free
September/October
AWARENESS women’s issues
time to give
m o n e y i s n ’ t e v e ry t h i n g
elsewhere
a p l ac e f o r t h i n k i n g t h i n g s t h r o u g h
rise of the Entrepreneur
t o m y r e c e n t c o l l e g e g r a d uat e s , l o s t & f o u n d
We Are More Than Where... It’s Who We Are Volume: 02
ISSUE: 05
EDITORIAL Managing director /editor
Tony Bates | tbates@wearegreensboro.com creative director
AJ Bates | abates@wearegreensboro.com Non-profit coordinator
Veronica Bates | vlb@wearegreensboro.com staff writer
Carol Bates Morris | cmore@wearegreensboro.com MUSIC EDITOR/CONtrIBUTING WRITER
Sierra Dennis | SierraD@wearegreensboro.com
ADVERTISING advertising manager
John Graham | jgraham@wearegreensboro.com
Published by: We Are Greensboro 415 Pisgah Church R.d #186 Greensboro, NC 27455 www.wearegreensboro.com 336.987.3545
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Š We Are Greensboro 2012-2013 All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of We Are Greensboro is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions, errors, products, services, information or statements made by contributing editors or advertisers. We Are Greensboro reserves the right to deny advertising or any other type of submission that does not meet our standards. 02
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Contents in R greensboro oc
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Rise of the Entrepreneur
06 Awareness
An introduction into just a few of the many wonderful resources available to the women of Greensboro
20 Elsewhere
Marketing Curator Valerie Wiseman sheds light into what makes this quirky, fun and utterly unique “living museum” so very special.
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Photo Gallery I
For those of you that still didn’t know we have roller derby available right here in Greensboro, here’s proof. A few pictures to show you just what you’ve been missing.
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Rise of the Entrepreneur Join contributing writer Jasmine Simmons on her journey to succes as a recent college grad and budding entrepreneur.
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Rocumentarians
Contributing Writer Sierra Dennis explores the world of rock documentaries and the creative minds that produce them,
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We’re always looking for a way to spend it, but never seem to have enough of it...Is there anything more valuable than time?
It’s that boo time of year again, and here are two “must do” ways to enjoy it...Two things everyone should do for the BOO!
Time to Give
Two To Do For The Boo
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Photo Gallery II
We couldn’t decide whether to show you pictures from Wild Watermelon Day at the Greensboro Science Center or last year’s Fallfest from the Greensboro Sportsplex...Show we gave you both! And remember this year’s Fallfest is just around the corner.
GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO
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es, we are all individuals and we are all unique. However, as important as our individuality is, we can never forget that we are all but one part of something much greater than ourselves… We are not alone. We are a community. And whatever that word means to each of us, whether our interpretation refers to the world, our neighborhood, church or even family, as part of something special, we owe it to ourselves and those we care about to be the best “us” we can be. A large part of being a better “us” means being cognizant and understanding of what will help or hurt us, both as individuals and as a community. To do this, to be our better selves, we must first gain…Awareness Being aware of our surroundings can be a full time pursuit, often appearing quite daunting on the surface. Yet, the reality is it’s actually just a simple matter of priorities, or deciding what we find important and interesting. While words like these, words like “important” and “interesting” often apply much differently to each of us, there are still many common areas where we can agree that having as much information as possible can be of tremendous value. One area most of us can agree would be beneficial to stay on top of is health, and as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there seems no better or more appropriate place to begin than the issues that directly affect women. We all had, have or will have women in our lives we depend upon deeply. So there is considerable benefit to our doing everything we can to help ensure they remain healthy and happy and that any concerns they may have are readily addressed. Luckily we live in a city with not only many, but many really great resources. The best part is that any discussion of the available avenues and which of those offer the best result, will only heighten our...
