INSIDE HIGH POINT APRIL 2022
SAY HELLO TO THE BOYS OF SUMMER! ROCKERS BASEBALL IS BACK IN OUR THRIVING DOWNTOWN!
CONTENTS Welcome to Inside High Point, the newsletter that covers everything going on within the City of High Point and its various departments. If you have news, photos, questions or suggestions for what you would like to see featured, please email us at PIO@highpointnc.gov.
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HPEDC'S NEW BUSINESSES
LIBRARY RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY
PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK
Find out what award the High Point Public Library is in the running for.
See what the City has in store for its employees the first week of May!
Learn which businesses are setting up shop in our city.
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Inside High Point
CITY COUNCIL City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month. You can find their meeting schedule HERE. Mayor - Jay Wagner
Jay.Wagner@highpointnc.gov 336.883.3305
Member at Large - Britt Moore
Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov 336.687.2200
Member at Large - Tyrone E. Johnson
Tyrone.Johnson@highpointnc.gov 336.307.8261
Ward 1 - Cyril Jefferson
Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov
Ward 2 - Chris Williams
Chris.Williams@highpointnc.gov 336.883.1736
Ward 3 - Monica Peters, Mayor Pro Tem
Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov 336.906.7328
Ward 4 - Wesley Hudson
Wesley.Hudson@highpointnc.gov 336.655.5880
Ward 5 - Victor Jones
Victor.Jones@highpointnc.gov 336.899.7777
Ward 6 - Michael Holmes
Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov
www.highpointnc.gov
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HIGH POINT 911
911 Holds Annual Awards Banquet High Point 911 held its annual awards banquet on April 21, 2022, where they announced Jonathan Crouse as the winner of the 2022 Telecommunicator of the Year award. Crouse is a dedicated member of the department who, over the past year, has contributed greatly in many ways to help boost the overall morale and performance of not only his dispatch team but others as well. He is a dedicated employee who always puts High Point citizens first, and he truly goes the extra mile to help ensure the safety of the field units as well. Telecommunicator of the Year Nominees also included: Julie Smith, Amanda Madden, Sarah Tibbetts, Seth Caldwell and Kevin Knight.
The department also recognized and congratulated Captain Patrick O’Toole of the High Point Police Department for winning the inaugural Matthew Brown Legacy Award. The award honors the life and legacy of Master Telecommunicator Matthew Brown, who passed away last year. The award is presented to someone who closely embodies Credit: WFMY what was the true spirit of Brown, and someone who shares the same levels of dedication, compassion and service towards the community that he did. Nominations for the award were sent to Brown’s family, who took the time to judge them based on the traits listed above and selected the recipient. Brown’s widow, Caroline, and family were in attendance to present the award to Captain O’Toole.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDC Announces Downtown Urban Winery & $1.7 Million Investment at Five Points Nomad Wine Works The Triad gains a new attraction with Nomad Wine Works, the area’s first urban micro-winery, locating in downtown High Point at 432 N. Wrenn St. The facility, which aims to open this Fall, will manufacture red and white wines, along with hard apple cider, mead and specialty non-alcoholic drinks such as seasonal teas. The production process will occupy about half of the building, with the other half serving as a tap and tasting room. Nomad Wine Works is the creative collaboration of David Armstrong, who owns The Brewer’s Kettle in High Point, and Aaron Sizemore, who is the co-founder of Radar Brewing in Winston-Salem. The pair described their inspiration for the business, “we have always had a passion for the beverage industry, and with such extensive growth in the downtown, this unique concept is a great fit for the city.” Investing at least $225,000, Armstrong and Sizemore will upfit the property by creating patio space at the front and back entrances, redesigning the building’s façade and decorating the inside with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. “It's an exciting time to be in the downtown area, and Nomad Wine Works will provide an experience that will bring visitors to our city from across the Triad and Carolina Core,” said High Point Economic Development Director Sandy Dunbeck. 6
Inside High Point
Dedicated Medical Center Dedicated Medical Center, a subsidiary of ChenMed, will open a primary care health facility in the Five Points Shopping Center at 131 Greensboro Rd. The company, who services adults with the Medicare Advantage Insurance plan, will invest $1.7 million to upfit the property and create 30 new full-time jobs paying an average salary of $90,339. On Thursday, April 21, the N.C. Department of Commerce announced Dedicated Medical Center would receive $300,000 through the State Building Reuse Grant program. The grant will support the reuse of the 13,219-squarefoot building, which was once a Save-A-Lot. ChenMed and its associated brands are the largest family-owned, physician-led primary care provider serving the neediest and most underserved populations in the United States. The company offers VIP, concierge-style medical services to the health-vulnerable and low-income. Patients are seen on average once a month for chronic illness management and have their doctor’s cell phone number. “Dedicated Medical Center brings not only a significant investment to the community but will also significantly and positively impact the lives of patients through their unique approach to health care,” said High Point Economic Development Director Sandy Dunbeck. The State’s Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate vacant buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies and renovate, expand or construct health care facilities that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and in rural census tracts of Tier 3 counties. www.highpointnc.gov
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PUBLIC SERVICES Public Services Hosts Storywalk for Earth Day City of High Point Public Services partnered with Guilford County Parks to celebrate Earth Day with the installation of a free storywalk at the Thomas Built Bus Preserve at 1601 Potts Ave. in High Point. This self-guided educational installation provided families the opportunity to come read a book and learn about Earth Day at their own pace while getting a chance to enjoy the park. More information on the storywalk and additional Earth Day Activities are available at www.highpointnc.gov/2489/StoryWalks.
