Greensboro Daily Photo

Nature Promotes Healing

Nature Promotes Healing is a circular sign in the Garden at Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital. In the background, to the left of the path is a stone that reads, Healing Gardners Fund in Loving Memory of Irene "Cissy" Hall, Richard D. Hall, Jr. and family. In 2014, her family donated at the Gold Level Sponsorship  in her memory to the Cone Health Center for Children.  She died in 2013 after a seven year battle with cancer. According to her obituary, she and her husband resided in Greensboro and Highlands, NC.

The garden, and the stone dedicated to Mrs. Hall, remind us of the beauty people can create for others, even in times of adversity and sadness. If you haven't been to the garden in front of the Cone Health Cancer, it is a lovely place to walk in every season. The Healing Garden is open year round from dawn to dusk. There is signage to help you appreciate what you are viewing. There are Wetland and Meditation Gardens and well-cleared path to traverse them.  The Healing Garden is especially to walk with a friend who may need a little extra comforting. Before you know it, the gardens will begin displaying blooms and brighter colors. 

Have a happy Tuesday and be sure to read the signage and take in the artwork if you get by the Healing Garden. 

Historic Marker Fun

Historic markers often go unnoticed, but they are so informative and very pre-digital age. Now, with AI and QR codes, you can access virtually any information. However, the old-school markers make us "one" with history, as in "on this very spot" or "near by" ...  But, now, in the digital era, if you notice that letter and number at the top, J-102, you can search additional information online.  See HERE where we searched for more information. The railroad system has been important to Greensboro since the 1800s.  The above marker was installed in its current location in 1996 and it is located at Hamburger Square, at the corner of McGee and South Elm. Below,  is the essay provided online at the above link. However, us this link to search by county in NC and any State marker can be found here, and there are a lot!

Essay:

     Appropriately, ceremonies marking the beginning and end of construction on the North Carolina Railroad took place in Greensboro or its environs. The Guilford County seat was positioned near the midpoint of the 223-mile arch that the road followed across the state from Charlotte to Goldsboro. The early annual meetings of the stockholders were held in the Gate City. And, most importantly, Greensboro was the home of John Motley Morehead, former governor (1841-1845) and “in large measure the road’s founding father,” according to railroad historian Allen W. Trelease.

     The formal groundbreaking took place on Friday, July 11, 1851, following the annual stockholders meeting. Thousands attended, a crowd which the local paper judged to be the largest in the town’s history. Morehead spoke, voicing his pride in the project. Calvin Gravesof Caswell County, who had sacrificed his political career by casting the deciding vote in favor of the railroad, had the honor of turning the first spade of soil. Those assembled filled a chest that served as a time capsule. Five years later, the two track-laying crews met at “Hilltop” midway between Jamestown and Greensboro. David F. Caldwell of Greensboro, legislator and railroad backer, drove the final spike. The Greensborough Patriot of February 1, 1856, headlined “Finished!!” and the Greensboro Times of January 21, 1856, “The Road Completed!”

     The railroad proved to be a key factor in Greensboro’s, indeed the Piedmont’s, prosperity and industrial growth. During the Civil War the city was both a storehouse and a rail center for the Confederacy. Civilian refugees and wounded soldiers were transported and sheltered there. In April 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis arrived in Greensboro in the course of his flight southward.


References:
Allen W. Trelease, The North Carolina Railroad, 1849-1871, and the Modernization of North Carolina (1991)
Burton Alva Konkle, John Motley Morehead and the Development of North Carolina, 1796-1866 (1922)
Cecil K. Brown, A State Movement in Railroad Development (1928)
Ethel Stephen Arnett, Greensboro, North Carolina: The County Seat of Guilford (1955)
Greensborough Patriot, December 20, 1851 and February 1, 1856

Greensboro's Adopt-A-Street Program

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

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

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

Happy Monday!

Festival of Lights 2024

Last night, the Festival of Lights was held in downtown Greensboro. It was holiday fun from LeBauer Park to the 500 block of South Elm Street.  The above photo was taken at the corner of Market and Elm Streets, where north and south and east and west are divided.To the left, you can see Elm Street peeking out. 

This display was one of the many picture-perfect places for families to snap photos along Elm Street. The photo is a bit deceptive, because it doesn't look like there were any people. In all actuality, the First Friday/Festival of Lights was very well attended. It seems like the days in December start to pass quickly and it will be January before we know it. Tomorrow is the holiday parade. expect temperatures around 40º. Just like last night, getting out and interacting with others will be fun and rewarding. Head on out and see for yourself.

Happy Saturday!

Our Vote Is Our Power!

