Gate City Gazette

Monday, September 2, 2013

Greensboro 101

Greensboro 101 from Wikipedia

Greensboro is located at 36°4′48″N 79°49′10″W (36.079868, −79.819416).^[41] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 109.2 square miles (283 km²), of which, 104.7 square miles (271 km²) of it is land and 4.5 square miles (12 km²) of it (4.16%) is water.

Greensboro is situated among the gently rolling hills of North Carolina's Piedmont and is situated midway between the state's Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains to the west and the Atlantic beaches and Outer Banks to the east. The view of the city from its highest building—the Lincoln Financial tower (commonly known as the Jefferson-Pilot Building)—reveals that the town is populated with large numbers of green trees, lending perhaps another dimension of significance to its name. The city is at the nexus of several major freeways, with Interstates 40, 85, and the planned I-73 passing through its borders.

Greensboro, like much of the southeastern United States, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), with four distinct seasons. Winters are short and generally cool, with a January daily average of 38.9 °F (3.8 °C). On average, there are 75 nights per year that drop to or below freezing, and only 4.3 days that fail to rise above freezing;^[42] the average seasonal snowfall of 8.6 inches (21.8 cm) generally occurs from late December to early March. Freezing rain is often a more pressing concern. Summers are hot and humid, with a daily average in July of 78.5 °F (25.8 °C). There are 32 days per year with highs at or above 90 °F(32 °C).^[42] Autumn is similar to spring in temperature but has fewer days of rainfall and less total rainfall. Extremes in temperature have ranged from −8 °F (−22 °C) on January 21, 1985 up to 104 °F (40 °C), on three occasions: June 12, 1911, June 12 and July 17, 1914.

Thunderstorms are common during the humid spring and summer months, some being severe in nature.

[hide]Climate data for Greensboro, North Carolina (Piedmont Triad Int'l), 1981–2010 normals
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	79 (26)	81 (27)	93 (34)	95 (35)	100 (38)	104 (40)	104 (40)	103 (39)	101 (38)	95 (35)	88 (31)	78 (26)	104 (40)
Average high °F (°C)	48.3 (9.1)	52.5 (11.4)	60.9 (16.1)	70.2 (21.2)	77.5 (25.3)	84.8 (29.3)	87.9 (31.1)	86.3 (30.2)	79.7 (26.5)	70.3 (21.3)	60.8 (16)	50.7 (10.4)	69.2 (20.7)
Average low °F (°C)	29.5 (−1.4)	32.4 (0.2)	39.1 (3.9)	47.3 (8.5)	56.1 (13.4)	65.3 (18.5)	69.1 (20.6)	68.0 (20)	60.6 (15.9)	48.8 (9.3)	39.6 (4.2)	32.0 (0)	49.0 (9.4)
Record low °F (°C)	−8 (−22)	−4 (−20)	5 (−15)	20 (−7)	32 (0)	42 (6)	48 (9)	45 (7)	35 (2)	20 (−7)	10 (−12)	−1 (−18)	−8 (−22)
Precipitation inches (mm)	3.06 (77.7)	2.96 (75.2)	3.72 (94.5)	3.57 (90.7)	3.38 (85.9)	3.73 (94.7)	4.48 (113.8)	3.88 (98.6)	4.19 (106.4)	3.11 (79)	3.11 (79)	2.98 (75.7)	42.17 (1,071.2)
Snowfall inches (cm)	3.1 (7.9)	2.5 (6.4)	1.7 (4.3)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0.1 (0.3)	1.2 (3)	8.6 (21.9)
Avg. precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	9.3	9.1	10.4	9.2	10.3	9.7	11.3	9.4	7.4	7.3	8.0	9.2	110.6
Avg. snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	1.4	1.4	0.3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.1	0.7	3.9
Mean monthly sunshine hours	170.5	175.2	229.4	246.0	260.4	270.0	269.7	248.0	225.0	220.1	174.0	164.3	2,652.6
Source: NOAA (extremes 1903–present),^[42] HKO (sun only, 1961–1990)^[43]

Demographics[edit source | editbeta]

The Center for New North Carolinians^[44] details more information about Greensboro's ethnic and cultural diversity.

Historical populations
Census	Pop.	%±
1870	497	—
1880	2,105	323.5%
1890	3,317	57.6%
1900	10,035	202.5%
1910	15,895	58.4%
1920	19,861	25.0%
1930	53,569	169.7%
1940	59,319	10.7%
1950	74,389	25.4%
1960	119,574	60.7%
1970	144,076	20.5%
1980	155,642	8.0%
1990	183,894	18.2%
2000	223,891	21.8%
2010	269,666	20.4%
Est. 2011	276,200	2.4%
^{[citation needed]}

As of the census^[3] of 2010, there were 269,666 people; 124,074 households; and 53,958 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,138.3 people per square mile (825.6/km²). There were 99,305 housing units at an average density of 948.4 per square mile (366.2/km²).

