenactment will take place. Happy Tuesday!

 

Happy Birthday, Nathanael Greene

Greensboro became a city in 1808 and it was named after Nathanael Greene, who was a general in the Continental Army in the Revolutional War. He was born in 1742 in Potowomut Rhode Island and died in 1786 in Mulberry Grove Georgia, at the age of 43. While he was neither born nor died in Greensboro, he did fight in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse on the very spot where the visitor center is located, just off of New Garden Road. The above portrait of General Greene is located in the visitor center. Yesterday was such a busy day in celebration of General Greene's birthday. The events started at 10:00 am with the dedication and firing of a cannon that is so big that they will have to adjust the size of the door of the visitors center to fit it in here!  The birthday celebration ended with a ranger-lead tour at 3:00 pm. 

Since on Sundays, we like to post something spiritual, we asked the ranger if there was anything religious to fit with General Greene and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The ranger thought about it for a while and said, well, the Quakers, who were pacifists and didn't want anything to do with war, helped the wounded from the battle. It didn't matter who the wounded soldiers fought for, many were left behind and the Quakers cared for them. We are left wondering how many of the surviving soldiers decided to make Greensboro their home. We also learned that New Garden Road, that connects the Battlefield to the Friends Meeting, has been called New Garden Road since at least the 1700s. The rangers at the park are so helpful and interested in discussing the history of the area. If you know of anyone who ever has to do a report on the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, send them to the visitors center. The rangers will answer questions or, if they don't know, point you in the direction of the answer. Happy birthday, General Greene. You are gone but not forgotten.

Happy Sunday, everyone! 

First Friday: August 2022

While parts of Greensboro threatened rain last night, downtown in the city parks, First Friday was going strong. The above photo features the crowd in front of LeBauer Park. Casa Azul was there teaching salsa dancing. For several hours, partners were dancing the night away while children were playing in the grass. The lighting really adds to the atmosphere. Great fun was had by all!

At night, the new sculpture by Janet Echelman "Where We Met" looks so beautiful. It hovers over the park really capturing attention. To the left is the new restaurant, Parkside Pull-Up. Parkside that opened in April. People are thrilled to have hot dogs, hamburgers, and great French fries- it is perfect food for eating at the park, especially on a Friday night. The Cultural Arts Center also had a lot of activities last night. Your next option for a First Friday will be September 2nd. Mark your calendar and polish your dancing shoes! Happy Saturday!

The Martha Bassett Show

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

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

Night Kayaking at Lake Brandt

Last night, from 8:00- 10:00 pm, Lake Brandt held extended hours for night kayaking. You had the option to bring your own kayak, rent a solo, or rent a double kayak. The Greensboro Parks and Recreation staff are very good about helping participants get their equipment in and out of the water, whether you bring your own or rent. During the night events in the summer, you ride out as the sun is setting and ride back at dark. While the above photo is blurry, you get the idea of how it looked and felt out on the water last night. The water was calm and so peaceful. Most people participated with a friend or two. Some kayakers met new friends while out on the water. Everyone was very friendly. While the Parks and Rec. staff are also on the water for your safety, the expectation is that you can function independently on the water; there is no "guided tour". However, if you just pay attention to where you are headed and the location of the dock, the adventure is pretty straightforward. 

There cannot possibly be a better way to end a summer evening than to be on the water watching the birds and fish settle in for the night. Here is the link to the website with the information about our three lakes, Higgins, Brandt, Townsend. You can find information about rentals and the schedules for when the lakes are open. As we were leaving, the staff member who helped us carry our kayak to the car encouraged us to some out to lake Higgins next Wednesday for night kayaking. If you like to avoid the sun's strong rays, night kayaking is for you.

Happy Friday!

Chess in Center City Park

This is one of our favorite photos from Fun Fourth. These two guys were playing chess on the Elm Street side of Center City Park. There were festivities going on all around them, but their concentration was on their chess fame. If you are looking for a place to play chess, Greensboro Chess Club meets every Wednesday from 6:30-9:00 pm at the Lewis Recreation Club at 3110 Forest Lawn Drive (near the intersection of Battleground Avenue and Pisgah Church Road). Instructors and resources are available. The club is open to all enthusiasts. However, nothing beats playing outdoors on a warm summer day, surrounded by people enjoying the day. They say chess is a metaphor for life. There are endless opportunities; we need to anticipate others' moves; losing isn't always failing and challenges can trigger growth. But, on a sunny day, with a friend, it can just be a way to learn a little and enjoy spending time together. 

