Inside High Point - August 2021

INSIDE HIGH POINT

AUGUST 2021

COLTRANE IS COMING TO TOWN! THE CITY GEARS UP TO CELEBRATE THE 10TH ANNUAL JOHN COLTRANE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

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.

04/

14/

20/

COVER STORY

911 ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

MEET THE HP SUPPORT TEAM

See how we are celebrating High Point's own, John Coltrane.

2

Inside High Point

Learn who was named Telecommunicator of the Year.

Plus, find out the newest support feature.

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

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

3

It seemed fitting to host this exhibition during the 10th anniversary of the festiv so that people can learn more about its namesake."

High Point Museum Director Edi Magazine Photo by4 Chuck Stewart from the exhibit, "A Love Supreme"

val

ith Brady

COLTRANE EXHIBIT TO OPEN AT THE HIGH POINT MUSEUM

T

he High Point Museum has partnered with the GRAMMY Museum® to bring the "A Love Supreme: The Jazz of John Coltrane through the Eyes of Chuck Stewart," curated by the GRAMMY Museum®, to High Point from Sept. 3 to Dec. 5.

album "A Love Supreme" and photographed the jazz musician on several other occasions.

These rare and mostly unseen photos are owned by the Chuck Stewart estate and capture the famed musician's unique perspective and insight.

A

"

T

A

n opening reception will be held in conjunction with the Coltrane Festival on Friday, Sept. 3, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. During the opening weekend, the museum will be offering tours of Coltrane's childhood home at 118 Underhill Street in High Point on Friday, Sept.

3, from 3 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. In celebration of Coltrane's birthday, the museum will also show the documentary Chasing Trane on Sept.

23 at 7 p.m. he exhibit features 20 photographs of John Coltrane taken by the legendary cultural photographer Chuck Stewart and an alto saxophone used by the jazz musician. It is sponsored by DRIVE High Point, the High Point Historical Society, and the Friends of John Coltrane and coincides with the 10th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival.

It seemed fitting to host this exhibition during the 10th anniversary of the festival so that people can learn more about its namesake," said High Point Museum Director Edith Brady. "We have enjoyed getting to work with the Grammy Museum® and offering our community a unique glimpse into the adult life and career of the High Point-raised John Coltrane."

long with the photographs by Stewart, the exhibit will also include an alto saxophone used by John Coltrane. This is a significant opportunity for fans of Coltrane or jazz lovers to view an instrument that was fundamental in changing the history of jazz. Other artifacts related to John Coltrane are also on view as part of the museum's huck Stewart was the only permanent collection, including photographer at the historic the piano from his childhood recording session of Coltrane's home on Underhill Street.

C

www.highpointnc.gov

5

NEW MUSEUM EXHIBIT CELEBRATES STATE’S BLACK MUSICIANS

I

n the midst of preparing for the opening of “A Love Supreme,” the High Point Museum was in the news for another exhibit. The opening of the “African American Musicians of North Carolina” exhibit in The High Point Museum took place on Aug. 13, 2021. This traveling exhibit, created by The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to help cultural heritage institutions statewide connect with local communities, will be on view through Sept. 15, 2021.

Photo courtesy of The High Point Enterprise

6

Inside High Point

T

he Exhibit celebrates the contributions of individuals and bands to regional and popular culture. In addition to a title and introductory panel, seven panels feature various musical genres and celebrate some of our state’s most notable musicians and sounds. Genres include string bands, blues, gospel, jazz, soul, funk, and hip hop.

A T

final panel highlights the N.C. Arts Council’s African American Music Trail through the state’s central coastal plain. An interactive touch screen allows users to learn more about several musicians and listen to examples of Black North Carolinians’ musical creations. he exhibit is part of the department’s “Come Hear NC” initiative, which celebrates North Carolina’s musical traditions, artists and legacy. Learn more at www.ncarts.org/comehearnc.

www.highpointnc.gov

7

8

Inside High Point

www.highpointnc.gov

9

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT John Coltrane Statue Display Gets a Makeover In preparation for the upcoming festival, the City’s marketing division teamed up with the museum to repair and refresh the informational signage next to the renowned John Coltrane statue on the corner of South Hamilton Street and East Commerce Avenue. The new layout remains true to the original but includes updated information and dynamic photos to modernize the display. Marketing Manager Ryan Ferguson was responsible for the overall design, which features photos taken by Brandon Cook, communications specialist and the City’s official photographer.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUR COMPANIES RELOCATE TO HIGH POINT In the last 30 days, four companies have announced relocating to High Point: Key Risk, Classical Elements, Inc., M2C Studio and Leyla Gans LLC. Key Risk, a Berkley Company, will relocate to downtown High Point in The Outfields, at 275 N Elm St.,

with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022. Set to occupy the entire third floor and half of the second floor, the worker's compensation provider will be the building’s anchor tenant.