AWARENESS women’s issues T. Bates
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The Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro Since its humble beginning in August of 1995, The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Greensboro has gone from assisting 800 women their first year to currently providing information, advice, support and assistance to well over 8000 women and families each year. Increasing the number of women they have helped over the years is only part of the incredible progress the WRC has made. In addition to offering the original core services they began with, which include programs in peer advocacy, a job-training for displaced homemakers, a free attorney hotline, a computer data bank, a library for women's issues, and a barter board where women could exchange information about goods or services, the WRC has expanded to include a four-part self-esteem series, the Department of Transportation Assistance program and various educational workshops. There are real people with real concerns being helped here, but even the numbers alone are extremely impressive for the WRC. Of the 8,674 women that were aided between 2010 and 2011, 157 displaced homemakers obtained essential skills for a successful job hunt while 845 women facing a variety of life transitions and crises were trained to develop action plans that connected them with community resources and services to affectively address their immediate and long term needs. Additionally 32 local attorneys representing 20 areas of law provided free legal guidance to 1,055 women helping them make critical decisions affecting themselves and their families. Often their only barrier to moving ahead and restoring their confidence; 345 women and adolescent girls were guided through the process of making positive life changes during a series of self-esteem classes taught by volunteer mental health professionals. Just as Community Educational Workshops facilitated by 40 volunteer subject matter experts provided information and guidance to 621 women, affording them an improved capacity to care for themselves, their children and their parents. Speaking with center’s Executive Director, Ashley Brooks, it becomes immediately apparent that they will never rest on the laurels of the exceptional work they’ve done so far. Not only is the future bright for the WRC, their passion to bring it to fruition is clear. “Over the last eighteen years, we have been steadfast in our mission to keep up to date with community resources. As Ashley tells me, “We have helped women open businesses, find childcare subsidies, obtain additional education, secure jobs, increase their self-esteem, and access emergency assistance programs. But there is still much to do. Our community continues to rely on us to provide vital services that are every bit as relevant today as when we opened 18 years ago. While our services and facilities have grown to assist nearly 9,000 women each year, there is still the smell of fresh coffee, welcoming smiles from the staff and volunteers, and most importantly, a safe place for women to find answers.” continued on pg. 26
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Rise of the
Entrepreneur Jasmine Simmons Contributing Writer
This goes out to my recent college graduates... lost & found IMAGE COURTESY OF HEATHER LASHUN - ATLANTA, GA
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ike a dreamy-eyed twenty-something, I approached my graduation from UNCG with great vigor and motivation to tackle the “real world.” I’m not sure what I imagined defined the “real world,” but I was certain it was where I was headed. Plus, it was excessively appealing to finally activate my 17 years of education and apply it for a righteous bi-weekly salaried paycheck sans complacency. I sat up in my swivel chair, knocked my keyboard keys with sheer artfulness and sophistication and excitedly added Bachelor of Arts in English, Cum Laude; Double Minor: Dance and African American Studies to my resume. Unfortunately, months later I found my euphoric “endless possibilities” philosophy faded and replaced with an anxious frustrated angle towards the molding of my future. Unremittingly I applied for every promising entry level position to no avail with responses solely from spam and donotreply automated rejection emails. “I’ve been duped,” I said to myself with my fists rested on my hips. The “American Dream” of graduating from a prestigious university and then getting a traditional job was no longer applicable to most and positively not for me...even with my internship experience and degree. I had to re-mold my futuristic career plan, find what worked for me and remember not to be prideful while looking for a job but rather create the position I wanted where ever I ended up. As my fiancé repeatedly says quoting his witty father, “Only thing pride ever did for a [wo]man was leave him[/her] hun-
gry or dead.” Therefore, my stomach and I practice humility. So what’s the moral of this anecdote? Whatever you’re passionate about; by all means go for it. I’m not the only one that has had to alter their career plans due to the sluggish economy and I’m sure I won’t be the last. Forbes Magazine remarked, “people of all generations are taking a chance on their own businesses: About 15 to 20% of the workforce–regardless of age– is engaged in running a startup or a more established business.” Ask around in Greensboro, search the hashtag #shamelessplug, Generations X, Y, & Z are developing an adapted American Dream that involves working for themselves as a freelancer or owning their own business. It’s an awakening and inspirational movement to be engulfed in and I believe Greensboro to be the perfect soil to nurture your inner-entrepreneur. With organized events like First Fridays (downtownfridays. com), City Market (www.gsocitymarket.com) and Cash Mobs (facebook.com/CashMobGreensboro), where locals assemble to support local businesses, it’s a haven for young freelancers to promote their expertise or at least get some inspiration and first hand advice. When you find yourself flustered because you’ve realized you’re not where you want to be in life, “remember a constant struggle, a ceaseless battle to bring success from inhospitable surroundings, is the price of all great achievements.” Keep on keeping on. 09 09
New stars at
414 State Street
Take a Stroll Down State Street When was the last time you took a stroll down State Street? If it wasn’t today, then it’s time you head back. State Street is evolving right before our eyes. The shops, boutiques, restaurants and other businesses that call State Street home have new and exciting merchandise, food and services every day. Take a moment, for that matter take a few. Stroll down State Street today and find out what’s new and what you’ve been missing. 10