Stormwater and KHPB Spread the Word at HPU High Point’s Stormwater Division and Keep High Point Beautiful recently tabled at High Point University in honor of Earth Day 2022. This event focused on educating students about stormwater and litter prevention, their impacts on our environment and informed college students about environmental initiatives and volunteer opportunities coordinated by these two departments. Tabling at community events engages hundreds of community members annually and enables these departments to collaborate with other community groups and organizations to better serve our constituents in creating cleaner and healthier environments. www.highpointnc.gov
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COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Marketing Division Attends GSMCON The High Point Marketing Team flew out to Dallas for the 2022 Government Social Media Conference from March 28-31. GSMCON is the largest social media conference in the United States for government agencies and focuses on how to strategically use social media in government. The team joined more than 1,000 other city, county, state, federal and military entities at the conference. Speakers included representatives from Meta, TikTok, Twitter and even NASA. Team members attended a total of 15 sessions ranging in topics from Instagram Reels and TikTok content to legal concerns and official policy. It was a great opportunity to learn new information and enhance the City’s social media voice.
Human Relations Commission Hosts Ramadan Dinner The High Point Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the Islamic Center of High Point, will host a celebratory Ramadan dinner on April 30, 2002, starting at 7:30 p.m at the Roy B. Culler Senior Center. This meal offers an opportunity for all of High Point to learn more about Islamic culture, while also strengthening our community through fellowship, understanding and good food. The goal of this event is to deepen a sense of community in our international city across many cultures during this time of atonement and thanks. Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. Muslims are called upon to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, stay away from bad habits and use the month to reevaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. It is, therefore, a wonderful time for members of all religious and cultural communities to engage in friendly table conversations and break bread together. The main course of the meal will be catered; the rest of the meal is potluckstyle, and attendees are encouraged, if able, to bring a small appetizer, side dish, or dessert. For questions or more information, contact Rase at rase.mccray@ highpointnc.gov or 336.883.3124.
Library Named Finalist for National Award The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced on April 7, 2022, that High Point Public Library is among 30 finalists for the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. High Point Public Library is one of three institutions in North Carolina to be selected as a finalist for this award. The Asheville Art Museum in Asheville and Neuse Regional Libraries in Kinston are also finalists. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. “Public libraries, as trusted local institutions, are uniquely situated to respond to community needs through strong partnerships and shared efforts. Because of this, we’ve been able to effectively adapt existing programs and services and add new ones to address food insecurity, chronic health issues and other significant issues using our network of partners and supporters,” said Library Director Mary Sizemore. “We embrace our role and our responsibility to serve in this way and will continue to strive to meet the high expectations that our leadership and our community place on us.” “So many museums, so many libraries have done such good work over the last two very difficult years. We are proud to present the 30 finalists for the IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Their work is emblematic of the response of the library and museum worlds to simultaneously fulfilling their mission and serving their communities.” To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging High Point Public Library’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and 12
Inside High Point
videos on social media using the #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website. National Medal winners will be announced in early June. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer. To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.
www.highpointnc.gov
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Beekeeping at the Library High Point City Council member Wesley Hudson installed a beehive with a new queen and about 3,000 honey bees on April 11, 2022, outside the High Point Public Library. Both the beehive and its queen are newly created, so it will take a few days for the pheromones to kick in enough for them to get along, High Point City Councilman Wesley Hudson said as he calmly slid wooden chambers into the colorful box that is the hive’s new home. Hudson, who has owned an organic landscaping company for 20 years, hopes the beehive will educate the community about the difference between honey bees and other pollinators. “Unfortunately pesticides have just about wiped out the native honey bee population,” Hudson said. “For all intents and purposes, there are no wild honey bees left in America. They’re all in hives.” The beehive was needed for pollinating the library’s teaching garden, said Mark Taylor, a librarian at the High Point Public Library who tends its gardens. “I’m hoping this is the final piece in the puzzle to show people how to create a pollinator garden,” Taylor said. Adding the beehive fits into the library’s teaching garden mission, which is to educate people about how to grow food, Taylor said. Earlier phases of the teaching garden demonstrate the use of raised-bed gardens filled
with native perennials, plants that return each year without need of replanting. “This is just the final piece, to bring the bees out,” Taylor said. “This way, I’m guaranteed to see an increase in production of vegetables and hopefully this is going to correct some of the problems we had with producing squash and zucchini because their flowers were not getting pollinated.” Hudson noted honey bees are extremely territorial and should not bother library patrons who stay away from the beehive, which should hold about 10,000 bees at maturity. There will be signs near the beehive, which is on library property near the corner of Sunset Drive and Elm Street.
