3 Marketplace Cinemas and the Piedmont Triad Film Commission (PTFC) have joined forces to present the selfexplanatory screening series “ FILMED IN WINSTON-SALEM,” which will showcase a feature film shot in Winston-Salem and the Piedmont Triad region each month.
4 If you have not already made RESERVATIONS FOR VALENTINE’S, you’d better get to work right away! This is the highest-demand reservation date in the restaurant business.
6 In using civil unrest in Iran as the springboard for his film THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG, filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof not only earned five awards and a standing ovation at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best International Film
7 When ATTORNEY DAVID DAGGETT commits to something he goes all in, whether it’s a commitment to family, clients, or athletics.
9 “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?” a question I ask myself in the face of a certain dilemma: choosing between the three ABSOLUTELY KILLER SHOWS going down around the Triad, all starting around 8 p.m., all on Feb. 8..
10 THE JACKSON LIBRARY on the University of North Carolina - Greensboro’s campus is getting a new look. Starting in mid-December the renowned Jackson Library has started the beginning of phase 1 of its reconstruction process – courtesy of funding from the NC Legislature and signed by the governor.
12 On Jan. 31, JAMILLA PINDER was appointed to fill the At-Large Greensboro City Council position left vacant by the Dec. 4 death of Yvonne Johnson. Mayor Nancy Vaughan and six council members voted for Pinder, with representative AtLarge Marikay Abuzuaiter (who had previously been appointed to replace Johnson as mayor pro tempore) casting the only “No” vote.
Marketplace Cinemas launches free series devoted to local films
Marketplace Cinemas and the Piedmont Triad Film Commission (PTFC) have joined forces to present the self-explanatory screening series “Filmed in Winston-Salem,” which will showcase a feature film shot in Winston-Salem and the Piedmont Triad region each month. The inaugural presentation will be the award-winning 2008 football comedy Leatherheads (rated PG13) on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. at Marketplace Cinemas, 2095 Peters Creek Highway, Winston-Salem Admission is free. Tickets are first-come, first-served. For more information, call 336-725-4646 or visit https:// www.mpcws.com/filmed-in-winston-salem/.
The series is a natural progression for Marketplace Cinemas, which in addition to showing studio and independent films has continually presented screenings of various films and television projects produced in the area, including A Place at the Table, Gin & Platonic, and the annual Wreak Havoc Horror Film Festival, as well as an ongoing partnership with the RiverRun International Film Festival, both during the annual festival and hosting special festival events throughout the calendar year.
“The impetus for the ‘Filmed in Winston-Salem’ series comes from my recent experiences in filmmaking and cinematography,” explained Zack Fox, general manager of Marketplace Cinemas and an award-winning independent filmmaker in his own right. “For my filmmaking work, I often travel to Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and even West Virginia (instead of) the Piedmont Triad and surrounding areas. But now, even those productions — and bigger ones in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York — are moving away from those areas. From my experiences, I believe that this is an opportune, prime time to showcase and highlight Winston-Salem as the wonderful option for other productions to film here as I have found our city to be.”
Rebecca Clark, PTFC executive director, was completely onboard with the idea of a series devoted to locally made films. “First of all, I absolutely adore Zack,” she said. “I admire his dedication to supporting local filmmakers by showcasing their work and creating his own films right here. He’s an all-around fantastic person! We had lunch one day he told me his idea to showcase films made in the Piedmont Triad. I loved the idea and thought it could provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the Piedmont Triad Film Commission’s work to recruit these projects.”
Leatherheads, which stars George Clooney (who also produced and directed), Renee Zellweger, John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce, and Jack Thompson, was filmed in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, follows the misadventures of a professional football team in 1925 as they
attempt not only to win but to keep their financially struggling league afloat.
The second film in the series is director/co-writer Andrew Droz Palermo’s 2015 supernatural thriller One and Two (not rated), which was filmed throughout Forsyth and Surry counties and toplines Timothee Chalamet, recently nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, and Kiernan Shipka, who received rave reviews for her turn as an ambitious Las Vegas dancer opposite Pamela Anderson in The Last Showgirl. It will be screened Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m.
Clark herself will participate in a Q&A session following each film, discussing how they came to be filmed in the region and the economic benefits of shooting in the Piedmont Triad.
“Rebecca Clark has been leading the charge to get more enticing incentives for the Piedmont Triad area to help attract productions here for years,” Fox said. “My hope with this screening series is to showcase Rebecca’s hard work in helping us get films made here. We’ll highlight the beauty of our town on the big screen with these films, talk about how they were made, and how and why they came to Winston-Salem to make them. Both of these films feature our area heavily and had good ripple e ects upon our local film community. Film equals jobs, film productions help stimulate so many local businesses — hotels, restaurants, catering, breweries, news publications, co ee shops, retail, and even car washes.
“We have a long list of films to show in the coming months, and one thing is that we’re not just showing the ‘bigger’ movies, but we plan to highlight independent local feature and short films as well and o er new and fresh post-screening conversations with the filmmakers, getting their take on the current film world.
“We thought it would be fun and educational to share these stories with the public, spotlighting both indie and major productions filmed here,” Clark said. “It also highlights the film commission’s vital role in attracting these projects, which involves months of behind-thescenes work: Liaising with producers, directors, and scouts, sharing information on sites, crews, and accommodations, and hosting production teams on scouts of the area to win their business for Winston-Salem and the greater Piedmont Triad. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss how the North Carolina film industry has evolved over the years, the increasing competition from other states, and strategies for bringing back high economic impact projects to the region.”
“We are fortunate to have a rich local and regional film legacy and to have an exhibitor like Zack Fox at Marketplace Cinemas willing to show it,” said Rob Davis, who retired as RiverRun’s executive director in December and worked with Fox and Clark throughout his eight-year stint. “Of course, that legacy would not be possible without the work of our regional film commissioner Rebecca Clark, who is tireless in her promotion of our area as a filming location at a time when there is behemoth competition from other Southern locales.” Looking ahead, Clark reiterates her mission. “To build a thriving film community, you need a strong crew base of skilled technicians, and a foundation of filmmakers committed to living and working here. The local filmmakers in this region are incredibly talented, tenacious, and hardworking. Many, if not all, juggle full-time jobs while pursuing their passion for filmmaking in their free time. Their dedication to creating locally matches my own passion for the film industry as a whole and its positive impact on our community and economy. With one of the nation’s top filmmaking schools right here (the UNCSA School of Filmmaking), my goal is to create enough opportunities for graduates to stay in WinstonSalem, making it an attractive place for them to build their careers in film. Last year, I had many conversations with both local and out-of-state filmmakers who expressed great interest in shooting feature films here this year.”
“I can see a future where, by the end of the decade, Winston-Salem is the backdrop for many more productions and building a steady and firm filming infrastructure,” Fox said hopefully. “But it’s not as simple as getting one big studio film here. We don’t exactly have the infrastructure for it right now, but if we can get several smaller indie feature films to make Winston-Salem their backlot, a few of those will give us the building blocks to welcome another major film and, with that, a new dawn for the City of the Arts.”