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State Street Spotlights
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art of making people aware of breast cancer is informing them of who provides the services and where they can find the specialized merchandise patients may need. Second to Nature is one of those shops, you know, the kind of place you hope you never have to use, but you’re really glad they’re there if you do. With their location right here in Greensboro, Second to Nature is one of the largest cancer resource boutiques in the U.S., providing bras, prosthetics, swimwear and accessories to women who have undergone full or partial mastectomies, lumpectomies or breast reconstruction. Their certified bra fitters and caring knowledgeable staff provides choices and options that offer balance and symmetry to women who may have breast unevenness for whatever reason. And as an added benefit, in most cases health insurance will pay for their products. Second to Nature was created out of necessity in 1979 when, after a mastectomy, the woman who would become the original owner noticed that her grandmother’s only option for a bra and prosthesis was the closet of a local drug store, with only an untrained man to assist her. She created Second to Nature to give women much needed and much deserved privacy and dignity when being fitted with these products. Current owner Ramona Hertzell purchased the store in 1997 and in 2006 moved it to their current State Street location. In the process she has transformed it from the simple in-home fitting service it was into the full service, storefront, after breast surgery boutique it is today. From the 100 clients she began with, Ramona currently provides her company’s products and services to over 3500 customers. If you or someone you know has need of the services and items that Second to Nature offers look no further. There is no one else more understanding and knowledgeable than Ramona and her staff and no other shop that even come close to the quality of their service and merchandise. After all, you and your love ones deserve the very best, and you will most certainly find it here.
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ight next door to Second to Nature is A Special Place. That’s actually the name and in the case of A Special Place the name truly says it all. Specializing in what owner Jamela Hodgson refers to as “alternative hair”, A Special place offers “wigs, hairpieces and extensions, as well as hats, scarves and accessories to a wide variety of customers, from chemotherapy patients and women with thinning hair to women who wear wigs and hairpieces just for fun and fashion”. A Special Place also provides customer service unseen in a “typical” wig store. As Jamela explains, “Our fitters are certified in wig fitting, we cut, style and alter the wig for a custom fit and personalized style. We also carry compression garments - arm sleeves, stocking and so forth”. And like their next door neighbor, “Many of the items we carry are covered by insurance for women with medical needs, and we work with many different insurance companies to help women get their products covered”. Owner of an in-home mastectomy fitting service in Gold Beach Oregon for 12 years, when she moved back to Greensboro Jamela discovered there was already a great mastectomy fitting service (Second to Nature). “After discussing the needs of the community with the owner of Second to Nature, we realized that women needed a quality wig store in our area”, she explains, “So, we created A Special Place in 2003 and partnered with Second to Nature at the State Street location in 2006 to offer wigs in a one-stop-shopping environment”.
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ALIGHT AT TYLER WHITE ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT Thursday, September 26th • 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tyler White O’Brien Gallery • 307 State Street
Enjoy fine art, conversation, wine and hors d’oeuvres while raising funds for local breast cancer patients
Sponsorships & tickets available online AlightFoundation.org or call 336.832.0027 facebook/thealightfoundation
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Alight Foundation, a local nonprofit benefitting breast cancer patients, is holding their fifth annual Alight at Tyler White Gallery event where Sherry McAdams will be the featured artist. Mrs. McAdams is a modernist painter whose work is rooted in the abstract expressionist tradition. Guests will enjoy fine art, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Themed baskets and jewelry from Schiffmans and a painting by Sherry McAdams will be raffled. On September 26th, come and go from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at 307 State Street in Greensboro. Admission tickets are $30 and are available online at www.alightfoundation.org. Kathy O'Brien, gallery owner, said she is delighted to help host the annual fundraising event and plans to donate a percentage of the gallery sales from September 26th as well as for the whole month of October to such a worthwhile cause. Other proud sponsors of the Tyler White event include: - The Gorrell Family Foundation - Morrisette Paper Company - ITG/Burlington - Columbia Forest Products - Physicians for Women - New Breed Logistics - Gail Boulton - Bill Soles - Bank of Oak Ridge - Gift in Memory of Frances & Philip Daly - News & Record
Alight at Tyler White Gallery
Melissa Vogelsinger, executive director of the Alight Foundation, said that “this is a lovely event that we look forward to each year. We are so thankful for our generous donors and appreciate the opportunity to thank them in person. Greensboro really understands the idea of giving back to its own and keeping charitable giving local. Each year, many more people are becoming familiar with our work in the cancer center with newly-diagnosed women, and they want to help.” Alight Foundation Information Alight Foundation, founded in 2005 by Mary Gorrell Jones, believes that all breast cancer patients should have the necessary resources to navigate the breast cancer journey. Alight provides each newly-diagnosed breast cancer patient with educational materials to help them make important treatment decisions. They also provide emergency assistance funds to patients so that they may focus on their treatment, and they hold educational programs which are designed to empower patients with knowledge. Additionally, Alight provides certified onsite survivor mentors. These women are there to help patients navigate the journey with the experience of a survivor, offering information about the cancer center support programs and community resources. Alight is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit.
