Comparing Charter Schools and Homeschooling in North Carolina: What Are the Legal Requirements?

 

In a previous article on my general-interest blog, I examined various different types of primary schooling (public, charter, and magnet schools, homeschooling) available in the United States. For this article, I wanted to narrow the focus, both in options and location. There are quite a few charter schools located in here in Greensboro, so I decided to take a closer look at charter schools vs. homeschooling, for parents who are exploring alternative options to their local public schools.

In North Carolina, charter schools and homeschooling represent two distinct alternatives to traditional public schools, but they operate under entirely different legal frameworks. Because charter schools are publicly funded, they are subject to a higher degree of state regulation, whereas homeschooling, which is classified as a type of non-public school, grants parents significant autonomy.

Here is a comparison of how North Carolina regulates standardized testing, state oversight, and teacher certification for these two educational paths.

Standardized Testing

• Charter Schools: Because they are public schools, charter schools in North Carolina are legally required to participate in the state’s accountability testing program. This means charter school students must take the same state-mandated End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) tests as traditional public school students. The results of these tests are public record and factor into the school's overall performance grade issued by the state.

• Homeschooling: North Carolina law also requires homeschooled students to undergo testing, but the parameters are very different. Homeschools are required to administer a nationally standardized achievement test (such as the Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Assessments, or California Achievement Test) to each student annually. However, they do not take the state EOGs. Furthermore, there is no minimum score required by the state to continue homeschooling. Parents must simply keep the test results on file for one year and present them only if requested by state officials.

State Oversight

• Charter Schools: Charter schools face stringent state oversight. They are overseen by the North Carolina Office of Charter Schools and must be authorized by the State Board of Education. A charter school operates under a contract (the charter) that is subject to periodic review and renewal. To maintain their charter, these schools must meet specific academic, operational, and financial standards. They must undergo annual financial audits, comply with state open-meetings laws, and can be shut down by the state if they fail to meet their contractual benchmarks.

• Homeschooling: Homeschooling in North Carolina is overseen by the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE), and state oversight is relatively minimal, reflecting a "high-trust" approach to parents. To legally establish a homeschool, a parent must file a "Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School" with the DNPE. From there, the legal requirements are mostly administrative: parents must maintain immunization records, keep attendance records showing the school operates on a regular schedule for at least nine calendar months of the year, and keep the annual standardized test scores on file. While the DNPE has the authority to request to see these records, routine inspections or curriculum checks do not occur.

Teacher Certification

• Charter Schools: While charter schools are granted more flexibility in hiring than traditional public schools, North Carolina law still dictates a baseline for teacher credentials. By state law, at least 50% of the teachers employed by a charter school must hold a valid North Carolina state teaching license. The remaining teachers do not legally require a state license, allowing the school to hire subject-matter experts (like a retired engineer teaching math), though they are still vetted by the school's administration.

• Homeschooling: North Carolina imposes no state teaching certification requirements on homeschooling parents. The state does not dictate what curriculum must be used or require the parent to have any formal background in education. The only legal educational requirement for the chief administrator (the parent or guardian providing the instruction) is that they must hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent (a GED).

Summary

In North Carolina, the choice between a charter school and homeschooling is effectively a choice between public accountability and private autonomy. Charter schools offer alternative educational models but remain tethered to state testing, certification quotas, and strict board oversight. Conversely, homeschooling places the entire educational burden on the parent, offering almost total freedom regarding curriculum and teaching methods, provided the parent meets basic administrative and annual testing requirements.

For more information:

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/students-families/alternative-choices/charter-schools

https://www.doa.nc.gov/divisions/non-public-education/home-schools

Image credit: Artem Podrez, https://www.pexels.com/photo/teacher-teaching-her-pupils-6990244/

Meditative Drawing at the Greensboro Library is a Relaxing Way to Create

 

I attended the April 20 session of Meditative Drawing at the Benjamin Branch (1530 Benjamin Pkwy, Greensboro 27408, across from General Greene Elementary) from 6-7pm. What a lovely experience! Our host, Jo, had decorated the room with interesting objects to draw (even mirrors, if you wanted to draw a self-portrait) and reference books for inspiration. He provided paper and drawing supplies, and even refreshments, so all you had to do was show up. 

In addition to the lovely decorations, the meeting room at Benjamin has a huge picture window that provides a very tranquil wooded view.

With gentle meditative music playing, the scent of herbal tea wafting through the air, and the taste of cookies, all senses were engaged as we sat quietly and drew, enjoying the quiet community and creative energy of working in a group.