The o cial Marketplace Cinemas website is https:// www.mpcws.com/ and the o cial website for the Piedmont Triad Film Commission is https://piedmontfilm. com/. !
Mark Burger
Contributor
Chow Down with John Batchelor: Valentine’s Edition
BY JOHN BATCHELOR
If you have not already made reservations for Valentine’s, you’d better get to work right away! This is the highest-demand reservation date in the restaurant business.
See yesweekly.com and search on John Batchelor for restaurant recommendations in previous columns. The list below is selected for ambiance as well as food. I have provided a few examples from current postings, so you can get an idea of what to expect. But restaurants usually run special menus for the occasion, in addition to their regular o erings, so check online to see what is being o ered.
In Greensboro, let’s start downtown: I rank The Undercurrent (undercurrentrestaurant. com, 327 Battleground Avenue, 336-370-1266) among a handful of the best in the Triad. The ambiance is elegant without feeling stu y. This gets my top recommendation for Fried Oysters, or have them added to a spinach salad. Fried Cauliflower is interesting, too. Among the entrees, I gravitate toward Seared Skillet Salmon with herb cous cous, grilled asparagus, molasses-mustard glaze, topped with sesame-pistachio crumble; Duck Leg Confit with porcini gnocchi, grilled asparagus, butternut béchamel, beet chips, and tru e salt; Char Siu Pork Tenderloin with ginger jasmine rice, broccolini, sweet chili gastrique, and black garlic wontons. Don’t skip dessert — get the Bread Pudding.
B.Christopher’s (bchristophers.com, 201 North Elm, 336-274-5900) “the classic American steakhouse,” serves all-natural foods, local when possible. Oysters Rockefeller blends butter and Parmesan cheese with spinach over oysters in the half shell. Crumbled pieces of bacon lend additional flavor. I especially like the Blackened Cajun Ribeye, coated with blackening spices that impart flavor but balance the beef flavor. Especially for this occasion, consider the Chateaubriand for Two. Roasted Free Range Chicken comes with garlic mashed potatoes, herbes de Provence, green beans, and honey. Seared Scallop Risotto is especially tasty, imbued with a mild smoky e ect from the wood grill, extended by Reggiano Parmesan cheese in creamy risotto. An extensive cocktail list is most welcome.
Blue Denim (bluedenimgso.com, 217 South Elm Street, 336-676-5689) is all about flavor, a function of deep roots in Louisiana. Start with Crawfish Beignets with peppers, onions, and comeback sauce; Crispy Brussels Sprouts with a spicy-sweet Vietnamese sauce; battered and fried Crawfish Tails; or Duck Nachos, made with duck confit, roasted garlic aioli, buttermilk crema, chimichurri, and jalapenos, with tortilla chips. Move on to Shrimp and Grits with tasso-andouille cream sauce and shiitake mushrooms; Crawfish or Shrimp Etou ee’ with onions, peppers, garlic, in a Creole stew, over jasmine rice; Steak Frites made with USDA Prime NY Strip, house cut fries, maitre d’hôtel butter, and Blue Denim’s own steak sauce; or Gumbo YaYa, hosting shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage. White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Banana Pudding are essential.
The name Pangaea (pangaeabistro.com, 230 South
Elm Street, 336-579-9962) reflects the owners’ international culinary experiences. A lot of the menu is devoted to starters, small plates, and salads. Scallops Rockefeller is an interesting twist on a classic. Sweet Plantain Gnocchi is enhanced with Chorizo piperade, jalapeño gelle, and Manchego cheese snow (finely grated). For casual fare, my wife is especially fond of the Fish Tacos with coleslaw, spicy mayonnaise, and lime, in flour tortillas. Filipino Pork gets an adobo sauce, served over pu ed rice. Beef Kofta (grilled, on skewers) is treated with pomegranate demiglace, plus pearl onions, and citrus yogurt, with naan bread.
Cille and Scoe (cilleandscoe.com, 312 S. Elm Street, 336-522-6592) serves “Southern Redefined” cuisine. Get the Shrimp and Grits Cakes, made with Neese’s sausage along with the shrimp. Popcorn Cauliflower is decorated with Pecorino-Romano cheese, roasted garlic oil, tru e oil, and anchovy cream. Southern Egg Rolls are made with black-eyed peas, collards, sweet onions, garlic, and a sweet and spicy glaze. Short Ribs are braised, yielding exceptional tenderness, joined by au gratin potatoes, pan-dripping gravy, and crisp tobacco onions. First Date seems aptly named for Valentine’s, a beef filet first cooked sous-vide to ensure exact temperature, then served with artisan mushrooms, broccolini, fried garlic, crispy leeks, and green onion oil. Get down home with Chicken in Dumplings. The burger hearkens back to my teenage years, named Ode to the Castle, elevated by a brioche bun hosting hand-pattied chuck, aged white cheddar, lettuce, onion, pus Boar & Castle sauce. Still close to town, but a little farther out: Café Pasta and Grille (cafepasta.com, 305 State Street, 336-272-1308) gets a solid recommendation for pastas, of course, but the menu o ers a wider range as well. Start with homemade Italian Sausage with roasted red peppers and caramelized onions. Breaded Three Cheese Ravioli are fried crisp, topped with marinara sauce. Firecracker Shrimp are pleasantly sweet-spicy. Among the pasta entrees, I hold their ricotta-based Lasagna in high esteem. South Beach is sprightly: scallops and artichoke hearts plus roasted red peppers in Parmesan cream sauce. I often get the Grilled Salmon here, blackened or almond-crusted. It normally comes with fresh vegetables and roasted potatoes, but I special
order spinach instead of potatoes to hold down carbs and calories. The Chicken Piccata comes with spinach, a good complement to the lemon-butter flavors. The cheesecake here is unique.
Osteria (osteriagso.com, 1310 Westover Terrace, #101A, 336-275-2550) is upscale-casual Italian. Focus on the homemade pastas for a moderately-priced evening, or move to the seafoods and meat section of the menu for more sophisticated dining: Osso Bucco — braised veal shank with sa ron risotto; Lamb Shank with Parmesan risotto; Chicken Francese — dredged in egg batter and sauteed, augmented with lemon-caper beurre blanc; Grilled Bronzino with basil lemon tru e oil; or Grilled Wild Salmon with warm black French lentils, arugula, and avocado salad.
Moving out Friendly Road:
At the upscale 1618 West Seafood Grille (1618seafoodgrille.com, 1618 West Friendly Avenue, 336-2350898), each plate displays color and angular structures that create works of culinary art. Calamari gets a wasabi glaze, plated with chipotle remoulade sauce. Shrimp are blackened, joined by a macaroni and pimiento cheese spring roll plus collard greens chow chow. Grilled Scallops are combined with chorizo gruyere peppadew poppers, a pear poached in sherry, plus pumpkin puree. Seared Tuna crusted with sesame seeds leads o the entrée list. Sea Bass is served with a winter root vegetable hash chowder, plus acorn squash. Mahi Mahi is plated with a blue cheese grits cake, clams, and sweet and sour Brussels sprouts. Although this kitchen specializes in seafoods, the meat and chicken entrees are really good, too.