Alight at Tyler White Gallery
Additional Information
September 26, 2013 Tyler White O’Brien Art Gallery, 307 State Street, Greensboro, NC 27408 $30 per person (tickets available through www.alightfoundation.org )
Tyler White O'Brien Gallery Kathy O'Brien 336-279-1124 kathylovesart@aol.com
Ground Crew by Sherry McAdams, 16x20
Pumpkin Spice by Sherry McAdams 48x48, acrylic
One Way or Another by Sherry McAdams, 36x36, acrylic on canvas
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! e livin greensboro local music profiles Sierra Dennis Contributing Writer
T
here’s a fear that a lot of musicians have. “Fear? What fear? Musicians don’t have fears because they’re too busy being awesome!” I know, I know, that’s what fans and musicians alike say. However, there’s one thing that will become a thorn in many musician’s sides if they don’t get it taken care of, and that is: a story. Sue Monk Kidd once said “Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” That is more true in the lives of musicians than anything else....Why is that?
Rocku
mentar
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Because musicians are busy. They’re constantly either promoting themselves, promoting their friends, partying to bump up their image, or taking a break when it all becomes too much. They’re writing songs. They’re scrapping songs. They’re collaborating. They’re taking that first step as a solo artist. They’re just getting back into the swing of things. They’re thinking about calling it a day and settling down with their less musically inclined partner. They’re sweating under the lights. Their fingertips are being grated against steel strings. Their sticks are giving them blisters. Their voices are being sent over airwaves and into the ears of people who will love their “fresh new sound” or hate that “recycled crap that sounds like the 90s” that will only be revered two months down the road as “So in!” when it comes from the mouth of another artist with a fresher look. In the midst of this, there are hardly any videographers/photographers to help tell the story of a musician or a band. And very few musicians and bands have the foresight to ask someone to help them tell their story before they find that they need it to be told. The concept of the story is something as old as time itself. It’s how we remember how things were done. It’s how we remember anything about our relatives and their past successes and failures. It’s how we know anything about anything including ourselves. In the age of digital technology, the potential for things to be lost is great. With one flash, everything can be gone. But there will still be stories and memories as long as people push to tell them. That’s where Rockumentarians step up to the plate. Rockumentarians are Documentarians for music. They tell the stories about bands that fans all want to see and that musicians love to look back on. Rockumentaries are the history books of music.
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to learn more about the bands. Bands get to be followed around and documented for an unspecified amount of time and suddenly everything they do is “video-worthy”. Rockumentarians get to see some of their favorite bands grow, rise, fall, succeed, fail, perform and shine right in front of their eyes. There’s nothing like seeing your favorite band glow under those stage lights and to know that you’re a part of their story even though your name won’t be remembered offhand.
That’s There’s a process that comes along with doing Rockumentaries in the first place. First you have to find a band that will be willing to let you do one on them, and this usually means that you have to get past that barrier that causes bands and musicians to think that they’re so great that they don’t need to tell anyb o d y about anything they do. People will just know and show up. And yes, people will just know, but what happens when people forget? What happens when the bands themselves forget? To be able to show up in certain spaces with a camera and business card and say to bands and musicians “Let me tell your story” is a bold move, but it is one that won’t be regretted by musicians, the fans or the videographers themselves.
Rockumentarians typically don’t do rockumentaries in order to get their name out into the interwebs--even though a little mention would be nice. They do it for the fans because they themselves are fans as well. They do it for promoters and club owners because sometimes those people need to see that there’s a draw or a story that’s enough to bring this act to their club. They do it for the families of the bands because even though the lead guitarist forgets to call his mom or his wife or his best friend about the show he’s doing Thursday night, chances are he wants them to know about it or see it with their own eyes. Rockumentaries are the only way that can be achieved. And most of all, rockumentarians do it for the bands and artists! When bands and artists get swept up in the wave that demands constant spotlight, they forget about themselves. They forget what they’re doing things for. They lose touch. All they know is they’re supposed to have this amount of money to drive this amount of miles to play for this amount of people and hopefully they’ll get this amount of money back so they can spend half of it on McDonalds and gas money for the trip back home. Rockumentaries tell stories like those and cement those stories in a certain place in time much like a vault. When people open that vault, they’ll remember everything...