The only disappointment was that the experience didn't last longer! I made a pretty good start on my drawing in an hour, but I would have loved to make an evening of it. Unfortunately the Library schedule is pretty full, but I was grateful for the experience.

Fortunately, further sessions are planned! If you would like to come out to chill and create, the next session of Meditative Drawing is Monday, May 18, from 6-7pm. There's no cost - supplies and inspo are provided, so just bring yourself and be ready to relax and draw. See you there!

International Women's Day Events in Greensboro

 

This Sunday, March 8^th, is International Women's Day. Since 1911, March 8^th has been celebrated around the world as International Women's Day. This year's theme is “Give To Gain” focusing on the power of reciprocity: When individuals, organizations, and communities invest in women, opportunities expand, systems strengthen and societies thrive. “Giving is not a loss – it is intentional multiplication,” explains FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics), “When women have access to health and rights, the benefits extend far beyond individuals, families are healthier, health systems are stronger, economies grow and societies become more just and sustainable.”

In Greensboro, you can celebrate International Women's Day by attending local events.

On Friday, March 6^th, Bennett College will celebrate International Women’s Day with an ACES program featuring keynote speaker Alexious Butler, a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Developmentand current Distinguished Professor of Practice at Georgia Institute of Technology’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. The program will also feature Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants Hajar Barmoussa and Snothando Ngcobo. More details can be found here: https://www.bennett.edu/news/bennett-college-welcomes-alexious-butler/

On Sunday, March 8^th, Pig Pounder Brewery, at 1107 Grecade Street, will be hosting an all-day event starting at 11am with a free Pop-Up Workout Class with Pure Barre from 11am-2pm (sign up for the class here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pop-up-pure-barre-class-at-pig-pounder-brewery-tickets-1983463417475 ). Kei’s Kuisine Food Truck will be stationed outside starting at noon, and Susanna Macfarlane will be providing live music from 12:30 to 3:30. For details on the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1216202320629754/

To learn more about International Women's Day, go to: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Image Credit: Pure Barre/Pig Pounder Brewery

Visit the What's Good in Greensboro? Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063733410810

Inside the October 18, 2025 "No Kings" Protest in Greensboro, NC

The "No Kings" protests of October 18, 2025 were wildly successful, with an estimated seven million people participating in around 2700 cities and towns across the nation, in both red states and blue states. We gathered together to demonstrate peacefully against the Trump administration's aspirations of authoritarian rule. In an effort to diminish and malign the rallies, House Speaker Mike Johnson had characterized the upcoming events as "Hate America" rallies, which is, of course, ridiculous. We love our country and the freedom it grants us to assemble and speak out when we need to. And whew, we need to. 

Let's have a look inside the rally in Greensboro, which was attended by several thousand people. There were two locations for this one - downtown, at the Guilford County courthouse, and on Wendover Avenue, a main artery of Greensboro. We were on Wendover, where the attendees lined up for miles on both sides of the road, holding signs and American flags, some dressed in costumes. I saw Uncle Sam, a banana, a pink unicorn, a big chicken, the obligatory frog, and a---wombat, maybe?--with a sign that said "Marsupials for Democracy". And of course, we demonstrated peacefully. There was purpose, but there was also joy! You can wear a goofy costume and have fun and still be serious about your message. Nobody was spewing hatred. Nobody was fighting. We were sharing snacks, water, and sunscreen. We were dancing to music and doing The Wave. We had spirit! 

Seven million people. Wow. That's a lot, right? About 2% of our entire population here in the U.S. In fact, that's so many people that the No Kings protest was the largest single-day protest in American history. But you know what? That's only part of the story. That's really only a fraction of the people who participated. Because in addition to all of us standing proudly by Wendover Avenue with our signs, there were hundreds, maybe thousands of cars who drove by and honked, waved, and cheered us on. Some people even had their own signs and some waved flags. In those cars, I saw people with little kids, elderly folks, disabled people, and many people of color who may have felt nervous about attending the rally themselves but wanted to show how much it meant to them that we did. There were people who couldn't come because they couldn't stand for two hours in the sun, or because they had to work (we got honks from big rigs, delivery vans, and even a city bus!), but they drove by and gave us support. The amount of love and energy we got from that was surprisingly powerful. 

A few passersby did negative things, but so few. A couple of people gave us a thumbs-down, but were overwhelmed by the number of thumbs-ups. Maybe three or four people flipped us the bird, but hundreds of people waved. There were two people who drove by with Trump flags, but dozens of people had American flags and No Kings signs in their cars. One, count him, one, guy shouted something rude out of a window. He was almost drowned out by a dozen or so cars honking in support at the same time. 

