Greensboro Daily Photo

Ultralight Fun

This weekend seemed to bring a wide variety of vehicles to the friendly skies around Greensboro. Just north of Greensboro, in Summerfield, off of 220 north, this ultralight was spotted on Sunday. Piedmont Aerosports of Greensboro offers flying lessons for these smaller recreational crafts.  Also, through Piedmont Aerosports new and used vehicles are available. They even have a vehicle called a gyroplane that looks like a helicopter with a thread thin propeller.

We also saw single engine planes and helicopters out taking advantage of the clear skies. Getting from Point A to Point B offers so many possibilities these days, including sports aircrafts. It is interesting to watch these vehicles in flight. They evoke a feeling of being at the beach.

Strolling Along South Elm Street

It is always heartwarming to see families taking advantage of the businesses and resources in downtown Greensboro. In the above photo, a mother and her two daughters are walking along South Elm Street, near the Community Theatre of Greensboro. Each has her raincoat, boots,  and knows the "stick together and hold hands rule." They seemed so happy enjoying their afternoon together. Even if your family is grown, or far away, adventures around town are also meaningful with friends. There is so much to see and explore.

In the front, right corner of the photo, you can see a white Christmas tree that had been sent to the curb. There are still some decorations around the community. However, most of Greensboro has put the holidays behind and is bracing for possible inclement weather this weekend. Not to fear. Just hold hands and go forth with joy and determination.

2019 Polar Bear Ride

Every January 1st, for the past 21 years, the Greensboro Velo Club has sponsored the Polar Bear ride. In the above photo, they are getting briefed by Dale Brown as cyclists prepare to depart from Cycles de Oro.  There was a course for all levels of cyclists, from those who only wanted to ride 25 miles to those who wanted to ride a full 100 miles.

The talk of the day was how unseasonably warm it was this year (in the 60s) and how cold it was last year (in the teens). At least it was overcast on New Year's Day, but not raining, which meant nobody got a sunburn in January! The cycling communities are growing in Greensboro and there is a real effort to add bike lanes, greenways, and trails to ride off road. Recreational cycling is great exercise and finding a group to ride with makes the sport even more meaningful. If you are looking for a way to exercise, cycling is a popular option. Here's to a great year of riding and sharing the road!

UNCG vs Liberty

The Liberty University women's basketball team, the Lady Flames, was in Greensboro yesterday to play a game against the UNCG Lady Spartans. The game was what you call a buzzer beater with UNCG winning in the last second with a score of 48-45. Liberty, located in Lynchburg, VA, is only 109 miles from Greensboro, making this match up something of a backyard brawl.

If you are looking for fun and affordable activities for winter break, check out what the local universities have to offer. Between basketball games, art galleries, and great places to walk and romp around, the many institutions of higher education (IHE's) in the area provide great options. While the IHE's are already on break, the K-12 public schools in Guilford County will be readjusting to academic rigor today after a week of snow days. Happy Monday!

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

The above photo features a teacher from Claxton Elementary (left) and one from Lindley Elementary(right) . They both agreed to compete in a "turkey trot" by dressing in turkey suits, dribbling down the court, making a layup shot and dribbling back to the starting point; all while their students were cheering them on. This fun rivalry transpired during the UNCG women's basketball game on Friday. As memory serves, Team Lindley won. 

The photo reminds us that, on Thanksgiving, enjoying each other's company is a big part of the holiday. Let us all give thanks for our GCS teachers who will do just about anything for their students, including dressing is giant turkey suits and waddling down a basketball court. Let us give thanks for our time with family and friends, and the food on our tables.

Happy Thanksgiving!

UNCG Basketball Lady Spartans

The UNCG women's basketball team played in Fleming Gym yesterday to a packed crowd. Guilford County Schools sent busloads of students from Claxton, Lindley Park, MCUNCG, and a few other schools. The students loved being there and cheered the Lady Spartans to victory. The public school students also enjoyed seeing their teachers compete in games during halftime. The final score was Young Harris College 29 and UNCG 62. So far, this Division 1 team is 2-2, undefeated at home. The women's basketball team was founded in 1969, four years after the institution began admitting men to the general student body.

If you are interested in seeing a game, their next home game is at 2:00 pm on Sunday against UNC Pembroke. If you are not doing a post-Thanksgiving drive, a good game of basketball would be a great way to bring closure to what, hopefully, has been a good Thanksgiving holiday weekend for all.