And that is when a rockumentarian’s life is complete.
Through the storytelling of the rockumentarian, everybody wins. The fans get Matt Santoro from bob (now Super bob)-photo by Sierra Dennis New Boyz concert-photo by Sierra Dennis Hope-photo by Sierra Dennis Pearl and the Beard-photo by Christopher Lubinski Tony Lucca-photo by Sara Spangler Michael Pearsall of Honor by August-photo by Sara Spangler
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S ou thE nd WELCOME TO
SOUTH ELM STREET
(between the tracks and lee st.)
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519 S. Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27406
(336) 252-1004
524 S.Elm St. Greensboro, NC www.triedandtruenc.com
336-274-1010
“like” our facebook page
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e r e h w e
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A Place for Thinking Through Things Valerie Wiseman
ver the past ten years, Elsewhere--a thrift store turned living art museum on South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro--integrates international artists and local communities to design new futures for art and life through creative projects, education initiatives and public works. Visitors to Elsewhere’s museum are invited to touch, play, and explore a 58-year collection of thrift re-interpreted, re-arranged, and re-imagined.
Greensboro, declared “nothing for sale”, and began organizing all of the things to make way for a creative community. The fact that nothing would be for sale would create an unusual place for thinking about objects in new ways. Shortly thereafter the nonprofit was formed, followed by the opening of the living museum, and the launch of a site-specific residency program inviting artists from around the globe to join them in building a living museum from Sylvia’s collection.
From 1939 to 1997, collector and hoardiculturalist Sylvia Gray ran a series of second-hand stores at 606 South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. For 58 years, she amassed mountains of assorted inventories: Depression-era furniture, WWII army surplus, ends of fabric bolts from local mills, vintage workwear, toys, books, housewares, and eventually general thrift.
Inspiration for Elsewhere draws from experimental artist communities such as Andy Warhol’s Factory, historic nearby North Carolina’s Black Mountain College, and the Paris expatriates. George and Stephanie imagined an intentional, interactive, and ever-changing place for exploring art and life through the continual reorganization, remaking, and rethinking of things, celebrating extraordinary circumstances and everyday creativity. They named the museum Elsewhere because there was nowhere else like it in the whole world over. A creative playground hosting some of today’s most experimental artists and thinkers has been woven in to enhance the once sleepy downtown antique district.
After Sylvia passed in 1997, the three-story shop was boarded up, just a footpath through all 12,000 square feet, and filled to the brink with boxes of things. In 2003, her grandson, writer George Scheer and collaborator Stephanie Sherman, recent graduates of the University of Pennsylvania, moved to
All images courtesy of Elsewhere
Since it’s founding in 2003, Elsewhere has gained international recognition for its emerging artist residency program and unique collaborative model. Each year, 50 artists--musicians, writers, media makers, sculptors, painters, puppeteers, gardeners, designers, chefs, researchers and creatives of all kinds-- are invited to Greensboro to form and re-form this ever-evolving environment. Elsewhere’s composition of layered cultural ideas and memories engages global artists and local participants in hands-on learning. Creative retreats immerse students and groups of all ages in one-of-a-kind team-building experiences. From this collaborative premise, Elsewhere has helped revitalize downtown Greensboro by encouraging urban development rooted in creative partnerships between organizations, businesses, and neighbors. Its storefront window street theater with swings onto the street, monthly First Friday open houses and educational playshops engage Greensboroians across generations in exceptional artistic exchanges. While Elsewhere advances local connectivity, they also take Elsewhere, elsewhere, working on commissioned projects for cities and communities that unite artists and leaders around civic vitality, public engagement, and creative experimentation. Projects have been done for the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, Ackland Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Art, the Curtis Hotel in Denver, and Whole Foods Greensboro. Elsewhere’s efforts have been recognized in grants from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, the NC Arts and Humanities Councils, and artsGreensboro. On Saturday, September 28, Elsewhere will host its annual fundraising extravaganza. This year’s theme, TOMORROW, celebrates the near future here and elsewhere. Featuring 3-floors of celebrations, interactions, and delights including: delicious food by neighbors Table 16, crafted cocktails over three bars, live music and DJs with all night dancing, a sunroom for basking, time machines for traversing, photobooths, future forecasts, and museum installations activated by ten years of Elsewhere artists. This year Elsewhere will also hold it’s first ever Art Sale and Auction featuring more than 50 works of art for sale created by Elsewhere artists (finally something for sale at Elsewhere!). TOMORROW supports Elsewhere’s programs and projects that bring collaborative culture and experimental art to Greensboro and the globe. Tickets to TOMORROW are available in the museum or online at www.goelsewhere.org/tomorrow. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 1 - 10pm, March through November and admittance is just a $1 donation. For more information visit Elsewhere on the internet at http://goelsewhere.org.