So the next time there's a protest, if you don't have time to make a sign, just come stand with us and show our numbers. If you can't stand with us, drive by and honk! We want to wave at your cute kids or your elderly auntie. Thank you for your support! 

September 29th – October 1st - A Great Weekend for Art and Culture in Greensboro!

 

There are some great artistic and cultural events scheduled around Greensboro this weekend. From performances and exhibitions to demonstrations and celebrations, there's something for everyone!

Friday, September 29

5-9pm - The Sewing Shop: The Hair Journey Ballet Costume-Making Workshop at Royal Expressions School of Dance,  1220-E Battleground Ave Greensboro, NC 27408

We are inviting aspiring costume and apparel designers and makers to join us as we create the costumes for The Hair Journey Ballet. We need people to measure, cut, hand sew, and sew on a machine. Bring your machine if you have one, or use one of our extras. All others supplies are provided. If you are a beginner and want to learn, we will teach you. If you are intermediate and want to practice then this is for you! If you are advanced and want to bless us, then we thank you! We have had all levels come through our costume shop to help us and it will truly take a village to create the 40+ costumes we need to make by February 2024!

8:00pm-midnight - Greensboro Pride annual Pride Kickoff Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 120 W Lewis St, Greensboro

The party will be hosted by Brenda the Drag Queen and will feature performances by Tia Chanella, Omega St. James, Marceline Mashic, Arianna XLopez, and Miss Cocktail. Must be 21+ with valid ID.

Saturday, September 30

8am – 11:30pm -Tie Dye Workshop with H2O Dyes at The Corner Farmers Market, 2105 W Market Street Greensboro, NC 27403

Join Julie Hardy of H2o Tie Dyes for this fun and creative dye workshop! $15 for adults and $10 for kids provides a prepared-for-dyeing tee shirt, all other supplies, and hands-on instruction.

9am-4pm Bricksboro with NC LUG at The Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Dr Greensboro, NC 27455

The Greensboro Science Center is partnering again with the North Carolina LEGO® Users Group (NC LUG) to host Bricksboro on Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1! Stop by the great hall to see a wide variety of builds, ranging from cityscapes, space, castles, mechanical machines, animals and so much more! Guests will have the opportunity to see some original creations, learn building techniques, and talk about anything and everything LEGO® related! Bricksboro activities are available 9-4 pm both days, and included with GSC membership or general admission.

4pm - So You Wanna Do a Solo Show at the Stephen D. Hyers Theatre in the Cultural Center, 200 N Davie St Greensboro, NC 27401

The free workshop explores how YOU can create your own solo show! Join Deonna Kelli Sayed, writer and performer of American Body: The Solo Show, for an introductory workshop on how you can can write and star in your very own solo show. Deonna will go over different types of solo show work and how the solo show democratizes theatre (anyone can perform, and you don't need a theatre space to do it)! We will do writing and performance prompts. No writing or acting experience is required. Bring paper/pen and a willingness to explore! This event is great for anyone 14+ (and older)!

Sunday, October 1

11am – 6pm - Greensboro Pride Festival and Parade on South Elm Street, West Market Street, and West Lewis Street in downtown Greensboro.

This year's headliners are Heidi N Closet and LaLa Ri, widely known from Ru Paul's Drag Race. The main stage will be hosted by Brenda The Drag Queen and Lawanda Jackson, while dozens of performers will take the stage throughout the festival. There's also a record-high number of vendors participating this year. The event is free to the public.

12 noon – 5pm – Art in the Arboretum at Greensboro Arboretum, 3299 Starmount Dr, Greensboro, NC 27403.

This juried art- and fine-craft event will feature regional artists exhibiting their hand-crafted offerings in an outdoor gallery. There will be also be live entertainment, interactive art activities, food and beverage vendors, and more. Admission is free!

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Image by Brett Sayles for pexels.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-sitting-on-smiling-man-s-shoulder-1378866/

Donations Are Being Accepted by GYC for Camille's Closet and Theo's Threads

It's time again to think about prom! As we've written about before, Greensboro Youth Council (GYC) collects new or gently-used formalwear for students in need so that they can have something nice to wear to prom in the spring. Of course, since receiving, reviewing, and organizing donations, takes time, this process starts well before prom. In fact, it started this week! 

You can donate both clothing and also accessories, like jewelry, belts, and purses. 