MJ’s (mjs620.com, 620 Dolley Madison Road, 336852-4889) occupies a repurposed home in the Guilford College neighborhood. Poutine with French fries, cheese curds, and onion gravy will get you started on a chilly winter night. My wife’s favorite is Fried Shrimp Tacos with spicy aioli. Among the entrees, Braised Short Ribs are deeply flavored and supremely tender, over cream mashed potatoes and bordelaise sauce. The Shrimp and Grits rendition here is one of the best, combining sausage, mushrooms, onions, tomato gravy, and cheddar grits. Also consider Buttermilk Fried Chicken with red beans. Three of my personal favorites are located on New Garden Road, near each other:
Imperial Koi (facebook.com/imperialkoiGSO, 1941 New Garden Road, upper level, 336-286-3000) is top-ranked for Asian and sushi. This is one of the few restaurants in the Triad that actually has some semblance of a view. Sushi provides a visual as well as taste knockout. My favorite starter is Dragon’s Nest — tuna in avocado. Entrees on the back page of the menu are traditional western in style, also excellent.
GIA (drinkeatlisten.com, 1941 New Garden Road, 336907-7536) is an upscale bar, where tapas portions and flatbreads also encourage leisurely dining. I have been happy with all of the small plates — Artichokes with herb aioli; Frites with tru e aioli; Cauliflower with roasted garlic and oregano vinaigrette; Burrata — vegetable panzanella sourdough bread, herbed red wine vinaigrette, and rosemary reduction; and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. Larger plates include Chicken Milanese with arugula
Calamari from 1618 West Seafood Grille
salad, fresh pear, and shaved fennel; Beef Filet with a tru e potato cake, and roasted asparagus; Crab Cakes; Octopus; and Calabrian Shrimp and Salmon with roasted tomato, shallots, Calabrian chilies, and olive oil.
Reel Seafood Grill (reelseafoodgrill.com, 2002 New Garden Road, 336-617-4200) provides an exceptionally wide variety of seafoods, prepared in a style that allows natural flavors to stand at the forefront. Consider Fried Shrimp or Prince Edward Island Mussels and Middleneck Clams in a luscious broth of white wine, cream, and garlic. Smoked Trout is accented with capers, pickled red onions, dill mayonnaise, and chipotle aioli. A chalkboard lists the day’s fresh oyster selections. Seafood Chowder is especially welcome in winter. A light coating of crushed wheat crackers and sesame seeds forms a crust for Sesame Flounder. Halibut gets a Japanese-influenced treatment, marinated in miso mirin, oven-roasted, finished with ponzu butter, and served over forbidden rice. Trout Almondine is another favorite.
Farther out:
Marisol (themarisol.com, 5834 West Gate City Blvd, 336-852-3303) is another of the Triad’s top-ranked restaurants. This place exudes a sophisticated ambiance. Use the website link to view the current menu on Facebook. First course samples: Flash Fried Buttermilk Shrimp with spicy sweet chili sauce; Seared Canadian Foie Gras with spiced tomato jam. Selected entrées: Crispy Twice Roasted Half Duck with passionfruit harissa glaze; Garlic Rosemary Thyme Marinated Lamb in red wine black pepper gastrique. Seafood entrees will be based on whatever is available fresh, that day. Finally, the proverbial “new kid on the block” is the spectacular Epic Chophouse (epicchophouse.com, 301-F Pisgah Church Road, 336-274-6030), born in the Charlotte metro, top tier in appearance. Favorite starters: Wagyu Meatballs, Crab Fritters, Shanghai Shrimp, Calamari Bellissimo. The entrée menu is wide-ranging, albeit reflecting the chop house/steak house concept. Petite Filet Mignon is an eight-ounce cut; in Beef Wellington, a filet mignon is covered with duxelles (finely chopped mushrooms and shallots) and enclosed in a pastry shell; Stu ed Carolina Chicken is filled with a blend of spinach, bacon, ham, and provolone cheese, the exterior coated with crisp breadcrumbs. Seafoods are just as enjoyable as the meats.
Winston-Salem, starting downtown: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar (katharinebrasserie. com, 401 North Main Street, 27101, 336-761-0203) is an art deco French brasserie. Starters highlights: Cocktail de Crevettes — poached jumbo shrimp cocktail with smoked tomato vinaigrette; Oeuf Mimosa — deviled egg with caviar; Escargot á la Bourguignon — garlic herb butter, cognac, red wine reduction, in pu pastry. Admired entrees: Canard au Porto — Espresso and cocoa crusted duck breast, cauliflower, melted leeks, and blueberry port wine reduction; Saumon et Gruau de Mais — seared salmon, stone ground grits, smoked garlic buttermilk sauce, black lemon, chervil, and chili oil; Steak Frites — Wagyu flank steak, tru ed parmesan pomme frîtes. Consider an overnight in the hotel after dinner.
Spring House (springhousenc.com, 450 N Spring Street, 27101, 336-293-4797) is housed in one of WinstonSalem’s classic residences from the 1920s. First course suggestion: Roasted Oysters, covered with soft pimiento cheese flecked with crisp bacon, presented over fresh spinach leaves. Entrees: Roasted Lamb Loin with blackeyed pea hummus; Salmon filet and Shrimp with Savan-
nah inspired red rice; Bone-in Pork Shank with hoppin’ john.
Je rey Adams on Fourth (je reyadamsws.com, 321 W 4th Street, 27101, 336-448-1714) is sleek and urbane. Much of the food is cooked on a wood-fired grill. In a first course of Smoked Bacon Crab Dip, the addition of bacon pays o . A main course of Fried Chicken uses a large breast coated with panko breadcrumbs to yield a strikingly crisp crust. Grouper gets a sunflower seed crust and ginger pear glaze. In Land and Sea, the core element is a four-ounce beef tenderloin, several pieces of butterpoached lobster, plus scallops.
Six Hundred Degrees (sixhundreddegrees.com, 450 N. Patterson Ave, Suite 120, 336-283-6754) bears an industrial-chic look, a function of its location in a repurposed facility, formerly the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company power plant. Burnt Ends are thick slices of lean pork belly, with enough fat to help convey hearty bacon flavor. Vadouvan Braised Beef and Tallo Pot Pie — roasted cauliflower puree, red onion and date jam, and pine nuts — illustrates this kitchen’s level of creativity. Steaks are major league here, often cooked over a large wood-burning grill, the source of the restaurant’s name. Seafoods are appropriately represented among the entrees.