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Mark your calendars for... SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9TH With some of the areas most dynamic and creative potters, this years pottery festival promises to be one you won’t soon forget and certainly should not miss. Conveniently located in South End (downtown) at the corner of S. Elm St. & Martin Luther King Dr., the festival is free to all, with plenty of nearby parking. Come early and make a day of it. There’s much to explore and enjoy in South End and this years pottery festival is the perfect place to start. For additional information visit... POTTERSOFTHEPIEDMONT.COM
have you been missing out? Haven’t been south of the tracks lately? Then you’re missing all the fun. Recently dubbed “South End”, the area of South Elm Street from the railroad tracks south to Lee Street has become one of the eclectic, fun and fascinating areas to explore in all of Greensboro. Delicious food, fantastic art galleries and antique shops, and some of the city’s most distinctive retail finds... SOUTH END HAS IT ALL Don’t hesitate, visit South End today and find out what you’ve been missing.
coming soon to south end
Spice Cantina Authentic Mexican Cuisine... Look for this new and exciting dining experience in the Railyard this November!!!
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FREE
and open to all
Visit our Kids Court
October 5, 2013 10:00AM - 4:00PM
B a s k et b a l l • S o c c er • V oll e y bal l • D od ge ba ll
pl
ex
.com
Free Instructional Clinics Inflatables • Exciting Giveaways Live Music & Entertainment Parks & Rec Fall/Winter Program Showcases
ww
or
ts
w
.gree sbo n
p ros
for more information, call:
(336) 373-3712
or visit:
www.greensborosportsplex.com 23
“
our time can be and often is more valuable than many of us ever imagined
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W
T. Bates
hatever it is, whatever we are passionate about, whatever causes motivate us enough to act, if we care enough; there are ways to get involved. For some it may be health concerns while others may find their fervor in feeding children, but whether we care deeply for the environment, animals, education, historical preservation or the many in need, Greensboro is home to local not-for-profit organizations that span the entire spectrum of assistance. Not that there aren’t many wonderful national and international charitable organizations that do great works, but “we are Greensboro” and as such if that old adage “we cannot help others if we cannot first help ourselves” ever applied, it most certainly applies here. If we can ensure the wellbeing of the members of our community first, see to it that our fellow citizens are fed and healed and gainfully employed and that our young are cared for and properly educated then we will have made great strides in ensuring that they are in a position to give back and in turn help others. But where to begin? The simplest answer and perhaps the obvious place, has to be “within ourselves”. Each of us have different causes that concern us the most, so it only makes sense that these are where we will feel most comfortable devoting more of our resources. Similarly, once we’ve found that cause that compels us to give, we have to decide what it is that we can afford to donate. While money is always a good choice, many times it is simply not feasible and besides, quite often there is something we have to offer that holds even more value, our time. Yes, our time can be and often is more valuable than many of us ever imagined. Just think of the benefit to educators when a parent volunteers in the classroom or library, proctors a test or chaperones a field trip. How much more beneficial is a teacher’s time spent one-on-one with a student during a lunch period than acting as a glorified babysitter in the cafeteria. The same value of time can be applied to food banks; long term care facilities, animal shelters and even specific local organizations that benefit each of us in one way or another. Local organizations such as the Women’s Resource Center and the Welfare Reform Liaison Project just to name two remain perpetually understaffed. If you are so inclined and capable of doing so, by all means write a check. However, if your finances are such that a monetary donation is not possible or you simply want to get more even involved, give time. Of course I have never heard of a charitable organization that would turn down a (legal) donation, but that is not the point, this is not an either/or proposition, you can certainly donate time and money or both for that matter. 25
awareness
from pg. 7
The Women’s Hospital Women have known for millennia what many men have yet to fully understand; childbirth is no easy thing. Even when everything seems to go as smoothly, it’s only because of the time and care invested in the preparation that the pregnancy and delivery seem to go off without a hitch. We hold women and children near to our hearts and consider them precious, so the combination of a woman “with child” is especially dear. Thankfully we live in a city with a hospital dedicated to the care of moms and newborns. With nearly 6,000 women delivering babies delivered here annually, Women’s Hospital has a wealth of accumulated knowledge and the resources of the Cone Health network to help put that knowledge to good use. This 134-bed hospital provides women with world class services ranging from specialized care for a high-risk pregnancy to the latest diagnostic services and alternative birth options such as a water birth. Their family-centered model of care means homelike rooms and extra special room service for new moms and their birthing partners, while neonatal care includes a newborn nursery and 36-bed Level II and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), should the need arise. From initial pregnancy testing through delivery and the transition home, Women’s Hospital is right here ready for you to use. You can call or stop by today or visit their website anytime for additional information.