Here are the donation guidelines: 

Items donated must be purchased 2018 or later and follow the guidelines below.

Clothing

All items must be:

-free of stains, snags, rips, and tears

-in good working condition

-include all accents such as beading, laces, buckles, and snaps.

Accessories

Jewelry clasps and backs must be in working condition.

Purse zippers, snaps, and clasps must close.

Items that are tarnished, discolored or that do not meet these guidelines will not be accepted.

There is an especially great need for plus-sized dresses and gowns and big and tall dress shirts and pants.

The donation drive runs from February 13 through March 10th. Kids will be "shopping" March 29-31. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: 

BackPack Beginnings, 3711 Alliance Dr, Greensboro, NC

Dillard’s, 150 Four Seasons Town Center, Greensboro, NC

Greensboro Youth Council, 200 N Davie St #315, Greensboro, NC

Griffin Recreation Center, 5301 Hilltop Rd, Jamestown, NC

Lindley Recreation Center, 2907 Springwood Dr, Greensboro, NC

Peeler Recreation Center, 1300 Sykes Ave, Greensboro, NC

Warnersville Recreation Center, 601 Doak St, Greensboro, NC

Please consider donating to this great cause! 

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-women-taking-a-selfie-at-a-formal-event-8857135/

Christmas Activities in Greensboro

Monday, December 19th

Christmas break Holiday Camps

Dec 19, 2022, – Jan 2, 2023

iCode Greensboro

3712 Lawndale Dr C, Greensboro, NC

Looking for a last minute place for your child to go while on Christmas break? iCode Greensboro is still enrolling for 5 days 3 days camps and 1 day camps! 

For more information visit https://icodeschool.com/greensboro/camps/ or call 336-790-1882 and find out how to save your child a seat! Camps are 8 am - 5 pm.

Christmas Festival at McLaurin Farms

Dec 19 - 23, 30th,  6 – 9 PM

5601 N Church St, Greensboro, NC

Memories are made at Christmas, and McLaurin Farms is here to help you do that, as our Christmas event is one of the highlights of our season. It’s so much more than your typical “drive-through” light show; it’s so much more! You can take a hayride through the lights. You have beautiful photo opportunities as well, as kids get to see Santa. 

More info: https://local.aarp.org/event/christmas-festival-2022-12-19-greensboro-nc.html

Christmas in Connecticut - Christmas in the Crown

Dec 19, 2022, 7:30 PM

Carolina Theatre

310 S Greene St, Greensboro, NC

Barbara Stanwyck stars as a famous expert on marriage, cooking, and homemaking who is asked by her publisher to host a national hero for Christmas dinner at her famous Connecticut home. It should be simple, but she must scramble to keep the secret that she’s single, can’t cook, and doesn’t own a home. With a lot of help, meticulous planning, and split-second timing, the urban sophisticate may just succeed, but the unforeseen happens when she falls in love with her guest. Also starring Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet. Directed by Peter Godfrey. 1945. Not Rated. 1 hour 42 minutes.

https://carolinatheatre.com/event/78204amgkpmqgdlbtnbsgcsbrdllbcjrv/

Holiday Piano Concert at the Virginia Somerville Sutton Theatre, Well Spring

Dec 19 2022 at 7:30 pm

Well•Spring, A Life Plan Community, 

4100 Well Spring Dr, Greensboro

A collection of Holiday favorites featuring fun versions of classic carols, White Christmas film favorites and Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's sure to be a treat to celebrate the holidays with your favorite carols!

https://allevents.in/greensboro/holiday-piano-concert/200023727966237

Wednesday, December 21st

Market open for Winter Solstice-Pre Christmas

Dec 21, 8 AM – 12 PM

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

501 Yanceyville St, Greensboro

https://gsofarmersmarket.org/page/2/

Christmas Around the World

Wed, Dec 21, 12:00 – 1:30 PM

McGirt-Horton Branch Library

2501 Phillips Ave, Greensboro

Celebrating holidays around the world and the McGirt-Horton Branch is hosting the Christmas celebration on Winter Solstice. Free

https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/82215/23

Thursday, December 22nd

RunClub's Holiday Guzzler 2022

Dec 22, 6 PM

SouthEnd Brewing Co

117B W Lewis St, Greensboro

Save the date! The Guzzler is back, bigger and better this year, combining forces from SouthEnd Run Club and the Monday OG RunClub from Sticks & Stones!

We're planning a new ~5ish mile pub run route around downtown GSO mixing up some new stops and past favs. Details to follow after we get it dialed in.