Article courtesy of the High Point Enterprise
Photos by Brandon Cook & Ryan Ferguson
HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE WELLNESS MAY EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP
May 17
8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
- Schedule Appointment here: PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP
FINANCIAL WELLNESS SEMINAR: BECOMING A HOMEOWNER
May 17
9 A.M.
- Link: FINANCIAL WELLNESS SEMINAR: BECOMING A HOMEOWNER
NUTRITION SEMINAR: YOUR BRAIN ON FOOD (NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY BRAIN & MENTAL OUTLOOK)
May 26
10 A.M.
- Link: NUTRITION SEMINAR: YOUR BRAIN ON FOOD (NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY BRAIN AND MENTAL OUTLOOK )
ONGOING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES LUNCHTIME WALKING GROUP
Contact Kristi Wallace for details.
DAILY WELLNESS TEXT
Text ‘DailyWellnessText’ to 833.744.0553 to opt-in
VIRTUAL FIVE -MIN WORK BREAKS & 30-MIN WORKOUTS
Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel
HEALTHY RECIPE SHAREPOINT
Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel
INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS: WELLNESS BOOK DISCUSSION 16
Inside High Point
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from City Hall
Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel
NOON
City to Celebrate Public Service Recognition Week Next week, May 2-6, the City of High Point will celebrate Public Service Recognition Week to recognize and commend its employees. Celebrated the first full week in May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is a time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. The City will use this occasion to educate others about the work its employees do and why they have chosen public service careers, as well as the many ways government services make life better for communities. On Monday, Mayor Jay Wagner will read a proclamation formally recognizing the first week of May as Public Services Recognition Week at the City Council Meeting. On Tuesday, the marketing division will visit different departments to photograph employees and showcase what motivates them to work in public service. Wednesday has been named “wellbeing Wednesday,” during which our Wellness Analyst Kristi Wallace will provide resources on the importance of mental health. Employees who participate in this programming will be entered to win a prize. Thursday will focus on thanks. Employees are encouraged to send thank-you notes to coworkers for the important work they do. Additionally, the City will host a food drive to give back to our community. This is another chance for employees to win a prize if they bring in a canned food donation. Finally, On Friday, Human Resources will host a celebration at the terminal in front of the High Point Theatre for all CHP employees. Attendees will be treated to ice cream and entered a final prize drawing.
Four City Employees Promoted Congratulations to:
Connie Carter
Wilson Womble
Promoted from Permit Specialist II to Code Enforcement Officer I
Promoted from MRF Equipment Operator to MRF Supervisor
Betzy Hardin
Robert Baker
Promoted from Accountant Technician II to IT Financial Analyst
Promoted from Stormwater Specialist II to Operations Analyst
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Inside High Point
Welcome CHP New Hires! Congratulations and welcome to: Noah Thornburg – Parks & Recreation Recreation Attendant Matthew Rowell – HPPD Police Officer Shanyce Frith – Public Services Sanitation Equipment Operator
Karon Hunter – Public Services W/S Technician Isaiah Mack – Public Services W/S Technician Tyler Snider – Public Services W/S Technician Noah Weavil – Public Services W/S Technician
Dexter Harp – Public Services Sanitation Worker
Tristan Sutton – Public Services Residuals Operator
Jerome Heilig – Public Services Sanitation Worker
Riley Holt – Museum Store Attendant
Reco Heilig – Public Services Sanitation Worker
Victoria Ruvio – HPPD Police Officer Master
Corey McCullough – Public Services Sanitation Worker
Spencer Alderin – HPPD Police Officer
Tsiyah Naarah – Public Services Sanitation Equipment Operator
Tyler Harmon – HPPD Police Officer
Devanite Thurman – Public Services Worker
Sanitation
Nicholas Ryder- HPPD Police Officer, Master I Michael Meservey – HPPD Police Officer, Master III
Jesse Merritt – HPFD Fire Inspector
James Smith – Public Services MRF Worker
Charles Diggs – Community Development & Housing Local Codes Enforcement Officer
Zachary Troutner – Transportation Services Technician
Dewey Harris Jr. – Public Services MRF Worker
Kesha Andrews – Transportation Services Transit Operator
Sylvia Tull – Public Services MRF Worker
Sherri Cannady – Parks & Recreation Program Activity Leader
Christopher Ester – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator
Forrest Rapier – Parks & Recreation Lifeguard
Shanyce Richardson – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator Ginger Tyson – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator Jesse Cardwell – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator
Traffic Signal
Taylor Redfearn – Parks & Recreation Program Activity Leader Kyva Jones – Public Information Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Analyst Ashley Garren – Information Technologies Telecommunicator, Master Scherrie Lowery – Human Resources Assistant Director