Have a great Thursday. 

Porchfest 2022 Culminates at Sternberger Park

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

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

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

Kelly L Taylor, Artist of Dramatic Still Life Paintings

This past weekend, Kelly L. Taylor had her art on display at Parisian Promenade at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. The sock monkey paintings, above, give you an idea of her aesthetic. Kelly loves painting dramatic still life paintings of vintage toys and "things inherited, found, and compulsively collected. You can buy work that she has already painted, or you can contact her for commissions. Originally from upstate New York, Kelly moved to Greensboro with her kids when her dad relocated here. Kelly has a BFA from Guilford College. If you missed her last Sunday at Bicentennial Garden, sometimes she sets up at the Saturday morning Corner Market in the St. Andrews parking lot on West Market Street. You may find here there.

Also, Kelly's website is paintingpoppy.com. You can also contact here there. Kelly especially loves to paint toys that she has personally collected. Another favorite of hers are the plastic trolls with the long, wild hair and beady eyes. If you have a teddy bear from childhood or something nostalgic, Kelly can render it in paint! Additionally, she is just such a great person to talk to. That is one of the beautiful things about Greensboro; even when people are busy, they seem to find time to talk. As you know, we love Greensboro and one of the reasons it is so special is because of people like Kelly.

One of our favorite paintings by Kelly is "Lucky Doll". Check it out!

Parisian Promenade 2022

The Parisian Promenade 2022 was a big hit this year. It was held yesterday day in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. The event was a project  of Greensboro Beautiful and the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department with support from WFDD Public Radio. From 12-5:00 pm yesterday, the entire park came alive with people strolling through the lovely gardens from event to event. There was singing, face painting, fairy hair, artists, food trucks, demonstrations and other talented performers. One of the highlights was the Poodle (and other dog) Parade. The dog parade was so lovely this year, dogs and their owners and or responsible handlers wrote a few sentences about the canine companion which the MC read as the dogs paraded around the circle. Some dogs walked on their hind legs, some had a cat toy as their favorite toy; for sure, they were all well loved and cared for. Gigi in the above photo was so well behaved and adored her owner. We didn't get to hear who won, but in our hearts, every human and every canine who participated was a winner. 

The pandemic shut down the promenade for a couple of years, but it was back this year and attendance seemed to be higher than ever. There was a shuttle from Signature Place at Friendly Center and the block at Hobbs where the gardens are near the bog garden was closed to vehicles, making it safer for families to get to and from the gardens. Cars on Hobbs were parked almost all the way back to Watauga Drive. The Parisian Promenade is always the first Sunday in June, just about the time school is out for the year. It is one of those Greensboro traditions that heralds the beginning of summer.

Happy Monday! And, for those students who no longer have to set an alarm clock, may your summer be everything you are hoping it will be. 

Post Tanger & Walking Around Downtown

The above photo features an unidentified couple leaving the Tanger Center on the evening that Rita Moreno spoke as part of the Guilford College Bryan series. They are walking on the southeast corner of the Tanger complex headed toward LeBauer Park. You can see the blue and pink Echelman sculpture hovering above the park. And, on that particular evening, there were still lots of people out in the park. This part of north Greensboro, around Tanger and the center city parks,  has been transformed. We predict there will be even more changes; perhaps food trucks and more late evening food options, especially for after events at Tanger. 

As for tonight, it has been said Thursday is the new Friday. If you want to get a jumpstart on the weekend, head downtown tonight for a meal or a beverage with a special person in your life. Another option will be to go hear Kendra Adachi speak about her book "The Lazy Genius Kitchen" at Scuppernong Books from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. It is kind of special having a New York Times bestselling author right here in Greensboro. If you want to get ready for the event, listen to Adachi's Lazy Genius podcast or website. Her book is available at Scuppernong and Just Be, where you can also get earrings made by Kendra's mom! Maybe we'll wear a pair tonight and see if she notices. Maybe she'll wear a pair and we will notice. 

Happy Thursday! Happy almost holiday weekend!

Dog Meetup at LeBauer Park

This weekend proves to be a hot one, as hot as 90º, with the possibilities of showers- up to 40º. It will be a great weekend for visiting one of Greensboro's parks. The above photo was taken in LeBauer Park. As you can see, a couple of leashed dogs were meeting, for the first time. The encounter was brief and civil, a win/win for a random canine meet up. There is also an enclosed bark park at LeBauer where dogs can enter, unleashed. 