Downtown Grille (downtowngrille.com, 500 West 5th Street, 336-930-1485) is a true white tablecloth restaurant. Panoramic windows look out from the ground floor of a downtown o ce tower. First course samples: Grilled Octopus, Crab Dip, Chili Fried Chicken thighs, Roasted Pickled Beets. Classic beef and pork cuts are well represented among the main courses. Take special note of Joyce Farms (a superior bird) Chicken Marsala. Also the Apple Brandy Beef (another superior product from a local farm) Burger.
At Meridian (meridianws.com, 411 South Marshall Street, 336-722-8889), panoramic windows look into a section of Old Salem. Tables are placed far enough apart to allow conversation. The cuisine “is inspired by the bright flavors of the Northern Mediterranean, as well as local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Everything is made in-house, from breads and hand-rolled pasta to house-made sausages and mozzarella” [website]. If you are a fan of French Onion Soup, this is your place. Steamed Mussels rest in a chardonnay cream broth that also hosts garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs, flanked by grilled bruschetta. Calamari is sauteed, plated over spicy crushed tomatoes, enhanced with Genoese basil strips, laced with lemon pepper aioli. Steaks and Duck are from Joyce Farms, one of the area’s best suppliers. Seafoods o erings depend on what is fresh that day. All recommended. I’m going to make a special visit just to have the
Wild Boar Bourguignon with carrots, local mushrooms, pearl onions, house-made bacon, with roasted garlicrosemary polenta, braised escarole, and herbs.
Starters at Sage and Salt Bistro (sageandsaltbistro. com, 300 South Liberty Street, 336-829-5007) include Pork Spare Ribs with Korean BBQ glaze and cucumber salad; Yellowfin Tuna Tower with avocado, compressed cucumber, daikon (radish), pu ed rice, and sesame oil; and (raw) Beef Tartare with shallots, herbs, cornichons, Dijon mustard, egg yolk, and crispy capers. Lamb, steak, and tuna entrees are cooked on a wood-fired grill. I am also drawn to Grilled Shrimp Pasta Primavera with lemon cream, asparagus, artichokes, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and basil. The Pan Seared Sea Scallops entrée is a winner too, joined on the plate by English pea risotto, crispy artichokes, and teardrop peppers. The Burger here is well worth a try as well.
A little farther out:
At Rooster’s (roosterskitchen.com/winstonsalem, 380 Knollwood Street, 27103, 336-777-8477), the aroma from the wood-fired grill is enticing. Lots of wood creates an elegant look, while avoiding formality or stu ness. Noble’s restaurants are justifiably famous for Tomato Basil Bisque. Oysters are especially well prepared here. Among the entrees, the Filet Mignon is as good a steak as I have ever had. Rotisserie Roast Chicken is simply the best roast chicken I’ve ever had, no reservations. The menu changes often enough to preclude other recommendations. I just look forward to returning here.
Unindicted co-conspirators who accompanied me to 1703 (1703restaurant.com, 1703 Robinhood Road, 336-725-5767) raved, often rating it the best in the Triad. On a chilly night, you have to try the Sweet Potato & Blue Cheese soup. Other inviting first courses include Okra Fries — crispy okra matchsticks with lime, soy, and toasted coconut; Fried Brussels Sprouts with halloumi, pickled Sante Fe peppers and pineapple; and Grilled Shishito Peppers with citrus-herb ricotta cheese. Among the mains, there is a vegetarian pasta that is more than an afterthought. Salmon is served with baby carrots, lemon-oregano lentils with celery and onions, plus a spinach-feta artichoke compote. Mongolian Meatballs are blended with lemongrass, Fresno chili, garlic, and ginger in a hoisin oyster sauce. The Grilled Chicken Breast is an Airline cut, served with three cheese grits and an herb mustard jus.
If you still have di culty making arrangements for the occasion, use one of the restaurant reservations engines to find vacant seats: Open Table (opentable. com), Tock ( exploretock.com), and Resy (resy.com).
I am not qualified to make recommendations that will enhance your love life, but dining in one of these restaurants on Valentine’s should certainly set the stage for a flavorful evening! !
JOHN BATCHELOR has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/cookbooks: Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast, and Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina. Contact him at john.e.batchelor@gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot.com.
WANT more?
A longer version of this article, featuring more restaurants, is available online at yesweekly.com
Pork Chop from Downtown Grille
[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]
PIEDMONT WIND SYMPHONY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS WITH CANADIAN BRASS
SUBMITTED
This year, Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS) celebrates an extraordinary 35 years of musical excellence, marked by numerous milestones, including unforgettable performances and collaborations with legendary artists. As part of this anniversary celebration, the symphony will welcome the world-famous Canadian Brass on Feb. 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University. Canadian Brass, known for their electrifying performances and signature sound, is considered one of the most renowned brass ensembles in the world. With an impressive discography of over 135 albums and 24 Grammy and Juno nominations, they have earned a global reputation for captivating audiences with their dynamic artistry. Their concerts feature a diverse mix of musical genres — from Baroque and Dixieland to jazz and contemporary compositions — ensuring that each performance o ers something for every listener. Having performed on The Tonight Show, PBS specials, and major symphony stages, Canadian Brass has firmly established itself as one of the most influential and beloved brass ensembles worldwide. Their return to WinstonSalem is expected to be an unforgettable event, bringing their unique energy and brilliance to the stage.
This special concert will also highlight the deep connection between the symphony’s past and present, as it features a collaboration with PWS alumni
— musicians who have been integral to the symphony’s success over the past 35 years. The inclusion of these former members adds a personal touch to the evening, bringing together the symphony’s legacy and its continued growth. Rob Simon, PWS founder and conductor emeritus, will return to the podium for this rare performance, sharing the stage with Mark A. Norman, the symphony’s current artistic director and conductor. Rob reflects on the upcoming event, saying, “It’s a true honor to return to the podium and celebrate 35 years of music with both the legendary Canadian Brass and our incredible alumni. This concert is a testament to the lasting impact of Piedmont Wind Symphony, and I’m excited to share this special night with all of our past and present musicians and audience members.”
Tickets are available now for this extraordinary evening of music, which promises to be a true celebration of Piedmont Wind Symphony’s rich history and its ongoing dedication to connecting communities through music. !
WANNA go?
Join Piedmont Wind Symphony for Canadian Brass! on Feb. 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University. The concert will feature the legendary Canadian Brass performing alongside the Piedmont Wind Symphony and alumni musicians, conducted by Rob Simon and Mark A. Norman. Learn more at piedmontwindsymphony.com.
A family comes undone in The Seed of the Sacred Fig
In using civil unrest in Iran as the springboard for his film The Seed of the Sacred Fig, filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof not only earned five awards and a standing ovation at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best International Film, but also the condemnation of the Iranian government, which sentenced him to eight years in prison, forcing him to “emigrate” (i.e. flee) to Germany, where he currently resides.