Today is the day. Since half of North Carolina has already voted, today is the day the other half of the state  will vote. If you are not sure where you vote,  here is the list of polling places. Remember, today, you must vote in your assigned place and a few polling places have changed. The Greensboro Transit Authority announced that bus fares are waived today so people can go vote. You need a valid photo ID, but if you do not have one, you can fill out a "Photo ID Exemption Form."

The above photo was taken at the Greensboro Cultural Center on Davie Street at the Guilford Native American Art Gallery. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, there are 1.012 American Indians registered in Guilford County. Out of North Carolina's 100 counties, the one with the most registered voters who identify as American Indian is Robeson County (26,403). Every vote matters, and indeed, "Our vote is our power." Today is the day to use your superpower, regardless of  your political affiliation and what demographic you fit!

Also, if you like original art, or want to know more about Greensboro's Native American community, stop by the Native American Art Gallery.

Happy Election Day 2024!

Vote, Tomorrow!

Happy almost-election-day. On Saturday, early voting officially ended. Tomorrow, the polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and everybody in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Voting on Election Day must be done at your assigned voting place. The above signs were lining the path to the Bur-Mil Clubhouse, one of the early voting sites. Lines moved quickly. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, there are 397,185 registered voters in Guilford County (see HERE). Guilford is third, after Wake  and Mecklenburg Counties (#1 & #2 respectively). They have over 800,000 registered and we're wondering which will be the first to reach a million voters. There are close to 8 million registered voters in the state. It will be interesting to see how many cast votes tomorrow. According to the NC State Board of Elections (see, HERE, Friday Nov. 1, 2024), more than half of North Carolina voters have already voted.  This broke the record during the last presidential election.

Here's to a good, orderly, peaceful election in Guilford County and beyond.

Happy Monday!

 

Happy Birthday Beth

Yard signs have really trended.  The above sign, "Happy 50th Birthday, Beth" was seen earlier this week at the corner of Bearhollow and Hobbs Roads. This 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom house was built in 1998 on a third of an acre, at a time when these yard signs had not yet been invented. It is a lot of fun to be celebrated by friends.

Would you want the signs in your yard? They look like the signs from Triad Yard Cards that were placed in our friend Jane's yard (HERE). These yard cards were very popular during COVID when people had limited contact with each other. The signs brought joy and contact when contact was mostly outdoors and at a distance They sure put a smile on our face, and we don't even know Beth. Happy birthday, Beth. Here's to many more.

Happy Saturday.

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?

Along Elm Street

We absolutely love street scenes of downtown Greensboro and this view of the 100 block of South Elm Street puts us in such a great mood. As you can tell by the clothing, weather has been warming in Greensboro. Nights are cold and afternoons are warm. Winter coats at 6:30 a.m. and short sleeves in the p.m. The above photo was taken in front of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. An older couple is reading information in the center window as a couple of younger people were walking along enjoying each other's company. We love the way the "worth" part of Woolworth appears in the photo. Yes, a visit here is well WORTH your time. Yes, we cropped the photo just a bit and brightens the exposure, but nothing was photoshopped in or out. The striped awning on this historic, 1929 building and the newer, retro light post really frame the scene.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, consider heading downtown; however, it is also the weekend of the reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. See here for our photo of reenactment that dates back to 2010. So, you can have a 21st century experience along Elm Street and an 18th century experience in Greensboro Country Park. It is so educational to see people wearing clothing from 243 years ago and watching reenactors cooking food that would have been eating at that time. Regardless of what you end up doing, live the weekend to the fullest.

Happy Friday!

WFMY News 2

A few weeks ago, we were on the east side of Greensboro, just east of Highway 29 and drove past WFMY News 2. It was a cold and rainy day and we took this photo without getting out of the car.  Seeing the building reminded us of what a great resource our local news channels are. Especially now that so few people are reading the newspaper, we are relying on the news stations for local news. We had a chance to go inside in 2015 (see HERE) . We have to chuckle at our comment that this is an "unimposing square building on Phillips Avenue." We also had the good fortune to interview Lee Kinard who started at WFMY in 1956 and worked there for 43 years (see HERE).  He was such an amazing community resource and founded one of the early morning shows on TV (The Good Morning Show).

The exterior of the building looks so unimposing, but when you go inside, it is feels like a magical, alternate reality. We hope you get inside sometime- and for good reasons. WFMY launched its first live show on August 18, 1949 and will turn 75 this year. You may have heard about the big birthday celebration and they're looking for people in the community to celebrate who are turning 75. We'll have to look through out interviews and see if there is anyone we've interviewed to suggest for the "Turning 75" segment. Are you?

Happy Thursday!