The Greensboro Bound Literary Festival starts today with venues from Scuppernong Books to the History Museum, the Greensboro Cultural Center,  and more.* You owe it to yourself to attend events at this festival. It started in 2017, and continues to grow, with a little interruption thanks to COVID. The folks putting on the festival have worked very hard to bring great authors and, as feasible, make the presentations walkable. The festival will be a lot of fun, even if you have to attend without your fur baby!

Happy Saturday!

 

* See HERE.

LeBauer at Night

LeBauer Park is so lovely any time of day, but night can be especially beautiful with the lighting and the "When We Met" net sculpture by Janet Echeleman. The piece, by the way, was replaced this spring. It has more blue in it than the first one, which is a nod to the denim industry that was once so big in Greensboro.* We were at LeBauer Park on Tuesday, after seeing Rita Moreno at Tanger Center. She was fabulous and the audience was full. It isn't every day you get to see an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), proof positive that Rita Moreno is a performer who can do it all.

If you walk out of the Tanger Center on the east or south side, this is the view of the park that you see. On Tuesday night, the park was very busy. The water sprinkler/fountain for children to play in is back open and many adults sit around the perimeter while their children play joyfully. Even after the performance, at 9:00 pm, several people were in the park. LeBauer is such a wonderful community resource. It is hard to imagine what we did until it opened in 2016. This Saturday, the 36th annual Carolina Blues Festival will be held downtown in LeBauer Park. We hope to see you there!

The park turns six on August 8th. Let's hope they serve cake! 

 

*see the original net sculpture, here.

The Sundial at the Bicentennial Garden

This photo was taken about a month ago, in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, back when the trees were just starting to wake up from their winter slumber. We visited on a quiet day with hardly and visitors in the park and for some reason, the sundial really stood out. It was given by the Greensboro Council of Garden Clubs in 1981. Sundials have been around since 290 bce. We're wondering how many people ever stop to read them today. The sculptor of the sundial was Ogden Deal (1932- 1985). We're also wondering what inspired him to sculpt a sundial. Mr. Deal founded Ogden Deal Designs in 1956 in McLeansville. Today, his son carries on in his father's business, making signage for corporations and sporting events.

Greensboro sculptor, Jim Gallucci credits Ogden Deal as being "the guy was most responsible for [his] getting established as a metal sculptor in Greensboro" (reference and great information HERE). Jim restored the bison sculptor that Mr. Deal created and  installed at the Greensboro Science Center. It is so fun to learn more about Greensboro's public art and to know we're seeing art by someone whose legacy lives on in, not only in his art, but in his professional relationships. We're off to see if we can track down more of Mr. Deal's sculptures.

Happy Monday!

 

 

(See another piece of Deal's work, HERE.

Bog Garden at Benjamin Park

It has been a while since we visited the Bog Garden and last weekend the weather was absolutely lovely.  The Bog Garden, located at 1101 Hobbs Road,  is a 7-acre natural wetland within a 21 acre natural habitat. The land was donated to the City of Greensboro Parks and Recreation department by the Starmount Company in 1987. There is an elevated boardwalk that makes the trail enjoyable in any season. The City of Greensboro and Greensboro Beautiful have made a commitment to keeping out invasive species and to fill the garden with native plants. Promoting a healthy ecosystem, which includes having native plants, is a way to help birds thrive and to increase animal diversity. There are 29 kinds of native trees alone. Dr. Joe Christian, Greensboro physician, was instrumental in establishing the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park. If our tree identification is correct, the photo features the bald cypress trees planted by Dr. Joe. The view is so peaceful; it is hard to believe you are right on the edge of Friendly Shopping Center.

Friday and Easter Sunday look like they will be perfect days for visiting. Today and Saturday could be a little rainy. Truthfully, if you don't mind a little water, the Bog Garden is lovely at any time, and its look changes given the weather conditions. Go have a look! If you have family coming into town this weekend, this is a nice place to take them to enjoy nature.

*Read more about the Bog Garden and Dr. Joe Christian.

Joymongers and the Ambience Downtown Yesterday

Yesterday was a glorious spring day, with the temperature soaring to 80, and downtown was teeming with people excited to be outside. The above photo was taken in front of Joymongers at 576 North Eugene Street at the tiny LoFi Park. This little slice of joy is a favorite of people who like outdoor activities. We're not sure of the name of the woman leading the exercise session here, but it was wonderful. She is the woman with the red balloon was explaining to the group that having something in your hands, regardless of how light, helps engage the core muscles. Participants seemed to be enjoying the session. If you know about this session, please let us know. Obviously, it was planned as people arrived with equipment and wearing exercise clothes.