The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging Another wonderful and much needed area resource that provides stateof-the-art technology to serve women’s breast health and other health care needs, The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging is ultimately in the business of saving the lives of women. More than simply the only comprehensive breast health center in the region, their award winning technology and thorough understanding of the need for early detection and the means to achieve it, have made The Breast Center one of only about ten BICOE (Breast Imaging Center of Excellence) centers in the state of North Carolina. Leaders in their field in administering and reading mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI and bone density scans, the physicians here receive their training at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. As the premier center for breast health in the Piedmont, the center not only provides a myriad of services including those listed above as well as MRI guided breast biopsies, they have recently become one of the first centers in North Carolina to offer the newest technology in breast cancer detection; 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis). Recognizing that continued counseling is an integral part of ongoing treatment, the center also helps lead a weekly, multi-disciplinary breast cancer conference to ensure the most comprehensive and highest quality medical care.
Risk factors that cannot be modified: • • • • • • • • • • • 26
Gender: Being female is the main risk factor for breast cancer. Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Genetics: 5–10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary. Family history: 15% of women with breast cancer have a family history. 85% of women with breast cancer have no family history. Personal history: 3-4 fold increased risk of new cancer after diagnosis of cancer. Ethnicity: Caucasian women have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer than African-American women. African-American women are more likely to die of the disease. Asian, Hispanic and Native-American women have a lower risk of developing and dying of breast cancer. Breast density: Women with denser breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer. Dense breast tissue makes a mammo gram harder to read. High risk lesions: Certain prior biopsies show a higher risk. Menstrual periods: Having more menstrual cycles at an early age or at a later age increases risk. Prior chest radiation: Radiation therapy at an early age increases the risk of breast cancer.
Risk factors that can be modified: • • • • • •
Alcohol: Risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Obesity: Increases risk especially after menopause. Physical activity: Exercise reduces risk. Breast feeding: Reduces risk. Hormone therapy: Recent use of combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone) increases risk. Having children: Women who have no children or have their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher risk for breast cancer.
It’s very important to understand that none of the factors on this list should be ignored and that only proper screenings can ultimately detect breast cancer with any certainty. If you know any women that should have been screened but have not as yet (or recently) had it done, or if you, yourself are due, please don’t wait. Breast cancer is treatable, but only if detected. There is absolutely no reason to wait and every reason to go to The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging. Stop by, call or visit their website for additional information
Second to Nature There are quite a few wonderful boutiques in Greensboro (especially on State Street), but very few wonderful “necessary” ones. Second to Nature is one such boutique, one of “those” shops you hope you never have to use, but you’re really glad they’re there if you do. One of the largest cancer resource boutiques in the U.S., Second to Nature provides bras, prosthetics, swimwear and accessories to women who have undergone full or partial mastectomies, lumpectomies or breast reconstruction. Their certified bra fitters and caring knowledgeable staff provides choices and options that offer balance and symmetry to women who may have breast unevenness for whatever reason. And as an added benefit, in most cases health insurance will pay for their products. Second to Nature was created out of necessity in 1979 when, after a mastectomy, the woman who would become the original owner noticed that her grandmother’s only option for a bra and prosthesis was the closet of a local drug store, with only an untrained man to assist her. She created Second to Nature to give women much needed and much deserved privacy and dignity when being fitted with these products. Current owner Ramona Hertzell purchased the store in 1997 and in 2006 moved it to their current State Street location. In the process she has transformed it from the simple in-home fitting service it was into the full service, storefront, after breast surgery boutique it is today. From the 100 clients she began with, Ramona currently provides her company’s products and services to over 3500 customers. I addition to providing the community what she has come to accept as a great service, Ramona loves her State Street location. Full of praise for the area and especially her neighbors here, Ramona describes how “State Street is historical, quaint, charming, diversified while allowing for strolling, browsing and the chance to meet new people and chat. It takes you back to a time when things were more relaxed and unhurried, a time to when people really cared about other people and were an integral part of one another's lives. It's very nostalgic!” Adding that “I think people have a craving for that type of atmosphere and we need to fulfill that need by making sure we join forces and accomplish that spirit of things”.