Bicycling Downtown

Cycling as a sport is becoming more popular in Greensboro and the city has worked hard to provide places to ride, from greenways and trails to bike lanes on city streets. Weekends in the summer bring out lots of cyclists. At least twenty people were riding as a group down Elm Street on Saturday. They rode together, looking out for each other. They followed the rules of the road and even used hand signals. One slight indulgence was circling around the Nathanael Green statue on McGee street... more than once.

Remember, cyclists have as much right to be on the road as cars, and drivers need to be extra careful and patient. After Sunday evening's pelting rain, it is hard to believe that Saturday morning was this bright and sunny and conducive to being on a bicycle. Finally, please have a look at just how green Greensboro is this time of year. The main street downtown is lined with trees and dotted with hanging baskets.

Happy Monday, dear readers. It is a new week!

Lake Higgins Boat Launch

Greensboro  Department of Parks and Recreation received a 37,000+ grant from the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund to create a boat entry that accommodates people in wheel chairs who want to boat or kayak. The above photo explains the five-step process. How wonderful for people in wheelchairs, who are driving and living independently to be able to participate in water sports. 

July is Parks and Recreation month and the construction of this new launch is one of many examples of how Greensboro's Parks and Recreation division makes ever effort to be inclusive. Head out to Lake Higgins and see this launch for yourself. Better yet, find someone who would benefit from using the EZ Launch and take them out to try it out!

Mind, Body, Spirit and the Bryan YMCA

Sunday for many, and here at GDP, is a day for pause and reflection. Instead of taking a day off from posting, we like to be more reflective, grateful, and ever hopeful. The above photo is features the Bryan Y.M.C.A. in downtown Greensboro. The Ys have rebranded to use the "Y" (Young) and, as of 2010, have dropped the "MCA" (Men's Christian Association), to be more inclusive, espousing Judeo-Christian values. Today, there is more emphasis on the ethical aspect of the Abrahamic religions, as opposed to the theological. To be sure, the "Y" is more inclusive, doing more to foster inter-group relations. Bibles are welcomed, but you do not need to be a Christian to walk through the doors.

Y memberships today, give you access to more than one Y and there is even national membership. If you are a Y member, you should be free to try out other facilities. The one above, the Kathleen Price Bryan Family Y at 501 W. Market Street, has always been inclusive and inviting. If you ever feel alone, lonely, in need of community, wanting to boost the spirit, mind, and body, take a Y class, walk the track, or participate in a pick up game. Heck, you can even hover around the coffee pot. Conversely, if you see that lone person at the Y (or anywhere), be the one who initiates a conversation. Spirit. Mind. Body. Everyday and everywhere.

"Y" not?

60th Year of Greensboro's City Swim Meet

Today is the kick off day for City Meet, the 60th year of the grande finale event of Greensboro's Community Swim Association. The event is held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) and is free and open to the public. With over 2,000 swimmers, competing over three days, from all the swim clubs in Greensboro, the event will be fun, lively, and crowded. All children are able to compete during this event. While Day 1 of the three day event is for the less competitive swimmers, it gives all swimmers a chance to participate in this community-building event. Day 2 & 3 are for the swimmers trying to break records, become golden swimmers (first in all of their individual events), and for swim clubs trying to capture the win.

Above all, summer swim with CSA of Greensboro is a time to build community and make great summer memories. There will be a parade with teams decked out in their respective colors, with swimmers and coaches taking their team's theme to new extremes. The Friendly Frogs will be in pink and green with their favorite amphibian featured prominently. The Hamilton Lakes Hornets will be buzzing up a storm. Lake Jeanette Lightning will be bolting through the pool. (You get the picture). Stop by if you can and experience some good ole Greensboro tradition. Here's to another 60 years of City Meet!

Bur-Mil Marlins Host Friendly Frogs

One of Greensboro's great summer traditions is the dual swim meets. Twenty three teams with over 2,000 swimmers participate in the Community Swim Associations summer meets. For five weeks of summer, children ages 5 to 18 will spend hours practicing and competing. Parents will help with snacks, judging, scoring, looking after kids and anything else needed to make the experience memorable for all involved.

Last night, the Bur-Mil Marlins hosted the Friendly Frogs at their pool at Owl's Roost. Swimmers were working hard as were parents. A Swim-for-Cancer bake sale was underway. Siblings sat around the pool playing games, talking, and getting a little cell phone time. The Marlins are one of the newest teams in the community swim program. They placed 6th overall last year and the Friendly Frogs were 4th. Both teams were giving it their all last night. The best aspect of CSA is that all team members have the opportunity to participate, not just the elite swimmers. Go Marlins! Go Frogs!