It was so nice yesterday, people were out running and walking their dogs. The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day*, so if you were out walking yesterday you participated in this national event. We were walking and, as we were returning, we noticed the Lincoln Financial Group building in the background. It is always fun to feature a slice of what was known as the "JP Building" in our downtown photos.

Happy Thursday!

*if you read this article about National Walking Day, you will learn some really interesting facts like tennis shoes wear out after 500 miles and that people walk 65,000 miles in their lifetime. These aren't Greensboro-specific statistics, but if you walk a lot, you will find them interesting.

Free To Soar

Hallelujah, spring has sprung. This work of art, Free To Soar,"  is installed at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden at Hobbs Road. The bronze was made in 2000 by Greensboro artist Michiel Van Der Sommen. Yesterday, we took a stroll through the garden and the grounds are definitely showing signs of spring. This is the time of year where the landscape changes almost daily. Yesterday, dogwoods were just starting to bloom and redbud trees had fully budded. Who knows about today. The garden was created in 1976 in honor of the bicentennial of the United States. 

If you want to visit, during the week, the gardens are not nearly as busy as on weekends. While the garden is only 7.5 acres, between the plantings, artwork, bridge, mill, gazebo, and creek, it seems so much bigger. In March and April, the hours are 8am-7pm. Mark your calendar for April 17th for the Parisian Promenade. It will be brimming with people, poodles, and other dogs that like to stroll with their owners.

Happy Friday! It's the weekend; feel free to soar!

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse: The Redcoats Are Coming

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

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

Happy Monday; happy making memories in Greensboro!

The Day Students from Wilmington Came to Town

Today's photo is not a prize winner, but the story is great. Last night, walking through LeBauer Park en route to First Friday. We noticed a very large group of students running to a briefing with their teachers. They were given some ground rules for the evening and then instructed to head to the LeBauer Park 3-D sign for a group photo. It was a group of middle school, performing arts students from Wilmington. Two busloads of students, teachers, and parent-chaperones, approximately 110 people, came to Greensboro for an educational experience- and what a memorable one. Yesterday, by day, students received instruction from the UNCG School of Music. According to one of the parents, for some, it was their first time on a college campus. In addition to their time at UNG, and in LeBauer Park, they got to see the Lion King at Tanger Center. You could feel the excitement in the group. 

This whole event was significant, because it is proof positive of what a special community resource we have in the Tanger Center. That students would drive from the beach to Greensboro to see a performance is significant. Also, having so many fine institutions of higher education in the area is as added bonus, especially when you can incorporate instruction from professors with seeing a professional performance. We can be so proud Greensboro is able to offer such fine academic and cultural experiences. We can also be proud that schools are willing to drive three hours for a learning tour. The students were very well behaved, at least from our perspective. We don't know who dreamed up the itinerary, but it was brilliant!

Happy Saturday!

Making Memories at LeBauer Park

If you are looking for something to entertain hildren who are home, consider visiting one of Greensboro's parks. LeBauer Park, one of two downtown parks, is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. LeBauer Park has been open for five years now. It opened on August 8, 2016 and we have to wonder what on earth did Greensboro do without it. Even when there aren't special events in the park, families can gather and play ping pong, exercise their dogs, let children play on the playground, and more.

The part featured above in today's photo is the Lincoln Financial Children's Garden. And yes, if you were on one of the top floors of the Lincoln Financial building, you could see this garden they helped fund. The garden has been very well maintained and actually still looks brand new. That rubberized surface makes the garden safe, even for toddling toddlers. As you can see from the above photo, everyone is having fun.

Happy second day of winter!

Center City Park

We find this photo heartwarming. It features a couple of kids heading to join some events in Center City Park, and a few people walking in the background. Seeing the Lincoln Financial Group Building situates the photo in downtown Greensboro. The leaves lingering on the trees place the photo in the late fall season. The decorated tree lets us know it is December.

The simplicity of the photo reminds us of the illustrations of Ezra Jack Keats. You may recall, he wrote "The Snowy Day" and "A Poem for Peter." Keats' illustrations often have a person or two interacting with their environment. His paintings and collages are usually very simple with emphasis on the person. Not long after this photo, a grandma was out with her granddaughter, who was at most 3. The little girl, wearing her Sunday best, was posing in this very spot and then over in front of the trees at Tinsel Town. It reminded us of just what a great place our two downtown parks are for making memories- especially with children. 