Friendly Avenue Church of Christ

The Friendly Avenue Church of Christ at 5101 West Friendly Avenue has a new light up sign where the message changes after about a minute. Indeed, it draws attention, making you fix your eyes on the church. It is a large lot located between Lipscomb Road and Westland Drive and across the street from Trinity Church. Friendly Avenue Church of Christ is a dynamic congregation that hosts many events and has local and international ministries. They have a community kitchen partnership with Greensboro Urban Ministries.  One of their upcoming mission trips is to the Dominican Republic. They also offer a Spanish service at the church. On Thursday, March 28th at 6:00 pm, they will hold a Messianic Passover Seder.

Dr. Jason Noble is the Preaching Minister. We couldn't find a church history online, so we're not sure when it was built. If you know, let us know and we'll share. 

Happy Sunday!

Forge- Dear Greensboro

The Forge is a dream "3rd Space" downtown. If you need a break from. your home or work, or especially if you have a home office, you can go to The Forge and create something. Or, you can sit in the co-working space and be inspired by those around you. We love this view from the corner of Gate City Boulevard and Eugene Street. It can be hard to find signage with our city written on it, but here we see The Forge sign to the right of the door and "DEAR GREENSBORO" above the door. Of course those signs were created at The Forge.

The Forge bills itself as a gym for makers and haven for "inventors, students, entrepreneurs, artisans, trade professionals, tinkerers, and hobbyists."  There are options for monthly or annual subscriptions. You gain access to tools, equipment, and workspace. You can even take classes. You must demonstrate competence with using a tool to be able to use it. Members are very generous with their knowledge. The Forge Makerspace is at 219 West Lewis Street. This non-profit had its beginnings in 2012 when the founders would meet in coffee shops. Finally, by 2013, they found the above space and have literally turned this little corner of Greensboro from unnoticed to a great space to hang out, create, and collaborate. Do you have a 3rd space? Do you need one?

Happy Wednesday!

Greensboro's Skyline & Local Gas Price

We love this view, driving into town from east Greensboro On East Market Street. Beside the Exxon sign, you can see the JP building, now the Lincoln Financial Group. Also, the Exxon gas prices are visible and $2.99 on December 23rd. According to the gas price information on AAA's website, the highest average gas price recorded for Greensboro for regular gas was $4.61 a gallon on 6/13/22. So, a year and a half later, the price is down $1.62 a gallon. It will be interesting to monitor prices over the next year.

Soon, we will feature other views of this part of town, which has changed a lot since the addition of Bailey Village across the street from the Exxon Station. Of course, just east of here, one street back is the beginning of the North Carolina A&T University campus. This is probably a "go to" gas station for university students and staff. What is the gas station you frequent? There are so many options in Greensboro now, from the big box stores, to grocery stores with loyalty programs to the ubiquitous Sheetz.

Happy Tuesday, that feels like a Monday. We hope you have a great week!

Street Scenes: In front of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum

We love walking along Elm Street from Tanger Center to Gate City Boulevard and capturing street scenes along the way. The above photo, taken earlier in the week, shows men delivering a large piece of furniture/equipment in front of the Woolworth building. The Woolworth building, now the "International Civil Rights Center and Museum" is located at 134 South Elm Street. The piece was pulled out of a U-Haul van that looked about 17' long, so we're betting these guys had been at it for a while and we were just seeing the delivery of the last piece. A healthy city is a dynamic ebb and flow of things coming and going. 

According to the website SAH Archipedia, The Woolworth building was designed and constructed in 1929 by Charles C. Hartmann who relocated to Greensboro from NYC in 1921 to design the Jefferson Standard building.  From the looks of the bright red signage, it was as if it were built to be "Woolworth" forever. Fortunately, when the museum opened thirteen years ago in 2010 the signage was kept, as it is a big part of the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro. Hopefully, the guys making the delivery had a chance to look around and take in some of the history of the museum; something that would be great for all of us to do today. The museum opens at 10am.

Happy Saturday! 

Remembering the Saints

Christ Lutheran Church on Lawndale is having a "Remembering the Saints" event. As you drive by, on the southeast corner of Lawndale Drive and Pisgah Church Road, you see all of these crosses. They represent "Saints" from the history of the church. Wednesday, November is "All Saints Day". There is also a cross for Martin Luther, one for fallen fire fighters and fallen police. We don't know how long it will remain up, but, if you get a chance, please drive by. It is an impressive sight. Christ Lutheran opened 18 March 1959, at a time when this location would have seemed a far piece from downtown Greensboro. This display must have taken a long time to prepare. Someone worked really hard to keep the rows straight!

Happy Sunday!

MID NGEN Corvette 2024

We're pretty sure this is a 2024 Corvette. It looks brand new, but then again, people who drive Corvettes have a way of keeping them looking brand new. The color is rapid blue and it is a beauty. When we saw it recently, it was headed north on North Battleground Avenue and it is stand-out beautiful. When Mr GDP is driving, I am in a position to snap photos and wish more of the car had been captured. At the time, we were focusing on the license plate. Whereas I struggled to figure out the meaning of the vanity tag "MID NGEN" trying to decipher the code, the Mister got it right away; mid engine as the engine is located in the middle of the car- between the front and rear axles. According to Car and Driver, this placement is said to improve acceleration, breaking, and handling.