Stroller Barre at Pig Pounder Brewery

Mondays from 3:30- 4:30 at the Pig Pounder Brewery on Grecade Street hosted a Stroller Barre exercise class. They are providing an opportunity to work out with and to meet new moms. According to their Facebook page, they encourage people to bring a stroller and water bottle to prepare to "burn and shake" during barre-style stroller class. The class is part pilates, yoga, ballet, and a full-body workout and stretch session. If you have a stroller and young one in tow and are looking for a way to workout without arranging childcare and for a way to make new friends, this concept could be great for you. As you can see in the above photo, while everyone was outdoors and the day was sunny, there were options for being in the shade.

Hats off to those moms for modeling being fit for life with their children! Wondering is they decide to partake in libations while the babies were snoozing...

Golf in Greensboro

If you are local, you know that Greensboro is a great golf community. Golf options are available in just about every direction in the city (north, south, east, west, and close to town). Options range from public to private courses; from playing  on a casual, few-hole course in Peabody Park on UNCG's campus to being a spectator when the pro tour comes to Sedgefield Country Club. In the above photo, a foursome is playing the Carlson Dairy farm course at the Greensboro Country Club.

As the weather gets nicer, the courses become increasingly crowded and t-times are harder to come by. Even if you have never played before, spring is a great time to start learning the sport. Carts are tuned up, greens are manicured, and the weather is fabulous. The Wyndham Championship is three months away and it is always fun to watch, whether or not you follow the sport. 

Soccer Season

Soccer season is upon us and Greensboro has become quite a soccer city. In the above photo, elementary school players are practicing in the fields beside the First Baptist Church on Friendly Avenue. From city youth sports to YMCA soccer to full-service soccer association offerings, there is soccer for children at every age and every level of playing. As of 2012, 30% of all American households had at least one person playing soccer. (Surely, Greensboro's statistics are close).

On August 24th of 2017, Greensboro teen Gianluca Busio signed a professional contract with Sporting Kansas City. He was only 15 years old. Wade Forte, the director of Fusion Academy in Greensboro said that Gianluca's competitiveness became apparent when he was about ten.* It will be fun for Greensboro's school aged soccer players to follow Gianluca's career. Whether the players in the above field stick with the sport and play professionally or just play for fun, hopefully, they will have the work ethic of Greensboro's youngest professional soccer player. 

* read more about Gianluca, here.

NCAA Fever in Greensboro

NCAA fever and games are in full swing and North Carolinians are glued to the TV. Even though Duke is the only remaining North Carolina team, Greensboro cares about basketball. The above photo was taken at Rody's, a locally-owned restaurant and sports bar. Screens throughout the restaurant were sharing several games at a time.

Rody's is located at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Horse Pen Creek Road. It was packed last night while the basketball games were on. By the end of the weekend, we will know if Duke advances to the final four. Then, before you know it, it will be time for football season, and then basketball season again.

Happy Saturday and, stay safe, if the weather turns bad.

Lake Higgins

This past Sunday, we had a chance to be at Lake Higgins when it opened. By about 7:45, 5 vehicles had lined up at Hamburg Mill Road, waiting for the gate to be unlocked. When the gate opened, precisely at 8:00 am, cars rushed to secure a boat to be able to get started fishing. As you can see from the above photo, the fog was dense. That didn't stop the fishermen who wanted to get out and scour the lake so that they will be ready for this Saturday's annual Fall Bass Tournament. They had their boats filled and motors attached and were well underway, just as the fog was trying to life.

Lake Higgins received a grand of just under $38,000 dollars from the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund to provide an accessible boat launch and to repair sidewalks. Parks and Recreation in Greensboro is working hard to be as adaptive and inclusive as possible in their facilities.

As for the bass tournament, same-day registration (October 21st) will begin promptly at 6:00 am, the tournament starts at 7:00 am and weigh-in is at 3:00 pm. Some of the anglers know this 226-acre municipal reservoir by heart and have their special spot picked out for fishing already. Three participants will leave with trophies and cash prizes. As always with fishing, the best combination of skill, luck, and cooperation by fish will affect the outcome of the tournament Fun will be had by all. We hope to see you there.

AMF All Star Lanes

AMF All Star Bowling has been a Holden Road institution for decades. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, consider calling some friends and heading to the bowling alley. On Fridays, they are open from 3pm to 2am. Some people make an evening of bowling; others only want to bowl a few games. AMF lanes recently got an exterior paint job. The bold red and white color combination really stands out as you drive by. You can't miss it.