Happy Thursday, we just talked ourselves into hoping for a very snowy day!

Tinsel Town in LeBauer Park

 

Last year, during COVID and the winter holidays, Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI ) had to get very creative about providing community events in a way that did not involve masses of people gathering. One of the brainstorms for reimagining holiday festivities was Tinsel Town. Tinsel Town was a big hit last year, and is an even bigger hit this year! This year's offerings have doubled since last year with the final count at 100. That means 100 organizations, groups- public and private- have created a tree, usually themed to represent their organization. The above photo, in LeBauer Park, gives you an example of what you will see when yo ago have a look. The tree in the front is is sponsored by the YMCA of Greensboro. If that tree is one of your favorites, you can use the QR code to vote for it. All of the trees are so unique. If you like trees and creativity, you will love this exhibit. Please vote because there are monetary prizes for the winners.

 

1 aChord Sings at SCRAPFEST

Yesterday, in LeBauer Park, at an event called SCRAPFEST, 1aChord sang a set. 1aChord is a trio that met at UNCG, by chance started singing together and were invited to audition for America's Got Talent early this past summer. They refer to themselves as "church babies" and the first song they sang together at the UNCG cafeteria was by the Clark Sisters, an American Gospel group. After the trio sang that day, the women working in the cafeteria sang their praises and encouraged them to continue singing together. The AGT judges gave them a standing ovation. Their sound is described as contemporary gospel. The three are Christoff Hairston, Julian Kennedy, and Travis Cunningham.* All three are from North Carolina. Cunningham from Raeford; Kennedy from High Point; and Hairston from Greensboro and actually graduated from Weaver Academy. They all credit UNCG and their professors for playing an instrumental role in helping them get where they are today.

SCRAPFEST is an acronym for Sustain, Conserve, Renew, Adapt, and Provide, a festival established to benefit Piedmont Land Conservancy. SCRAPFEST was presented by Little Brother Brewing. Those angelic, heavenly voices- voices that grew out of a lifelong church experience and honed by UNCG- were a little bit of heaven, right there in LeBauer Park. It will be fun to follow their careers. 1aChord is definitely making Greensboro, UNCG, their families, and their respective churches proud.  

*see the article with the America's Got Talent audition here. 

Ode to Kudzu

You know it is late summer in Greensboro when the kudzu plants are in full bloom and some of the pods have gone to seed. They say kudzu is the plant that ate the south as it is especially fond of our climate. In early summer, has tenacious roots and can grow up to a foot a day!  If you visit the Wal-Mart on North Battleground, you can see the kudzu covered trees. Some patches of the trails along Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway at Lake Brandt are covered with kudzu- which is where this photo was taken. At least the blossoms are fragrant, smelling something like wild grapes. We wonder if some civic groups could get volunteers to go out and tackle the kudzu. Or, is it just here to stay? Kudzu takes over vegetation by blocking out light. 

If you want to learn more about kudzu, read here. If you want to see kudzu, head out for a hike. Some people make baskets out of the woody, mature vines; and, some people make jelly out of the flowers. So, if you want to forage for some free food or basket-making material, head to your nearest kudzu patch. Oh, and by the way, there really is at least one ode to kudzu. See here!

Happy Saturday. For those of us who aren't at the beach, in the mountains, at Hoppin' John at Shakori Hills, or Merlefest, let's hit the trails and explore Greensboro!

Labor Day 2021

Happy Labor Day 2016. We hope you are lucky enough to have the day off. The purpose of the holiday is a day to celebrate "the social and economic achievements of American workers." Many Greensboro businesses will be closed, so call before you head out somewhere. Even better, take a day to just spend at home. We plan to take another hike on one of the trails around Greensboro. The above mushrooms were seen recently on the Laurel Bluff Trail. If you like to hike, the Laurel Bluff Trail is very nice because it is for pedestrians only. You won't have to share the trail with bikes. Be careful if you walk it, as there are lots of exposed roots, a couple of trees across the path, and some kudzu to tackle.* The Laurel Bluff Trail is 3.5 miles long and it takes you through woodland along the edge of Reedy Fork Creek from the east end of Lake Brandt to Lake Townsend.