The film stars Missagh Zareh as Iman, a hard-working, upstanding attorney newly promoted as a judicial investigator. For him and his family, it means an increase in salary and social status, as well as more comfortable living accommodations. It also becomes the catalyst for the family’s ultimate disintegration, which takes place over the course of only a few weeks. Whatever ideals Iman considered bringing to his new position are quickly dashed when he learns he is simply to sign o on cases, one after the other, without so much as a glance at the charges or evidence. His wife Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) remains her husband’s staunchest supporter and a firm traditionalist at heart, but daughters Rezvan (newcomer Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) are of a younger, more liberated generation. They don’t necessarily see the student protests as a bad thing, despite the mainstream media’s coverage, and become even more mistrustful when Rezvan’s friend Sadaf (newcomer Niousha Akhshi) is grievously wounded by police.
Making matters worse is that the gun Iman was entrusted with has mysteriously disappeared, and he could be imprisoned if his superiors find out about it. The seeds of doubt and paranoia are thus sown, leading to accusations and recriminations among the family that escalate exponentially.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig unfolds at its own meticulous pace and runs nearly three hours — it was the longest feature
screened in competition at Cannes — so a certain degree of patience is required. Rasoulof, who incorporated actual footage of riots in Tehran into the narrative, succeeds in immersing the viewer in a culture they may not necessarily be familiar with, although some judicious trimming wouldn’t have compromised the overall product. It all pays o , however, in the third act, where Iman, now obsessed with the idea that he has lost control of both his career and family, spirits them away from the city so they can regain their equilibrium. In fact, just the opposite occurs, pushing each character to the breaking point and beyond. The political aspects notwithstanding, this is a potent and painful parable of a family torn apart at the seams by circumstances beyond their control. The performances are solid down the line. Golestani su ers nobly as a devoted wife torn between her husband and their children, and Rostami and Maleki imbue their characters with forthright conviction. Zareh’s Iman is the story’s most tragic figure, as he is powerless to staunch the mistrust that he has inadvertently inflicted upon his family, driving him to desperate measures that can’t help but have terrible consequences. It’s harrowing and heartbreaking in equal measure and o ers considerable food for thought along the way.
David Daggett commits to something he goes all in, whether it’s a commitment to family, clients, or athletics. His exploits as an Iron Man competitor are legendary, and so is his support for numerous charities and organizations, ranging from the Down Syndrome Association to his signature Safe Sober initiative, now in its 35th year. In 1982, while attending Wake Forest Law School, David hooked up with Big Brothers, Big Sisters,(BBBS) and became a mentor to then 11-yearold Chuck Lewis, who today owns a successful delivery service. It’s a friendship that has continued for over 40 years. I recently caught up with David and Chuck and asked them to talk about their long relationship.
JL: David, why did you want to be a Big Brother?
DD: I had a desire to help younger, underprivileged people and make a difference, so my friend John Smith and I started a chapter of BBBS at the law school. We started out with maybe 10 matches among our group.
JL: How did you get paired up with Chuck?
DD: I went down to the Big Brothers office and met with the executive director, and he and his team made the pairing.
JL: Chuck, what path were you on at that time?
CL: I was getting into trouble, mainly fighting at school to defend myself because I was overweight. There was no dad in our home, so my Mom had to be both mother and father.
JL: What activities did you and David do together back then?
CL: He would take me to various sports events at Wake Forest. Sometimes we would make pizza, which was my favorite thing to do. Once he took me to meet his parents in Boone and while we were there, we went snow skiing.
JL : How has David’s mentorship had an impact on your life?
CL: He showed me that I could be more in life in terms of a career, and he also demonstrated what true friendship is really like. He didn’t look at the color of my skin (I’m Black), instead he looked into my need.
JL: David, do you and Chuck still stay in touch?
DD: Yes. We text and email quite frequently and get together for breakfast occasionally. In addition to running a business, Chuck is quite a musician and over the past five years I’ve asked his band to play at the annual Smiley Triathlon for cancer research that I produce.
Jl: Chuck, do you mentor young folks today?
CL: Yes, I work with high school students who come to me when they have a problem. I’ve had students say that I was like a father to them, and that makes it all worthwhile.
JL: David, who was your mentor when you were young?
DD: I was very fortunate to have a lot of role models and mentors, including, of course, my father. But also, my wrestling coach, Coach LeBeau, who passed away a number of years ago. Who knows where I’d be without him.
JL: Why are adult mentors so important?
DD: The biggest thing is that young people need to know someone cares.
There was a recent study done that showed the common denominator of a successful person was that they had one person outside of their own family who took a special interest in them and love them. That special interest and love turns into a two-way street, and Chuck and I have certainly had that over the years.
JL: Why should business and professional folks become Big Brothers and Big Sisters?
DD: You will be making a difference in the world, one piece at a time, and it changes lives FOREVER!
CL: I still consider David my Big Brother and will do so for the rest of our lives.
According to BBBS CEO Shawan Gabriel, since 1977 the agency has served over 20,000 boys and girls in Forsyth and Davie Counties alone, and today more than 300 children are enrolled in the program. But, says Gabriel, “there is a waiting list, and 130 kids are still hoping to be matched with a Big Brother.” For more information, visit www.bbbsnc. org. !
JIM LONGWORTH is the host of Triad Today, airing on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on ABC45 (cable channel 7) and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WMYV (cable channel 15) and streaming on WFMY+.
Assistant Director of Graduate & International Admissions
(Winston Salem, NC): Recruit, advise & provide educational guidance & counsel to int’l candidates for admission to graduate degree programs. Reqs. incl. 1) Masters in Education, 3 yrs. exp., + relevant skills; OR 2) Ed.D. ABD, 2 yrs. exp., + relevant skills.
Send CV to Wake Forest Univ., 1834 Wake Forest Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27109, Attn: N. Lynch.
Sr. Business Analyst, Digital & Media Analytics
(Winston-Salem, NC): Create & implement business intelligence insights: collect, manage, & analyze structured/ unstructured data related to areas of hypothesized value, interpret the data, & present it in a way that is digestible & impactful using business intelligence applications. WFH may be available for up to 4 days/wk. Reqs. incl. MS + 1 yrs. exp.
Mail CV w/ cover letter to: Inmar, Inc., One W. 4th St., Ste. 500, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Attn: D. Gutierrez.
Lead Software Engineer
(Winston-Salem, NC): Build & maintain data warehouse which supports various analytics & reporting products (SaaS Products) in the Healthcare Organization. Work may be performed remotely but in-office work at HQ location in Winston Salem is expected at least once every 3 wks. Req’s incl.: BS + 3 yrs. exp.
Mail CV w/ cover letter to: Inmar Rx Solutions, Inc., One W. 4th St., Ste. 500, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Attn: D. Gutierrez.