The blue and gold bus in the parking lot belongs to North Carolina A&T University. Our best guess is that the NCA&T Aggie bowling team was practicing yesterday afternoon. They are gearing up for bowling season, which starts at the end of the month. The Aggie team, in spite of having lost their very talented seniors, is very good. They won the national championship in 2015 and are southern division favorites again this year. That blue and gold bus really stands out against the red building. If you ever see the team practicing there, please cheer them on. They are good. Watch them and you may add a few points to your score!

 

Pleasant Ridge Road

The above photo was taken on Pleasant Ridge Road just as you cross over Highway 68. This part of Pleasant Ridge parallels the northwest section of the Greensboro bypass that crosses just south of here. About fifteen years ago, this area seemed like a rural, country scene. Today, a 360 degree view here would show you a very different scene. For now, we'll focus on that which is ahead, the Pleasant Ridge Golf Course.

In spite of all the construction and changes, the Pleasant Ridge course is still 18-hole. It is open to the public and a great place to practice your putting on a sunny, Greensboro afternoon. There are four sets of tees for different skill levels. The course has been open since 1969. In two more years, they will celebrate their 50th anniversary. Here's to another 50 more! Here's to enjoying summer drives to parts of town not part of your beaten path.

Latham Park Skate Park

Greensboro now has a skate park at Latham Park. It is accessible from Hill Street (the south of Wendover side). It has only opened recently, but is already quite popular with Greensboro's skateboarders. In the above photo, it looks like there is one lone skateboarder. Actually, the park was quite busy, but the guys skating very politely wait their turn, giving the skater a chance to try new tricks and not have the pressure of someone right behind him. The people waiting are also very encouraging, making positive comments when someone tries something new or has an especially good move. 

It is wonderful to see skateboarders have somewhere officially approved for skating. So often people are running skaters off or they are skating somewhere where they are at risk of getting in trouble. This is good, clean, wholesome- albeit dangerous- fun. We worry about skaters who fall or who get hurt. The way these guys look out for each other, we're sure they'd see that a hurt skater got medical attention, if needed. Below, you see some of the guys waiting their turn to skate. Best of all, this is a City of Greensboro park and it is free and open to the public.

Greensboro's Community Swim Association

There isn't much that is more wholesome than community summer swimming. The above photo was taken at the pool of the Greensboro Country Club at Carlson Dairy Road where the GCC Dolphins hosted a meet. The Community Swim Association dual meets are held every Tuesday in early summer, culminating with the three-day City Meet, to be held this year on July 6-8. Community swim teams emphasize fun and good sportsmanship and every single team member gets to compete . While some swimmers, usually those who compete year-round, are more accomplished, every member is valued. The above photo features a freestyle relay in process. Often, the children who have been on the team for several years become assistant coaches in their teen years. 

Currently, teams are wrapping up their fundraisers for Swim-for-Cancer, a very worthy cause. The GCC Dolphins were raffling very lovely gift baskets. The results of the fundraiser are announced at City Meet, and are always a point of great pride for top fundraising individuals and teams. If you get a chance donate to the cause. Also, stop by the Greensboro Aquatic Center between July 6th and 8th and you will be impressed at how much Greensboro supports swimming.

S is for Skateboarding

Skateboarding is both sport and hobby that can also be transportation from Point A to Point B. If you are a middle schooler, skateboarding is a great way to pass time- learning tricks, perfecting jumps, and trying those moves in places with signs reading "no skateboarding allowed." The above photo, taken a couple of weeks ago,  features two young skateboarders in a pop-up skate space at the back corner of Four Flocks and Larder on Spring Garden Street.  It seemed like good, clean fun. The above skateboarders were very respectful of pedestrians and stayed well within the confines of their designated space. 

Skateboarding is big business. There are over 11 million skateboarders in the world and the sport will be represented at the 2020 Olympic Games. It is a relatively young sport, with the first makeshift skateboards appearing in the 1940's. Those early skateboards are a lot cruder (boxes with wheels) than the boards the guys are using above. The early skate parks were empty, California swimming pools. Today is ABC Wednesday and for Round 20, "S" is for "Skateboarding." To you boarders out there, may your kick flips and pop shove-its be everything you want them to be. Hope to see you in Tokyo!