The mushrooms in the center of the photo are about the size of a small adult hand. If you look to the left at the small white circle, that is actually more mushrooms and we're betting they'll be about the size of the ones in the middle of the photo by today. Although mushrooms are fungi, they have more in common with humans than with plants. Their DNA is similar to humans and they can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.** However, please do not harvest the mushrooms. Leave them alone, as the forest needs them. We are so lucky to have a great trail system in Greensboro and it is great to have time to get out and explore them!

* Greensboro Trail System

**reference and more mushroom information, here.

Strolling the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway

Since we featured a bike event yesterday on Greensboro Daily Photo, so, we thought it would be nice to share a photo of bikes out on the trail this past Saturday. The above photo was taken on the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway, near where Lake Higgins and Lake Brandt meet.  We started at Bur-Mil and walked to the Vineyards community at Highway 150 in Summerfield. The trails are open from 8:00 am- sunset and seem to be busiest early morning. We were there mid-day, when the sun was hottest and the trails weren't very busy at that time. As evidenced above, we did see a some cyclists. And look at that dappled light. The trail was so lovely this weekend.

This part of the greenway goes past a kudzu field that has overtaken a lot of the terrain. Currently, the kudzu is in full bloom and quite fragrant. The Greensboro trail system is something to be proud of. Currently, the Piedmont Greenway will connect to the above trail. As a matter of fact, the Piedmont Greenway is a planned, 19-mile trail that will connect Greensboro to Kernersville to Winston-Salem. With all of the bicycle aficionados in the local area, the Piedmont Greenway will be a bit hit. We can't wait! Happy Tuesday! Hope to see you on the trails while the weather is still warm. 

Echelman Fiber Sculpture

The above fiber sculpture, "Where We Met" is the work of artist Janet Echelman. It is installed over LeBauer Park and feels a little like a roof, giving a sense of being enclosed, yet in an open space at the same time. The diaphanous netting takes on a delicate translucent glow, suspended not-so-high above the park. It looks especially dramatic at night. The above netting, the original installment is slated to change Spring 2022. The new net will have some of the same colors, but Echelman will incorporate more of the blues that are associated with denim- Greensboro's iconic fabric.

When the above Echelman piece was installed in 2016, it had more yellows in it. The netting has faded over time, which is part of the reason that it is on a five-year-plan to be replaced. If you get a chance, head down to LeBauer this evening. And if not this evening for the free movie in the park, be sure to stop by during the (also free)  2021 North Carolina Folk Festival, which will be September 10th-12th throughout downtown Greensboro. Also, Greensboro Downtown Parks Inc.  will take the Echelman piece down for the winter; although the fibers are strong, the whole structure benefits from being indoors during inclement weather. 

We'd like to extend a special thanks to Amanda Mill, Director of Programs and Marketing for the Greensboro Downtown Parks Inc.  for telling us about the upcoming changes in the Echelman installation. Also, our apologies to Amanda for not getting her name right in yesterday's post. Thankfully, a loyal reader caught the mistake and we were able to correct it before the end of the day. This mom and pop blog appreciates our editors-at-large, all volunteers!

Amanda Miller

Last Friday night, at the free movie night in LeBauer Park, we met up with Amanda Miller, Director of Programs & Marketing for Greensboro Downtown Parks. Amanda was making sure everything was running smoothly in the park and monitoring the lightning situation the next county over. In addition to LeBauer Park, Center City Park is also under her perview. Allison is originally from Richmond, Virginia, but fell in love with the Piedmont while attending undergraduate school at Salem College. Her M.Ed is from Leslie University in Boston. She majored in Community arts with emphasis on Multicultural Education. That sounds like the perfect preparation for working with city parks in a community as diverse as Greensboro.

Greensboro Downtown Parks Inc. (GDPI), is a non-profit that focuses on managing our two downtown parks, including rentals and programming. See here for a list of features and amenities, and hours of operation. See here for the extensive calendar of events. Something is happening every day in our downtown parks andAllison said this past summer was the busiest ever. People have really responded for opportunities to have fun and be entertained outside. Perhaps because it was threatening to rain, last Friday's movie night was the sparsest attendance of the summer, but there was still a healthy crowd. This Friday's UNCG Spartan Cinema at LeBauer will be "Wonder Woman". Seating starts at 5:00 pm and the movie starts at dusk. If you go to the movie, and see Amanda there, know that she, too, is a wonder woman, working tirelessly day and night ensuring the downtown parks are the best they can be for our community!

Happy Thursday (which, they say, is the new Friday)! See you downtown!

(Sorry Amanda, I've updated the post and corrected your name. Sorry- I need an editor!!!).