Jim Longworth
David Daggett and Chuck Lewis
[WEEKLY SUDOKU] [KING CROSSWORD]
ACROSS
1 Hindu music pattern
Captivated
Kellogg’s toaster treat
Sprinted competitively, perhaps
One shunning some thing
23 Best Actor nominee for Mrs. Miniver
Maximal-ebb phenomenon
Trauma pro in a hosp. 27 Knives Out actress — de Armas 28 No, in Fife 30 Japanese wheat pasta 31 Filmed again 33 American Ballet Theatre principal dancer beginning in 2015
39 Double Stuf cookies
42 Look for water with a divining rod
43 “Juno and the Paycock” playwright Sean
44 He played Otto Octavius in Spider-Man 2
48 Truth bender
49 Shifts body weight against 50 Pics to click
52 Which person 55 Series-ending abbr.
68 Trying Jenny Craig, e.g.
Stands up
Midday time
Treaty result
Impacts
Apt retail establishment for 57-Across to own? 80 “Kewl!”
Daddies 83 Moose kin
These, in Spain
Alternative to laser tag
— buco
Apt item for 44-Across to keep files in?
Chief Cochise, e.g.
Garlic mayo
Principal
Apt business for 33-Across to have on the stock exchange?
Mimicking a crow’s cry
Pal, to Yves
Carrier based in Tehran
Apt ingredient for 23-Across to make a jiggly dessert?
Guevara called “Che”
56 “Yes, Yvette”
57 “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” poet
62 Je Bridges sci-fi film
65 Glockenspiel relative 66 Frosty film
67 Planet’s path
Sam Stowe, Shannon Lindgren, & Andrea Clemmer
In the immortal words of Bill Murray (as Phil in 1993’s comedy feature Groundhog Day): “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?”
It’s a question worth asking this time of year — the week after the eponymous holiday — and one I ask myself in the face of a certain dilemma: choosing between the three absolutely killer shows going down around the Triad, all starting around 8 p.m., all on Feb. 8.
In Greensboro: Idol Talk, Treasure Pains, and Fauxmance will be at the new Back Table space (adjacent to the Continental Club at 816 S. Elm St.). On the other end of downtown: Doltz, Brandish, and De() T are at Flat Iron. And in Winston-Salem: KillerAntz, Instant Regrets, and Housewife will be at Hoots.
Each bill features either a mix of loved ones; bands from both Winston and GSO intermingling; bands from the Triad and Triangle intermingling; lotsa synths and some Philly freaks. The works. These are literally a few of my favorite things, and I’m torn. Life on this loop would be pretty cool. For those around downtown Greensboro, hopping to-and-fro between the Back Table and the Flat Iron is worth a go. Especially on a bike, if the weather a ords (an activity I can’t wait to engage in once spring sets in.) Truth be told, I’m really looking forward to the new Back Table space becoming a sort of south pole for Greensboro music; anchoring options in a sort of exchange with the Flat Iron that energizes audiences for both venues (along with the expanse of downtown between them).
Feb. 8 o ers a glimpse into what that could look like. And going o the Back Table bill (one of their very first concerts): things are looking good. Idol Talk is a synthy goth production from members of the Cure-lovin’ Toothsome (with members split between Greensboro and the Triangle area). Winston-Salem’s Fauxmance (featuring Sift’s Curt Meinhold on bass) brings the rock; and Durham’s Treasure Pains (with members of Youth League and WOLVESX4) bridges the melodic across the angular styles of post-hardcore–as
member Zach Large put it: “aggressive with a healthy bit of melody,” for fans of Hot Snakes, Gouge Away, Meatwave, Fiddlehead, and Metz.
Since the Back Table is brand now, I’m not sure of how punctual they’ll be — but I’d err on a pretty firm “doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.” start time.
On the north end of downtown, at the Flat Iron, doors are listed as 8 p.m. (with music at 9 p.m.), for Doltz, Brandish and De()t. I’m personally hoping it skews a little late; because I’m planning to start the night in Winston; and this show is a banger. Not a weak link in the chain of a bill of chain-ish punk bands.
To be fair, De()t skews more toward the eggier-ends of the whole “chain-vs-egg” punk genre debate, if at all. They’re synthy weirdos, to put it more accurately–as well as absolute sweethearts and total maniacs. (In fact, bassist Je rey Bechtel also fronts Paranoid Maniac out of Raleigh; who’ll perform with Doltz on Feb. 21 in a semi-secret location — ask an art-punk for the address). They’re at the top of my favorite Triangle bands — I’ve wanted them to play the Triad for years. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.
Brandish, by contrast, are Philadelphia thrashers who aren’t exactly strangers to the area — vocalist Ryan Casmirri has been touring through the Triad since he was a teen. He and Doltz’s Matt Goshow go way back — the little Philly rats have been practically brothers and bandmates (RIP Speed Queen) at certain points in their lives. Doltz actually credits Casmirri’s dad as a formative influence. There’d be no “fuckos” without him. Witnessing those two freaks collide will be an experience in itself. Of course, I’m a little partial — especially with Valentine’s on my mind. It’s no secret that my darlin’ is one of those dummies in Doltz; and that makes my three-show predicament even more di cult. My partner is playing Greensboro, while my sister is playing Hoots in Winston. It’s a pickle.
Now, I’m not complaining that my two
favorite people on the planet are both in rad bands. ...Lord, it’d be awkward if they weren’t… But rarely do the planets align such that their bands are playing two different spaces on the same night, let alone two di erent cities.
For the unaware, my sister, Kelly Cranford, is the bassist in Instant Regrets. They rip and are playing Hoots that fated February 8 evening. Definitely more “egg” punk, going back to that whole descriptor — though getting specific: their sound falls under a self-described “Guided By Voicescore” brand of alternative garage. It’s a
match to complement the bill; sandwiched between the pop-punk Winstoners in KillerAntz and the indie-pop from Housewife. Here’s hoping they stick to the posted “doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.” start time. Frankly speaking, Instant Regrets doesn’t play outside of Greensboro nearly often enough — a point I make only to further how exciting it is to see so much intermingling between the regions of the Triad (and the state) on all three bills. Granted, it’s sort of a bummer to have to choose which to attend. But that’s what makes a Triad spin on Groundhog Day a little more appealing.
While I’m pretty sure we can’t relive Feb. 8 over again to catch each show; I’m certain we can take our pick and look forward to some fun. KillerAntz, Instant Regrets, and Housewife will be at Hoots. Doltz, Brandish, and De()T are at the Flat Iron; Idol Talk, Treasure Pains, and Fauxmance at the Back Table. !
KATEI CRANFORD is
Katei Cranford
PHOTOS BY KATEI CRANFORD
Doltz Instant Regrets Idol Talk
The Library of Tomorrow: UNCG Library gets an update
Maggie Marshall
Contributor
The Jackson Library on the University of North Carolina - Greensboro’s campus is getting a new look.