Wear your most festive holiday outfit (that you can run in, of course!). The lighter, brighter, merrier... the better!

We'll start and end with beers from SouthEnd, getting back in plenty of time to place a dinner order from their awesome kitchen.

https://allevents.in/greensboro/guzzler

Friday, December 23rd

It’s A Wonderful Life – Carolina Classic Holiday Movie

Dec 23, 2 PM

Carolina Theatre

310 S Greene St, Greensboro, NC

George Bailey is a small-town man whose life seems so desperate that he contemplates suicide. He had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to see the world, but circumstances and his own good heart have led him to stay. (He sacrificed his education for his brother’s, kept the family-run savings and loan afloat, protected the town from the avarice of the greedy banker Mr. Potter, and married his childhood sweetheart.) As he prepares to jump from a bridge, his guardian angel intercedes, showing him what life would have become for the residents of Bedford Falls is he had never lived. Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Henry Travers. Directed by Frank Capra. 1946, Rated PG. 2 hours 12 minutes.

https://www.artsgreensboro.org/event/its-a-wonderful-life-carolina-classic-holiday-movie-2/2022-12-23/

Saturday, December 24th (Christmas Eve)

Christmas Eve Market 

December 24th, 7am-12 noon

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

501 Yanceyville St, Greensboro

Last minute gift buying or special meal preparations? Come be a part of the festive Christmas cheer at the Market on Saturday, December 24th. You’ll enjoy a warm holiday atmostphere to finish up those final holiday details!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1844644399088127/

Black Santa Comes To Greensboro - 4th Annual Holiday Event

Dec 24, 2022 from 9am to 1pm

Genius Creations, 2804 Randleman Rd, Greensboro

$10 Breakfast with Santa:

9:00am-9:30am.

$30 Professional Photos

9:45am-11:45am.

Snack with Santa

12:00pm-12:30pm.

Write Wish List & Give to Santa 12:30-1:00pm.

https://allevents.in/greensboro/black-santa-comes-to-greensboro-nc-4th-annual-holiday-event/200023620910703

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

• Image credit https://www.pexels.com/photo/pendant-bulb-photo-750843/
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Hispanic Heritage Month Kicks off Tomorrow, September 15th

 

Hispanic Heritage Month started back in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. Unlike other “national months”, Hispanic Heritage Month doesn't occur on a calendar month, but rather a 30-day period from September 15^th to October 15^th. This is because the date of September 15 is significant in the Hispanic community, being the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. So much to celebrate! The theme for 2022 is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation."

Greensboro has a vibrant Hispanic community, made up of people from many different countries from the Spanish-speaking world, including Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, and more. There are many different individual local cultures within the larger Latin culture that can be explored – the foods, language dialects, traditions, fashion – it's all good, and learning about it is fun and exciting!

Here are some upcoming events for Hispanic Heritage Month:

Saturday, September 24^th

The Hemphill Branch of the Greensboro Public Library is hosting Unleash Your Hope, a LatinX Art Show from 3-5 pm, Saturday, September 24, 2301 W. Vandalia Rd. Sponsored by the Café con Libros Bilingual Book and Conversation Club the art show will feature works by noted artists Lina Fernández Giraldo of Greensboro and Gabriela Costas of Winston Salem, along with other LatinX artists from the Triad and North Carolina. https://www.greensboroartshub.com/event/visual-arts/hispanic-heritage-month-art-show/

CELEBRATION: Hispanic Heritage Month at Lebauer Park, downtown Greensboro – 6-8pm. This is a special and FREE event, to take place before the Mariachi Cobre concert with the Greensboro Symphony in Greensboro. https://www.facebook.com/events/324395643210932/

Mariachi Cobre and the Greensboro Symphony at the Tanger Performing Arts Center

Doors open: 7pm
Showtime: 8pm

Greensboro Symphony Orchestra
Michelle Merrill, conductor
Mariachi Cobre

Tickets start at $35 https://www.ticketmaster.com/mariachi-cobre-and-the-greensboro-symphony-greensboro-north-carolina-09-24-2022/event/2D005CDEB69234E0

Tuesday, September 27^th

¡Descubra su herencia! Genealogy for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month

• Date:09/27/2022 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

• Location:Central Library
  219 N. Church St.
  Greensboro, North Carolina 27401

• Cost: Free

Join us to explore resources to research your family genealogy. We will use Ancestry and other databases tailored to families of Hispanic/Latinx heritage. Instruction will be in English with assistance in Spanish if needed.

Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, please email Beth Bowles, or call 336-373-7605.

https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/79154/23

Also, check out Casa Azul of Greensboro, Supporting Latino Arts and Culture

https://casaazulgreensboro.org/

In case you're wondering whether the terms “Hispanic” and “Latin American” are interchangeable, they're actually not, although they overlap a lot. Hispanic people are those whose native language is Spanish, so that includes people from Europe as well as people from the Americas. It doesn't include people from Brazil, though, because Brazilians speak Portuguese. Latin American refers to people from the countries in North and South America whose language is derived from Latin – Spanish and Portuguese, but also French (so French-speaking nations like Haiti and French Guiana are part of Latin America). It goes all the way from Mexico in North America to the tip of the South American continent, including islands such as the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. This time, Brazil is included, as Portuguese is derived from Latin.  

Now, come on out and enjoy learning about culture - it never hurts to be more unidos (united)!

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-of-different-ages-dancing-in-traditional-costume-13347450/

988 Suicide Prevention and Substance Abuse Dialing Code Nationwide Rollout July 16, 2022

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is instituting a new, nationwide 988 code to access suicide prevention and substance abuse counseling.

988 will work similarly to 911 – just dial the three digits, with no 1 or area code needed.

About 988

A new 3-digit dialing code, 988, has been designated to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network.

The Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or text, providing free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the country. The Lifeline accepts calls, texts, and chats from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis, for yourself or for someone you care about.

On Saturday, July 16, 2022, the U.S. will transition to using the 988 dialing code.

Even though 988 is being implemented, the 1-800-273-8255 number (Suicide Prevention Hotline) will still be available. After July 16, 2022, using either number will get people to the same services. 988 is simply an easier-to-remember way to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers.

988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance-use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The 988 dialing code is a first step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care in this country. It serves as a universal entry point, so that no matter where you live in the country, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Recycle Your Styrofoam and Help Reduce Homelessness

Do you have a foam cooler that's beginning to wear out, or have you been accumulating foam packing pieces that you hate to throw out but don't know where to take for recycling? Even though the City of Greensboro isn't able to accept styrofoam as part of the curbside recycling program, there is still a way to recycle your clean, dry styrofoam, and as an added bonus, your donation of styrofoam can help Tiny House Community Development, Inc., reduce homelessness.

Tiny House Community Development is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit organization working to build tiny house communities throughout North Carolina. They can take one standard-sized lot and place several tiny homes on it, creating a community and helping to make safe, permanent, affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness. THCD works with local nonprofit housing organizations to qualify potential residents, to whom the tiny houses are leased based on their income and current situation. THCD is currently working to develop tiny house communities in Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem, and there is already a finished project in Greensboro, the Hammer Tiny House Community, with 6 tiny houses occupied.

You can donate any clean, dry styrofoam, from takeout containers and egg cartons to foam “bricks”, coolers, and other packaging. They cannot accept foam “peanuts”, so please recycle those by reusing them. Please make sure there are no labels or tape on the styrofoam. You can drop off your foam at the outdoor recycling containers behind the Tiny House Community Development facility at 1310 West Gate City Boulevard in Greensboro, between McCormick Street and Neal Street and across from the Kaplan Center for Wellness.

Happy Recycling!

To learn more about the Tiny House project, click here:

https://www.tinyhousesgreensboro.com/

To learn the details about exactly how the foam is recycled, click here:

https://www.tinyhousesgreensboro.com/recycling

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Styrofoam image from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/styrofoam-packing-white-recyclable-3294019/

Image of THCD Recycling center from https://www.tinyhousesgreensboro.com/

Greensboro Residents Can Still Get Rental or Mortgage Assistance under the CARES Act

The City of Greensboro wants you to know that if you are behind on your rent or mortgage payments because your household has been affected by COVID-19, financial assistance is still available from funds provided by the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. Of the $5.5 million awarded by the federal government, over $3 million has been earmarked to help residents with housing assistance.

The timeframe, which previously was only between April 1st-June30th of last year, has been extended, and applications are still being taken. So if your rent or mortgage payments have been behind by at least one month since last April, you could qualify for assistance under the CARES act. 

Qualified Greensboro residents can apply for up to $1500 in assistance to pay a mortgage or up to $1900 to pay rent and utilities. Assistance is available as a one-time payment or as three monthly payments. 

To learn more and to apply online, go to www.greensboro-nc.gov/CARESHousingAssistance . 