This is one of those old-school games you can use to engage children and help pass time when traveling. Now, with devices in hand, they have any information they want about a car at their fingertips, as well as a camera to document what they are seeing. Many adults love playing the license game, too. Do you have a favorite? If you see MID NGEN cruising around, can you verify that is a 2024 and ask them how they decided on that specific expression over all the other limitless possibilities. We're betting Terry Labonte Chevrolet on Bradford Parkway and  Bill Black Chevrolet on Bessemer Avenue know all the details. Hey, maybe one of them is driving it!

Happy Tuesday! 

Bird and Butterfly Meadow

We hope you enjoyed the week downtown, here,  on Greensboro Daily Photo.

Today, we take you today to the Bird and Butterfly Meadow at Price Park, located off of Hobbs Road between Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Library and Jefferson Elementary School. In addition to the peaceful sanctuary for meditation, bird, and butterfly watching, the area also has walking trails to enjoy. The park was built on land that was formerly part of Jefferson Pilot Corporation. Adjacent Jefferson Elementary School is located on 26 acres of the insurance company's former club that they donated for the school; hence the name of the school. On the day we were there, the goldenrods were in full bloom, but butterflies were absent. We suspect they had already migrated south and that the monarchs are actually close to arriving in Mexico. The structure in the center of the photo has information about eco-exploring, how to provide habitat for chimney swifts, monarch migration trails, and more.  If you are looking for a way to get outdoors today that doesn't involve being too isolated or driving great distances, this park at 1420 Price Park Road may be perfect for you- even on a rainy day.

Happy Saturday!

National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and college students are especially vulnerable. Many are away from home for the first time without the safety net of family and friends. Also, the rigor of college courses can be stressful. The above photo features a field of awareness and inspirational sayings at UNCG. The display gives  people resources and something to think about as they walk along the path in front of the Elliot University Center. 

988 is a dedicated number for people to call if they are in crisis or need information about resources. NAMI Guilford (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is another resource for Greensboro and the surrounding area. NAMI got started in Madison, WI, in the 1970s and now has affiliate groups in 48 states. We also have a North Carolina NAMI. These pinwheels get displayed every year and they remind us to always make an effort to be kind and to let people around us know we care. The pinwheels represent people who have died by suicide. The white stacks of Jackson Library can be in the background. May we have fewer pinwheels next year. 

Celebration of Excellence

Guilford County Schools held a celebration of excellence at Ragsdale High School on Thursday night. The event, indeed, was celebratory and excellent. Schools banded together with  teachers and staff of their respective schools exuding camaraderie in every corner of the auditorium. The above photo is of Hunter Elementary teachers and staff marching in with a poster of support for their teacher of the year nominee, Jhonatan Marín Mesa. Señor Marín Mesa has an undergraduate degree from Universidad Pontifical Bolivariana in Colombia and an M.Ed. from Elon University. He teaches at Hunter Elementary, located at 1305 Merritt Drive,  and his students and colleagues love him. Of the five finalists for Teacher of the Year, he won and his school was jubilant.

The event was sponsored by the Guilford Education Alliance. There was a spirit parade and light refreshments as part of the pre-program. During the event, GCS administrators Greg Newlin and Kimberly Robertson served as Emcees and did so playing the role of Barbie and Ken, infusing a humor into the event. It was so nice seeing public school educators being recognized and enjoying an evening together. This is one of many examples of the school day not ending when the bell rings. We overheard the person saying behind us, "I'll bet we are the only district that celebrates like this." We hope those teachers are enjoying their weekend and that Mr. Marín Mesa is planning his speech since he is advancing to the regional teacher of the year competition.

Happy Saturday!

 

DISCO4ME

So, it is Fun Friday (not to be confused with First Friday) and we went around looking for something fun to post. First, we saw the school bus yellow car and pulled into the above parking lot when. Even better, we drove around to see what kind of car this was (Buick Sentra) and look at this license plate: DISCO4ME. Who is this DISCO4ME person? Surely, they are a lot of fun. Were they really around in the 1970s when disco was all the rage? Truly, this person has a sense of humor to post a bumper sticker saying they brake for flea markets, thrift shops, and stuff left on the curb. I guess it is a good thing their vehicle is bright yellow as they make frequent stops.

Regarding disco dancing in Greensboro, the best we could find is Silent Disco (see HERE) where you wear headphones while you dance. We hope you have a great weekend and we are counting on good weather so that we can get out and take lots of photos and attend the last MUSEP concert of the year! Oh, and, get ready to see lots of school bus yellow starting on Monday.