Starting in mid-December the renowned Jackson Library has started the beginning of phase 1 of its reconstruction process — courtesy of funding from the N.C. Legislature and signed by the governor. A lot will change within the library, but the beautiful marble entrance will remain the same. The start of reconstruction means the tower side of the library will be unavailable until mid-2026, leaving the College Avenue side the only open part. The construction is estimated to take upwards of 3 years to finish. As stated on the UNCG website, “The project
will integrate high technology group studies, central convening spaces, and increased capacity for use by individual students. It is envisioned as a nexus of student academic success and transformative research resources. Our exciting new interior spaces will be open and vibrant, and will o er increased student seating, technology access, and group study rooms. The new design is fully ADA compliant and will add new entrances, greatly improving accessibility for all our visitors.”
The Jackson Library opened in 1950 — back when the college was a women’s college. The last time the library had any major reconstruction was in the 1970s, during the peak of publishing, when the tower was added for more book storage. Since then there have been small projects concerning accessibility and fire safety regulation updates and in 2005 the connector from the library to the Elliott University Center was added. There will be 2 phases:
Phase 1 — Friday, Dec. 13 to June
2026 — The Jackson Tower will be closed and renovated. The older, brick part of the library will remain open and services will be operational.
Phase 2 — approximately July 2026 to December 2027 — The newly renovated Jackson Tower reopens. The older, brick part of the library will close for renovation. Library services and collections are available.
Completion — January 2028 — Renovation completed and Jackson Library fully reopens.
Recently, the library renovators have been working hard to box up the print collection in the Jackson Tower and store it in o -campus warehouses. The crew started on Dec. 2 and is expected to finish in mid-February. At the beginning of March the construction fences will go up, according to Michael Crumpton the Dean of Libraries at UNCG. The collection will not be retrievable during the 18 months of Phase 1.
Don’t freight though. There are alternative ways to access all the books throughout reconstruction. The only thing that changes is that maybe the way you want to access it won’t be available. UNCG has 1.4 million e-books and 137,000 e-journals available. Two hundred thousand books, journals, and other materials from the Jackson Tower will be stored in a newly expanded on-campus remote storage facility and will be available upon request. Also, all UNCG faculty, sta , and students are eligible to borrow from the nearly 4.5 million items housed at 15 Triad Academic Libraries.
Michael Crumpton, the Dean of Librar-
ies for UNCG, is in charge of the Jackson Library, the UNCG Music Library, and some o -site spaces for book storage around campus. He also teaches courses in Library Science. He has worked with UNCG for 18 years and has been the Dean of Libraries for five of those years.
The library of tomorrow, he puts it, is in lieu of a more digital world. With e-journals and e-books on the rise and students yearning for the convenience technology has to o er, the demand for library study/work space outweighs the demand for book storage space. “The library is the heart of the campus,” said Crumpton. “Post renovation the space is going to be used di erently. It will be less about material in the building and more about user needs and conveniences.”
During his time at UNCG Crumpton said one thing he has noticed is that students prefer electronic resources while faculty still prefers print. He noted, “Students are very agile in terms of the things they want to do. It’s not just about a book anymore, it’s about experiential learning.” Meaning
PHOTOS
the importance of having a maker space — a project Crumpton added to the lower levels of the library around 14 years ago featuring 3D printers, sewing nooks, video editing equipment, green screen rooms, gaming rooms, and AR equipment — is crucial for students today due to the huge transition into virtual services.
Having to please both sides raises challenges. Although UNCG wants to expand the library as much as it can to open up workspaces for students, it still needs to have a majority of books on site for faculty. “When the project is completed, there will be a good mix of what people need,” he said.
Adding additional areas for studying and working is the primary goal during renovations. However, aside from that, “The Hub” will also be added for students. This will act as a place for relaxation and a space to relieve the build up of stress from school. There will be an enhanced vending area added for drinks and snacks alongside a neurodiverse area. Some other renovations to highlight:
A prominent new entryway on the west tower, near the Walker Avenue tra c circle
The “perch” above the western entrance, is a fully glassed-in porch looking toward the Quad and Kaplan Commons
A new entrance to the lower level on the original building’s north side — facing Moran Commons and South Spencer — will provide even more accessibility.
UNCG Information Technology Services help desk, the Academic Achievement Center, the tutoring component for the Student Success Center, the Digital Media Commons, and many reference librarians.
Although libraries are often depicted as quiet places where librarians often “ssh” students and glare at them displeased, The Jackson Library is set to debunk those outdated stereotypes. !
MAGGIE MARSHALL is a Greensboro based freelance writer and zine maker. She graduated from UNCG with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. Her writing interests include music, film, sustainability and counterculture.
Feb 8 | 7:30 PM
Reynolds Auditorium
THRILLING. SPECTACULAR. ASTOUNDING. WOW.
You’ll be amazed by the balancing, juggling, and flying aerial silks of Cirque de la Symphonie as your Winston-Salem Symphony performs favorites by Tchaikovsky, Rossini, and more. One night only!
Onward: Council appoints replacement for late councilwoman
On Jan. 31, Jamilla Pinder was appointed to fill the At-Large Greensboro City Council position left vacant by the Dec. 4 death of Yvonne Johnson. Mayor Nancy Vaughan and six council members voted for Pinder, with representative At-Large Marikay Abuzuaiter (who had previously been appointed to replace Johnson as mayor pro tempore) casting the only “No” vote.
At 46, the Greensboro-born Pinder will be the youngest council member. She is a North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University alumna with an extensive background in healthcare, who currently serves as Director of Community Engagement & Impact at the Cone Health Foundation.
In her presentation, which can be seen at 1:19 of the YouTube video “Greensboro City Council 01/28/25,” Pinder described herself as “a data geek” whose “superpower is building relationships deeply,” and stated that “mobility and how we move in and out throughout the city is crucial.”
Before the presentations began, Vaughan explained that, while 19 applicants had been invited to give presentations, 25 others were ruled ineligible.
“Five did not live in the city, five others were not registered voters, and the balance had horrendous voting records. They had not voted in the last five municipal elections, and so we kind of disqualified those.”
Vaughn also chided (but did not name) 15 of those deemed eligible to apply. “I sent out a memo to all applicants, explaining how this meeting would be conducted, and only five responded in the correct way.”
When later asked about those allegedly incorrect responses, Vaughan told YES! Weekly she sent eligible candidates an email asking them to confirm their intentions of giving presentations at the Jan. 28 meeting, and explaining that they should respond directly to city clerk Angela Lord, and not to Vaughan or the other seven council members. “I did not want our inboxes jammed up by 20 individual responses. Only five responded directly to Angie.”
Before the eligible candidates spoke on the 28th, District 1’s Sharon Hightower
made a successful motion to recess after the last presentation, and to reconvene on Friday, to announce who had been chosen.
Nineteen applicants then took approximately 3 minutes each at the podium, with many accompanying their speeches with PowerPoint presentations or videos. They were Todd Turner, Portia Shipman, Joesph Williams, Akir Khan, Irish Good, Ti any Luard, Crystal Black, Nicky Smith, Anthony Pace, Vernon Johnson, Terrell Dungee, Melvin Manuel, Irving David Allen, Jamilla Pinder, Michael McKinney, George Hartzman, Colin Tripp, Linda Waddell, and Lynard Williams.
