LAUREN OLINGER

Inspired Photography

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Generation HeART

May 03, 2013  /  Lauren Olinger

​[ Wake Forest University ]

On Saturday, April 20th students at Wake Forest University hosted Generation HeART, an artistic exploration. The event raised support for Both Hands: the Artlet, an organization founded by student Bentrice Jusu. Both Hands is a mentor program designed to transform the lives of teens through art.

"Our organization embraces and caters to all teens, regardless of their personal backgrounds (“delinquents” to high-achieving scholars) or experiences with art (no experience to advanced). Because we believe that everyone bears an “art,” we ironically dismantle the traditional definition and associations of “art” as an objective, aesthetic realm and allow every teen to discover their abilities, to use the available tools of expression and learn from their peers and mentors, to discover their hidden or unexpressed potential. Beyond the age and residential restrictions, the only set of requirements for participation include the willingness to fully engage in the program and to keep an open and positive attitude. The emphasis for this program is on personal growth, exploration, self-expression, fun, and creativity. Ultimately, we expect that participation in these activities will not only benefit students in the short run, but will open up multiple avenues through which students will pursue their education and futures, through high school and beyond." 

The event was a rapid fire program of visual and performing arts showcasing the university's brightest and provoking creators.

Alexis & Peter

May 03, 2013  /  Lauren Olinger

[ Valle Crucis, NC ]​

​A little rain couldn't stop this dynamic couple. We had a blast exploring the historical village at Valle Crucis and I think we even got a decent photo or two-- take a look ;)

Granny

April 22, 2013  /  Lauren Olinger

​​[Winston-Salem, NC]

I've known Granny* for the better part of three years. Recently, we sat down to discuss one perspective on the history of Winston-Salem with special attention to the economic experience of the neighborhood she has come to know and love over the course of eighty years. 

Granny is a 96 year-old resident of Winston-Salem. Since Granny arrived in the area at age sixteen she has lived in a four block radius of her current residence. The neighborhood was at one time home to a booming industrial community that included a textile mill, furniture manufacturer, and tobacco and dairy facilities within a few blocks of one another. Granny’s husband Junior served the United States Military in World War II. During his tour, Junior became a prisoner of war. Granny did not hear from Junior for six years. Assuming the worst, she remarried. When Junior returned after the sixth year, they renewed their vows and used his compensation to buy a home on the same block. Although he had no secondary education, Junior quickly found work building bridges in the area and brought home plenty to support their small family. 

One-by-one factories moved away from the neighborhood first into the outskirts of town and eventually overseas or to Canada (as was the case of the furniture manufacturer, according to Granny.) When Junior passed away, Granny sold their home to settle-up medical bills and cover the cost of the burial. 

In the years since Junior’s death, Granny has rented homes within the same city block. Her housemate Sam estimates that Granny has paid the cost of owning a home many times over in rental fees. Granny’s social security check amounts to about $600 each month. The cost to rent is a little over $1000 each month and several hundred in utilities, especially in the winter months as the place lacks insulation. In order to make ends meet, Granny accepts boarders who pay what they can. Sam and his partner Matthew see after her health with the help of a CNA who visits for two hours on weekdays. Currently, Granny is undergoing physical therapy. On the second day of my visit, Granny used her walker to the restroom by herself, a feat that she considers an accomplishment. 

Sam shared that the modest, three bedroom house is home to upwards of twelve boarders when times get tough. Although the intention is that each border will pay his keep, Sam says the sum rarely suffices. 

Patterson Street is located within the zip code xxx01, wedged between the wealthy households of the greater Reynolda Road area and big business that distinguish downtown, less than one mile away. In 2010 the estimated median household income for xxx01 was $33,747 as compared to $44,958 across the state and $73,849 in the adjacent zip code xxx04.

In 2010 39.2% of residents in xxx01 lived below the poverty line as compared with 16.2% across the state and 8.5% in the aforementioned adjacent zip code. While these numbers are staggering, Sam offers that those living in the neighborhood “struggle with something.” For some it may be an addiction or a criminal record. For others, Sam suggests that the mere difficulty of poverty is enough to spark a damaging habit, especially for those who have experienced homelessness. For the neighborhood community homelessness is not unfamiliar. After all, one could throw a stone to both the men’s and women’s shelters. 

*names and other specifics changed to protect anonymity 

Keeping up with the Johnstons

April 21, 2013  /  Lauren Olinger

[Winston-Salem, NC]​

You may remember this precious family, a few months ago Candice, Holt, and Lolly made their debut on the blog for their Christmas photo. I was so pleased Papa Joe could join us this time with Paisley the dog and the newest edition, baby Thompsie. It was a sincere privilege to ​spend the afternoon capturing all the love and energy they have to offer. 

Winston-Salem from the best general view

April 15, 2013  /  Lauren Olinger

[Winston-Salem, NC]​

​Winston-Salem, The Best General View

Copyright Lauren Martinez 2013

Across the small skyline you'll find the headquarters for BB&T, Wells Fargo, GMAC, Hanes Brands, and tobacco giant Reynolds American.

North Carolina is experiencing a ​wildly widening income gap. Since the 1980s the average income of the poorest 20% increased from $14,961 to $16,436. This is an increase of $87 each year or $1,474 over nearly forty years. Meanwhile the average income of the richest 5% of families increased from $125,102 to $197,331 for an increase of $4,249 per year and a whopping $72,229 over time. While any economy will see stark differences in income between it highest and lowest earners, communities like Winston-Salem that grew wealthy by employing low-skill workers at competitive wages are feeling the burden of the shift to an outsourced economy centered on information technologies. 

​

United

April 08, 2013  /  Lauren Olinger

[Wake Forest University]​

​Congregations from the Winston-Salem community came together for a night of worship on April 5, 2013 in Wait Chapel. Special thanks to speakers Bill McCain and Eric Waldrop; as well as David Olinger and Songs of Water for leading worship. 

"... where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom."  2 Corinthians 3:17

Wake 'n' Shake!

March 25, 2013  /  Lauren Olinger

[Wake Forest University]​

Each year the Brian Piccolo Foundation at Wake Forest hosts Wake and Shake Dance Marathon. The event, begun in memory of Wake alum and former NFL athlete Brian Piccolo, raises money to support cancer research and honors those impacted by the devastating disease.​ Events like these make me proud to be a Demon Deacon, over $125,000 was raised on one day to support the Susan G Komen Foundation. Go Deacs!

tags / Wake Forest