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Image from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/architecture-family-house-front-yard-1836070/

First Friday Events in Downtown Greensboro for June 7, 2019

It's a new month—time for another First Friday, a downtown Greensboro tradition featuring live music, art happenings, and special events. The current forecast for this coming Friday evening is low 70s, with a possibly of isolated showers later (after 8pm). Looks like great temperatures for walking around; maybe have a light jacket handy. If things get wet, you can always pop into one of the many venues that are set on entertaining you for the evening!

This month's events and locations:

Aspen Boutique – 227 S. Elm Street (across from Triad Stage) will be featuring beach-scene necklaces handmade by Huntersville, NC artist Rosa Muro, and singer and guitarist Ben Singer will be at the boutique playing live. Come sip some wine, listen, and browse, and while you're there, ask about the upcoming yoga class on Saturday, June 15^th . https://www.facebook.com/AspenGSO/

beerthirty Crafts on Tap – 505 N. Greene Street (between Smith and Paisley) – will feature live music from 7pm-10pm by Bruce Drake and Brooke Johnson, known as Starstruck Acoustic Duo. They are a local band who play all over the Triad and perform hits from Tom Petty, Pink, Adele, Little Big Town, The Outfield, Kelly Clarkson, Fleetwood Mac and many more! Also the bottle cap artwork of house artist Mike Valle of ReCaps will be on display and for sale, as well as pieces by local artists Laurie Mendenhall and Helen Palmenteri. https://www.facebook.com/beerthirtygso/

Center for Visual Arts (CVA) –200 N. Davie Street will hold its annual 100 for 100 fundraiser from 6-9pm. This year, CVA's annual art fundraiser will feature one-of-a-kind artworks created by notable local artists Hillary Clement, John Gall, Cindy Hawkes, Jack Stratton, Jasmine Best, Krystal Hart, Nancy Radtke, Amy Gordon, and many others. Every piece is 10"x10" and costs only $100. The event is free to attend and will feature special entertainment by dancers, the Moving Canvas interactive art display, and more.

Elsewhere – 606 S. Elm Street (near intersection with Lewis St) – It's Pride month, and Elsewhere is hosting a celebration of Pride and the 50^th anniversary of Stonewall. The Living Museum will showcase and screen selected works by past LGBTQIA+ residents. Suggested admission $5.

GreenHill Gallery – 200 N. Davie Street (in the Greensboro Cultural Center, across from CVA, above) Walk-through tour of “Bliss”, Kristen Baumlier-Faber’s installation on salty, sweet and fatty foods, from 6:00-6:30pm, live music by classically trained guitarist, Stephanie Arcos, from 6:30-7:30, and at 7:30, Art Alliance instructors will share about their mini-exhibition "Influence," on view in GreenHill's shop. Suggested donation for entry. Cash bar available. More info at www.GreenHillNC.org/SWEET

Greensboro Children's Museum - (across from the Main Library) - Climb on XXL Neptune Climbers, build forts in Imagination Station and more at the Greensboro Children's Museum for just $3 per person from 5:00- 8:00pm. Kona Ice of Greensboro will be at the Museum selling sweet treats!

Greensboro Downtown Yoga - 219 Summit Avenue (between E Lindsay and N Church, next to former location of the Flat Iron) will host a First Friday Fundraiser to benefit Jan's Animal Rescue! Brittany Carty will lead this fun and relaxing Friday evening yoga class for beginners and seasoned yogis alike. To get a spot in the class, you can donate ANY amount you choose; all proceeds will go to Jan's Animal Rescue in Greensboro! Jan's Animal Rescue "helps dogs and cats go from life-threatening situations to a loving home" in the Greensboro area. https://www.jansanimalrescue.org/

Oscar Oglethorpe - 226 S. Elm Street (next to Triad Stage and across from Aspen, above) will partner with Reconsidered Goods to host a fun and free DIY workshop for all ages. Participate from 5pm-8pm on First Friday to learn how to make super cute felt succulents, either to take home or to become part of a permanent display in the store. Materials as well as snacks and drinks will be provided; just bring your creativity!

Preyer Brewing - 600 Battleground Avenue (next to Crafted: The Art of Street Food and across from Deep Roots Market) will host First Friday Jazz, featuring Wally West, Kevin Timmons, and Will "MoBetta" Ledbetter. In addition, Western Guilford High School Jazz Ensemble will be having a CD release party! They'll have CDs for sale as a fundraising effort for the music program at WGHS, and musicians from the WGHS Stinger Jazz Ensemble will be performing in several small configurations during the evening. Admission is free.