While several council members later complimented every speaker on their presentations, two applicants received immediate responses that were quite negative.
After Carolina Digital Phone CEO Nicky Smith spoke, District 4’s Nancy Ho man told him she was greatly concerned about social media postings he made during the pandemic, and said that his call for converting the Coliseum into a homeless shelter “indicates a lack of understanding of the Coliseum as an economic driver.”
But it was Smith’s voting record that received Ho man’s strongest criticism. “You have voted in only two of the last five city council elections. I wonder if you as a businessman would retain an employee who only showed up 40% of the time.”
Vaughn and Hightower expressed agreement with Ho man’s criticisms of Smith, with Hightower asking “If you’re opposed to voting for your own benefit, how are you going to get something done for the whole city? It’s kind of disturbing to me as a person who’s voted since 1977. Voting is a critical element of what we’re looking for.”
George Hartzman, a former mayoral candidate and longtime critic of city leadership, got a similarly cool reception.
After he alleged that “the Simkins PAC, Robbie Perkins, and city council are trying to rig the mayoral election by controlling whom they appoint to the open at-large seat,” Vaughan interrupted him by saying “The purpose of this meeting is to tell us why we should support you.”
Hartzman accused council of planning to appoint Yvonne Johnson’s son Vernon Johnson to replace her, in order to give Johnson an incumbent’s advantage in the next election. “You’re trying to cheat by interfering with an election and misleading voters. At least appoint someone who won’t run in July.” He concluded by asking for a police escort from the building.
Before moving to recess until Friday, Vaughan made the following statement: “We have been asked if we run conflict checks and if we run criminal records. People who registered to run for o ce have to live in the city, and they have to be 21 years old, and that’s basically it. The city council does not have the ability, the city attorney does not have the ability, to tell somebody that they cannot run for a council seat or that they can’t be considered for one. One thing that we do take into consideration is voting record. Two of the funniest exchanges I had, which was not with anybody here in the room, was about people who were not even registered to vote, but still wanted the opportunity to serve on city council, which I had a hard time processing. They said that they had a right not to vote, well, we have the right not to appoint you.”
Vaughan also stressed the di culty of appointing someone to replace Yvonne Johnson, whom she called irreplaceable.
“We are tasked with having to move forward, as di cult, as that is, because, quite frankly, I think all eight of us would prefer not to appoint anybody, but that wouldn’t be right for the city, because we need to make sure that you have all the representation that you can possibly
have, and that includes having three at large members.”
When the meeting reconvened on Friday, it lasted only 14 minutes. “This has been a challenging decision,” said Vaughan, “and we are deeply appreciative of everyone who engaged in the process.”
Then Vaughan said the council had reached a consensus about “a candidate with deep comprehensive experience within the city,” and stated, “I move we appoint Jamilla Pinder as Councilwoman At-Large.”
“Seconded,” said Hightower, with District 2’s Goldie Wells, District 3’s Zack Matheny, District 4’s Nancy Ho man, District 5’s Tammi Thurm, and At-Large representative Hugh Holston all voting for the motion.
Abuzuaiter gave YES! Weekly the following explanation for casting the sole opposing vote.
“After careful consideration and speaking to almost all candidates either in person or on the phone, Vernon Johnson had what I thought to be one of the top qualities I was looking for in a candidate. His work with youth, not only as a teacher but as a coach all over Greensboro, showed me his commitment to our youth. We need that right now! He also showed great passion for housing and development.”
But she also praised Pinder, whom she said she looked forward to working with.
“I’ve known Jamilla for many years. She went to Dudley with my oldest son. I absolutely love what she does in the community and she has been an advocate for reducing health disparities. She and I have had some great talks and I plan to assist her in any way I can.” !
IAN MCDOWELL is an award-winning author and journalist whose book I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions.
Ian McDowell
Contributor
Jamilla Pinder
[TRIVIA TEST]
by Fifi Rodriguez
[1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the spaceship on the TV drama Firefly?
[2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the only tropical rainforest in the United States?
[3. LITERATURE: What is the title of author Oscar Wilde’s only complete novel?
[4. MOVIES: What is the name of the killer in the movie Silence of the Lambs?
[5. SCIENCE: What are the three branches of science?
[6. AD SLOGANS: Which fast-food chain’s slogan is, “What you crave”?
[7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many NFL teams are named after animals (including birds)?
[8. U.S. STATES: In which state is the U.S. Naval Academy located?
[9. ASTRONOMY: How many constellations are visible from Earth?
[10. ART: What is the Japanese art of arranging flowers called?
[SALOME’S STARS]
Week of February 10, 2025
[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A longforgotten promise is recalled. It’s not too late to follow up on it. You might find a pleasant surprise waiting. Meanwhile, see a doctor about a pesky health problem.
[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The best way to get over a personal disappointment is to get out, meet old friends, and make new ones! One of those new friends could very well become a special person in your life.
[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A chance to invest comes with some strings attached that could cause economic problems later on. Be careful. Cupid favors romantic possibilities with a loving Libra or a passionate Pisces.
need of your warm reassurance. Give it generously. Meanwhile, a misunderstanding on the job creates the potential for future problems. Settle it quickly.
[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Career advancement involves the need for added training. The investment of your time and e ort will pay o . In other news, some stormy personal situations begin to calm down.
[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Scale back on your grandiose schemes for a while. Neither the time nor the circumstances are right to make the huge financial investment needed to see the matter through. A Gemini has romance on the mind.
Maryland.
Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks).
Serenity.
[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A simple problem threatens to turn into a legal showdown unless it’s cleared up soon. Wishing it away won’t help. In addition, a telephone call could lead to a change in travel plans.
[LEO (July 23 to August 22) A close friend who suddenly becomes remote is in
[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You could soon face a fascinating dilemma: Do you continue seeing a very special person who is currently in your life or renew a relationship with another person who will suddenly return from your past?
[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Financial problems need your
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Falcons, Arizona Cardinals,
Ikebana.
attention. It’s a good idea to cut back on unnecessary expenses until these money matters are under control. Then go out and have a great time!
[cAPrIcorN (December 22 to January 19) What you may now see as a good reason to end a relationship could turn out to be based more on supposition than substance. Don’t make any rash decisions.
[AQuArIus (January 20 to February 18) Change is the watchword for this week. Some Aquarians will be moving to new places while others will be taking new career paths. Steer clear of a family dispute.
[PIsces (February 19 to March 20) Be prepared for a romantic disappointment to become a fading memory with the arrival of a new love — possibly a Gemini. Meanwhile, talk to someone you trust about developing your idea into a marketable product.
[BorN THIs week: You have a high regard for loyalty. You give it freely, and you expect it to be returned. You never flinch from making a decision, even if it involves much agitation and soul-searching.