Happy Friday!

Jim Gallucci's Millennium Gate Close Up

Jim Gallucci's Millennium Gate, located in the 200 block of South Greene Street,  was dedicated on December 30, 2000. When we featured the 20' tall gate on Greensboro Daily Photo in 2016 (see HERE), we featured the whole gate. Earlier in the summer, we spent quite a bit of time at Governmental Plaza, especially focusing on the individual components of the gate. Seventeen artists were involved in creating the 105 icons on the gate and spanning 1,000 years of history. These icons were selected by the Greensboro Community.*

Because our public library system does so much for the Greensboro community, we honed in on the section of the gate showcasing the Greensboro Public Library. Look at that child reading a book and how the "cut out" parts of the book open up to reveal the world at the child's fingertips. And then there are the children at the bottom with doors opening for them. All of this opportunity is made possible thanks to a library card, and we are seeing it thanks to the artist who created it and Jim Gallucci who sculpted it out of galvanized steel and silicon bronze!

*Reference and see more details, here.

ILUV2SNG

Sundays, we usually post something spiritual. What is more spiritual than singing? Today's photo of a license tag was seen when we were recently out shopping. It is amazing what. you can learn about a person, or family, just from the bumper of a car. Here you see that the owner of this Chevrolet loves to sing, has connections to Gate City Music Garten, The Music Academy of North Carolina (MANC), and Johns Hopkins University, all from reading the back of their car.

If you love to sing and you ever see ILUV2SING when you are out and about, stop them and ask them about music opportunities. We're betting they are a wealth of information about music in Greensboro. In the meantime, today is Sunday. Between morning and evening church services, you have plenty of opportunities to sing and hear music in Greensboro. You may have a special church in mind, or, you can search "Religion" on Greensboro Daily Photo and plenty of options will become available. Also this afternoon, the  MUSEP music is in Hester Park, featuring the Sahara Reggae group.

Happy Sunday!

Join Junior League of Greensboro

The Junior League of Greensboro (JLG) has been promoting volunteerism and the leadership potential of women in Greensboro for 95 years. According to their website, the JLG was founded on May 26, 1926 when Miss Kathleen Price (later Mrs. Joseph M. Bryan) organized the Junior Charity League with some book club friends and other select young women. In the early years of JLG, the organization worked closely with UNCG which was, at that time, a women's college.*  Over the years, JLG has done so much fundraising to help worthy projects of Greensboro. For example, in the 1970s, they raised money to help restore Blandwood Mansion. Over the years, they have been running the Bargain Box, a thrift store that raises money for their different causes.

The above photo was taken of a lawn of Junior League members who live in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Greensboro. It was taken on Independence Drive during the Fourth of July Festival last week. What a great way to advertise for your organization- with yard signs. Even if you don't live in Greensboro, you may know about Junior League, as there are over 295 Junior Leagues in four countries. Their headquarters is located at 3101 West Friendly Avenue, across from Friendly Center (see HERE).

 

* read the organizations timeline, HERE.

Guilford Works NC Works NextGen

Yesterday was a sunny, beautiful day downtown. While we were standing on West Washington Street to photograph the building on the southeast corner of West Washington and South Greene Street, a policeman on a bicycle rode by. The police station is just down the street, so, likely, he was heading back to the office. We wanted to photograph the building on the right, because we noticed a new business: Guilford County NCworks Nextgen Young Adult Program. It is a free service serving young adults from ages 16-24 years of age. They can learn about jobs and internships, get training and earn credentials, and get career counseling. Today from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, they are holding a workshop for resume building. During the time time slot, they will have a mobile career center parked at Urban Ministries. It sounds like an opportunity for people to get help and to build hope. The building looks so fabulous and inviting. If you look closely at the windows, you can see the vinyl wrap that adds a pop of color and makes the place stand out. With this signage, 301 South Greene Street is hard to miss.

We hope you enjoy your Thursday and we hope you get a chance to drive around downtown and see what is new since the last time you were there. That is one of our favorite passimtes.

Here is a link to start checking and see if you qualify. For those who are interested, there is also a High Point location at 607Idol Street.

Students Demand Action

Wednesday was a national day of protest. In the above photo, students from the Middle College at UNCG joined the national walkout to raise awareness about gun violence. They are seen at the corner of Spring Garden and Stirling Streets.  The student-led event was peaceful and impactful. At exactly 12:00 noon, students got up from their seats and quietly walked out of school. In civics class, taught by the very talented April Dunovant, students learn not only their rights, but also their responsibilities. They know that the First Amendment of the Constitution gives them the right to peaceably assemble. They also know it is their responsibility to stand up for what they believe.