O is for Outfield

Baseball season is upon us and, in Greensboro, there are opportunities to play and watch baseball at just about every level and for every age group. Pre-collegiate players have opportunties ranging from rec ball to more intense AAU ball. Greensboro is home to the minor league baseball team, the Greensboro Grasshoppers. High Point could also be getting a minor league ball team for their proposed downtown stadium. Also, the local high schools have baseball teams, as do all of the local institutions of higher education. Literally, you can find baseball diamonds in every end of the county. The above photo was taken at an April 8th home game for the UNCG Spartans and features Spartan player Justin Embler (#8) safely sliding into 3rd base. The Spartans won that day against Furman. 

If you are looking for affordable summer fun, baseball game entrance tickets are very reasonably priced. The Grasshoppers have theme days, frequent fireworks displays, and plenty for young children to do if they tire of sitting in their seats. Today is ABC Wednesday and for "O" on our Round 20 Series, "O" is for "outfield."  To all the left, center, and right fielders (positions 7, 8, 9 respectively) in the outfield, today, we salute YOU and may all those fly balls land in your glove!

A Great Day to Be Outdoors

In Greensboro, today will be a great day to spend out of doors. Perhaps you can do yard work, help a neighbor outside, or enjoy one of our city's many trails or participate in sports. In the above photo, three golfers are on the putting green at the Farm Course of the Greensboro Country Club. The photo was taken on Francisco Drive and shows that Greensboro actually has some change in elevation. Around our lakes, it is a little hilly. If you are on the above golf course, you really experience the hills.

On maps, Greensboro is recorded as being 892 feet above sea level.  The highest point in North Carolina is 6,687 feet at Mount Mitchell; the lowest point is sea level, at the shore; and, the average elevation is 700 feet. So, in Greensboro, we can proudly boast being above average. The standard par for a golf course is 72 and the average golfer shoots 100, in which case, at least in golf, we aspire to be below average. Finally, the average high temperature for March 25th in Greensboro is the mid-60's and today is predicted to be in the 70's. Indeed, it will be a great day to be outside.

Mountain Biking

The well-maintained trails around Bur-Mil Park are perfect for off-road biking. The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department maintains the trails not only in the city, but also around the watershed lakes. Greensboro Fat Tire Society, our local mountain biking club, also helps keep the trails clean and safe.* The groups try to keep the trails as primitive as possible. They provide rules of etiquette. In 2003, Bicycling Magazine voted the Owl's Roost Trail (above) as the "best urban mountain biking trail" in the country.

The two cyclists above seemed to be enjoying their ride yesterday, and they weren't the only ones. Hiking and bike trails were extremely busy as temperatures soared to 82 degrees; surpassing the 1999 record of 73 degrees. It was perfect spring weather; except, spring is over a month away. North Carolina weather can be unpredictable,  and Greensboro has been known to have ice storms in March.

We hope you had a chance to spend some time outside yesterday. If not, there is always today, and tomorrow, and the next day...

*reference and more information, here.

Fishing on Lake Higgins

The lone angler above was recently fishing on Lake Higgins. The day was cold and the starkness of the winter vegetation combined with the blue cast to the photo make the scene look even colder. According to the website of the City of Greensboro, the lake is stocked with bass, crappie, sunfish, trout, and catfish. Fishing is allowed from a boat or on the pier at the marina. At the fall bass tournament this past October, twenty-one anglers participated and the first place fish weighed 7.30 pounds. The spring tournament usually attracts a more people. If you are interested, start testing your equipment now and make sure you have found a few key fishing holes by early April.

This 226 acre reservoir is also a great spot for paddle boarding and kayaking. Greensboro is so lucky that the city maintains the reservoirs and provides access for the public at large. We're sure the man in the boat would attest to the peacefulness of fishing after a long week at work.

C is for Coliseum Complex... and Champions!

The above photo features the part of the Coliseum Complex that leads to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Hall of Champions. The Hall of Champions opened March 2, 2011. It is hard to believe that it has been in Greensboro almost six years. The display features the history of the conference as well as its long relationship to North Carolina. The ACC is an American collegiate athletic conference and it sponsors competition in twenty-five sports. In 1953, the ACC was founded in Guilford County, in Sedgefield. If you like college athletics and are local, you owe it to yourself to spend some time at this facility.

In the above photo, a dad explains some sports concepts to his small children as they listen intently. The children were so well behaved and engrossed in the conversation. Whether he was ever an ACC athlete or not, in the minds of his children, this dad is a true champion. With so much negative press these days, the scene reminds us there is good in humanity and it starts at home.