Downtown Greensboro is happening, and even moreso on First Fridays, so bring your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of food, spirits, creativity, and entertainment this Friday, June 7^th!

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Image from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/brushes-painter-work-shop-bowl-3129361/

Greensboro Youth Council Now Collecting Prom Dresses, Suits, and Accessories for Camille's Closet, Theo's Threads

Spring is nearing, and that means prom season in Guilford County is coming up soon! Guilford County high school students will be excitedly making plans, but some kids in need may be afraid they won't be able to attend their prom because they can't afford a proper suit or dress.

That's where Guilford Youth Council (GYC) steps in to help. GYC will be collecting donations of gently-used formal wear and accessories from February 25th through March 31st. Through the programs Camille's Closet and Theo's Threads, the donated items will provide much-appreciated prom attire for any Guilford County high school student in need.

Items most in need are: 

• Plus size dresses - sizes 16 and up
• Dress shirts and pants
• Shoes - all sizes for both young men and women
• Accessories - purses, ties, and jewelry 

Items can be dropped off at the following locations: 

    Location                                 Address                      Drop-Off Times

 Brown Rec Center                     302 E. Vandalia Rd.        M-F, 2-10pm

 Greensboro Cultural Center       200 N. Davie St.             M-F, 9am-9pm

 Griffin Rec Center                     5301 Hilltop Rd.             M-F, 8am-9pm

 Leonard Rec Center                  6324 Ballinger Rd.          M-F, 2-9pm

 Lewis Rec Center                      3110 Forest Lawn Dr.     M-F, 9am-10pm

 Lindley Rec Center                    2907 Springwood Sr.      M-F, 2-10pm

 Polliwogs Children's Boutique    1724 Battleground Ave.   M-Sat,10am-5:30pm

Have a gorgeous formal dress that you probably won't wear again? Donate it to Camille's Closet and give it new life as a pretty gown for a young lady to wear to her senior prom! And guys, if you have some nice shirts, suits, ties, or dress shoes, please donate them to Theo's Threads and let a young man escort his date in style! 

Pop-up shops will be open April 11-13. For guidelines about donations, pop-up shop hours and locations and other info, call 336-373-4351 or visit https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/CamillesCloset

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Image from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/people-couple-suit-coat-flower-2583613/

Greensboro’s 9th Annual Run 4 the Greenway a Smashing Success with "Go Green" Theme

Held this year on Saturday, October 27^th at Morehead Park on the Downtown Greenway, the Run 4 the Greenway event featured both a one-mile-long costumed walk/run and “doggie jog” and a four-mile-long road race, with routes that wound around downtown Greensboro, past water stations and cheering crowds, to Morehead Park, where an awards ceremony followed. There was also a costume contest, with prizes for the best adult, kid, and dog costumes, to add to the fun! It all culminated in a big party, with music, entertainment, kid’s activities, and food. There was even a beer garden available for the adult guests.

This year’s theme was ‘Go Green’sboro, incorporating environmentally-friendly features. One of the corporate sponsors was Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., a company headquartered in Greensboro that recycles plastic bottles into polyester yarn called REPREVE (more info on REPREVE here: https://repreve.com/ ). It can be used to make all sorts of things, including the t-shirts that were given to runners and volunteers for the event. Each shirt contained five water bottles’ worth of recycled PET plastic, and was wonderfully soft and comfy, with a great design and colors, as you can see from the picture. Unifi also provided a big green recycling bin where people could exchange their water bottles for environmentally-friendly, reusable stainless steel straws provided by Brooks Pierce, a local law firm. Everyone was getting in on the green action!

The Greenway is a planned four-mile loop of pedestrian and biking trails around downtown Greensboro that features public art and some nice green spaces for people to enjoy while getting some fresh air and exercise. It is partially completed, and recently a new section opened along Bragg Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Five Points, where Freeman Mill Road meets Gate City Blvd. The trail continues through Morehead Park up to Spring Garden Street. There is also a section open in the northern part of the loop, along Smith, Eugene, and Fisher Streets between Spring and Greene Streets, around LoFi Park. 

Laura Lorenz, Downtown Greenway Assistant & Campaign Manager and Run 4 the Greenway Race Director, reported that with over 250 runners, walkers, and party-goers, it was a great event, and she is looking forward to next year's event, which will feature new race routes and a new location. Looks like we're keepin' it fresh as well as keepin' it green! Here is the link for the Greenway project website: http://downtowngreenway.org/

You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!

Photograph provided courtesy of Unifi Manufacturing, Inc.