Our youth of America mourn the senseless loss of lives, especially those of students at school. They are hoping for legislation and action to help end gun violence. Within 40 minutes, the protesting students were back in class and instruction resumed. Some days, it is the learning with peers beyond the classroom, like the above protest, that is remembered well into the future. We're betting (and hoping) some of the students in the above photo become leaders in the Greensboro community.

Happy Friday! 

Original Methodist Church

As you can read on this sign, the original Methodist church was built here on South Elm Street in 1831, 33 years after Greensboro became a city. Today, it is located on West Market Street and known as West Market Street United Methodist Church. This monochrome, black and white photo, taken yesterday, emphasizes the lines and the fact that the trees still don't have leaves. If you look to the right of the trees and streetlamp on the right, at the end of the awning. you can see a pear tree that has already bloomed. Spring is a little early this year in Greensboro.

The other side of this historic marker is entitled, Former Methodist Cemetery, and reads: The original Methodist cemetery, west of Elm and south of Bragg streets, was used for public burials also. In 1916 the city purchased the land to extend Ashe Street, so the graves were moved. The church purchased plots in Green Hill Cemetery for 106 bodies unclaimed by family members. We're off to Green Hill to see if we can find the section with the unclaimed bodies. Do any of you know what part of the cemetery they are buried in? There is always something new to learn about Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

Vanity Tag: 1VIOLIN

Today, we have a little fun with a vanity tag. In the state of North Carolina, a vanity tag, or personalized plate, costs $30 above the other fees. It is really fun to see what people put on their vehicle tags. They say if people can't figure out the message in a few seconds, it just might not be a good investment. You have up to a combination of eight letters, numbers, spaces, and special characters to get your message across. We're betting the above person plays the violin, and plays it well. Likely, they tote it in their hatchback and, with a four-wheel drive, may do some mountain driving. We're betting they are passionate about music.

Here is a link to the DMV.  You should be able to search and see if the name or saying you want is available. Be careful though. If it is not an official site (and it may LOOK official),  you will be taken to an outside site that is probably not secure. Do you have a vanity tag? What does it say? Would you consider one? What would it say? Honk if you like violin music!

Happy Tuesday!

Appreciating the Prius Perspective

What does your vehicle say about you? We love reading bumpers. You can learn so much about a person by noticing the back of the car. We saw this Prius at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville a few weeks ago and stood there reading every single bumper sticker: Make America Green Again; I brake for birds; Trees Please: Wander; Boycott Bottled Water; live simply that others may simply live; and, SKIP the STRAW. Additionally, the tag is a "First in Forestry" tag! $20 of the $30 fee collected for the plates goes forestry education programs in North Carolina. Follow that link if you want one of the NC Forest Service tags. And of course with a Prius, the owners are minimizing their use of fossil fuels.

We didn't see the owners of the car, but we can tell they are caring people for whom environmental issues matter. We've blocked out their tag number because it is not a vanity tag. When someone has a vanity tag with a recognizable word, we figure it is fair game; however, a series of numbers did not contribute to what we wanted to say about the bumper. We hope you have a great Saturday and that you find random things like cars filled with stickers to bring you joy! We're betting the owners of this Prius would love talking "environmental care" with any of us! 

View from Hamburger Square

This is the view of West McGee Street from the middle of Hamburger Square- the intersection of McGee with South Elm Street. Just Be Gifts  is to the left, Little Brother Brewing to the right, and Natty Greene's Restaurant just behind us. At the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 2nd, there will be standing-room-only in this square. In the background, center of the photo, you can see Nathanael Greene statue- local artist Jim Barnhill was commissioned to sculpt it. To the right in the background is the newly opened Hampton Inn. We're betting it will sell out for the Festival of Lights/First Friday. Look at how convenient it is to downtown! Although the scene looks empty and gray in today's post, it will be crowded and full of color when everyone is downtown on December 2nd. 

If you have a teen learning to drive, McGee is a good place to practice. As you can see, the lanes are clearly marked, AND, if you look at the diamond-shaped, yellow warning sign on the right, there is a round about. Round-abouts are becoming more popular in Greensboro. It is a good idea to practice navigating them- with or without a novice driver!

Happy Tuesday! A big thank you Katja Brown who alerted us to the fact that today's post hadn't published!

Iglesia De Dios NC

This simple, humble, cinder-block church is located at 4624 Highway 220 North, just past Highway 150. The sign says "BIENVENIDO a casa" or "Welcome Home". Above the door, the sign reads, "All Christian Denominations Ever Circling, Ever Intertwined, All Encompassed in the Cross of Jesus Christ." We can't find the church online, but the website for the denomination, "Iglesia de Dios" indicates it is Pentecostal. The back of the sign still shows the lettering for when the building belonged do the Revelation Church with Pastor Darin Bray.