Today is ABC Wednesday and for Round 20, "C" is for "coliseum" and "champion."

(They're Gonna Start a) Revolution Cycles

  

Revolution Cycles is located at 1907 Spring Garden Street, near Chapman Street, between the Coliseum and Lindley Park. They bill themselves as a a bike shop that carries interesting inventory, with a very different vibe from traditional bicycle shops. They stock brands like: Raleigh, Niner, Santacruz, and Salsa to name a few. A big part of their "manifesto" is to get as many people as possible riding bicycles and to offer bikes and clothing with graphic design that you can't find at other bike stores.

Inside the store is a bar, called the Handlebar. On Friday afternoons, the Handlebar hosts a "You made it through the week" happy hour. They have beer on tap and attract people who love to talk about biking adventures. The inventory is fabulous, their spirit and spirits are great. Beware if you go to their website, as their language is "R" rated;  partly for vocabulary choice and partly for the spirit of revolution. While today might not be the best day for biking, if Revolution Cycles is open, it could be a great day to check out an "off the beaten trail" bike store. To be sure, the people who own and work at Revolution have some amazing biking tales. As can be gleaned from the looks of the front entrance to the business, Revolution works hard to add energy to the 1900 block of Spring Garden Street.

Pop a wheelie if you like biking!

Great Golf in Sedgefield

Golf is a very popular sport in North Carolina and especially in Greensboro. The above photo features someone studying a shot at the Sedgefield Country Club and shows how many people like to spend their weekends in Greensboro, even when it is cold and wintry outside. It is possible to play golf about ten months a year here and golfing at the Sedgefield Country Club is beautiful, even in wintertime. This country club opened its doors in 1926 and, over the decades, has played a leadership role in hosting great golf tournaments in North Carolina. In 1938, the Greater Greensboro Open, now the Wyndam Championship, was established there. This championship brings some of golf's most famous and accomplished players to Greensboro. If you know golf, you will recognize players visiting local establishments during tournaments.

While the Wyndam Tournament won't be until August, you will see golfers out perfecting their swing in just about any weather short of a snowstorm. Speaking of snowstorms, by the looks of the empty bread and milk shelves at local grocery stores, a snowstorm appears to be brewing! You have been "fore" warned.  Stay warm!

It's Soccer Time!

Fall weekends are time for playing outdoors. Above, families sit on the sidelines in foldable chairs, watching their children playing soccer at the Guilford College fields at New Garden Road. Weekends around Guilford County, it is almost impossible to find an empty field; they are all filled with people practicing or playing sports. It is heartwarming to drive by these fields and see everyone enjoying exercising out of doors. The 1990's saw participation in soccer burgeon in Greensboro. Today, there are all levels of play, available for players of all ages. From organizations like the Y to City Youth Sports to private clubs to school and university programs, soccer is everywhere.

According to the Harris Poll, National League Football is the most popular sport in the United States. And, while soccer might not be number one, it is number one in the hearts of all of those parents sitting there, living in the moment, enjoying their children playing their best. If you love soccer and have coaching talent, imagine yourself in the above photo, mentoring the children of Greensboro, teaching them not only the fundamentals of soccer, but also how to be good of good moral character. Coaches, sponsors, and spectators who are good sports are always appreciated. Happy Friday and happy weekend!

NC A&T Baseball

The above photo features the baseball team of North Carolina A&T State University. On Saturday, they held an inter-team baseball game at War Memorial Stadium on Yanceyville Street. Blue and Gold played hard against each other, strictly for the good of the team as a whole. War Memorial is currently the NC A&T's home baseball stadium. War Memorial was used for minor league baseball teams (and other activities)  from 1930 until the the new stadium was built in 2004 in downtown Greensboro. How wonderful that the historic, War Memorial Stadium is still being used. 

Writing about baseball in Greensboro today, we would be remiss not to mention José Fernandez, the pitcher for the Miami Marlins who died tragically in a boating accident this past weekend. Fernandez played briefly for the Greensboro Grasshoppers at the beginning of the 2012 season and threw the first six innings of a combined no-hitter, when he was right here, affiliated with our hometown team. With all of Fernandez' baseball success, a memorable personal story was when he and his mother were fleeing Cuba, his mother fell overboard, and Fernandez jumped in and saved her life. The very water that brought Fernandez freedom also took his life. Greensboro was honored with his brief presence here, just four years ago.*

Greensboro is a great baseball town. From the leagues for small children to the AAU teams, the local university teams, and the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Greensboro has exciting baseball games in progress just about every night of the season. We really enjoyed the A&T scrimmage on Saturday and look forward to watching them play again. It would be lovely to watch someone else in Greensboro get picked up by the major leagues.