Justin Childress – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator
Zachary Frank – Planning & Development Code Enforcement Officer
Christopher Gay Jr. – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator
Leigh Clodfelter – Parks & Recreation Office Support IV
Edwin Harris – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator Terrance Hood – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator
Marquis Blount – Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper Benjamin Mazur – Parks & Recreation Park Attendant/Comm Serv Joseline Gonzalez – Parks & Recreation Seasonal Park Attendant
David Lawson – Public Services Brick Mason
Matthew Armstrong – HPPD Police Officer
Jeffrey Mazzei – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator
Michael Ryder – HPPD Police Officer Master
Victor Miranda – Public Services Motor Equipment Operator Ellis Ader – Public Services W/S Technician Jakobe Harris – Public Services W/S Technician
www.highpointnc.gov
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PARKS & RECREATION Miracle League Starts Spring 2022 Season So many smiles and so much fun as High Point Parks & Recreation Miracle League players prepared for their spring 2022 opener with the annual Skills Night in early April, generously sponsored by our friends at Planet Fitness. It is community support from our buddies, coaches, parents, businesses like Planet Fitness and our other sponsors that make it possible for our athletes to return to the "Field of Dreams" each spring and fall. Thank you to all!
When the season opener rolled around on April 8, A little chilly wind didn't keep athletes and volunteers from celebrating the start of the 2022 spring season on the "Field of Dreams!" Participants and staff were honored to welcome Dr. Nathan Morelli, the newest member of the High Point Parks & Recreation Commission, to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The game ended in a tie between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, and a great time was had by all! Miracle League provides youth, teens and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. To volunteer, sponsor or get more information about registering an athlete, please call High Point Parks & Recreation’s ASPIRE staff at 336.883.3477.
Let the Senior Games Begin
High Point Parks & Recreation celebrated a great kickoff to the 2022 Greater High Point Senior Games at the Roy B. Culler, Jr. Senior Center, featuring the state champion High Point Rah Rahs Cheerleaders, many Senior Games participants and a vendor fair! The fellowship, fun and fitness that is Senior Games will last through May with over 65 athletic competitions and 35 SilverArts categories.
All-Stars Succeed at National Competition High Point Parks & Recreation is proud to announce their All-Stars Cheerleaders brought home first place in the Powerhouse Spirit Nationals competition in Petersburg, Va.! Congratulations also to the High Point All-Stars Stunt Team, who finished second! This group of 16 talented athletes and four coaches practice twice a week and have already finished in first place at two other competitions this season. Way to go, young ladies!
Chief Park Ranger Chris Riewe Retires Did you know that High Point is one of the few municipalities in North Carolina that is fortunate to have sworn law enforcement officers as dedicated park rangers? At the end of April, High Point Parks & Recreation wished Chief Park Ranger Chris Riewe the best of luck as he retired from the City of High Point after nearly 30 years of dedicated service. His colleagues from throughout High Point and even other parts of the state, including former park rangers, retirees and a chief he once worked for and eventually succeeded, came to celebrate the occasion at High Point City Lake Park, where Chief Riewe's City career began. Please join us in thanking Chief Chris Riewe for his commitment to safety and community!
Improvements Made at Oak Hollow Each year in April, the outdoor clay courts at Oak Hollow Tennis Center are refurbished with approximately 1,600 pounds of clay. Tennis courts can be constructed from at least four different types of materials, but clay courts are easier on the human body, as the surface absorbs more shock and allows players to conserve slightly more energy throughout the game. High Point Parks & Recreation offers a variety of tennis programs - at Oak Hollow Tennis Center, at some of our recreation centers and through ASPIRE for people with disabilities. Learn more at www. highpointnc.gov/pr. In addition to the tennis courts, High Point Parks & Recreation completed the dock replacement project at Oak Hollow Marina.
HP Power Basketball Team Second in State Congratulations to the High Point Power Sixth-Grade Boys Team on its second-place finish in the NCAAU State Championship Tournament! These young athletes have worked hard and represented High Point well. For more information on youth athletics, please call 336.883.3480.
INSIDE HIGH POINT Brought to you by: City of High Point Communications and Public Engagement Department High Point, N.C. 27260 336.883.3288 Noelle.Miller@HighPointNC.gov