Of the estimated 92,394 households in the city in 2000, 27.5% included children under the age of 18, 39.8% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.6% were classified as nonfamily. Of the total households, 32.6% were composed of individuals, while 8.7% reported someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 persons, and the average family size was 2.94 persons.

The age distribution in 2000 was 22.3% under the age of 18, 14.1% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males—for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city in 2000 was $39,661, and the median income for a family was $50,192. Males had a median income of $34,681 versus $26,797 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,986. About 8.6% of families and 19.3% of the population in 2000 were living below the poverty line, including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensboro_(North_Carolina)

Monday, August 19, 2013

WE ARE HAVING A WET YEAR!

We are on a record setting pace to have the most rainfall in Greensboro history. Cumulative totals year-to-date show that we are 10.51 inches above normal for the year 2013. The month of August is 2.68 inches above normal and it's only the 19th day of the month! They say there is a huge Low somewhere down in the Gulf of Mexico that keeps driving moisture up the side of the Appalachians and causing the unusual amount of rain for the year.

Today is a good example of the typical pattern; light rain early and then spotty showers throughout the day for a mere .17 inches. The temperature has been pleasant most of the summer too. On average, we are running 10 degrees below normal. The highest has been in the low nineties and the nights cool down to the mid-sixties. Climate change- Naw, its just a wet cool year.

The rain has made all the vegetation thrive beyond their norms. Crepe Myrtles are massive bursts of velvety blooms in bright vivid colors. Roses are thickly covered in big and beautiful blossoms of red and yellow and pink. Every blooming variety is excelling this year.

The farmers aren't doing so well. Speculation is that the field crops are over watered and will produce sub-standard yields. Tobacco always falters in excessively wet years.

I have noticed that my yard is washing away in an area that's hard to grow grass. Flower pots are growing a greenish stain and little patches of moss and mushrooms are thriving in other areas. Even the front door is reacting to the continual moisture. In the past month, with increased rainfall and temperatures, the mahogany front door has swollen and is difficult to open and close. It was especially bad the week that we had 90% humidity.

I can live with all the rain and it's consequences. The only downside is that the Fall is likely to be less colorful and I do love the beautiful Fall colors that we have in Greensboro.

I've lived here 22 years and it is the wettest year that I have seen, but I'm from Texas. All I have to do is talk with my brother Ted back in Fort Worth or my brother Mike in Phoenix and I quit worrying about the rain and the humidity here. The dog days of August soar above 100 degrees for weeks on end and my brothers would love to have a little shower like we had today; or the steady rain we had yesterday; or the heavy downpour we had all day Saturday!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Rich in History!

Visitors to North Carolina for the first time are not usually familiar with the rich history of the Piedmont Triad. Like me, you may have flown over or drove through the tarheel state enroute to a more glittering destination. But after living here for over 21 years, I have discovered that there is a long and significant history of this region. Not just the famous Revolutionary War battlefield or the important part it played in the Civil War, but history that affected millions across the country. People from the region who became household names and who made important contributions to our society. General Nathaniel Greene for whom the city is named; O'Henry the famous short story writer, spent his childhood in Greensboro; Dolly Madison first lady to President James Madison, was raised in NW Guilford County in the Friendship township near present day Guilford College; Burke Davis who wrote historical fiction was raised and educated in Greensboro. But there were others, who may not be as familiar, who touched our society as a whole.

Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr., Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond were freshmen at the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina in Greensboro who made a significant change in history.

"On February 1, 1960, these four friends sat down at a lunch counter in Greensboro. That may not sound like a legendary moment, but it was. The four people were African American, and they sat where African Americans weren’t allowed to sit. They did this to take a stand against segregation. The students wanted to protest segregation laws that prevented African Americans from entering certain public places. They agreed to stage a sit-in at Woolworth’s, a variety store that had an eating area. African Americans could shop in the store and eat at a stand-up snack bar, but they could not sit at the lunch counter. “We didn’t want to set the world on fire,” Khazan said.” We just wanted to eat.” Khazan and his friends would become known as the Greensboro Four ." from the NC Museum of History website.

You can become familiar with the county since it was formed in 1771 by checking out the Greensboro Historical Museum website. When you are here, go downtown to 120 Summit Avenue and enjoy the rich history that is Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Riding the Rails on Christmas Day

On Christmas day I discovered the Greensboro, NC Amtrak station for the first time. It is an authentic restoration of a bygone relic and abandoned ways. Trains have been a part of Greensboro's history since the famous Govenor Motley Morehead convinced the rail companies to route through the piedmont region. The last Confederate cabinet of Jefferson Davis stayed in a railcar near this station in 1865 as the Confederacy was disolving around them.