* reference and read more, here.

G is for Guilford, Greensboro, Grasshoppers, Greenway

So much in Greensboro starts with the letter "G." From the city, to the county, to the baseball team, to its mascot we are a community of "G's": Greensboro, Guilford, Grasshoppers, Guilford. In the above photo, Guilford, the Grasshopper is waving at people passing the stadium. Our minor league baseball team has been around since 2003 and the 7,499 seat stadium opened in 2005.

Greensboro's minor league baseball team has also been a hornet and a bat; however, people seem pretty happy with Guilford the Grasshopper. Minor league baseball games are great fun, especially on nights with fireworks. The next home games are next Tuesday and Wednesday (August 30 & 31). Hope to see you there.

Today is ABC Wednesday and for this Alphabet Round, "G" is for all of the above. Note the photos below, a print and cursive "G" and Guilford smiling and waving at us.

Happy Midweek, dear readers.

 

Kayaking on Lake Brandt

In the above photo, two kayakers prepare to spend the morning on Lake Brandt, just north of Greensboro. While they probably anticipated the early morning fishing boats, they were probably surprised to see people out in 60-foot, eight-person boats learning to row. As seen in the photo, the winds can keep the water on Lake Brandt a little choppy. As overheard by one of the Greensboro Crew members, "Oh well, that will just make us stronger than our competitors." These kayakers were enjoying a good workout and looked like they were enjoying their workout.

Greensboro hasn't traditionally been a destination location for watersports, as our lakes are on the small side. For example, nearby Smith Mountain Lake (SML) in Virginia covers 20,600 acres and Lake Brandt covers a mere 816 acres. But considering SML is 95 miles from Greensboro and Lake Brandt is in our back yard, Lake Brandt makes it possible to put a kayak (paddleboat, or boat for crew, etc.) on the water, get a good workout, and be finished in time to go out to breakfast with friends.

Greensboro CREW

History is being made as Greensboro now has rowing on Lake Brandt. High Point Rowing has expanded by offering Greensboro Crew. Rowing is a great sport that can be practiced for life and at all skill levels. The youngest members of the Greensboro team are middle schoolers. There are high school and adult rowers, too. Saturday, the day the above photo was taken, was the first day on Lake Brandt. Saturday was also the day that the American women's 8-crew took gold for rowing in the Rio Olympics. 

The above boat has eight rowers and a coxswain. There will also be boats configured for two and four rowers. An eight boat is 60 feet long. Keep your eye out for these long beauties when you drive or hike around Lake Brandt. For more information on Greensboro Crew, see here. They still have room for more participants.

City Swim Meet 2016

The Greensboro City Swim Meet is in its third and final day today. This culminating summer swim meet is held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center on Gate City Boulevard. Every child who swam for a community team is eligible to compete. What an exciting experience to swim in this beautiful facility, to see your name up on the electronic board with your ranking and times upon completion of the event. The above photo features the warm-up lanes. 

Below, you will see photo squares of some of the swimmers who earned medals in backstroke. You can get a feeling for the sense of camaraderie in the swim community. Most of the swimmers who medal swim year round and, while they may be on different teams in the summer, they could well be on the same team with their other swim club. Also below, you see the 2016 t-shirt design as well as two of the Friendly Frog coaches, poolside, cheering on their swimmers. It is pretty easy for the Friendly Frogs to identify their coaches. Look for the people with the frogs on their heads!

Attending the meet is free. Parking is $5 if you park in the Coliseum complex. However, if you are willing to walk, free parking can be found nearby.  This is a great opportunity to see the GAC if you haven't been yet. You will be wowed by this great community resource as well as the great sportsmanship of the kids!

Fourth of July 2016

Fun Fourth Festivities are well underway in downtown Greensboro. In the above photo taken last night, on East McGee Street, spectators were waiting for the 10K runners to start rolling in at the Fun Fourth 10K Freedom Run. There was also a 1 mile Fun Run for families and beginners.

Today's events on Elm Street will stretch from Friendly Avenue to Gate City Boulevard. The fun will conclude with the Fireworks Concert at Davie and Market Street. The free concert will start at 8:45 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 9:25. Hopefully, it will work out for the best, having the bulk of the festivities located downtown. If you attend, be sure to wear red, white, and blue! We will all be missing the smiling face of Betty Cone; however, this year's organizers, planners, and sponsors, have worked tirelessly provide Greensboro with a good, patriotic done of family fun. 