It looks like the church may hold services on Saturday. They do have a Facebook page and they do stream live. Also, according to their Facebook photos, they do baptisms live and it looks like one of Greensboro's lakes. It is always fun to drive around Greensboro and discover a new church. We like the simplicity of this one.

Happy Sunday!

Voting Concluded

Yesterday was a big day. Someone in California won the Powerball, we had a full moon, a total eclipse, and voting is over. The above photo was taken at the Lewis Recreation Center near the intersection of Pisgah Church Road with Battleground Avenue. The Lewis Center is one of Greensboro's ten recreation centers and it is used for multiple purposes and by people of all ages. This was an early voting site, which is one of the reasons we're guessing that voting seemed light there. When we were there before 8:00 a.m. this morning, people were trickling in one at a time. 

According to the North Carolina State Board of Education, in Guilford County, 28.74% of registered voters voted early. Received by mail were 7,577 ballots and 101,202 people voted early. Let's hope the 71.26% of the people who didn't vote early voted yesterday. Hopefully, all of the polls were orderly and voting went smoothly. Soon, the results will be confirmed and all of the signs and political ads will go away. Those of you who ran for office, campaigned, canvassed, and worked the polls, thank you for your service!

Next up, Thanksgiving and possibly some cooler weather.

Happy Wednesday!

The Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House

The Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center and Butterfly House is now open at the Greensboro Science Center. It is a new (permanent) exhibit, located in the front of the building. As you can see from the above photo, while the butterfly area is enclosed, it is open to the outside, with netting to keep butterflies in, yet making the area open to the outside. It is a fabulous way to see butterflies up close and to watch their behavior as they travel through the wildflowers.

Inside, there is a temporary, traveling exhibit about butterflies. Children traverse a maze learning about butterflies as they go. Impatient children can simply crawl under the panels to get through the maze. It is so nice having the indoor and outdoor exhibit for the summer, both teach about butterflies and especially monarchs. While the Greensboro Science Center has been a Greensboro institution since 1957, if you haven't been in a while, be warned, you will not recognize it. The giant amethyst geode, the Foucoult pendulum, and the S.S. Curiosity (old ship to climb) are still there, but so many new exhibits have been added, you owe it to yourself to stop by and have a look. To be sure, we'll share more photos.

Happy Tuesday!

Greensboro Performing Arts

Greensboro Performing Arts is located at 7200 Summerfield Road. The building was formerly a church (Cathedral of Faith Christian Center) and still had the shape and the stained glass window to prove it. However, now, it is the new home of the Greensboro Performing Arts Center and great things are happening there this summer. Currently, the musical "Mary Poppins" is currently in production. There will be a showing tonight and tomorrow night at 7:00 pm. If you are looking for something to do in the North Greensboro/Summerfield part of town, this is a great option. 

Every time we drive by, something new has been added to the property or to what they offer. In addition to the Jumping Bean Coffee Shop being on property, for a year now, there is also a farmers market on Saturday mornings. Plus, Greensboro Performing Arts continues to add classes, and performances. The most recent addition we've noticed is the signage and the metal tree. Consider brushing up on your spelling of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, grabbing your parrot handle umbrella, carpet bag, favorite kids and experience some wholesome fun and great local performing.

For those who choose to stay closer to town, remember that it is First Friday and there are lots of businesses hoping you will start celebrating downtown even earlier than the Fun Fourth! Let us know what you decide to do.

Up Up Away!

Ah, the serendipity of summer, we spend more time outside, it stays light longer, and it seems there is more time to notice the world around us. Yesterday, we were in the plaza on West Market Street where the Art Shop, Mythos Restaurant, and A Special Blend Coffee Shop are located. We did a great job of escaping the heat in these air conditioned stores. As we were going back to our car, we noticed a Hyundai Sonata parked beside us with the vanity tag "UPUPAWAY" and we found ourselves singing the 1967 song "Up, Up, and Away", written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by the 5th Dimension. (Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon; would you like to glide in my beautiful balloon; we could float among the stars together, you and I).*

We'd love to know the story behind this vanity tag and why the person purchased that phrase. If we'd met them, we would have thanked them for getting such a great song stuck in our head. We're also wondering if they live in Greensboro or are just passing through. Have you seen this tag before? Happy Thursday!

* But, then again, maybe we're showing our age. There is a more current song with the same title by the American rapper, Juice WRLD and the lyrics aren't so lighthearted. 

Greensboro Children's Museum

Have you been to the Greensboro Children's Museum lately? It is such a special community resource and a perfect option for planning activities for children on these sweltering, summer days. The educational museum boasts twenty, permanent, hands-on exhibits and a 1/2 acre, outdoor learning garden. At the museum, children learn through fun play. There is so much to do and learn here. They are offering eight summer camps and, when we checked yesterday, one still had spots available.