The current structure for Greensboro Station was originally built in 1927 as the Greensboro Southern Railway Depot. It was a replacement for an 1899 Southern Railway Depot that still exists today. During the Second World War, the station saw many a soldier arrive and depart after traing in the local army camps.The depot was donated to the city in 1978, a year before the Southern Railroad ended passenger service. Service to the old station wasn't reopened to the public until October 1, 2005 with the renewed interest for establishing rail service as an alternative form of transportation.

Designed by the New York architectural firm of Alfred Fellheimer & Steward Wagner, the 1927 Beaux-Arts facade features Ionic columns, a full entablature, and a three-story arched entry. Inside, the ticketing area features a vast mural displaying the service area of the Southern Railway system in the 1920s.

My brother-in law decided to travel the rails home for Christmas because he likes to ride trains. As a young man, Michael traveled extensively throughout Europe on a EuroPass touring France, Italy, Germany,Belgium and the Scandinavian countries. As we waited for his train to arrive, he entertained me with stories of his travels in his youth. As I looked around the waiting benches, I realized that there were many stories and many travelers on this day. Some were buried in their smart phones, some laughing and joking with companions, and others sitting lonely and silent. Young couples, elderly grandparents, and single young persons of every nationality congregated here to travel on this joyous day of celebration. Were they leaving home, or were they returning home? Travelers all, not really so different from the original Christmas day. My brother-in-law throughly enjoyed his trip home on the Carolinian ,and he has decided to repeat the experience; like I said, he likes to ride trains.

Station statistics
Address	236 East Washington Street Greensboro, NC
Coordinates	36.0695°N 79.7871°W
Lines	Crescent Carolinian and Piedmont
Connections	GTA, PART Greyhound
Platforms	2 island platforms
Tracks	4
Parking	Yes; free
Baggage check	Yes
Other information
Opened	1927
Closed	1978
Rebuilt	2005
Accessible
Code	GRO
Owned by	City of Greensboro

Traffic

Passengers (2012)

134,888^[1]

Services

Preceding station	Amtrak	Following station
High Point toward New Orleans	Crescent	Danville toward New York City
High Point toward Charlotte	Carolinian	Burlington toward New York City
High Point toward Charlotte	Piedmont	Burlington toward Raleigh

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Falling leaves in Greensboro

I went to California to meet my newest grandson for the two prime weeks of color from mid to late October. The day I flew home, we were greeted by the fringe area winds of Hurricane Sandy gusting up to 60 mph. Opportunities for photos in the first half of November have been less than normal since many of the trees were defoliated by the storm. The trees in my front yard were decimated, but the back yard was saved, so I have been able to capture much less color than would be expected.

The greatest issue, as always, is blowing and raking the thousands of leaves that fall in the yard each year. If you blow them to curbside, the city will come by in huge trucks with a large vacuum hose and suck them right out of your yard. More than 13,089 tons of leaves were collected during the 2011-12 program.
My street is lined with piles of leaves awaiting to be picked up. I was able to blow the front yard up to the curb, but the backyard remains in six large leaf piles that must be transported to the curb, or in large clear bags for pickup every two weeks. My back yard typically yields over a hundred 45 gallon leaf bags per year and the front takes 50-80 bags if I don't get them to curbside. The beauty of the colorful Fall usually compensates for the hard work in cleaning up the yard. Unfortunately, I virtually missed it this year, so I am grumbling more than normal.

Beautiful red maple in my back yard.

Ducks on pond

Backyard view

Still left to fall in the yard!

Corner pair oak and maple

View from the deck

Close up on a leaf pile. The red maple is my favorite. It starts golden then orange and finally red.

Here are five of the six leaf piles in the back yard.

And these are still to fall!

Golf pond was already leafless on Novembere 1st

Awaiting curbside pickup. I add to it every day.

Why I went to California-

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Fall in the Piedmont of North Carolina

I love autumn in the piedmont region of North Carolina. I spent my early years in west Texas where cactus and yucca plants are surrounded by fifteen foot tall mesquite trees. In the fall, the skinny leaves of the mesquite turn yellow and drop uncermoniously to the ground. The grass turned from green to brown after about thirty minutes in the blazing summer sun. My next years were in north central Texas where scrub oaks grew to a scant 15-20 feet high. They turned quickly from green to brown before defoliating.

I have spent the past twenty-one years in the piedmont region of North Carolina and I look forward to each new fall season. Decidious hardwoods growing in the forest here grow to 50-70 feet tall. Indiginous species include red and golden maples, white oaks, red oaks, blackjack oaks, walnuts, sweet gums, tulip poplars, ironwood and many other varieties. They explode in a wondrous blaze of gold, orange and red that warm the heart as the cooler season starts.

Here are a few images of this colorful spectacle that I await with great anticipation each year. The leaves have only just begun to change this year, so I will post a curent season gallery at the end of the month.