By the way, there are also fireworks after the Grasshoppers' baseball game tonight. Wonder if there is a good vantage point for watching both displays.

Time for Tuesday Night Swim Meets

Greensboro's community swim teams hold meets on Tuesday nights throughout the summer. Greensboro has 23 local swim clubs and 2,000 swimmers between the age of 5 and 18. There are swimmers at all ability levels and the great thing about summer swimming is that everyone gets to compete. The season is only five weeks long, so that families can take vacations. The commitment to the swim team is intense and practice is daily. The meets start promptly at 5:30 p.m. and, depending on the size of the competing teams,  can take hours, and hours, and hours...

The above photo features the Elks pool on Cornwallis Drive. Tonight, they are hosting the Greensboro Country Club so, if you are a family with swimmers, you know to have snacks ready, and, for the little ones, waterproof Uno cards and other activities to keep them busy. Seeing the 8 (and under) year olds swim their hearts out across the length of the pool is priceless. And participating on relay teams teaches them about working together for a common goal. At the end of the night, everyone will be exhausted, parents included. Hopefully, everyone will have had a great time and will have been a good sport, parents included.

 

Pleasant Ridge Golf Course

Pleasant Ridge Golf course, located on Pleasant Ridge Road, is an 18-hole course that opened in 1969. The course has a rating of 70.5 and a slope rating of 111 and features 6,432 yards of golf.* Since opening 47 years ago, Pleasant Ridge Golf has seen a lot of changes. At one time, it seemed like this facility was out in the middle of the country-- a rural respite. 

Now, with Highway 68 widening and all of the new construction, it seems like it is in the city. Yet, when you are actually out on the course, it is easy to forget all of the work waiting for you back at the office. Pleasant Ridge Golf Course is another great option for those hoping to enjoy the great outdoors this summer. It would make a great stay-cation!

*reference and more information, here.

To Row or Not to Row...

Oak Hollow Lake was a busy place this past Tuesday night when the Masters' Team of High Point Rowing took their final row of the season. In the above photo, you see an 8-boat that just came in, while another is waiting patiently in the background. Summer is the perfect time for water sports and rowing is a great way to combine exercise with teamwork and camaraderie. For the final row of the session, four 8-boats raced. Some of the rowers have bad been rowing for two years and some had just finished their first race. 

After the race, rowers and their families enjoyed a potluck dinner. Some people said their goodbyes and those who signed up for the summer session said "See you on the water next week." If you are going to be in town this summer still looking for a way to get some exercise, it might not be too late to give rowing a try. Imagine the feeling of power being behind the oar of a boat that is 62' long!

Time to Hit the Great Outdoors!

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors.

The above vehicle was spotted at Friendly Center earlier this week in front of Great Outdoor Provision Company. Just seeing a kayak or canoe on top of a car screams "outdoor water adventure." The pretty blue sky we've had the last couple of days, as well as temperatures in the mid-80's add to the desire to be on the water.  Being in the heart of the piedmont region, Greensboro is centrally located between the beach and the mountains. The people in this vehicle could be headed in either direction. Even better, maybe they are planning an adventure on one of Greensboro's own lakes.

You have one more day to plan a weekend water adventure--  if you haven't already. Lake Brandt, Higgins and Townsend are calling. If you go to High Point, Oak Hollow Lake is waiting; there, you just may see some rowers.

Happy Thursday! Happy summer (almost)!

Ride of Silence

The above photo features the Ride of Silence as riders lined up at the Wrangler building on North Elm Street. Yesterday, participants rode 6.2 miles, silently honoring bicyclists who were killed and injured on our streets. Some people rode with families; others rode with friends, and many sported shirts of their cycling groups. The Ride of Silence is always held the third Wednesday in May--  with hundreds of locations worldwide. Not only does the ride honor those who have been injured or killed, it also raises awareness for us to remember to share the road with cyclists. Chris Phelan started the event in 2003 in Dallas.*

Cyclists were asked to ride no faster than 12 miles an hour, to wear helmets, follow the rules of the road, and to remain silent. The row on the above right was lined with police who also rode. This is also their week of remembrance (which we will feature tomorrow). So, this is a time to take great pause and remember those who are no longer with us. During the ride yesterday evening, two cyclists riding near us fell, hitting the ground pretty hard. We sure hope they were OK. Let us know if you hear.

*read more, here.