A Special Place Right next door to Second to Nature (you can walk through from one to the other) is A Special Place. That’s actually the name and in the case of A Special Place the name truly says it all. Specializing in what owner Jamela Hodgson refers to as "alternative hair", A Special place offers “wigs, hairpieces and extensions, as well as hats, scarves and accessories to a wide variety of customers, from chemotherapy patients and women with thinning hair to women who wear wigs and hairpieces just for fun and fashion”. A Special Place also provides customer service unseen in a “typical” wig store. As Jamela explains, “Our fitters are certified in wig fitting, we cut, style and alter the wig for a custom fit and personalized style. We also carry compression garments - arm sleeves, stocking and so forth”. And like their next door neighbor, “Many of the items we carry are covered by insurance for women with medical needs, and we work with many different insurance companies to help women get their products covered”. Owner of an in-home mastectomy fitting service in Gold Beach Oregon for 12 years, when she moved back to Greensboro Jamela discovered there was already a great mastectomy fitting service - Second to Nature. “After discussing the needs of the community with the owner of Second to Nature, we realized that women needed a quality wig store in our area”, she explains, “So, we created A Special Place in 2003 and partnered with Second to Nature on State Street in 2006 to offer wigs in a one-stop-shopping environment”. 27
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two To Do For The
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f you didn’t already know, Boo Bash is the annual “scarefree” family event at the Greensboro Science Center. Each year the museum closes at 2:30, and reopens at 4:30 transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Wearing their costumes and armed with trick-or-treat bags, young visitors have the opportunity to explore the museum, get up close and personal with the animals in the zoo, enjoy crafts, play “spooktacular” games, get their face painted and trick-or-treat all within the safe environment of the Science Center. It’s the perfect opportunity for a family fun time!
GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER
AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO Boo Bash 2013 Wednesday October 30th
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S
ince Halloween has never been limited to the little ones, there’s no reason to start now. I can think of no better way to enjoy the spirit of the spooky than a night at Woods of Terror. This is not just a haunted house. In fact, calling Woods of Terror a “haunted house” is like calling a werewolf a dog. Sure they share some basic similarities, but in the end…well, you get the meaning. Recommended for adults and teens, Woods of Terror has been selected as one of the best haunts in the country by Readers Digest, MSN and HauntedHouse.com, and has terrified more than 30,000 visitors since opening in 1991. Covering more than 30 acres of land in northwest Greensboro, the 90-minute haunted tour includes over ten individual attractions. Come alone if you dare, but bring lots of friends for a real haunted experience… no one should be this scared alone.
awareness continued
Yes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which hopefully means something very important to more than that segment of our population most at risk to develop it. If the women in our lives are special to us, if we care for our wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins and friends, even those we haven’t met yet, then we must become aware. Without awareness we are left with only ignorance and in the case of health ignorance is dangerous. Too often in our busy lives, things that shouldn’t go unnoticed do. If we become aware we may see the signs that others may miss and with the right information we may be able to help. As beneficial as it may be, knowing there are resources and where to get them is but half the battle. The means are here, but to be effective they must be used. We can never stress enough the need for awareness, because awareness leads to prevention and an ounce of prevention is worth, well you know the rest… Second To Nature 500 State St Greensboro, NC 27405 (336) 274-2003
The Women’s Resource Center 628 Summit Avenue Greensboro, North Carolina 27405 336-275-6090 • info@womenscentergso.org www.womenscentergso.org
www.pinkribbonchic.com
Women's Hospital 801 Green Valley Road Greensboro, NC 27408 336-832-6500 www.conehealth.com/locations/womens-hospital
Second to Nature 500-C State St. Greensboro, NC 27405 336-574-0100 www.aspecialplacewigs.com
The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging 1002 N Church St Greensboro, NC 27401 336-271-4999 www.greensboroimaging.com/locations/breast-center
Free Estimates!
336.340.1194
woalandscaping@gmail.com 29
Images courtesy of Frayed Edge Concepts, LLC 30
GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO
Wild Watermelon Day 2013 Aldab r water a tortoises melon fe and k asted on ale tre ats
red a explo k h s fi l ir tan Ange ench ced in the r F d n la een a lon p A Qu waterme d carve Amiy a slice o McFadden f ments watermelo enjoys a ta s n of Th e Fres compli- ty h Ma rket
OL stays COn y c a t S a Leann ty watermelo as eating t
Twins Brianna and McKenzie Ward enjoy fresh watermelon slices The GSC's African Penguins had a guest penguin join them in their exhibit
2012
Last year was a blast!!! This year will be even better!!! Saturday Oct. 5 at YOUR Greensboro Sportsplex
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