The Children's Museum opened in 1999, twenty four years ago and just keeps getting better and better. See HERE if you want to learn more about the museum. If you want to visit, go to church street, across from the Central Branch of the Greensboro City Library, look east and just to the right of the "LOVE makes a family" banner.

Happy Wednesday! Happy finding great ways to help the children if your life spend their summer! 

Art Behind Ben and Jerry's

Yesterday was beautiful in Greensboro and Friendly Center had a fair amount of foot traffic. The above scene was taken behind Ben and Jerry's in the patio/courtyard. People were enjoying the weather and spending time together. Long time Greensboro Daily Photo reader, and dear friend, Alice Hill suggested we have a look at the mural boards in this location. There are several. You can see two as a backdrop  to the photo. The one on the right says "Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home. Of course the one on the left says Greensboro. The area was done by local artist, and Grimsley High School graduate, Gina Elizabeth Franco. Gina came to a career in art, almost by accident when she volunteered to paint a library mural. Gina already has several local murals under her belt, including Westerwood Tavern, and the Interactive Resource Center.*

While today's weather is not as inviting as the weather yesterday, it is still a good day to get out and explore the city. One thing you won't want to miss is the reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. It will be today and tomorrow; 10am- 5pm today and 10 am- 3pm on Sunday. They are a little short on volunteers, but we're sure the event will be memorable, especially for people who have never seen it before. Have a great day, regardless of what you decide to do.

 

*read more about Gina's art journey HERE, and HERE.

HOPE

Well, today is the last day of February. It is hard to believe. Today is a bit of a "fluff" post, but we like it. This weekend, we stopped at the post office on Battleground Avenue (where Aldi is located, former Earthfare space). As we were getting back in the car, we noticed the car parked in front of us was "Hope '99". We stuck around a while in the hope that the owner would come out, so we could ask for the back story on the Hope vanity tag. Also, we were wondering the significance of '99. We were thinking the owner of the vehicle may have been at Starbucks and were tempted to walk around looking for Hope.

It is always fun to see vanity tags and even more meaningful to get the back story. Is the owner named Hope? Does the owner have hope about something? Maybe a little of both. Given some of the current events in the world, we all need to work hard to spread a little love and HOPE!

Happy Monday! To our ever faithful reader, Ginny, all the way in Wisconsin, Happy Birthday!!!

Oak Ridge First Baptist

As you travel along Highway 150 in Oak Ridge, between Oak Ridge Military Academy and Bunch Road, you will see many churches in this area. Heading east, back in the vicinity of Greensboro, in northwest Guilford County, the Oak Ridge First Baptist Church will be on the left and the St. James AME Church will be there beside it. The pastor of the Baptist church is James A. Webster; his wife Brenda is First Lady. 

While the church was actually established in 1894, 128 years ago, the above sanctuary was built in 1999. Imagine how many changes this congregation has experienced over all of those years. The church formed not long after the Civil War, and just about the time cars were being invented. Just think, now, there are computers, cell phones, and one can watch the service online- withou stepping foot inside. Their history reaches across three separate centuries. Sometimes, African American congregations have a hard time keeping up with records when so much was not documented (formally) in the African American community. The First Baptist has a cemetery on site. We're betting that has helped with maintaining records. Church history is so important to document and we wish First Baptist had a searchable data base.

If you are interested in attending, in person worship is held on Sundays at 10:00 am. The service is also available online.

Happy Sunday!

GCS School Board Meeting

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

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

Happy Wednesday!

Reflecting on Public Transportation

Do you ever ride the bus? We should all take a day and pledge to use public transportation exclusively. The above photo shows the bus stop on North Church Street, very near Cornwallis. Some bus stops see very little traffic. This bus stop on North Church gets a fair amount of ridership. On the day we were there, at least six people were waiting. We were struck by how clean, orderly, and decorated the stop is. As you can see, this bus stop has a garbage can and there was not one piece of garbage in the area. Somebody takes care of the area around this stop. The cross in the ground says "Remember Joyce" and behind it is a small poster that starts with "Black Lives Matter" and ends with "Kindness Is Everything," and also adds other words of widsom.  The flowers and decorations extend all the way to the nearby parking lot.There are still Christmas bells and curled ribbons. We aren't locals at this bus stop so we don't know the back story on the signage. But, we're betting that the regulars at the bus stop remember Joyce.

The city busses have been making a real effort to be clean, efficient, and to reduce their carbon footprint. They are also making a concerted effort to help the public schools with their transportation needs. If the opportunity ever presents itself, thank a bus driver. Sometimes it is just a matter of saying hello and thank you. Public transportation and the people who make it possible should never be taken for granted!

Happy Tuesday!