“We want to have a creative, engaging office environment that our employees see as an exciting place to come to work every day,’” said company president Scott Holbrook.

“The amenities of the Stock & Grain Food Hall, Congdon Yards and Truist Point Stadium are all key to us wanting to be downtown in High Point.”

12

Inside High Point

The additional three companies are owned by power couple Stuart and Leyla Gans and will operate in the historic mill building at 1200 Redding Drive to create approximately 30 jobs. Classical Elements and M2C Studio are leaders in creative design, production and service in the world of trim, drapery hardware and lighting, while Leyla Gans LLC offers jewelry crafted with textile techniques inspired by travel, art and nature. On choosing High Point, the Gans cited the building’s historical nature in the Home Furnishings Capital of the WorldTM and the availability of talent.

In continuation of the small-scale manufacturing initiative, HPEDC staff led a tour around the city’s southwest area, visiting transformed properties such as the Hot Shots distribution center, COHAB Space and public art along the Greenway, as well as opportunity properties like the former showroom at 300 Oak St. and cityowned sites. Attendees saw first-hand opportunities abound in High Point!

High Point Economic Development Corp. also welcomed new City Manager Tasha Logan Ford to the August board meeting.

Manager Logan Ford addressed the group expressing both gratitude and a bold vision for the future.

Keep up with the latest news, announcements and updates from HPEDC by following @highpointedc on Instagram! www.highpointnc.gov

13

14

Inside High Point

HIGH POINT 911 STAFF HONORED AT ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET The High Point 911 Department hosted its annual awards banquet last month at the Green Street Baptist Church. The prestigious Telecommunicator of the Year award was presented to Meredith Davenport for her extraordinary performance in 2020.

Additionally, the Baker Team was able to celebrate their North Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications (APCO) 2021 Communications Team of the Year award once again. Chapter President Grayson Gusa presented the award to Supervisor Joe Meservey, Sara Bond, Portia Clowdis, Tyler Hilton, Devin Hughes, Julie Smith and Kevin Webber in person.

This honor was previously presented virtually by the NCAPCO for the team’s exceptional response when three officers were ambushed during a hostage situation back in February. In the midst of this situation, they also responded to all calls received during their 12-hour shift, including other emergencies happening at the same time.

15

PUBLIC SERVICES ALLEN JAY PREPARATORY ACADEMY GOES “UNDER CONSTRUCTION” ON OPENING DAY OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR The Street Maintenance Division within the Public Services Department recently helped bring in the new school year for students at Allen Jay Preparatory Academy for opening day on Aug. 9, 2021. The theme for this upcoming new school year was “under construction” to try and re-energize the students as they returned. Staff from street maintenance were able to assist by staging a large dump truck, trailer, and excavator and placing work zone safety signs and cones with various activities and stations set up for students as they arrived. A big thanks to the staff that assisted in this effort. The school leaders were very appreciative, along with the students who really enjoyed this opening day event.

16

Inside High Point

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS SEPTEMBER EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES Now - Sept. 7

FALL INTO FITNESS CHALLENGE

Sept. 2 & 4

YOGA PADDLEBOARDING

Sept. 8

SEPTEMBER 2021 WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEETING

Sept. 14, 15, 22, 23, 28

BIOMETRIC SCREENINGS - REGISTER FOR APPOINTMENT AT HTTPS://MY.QUESTFORHEALTH.COM

Sept. 15

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS CHAT: OVERALL WELLNESS

Sept. 18

PADDLEBOARDING: CONTACT KRISTI WALLACE OR LAMAR LEE TO REGISTER - BASIC NOON | FUNDAMENTALS 3 P.M. | GLOWING NIGHT 7:15 P.M.

Sept. 21

FINANCIAL SEMINAR: BUDGETING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Sept. 21

PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP

Sept. 23

NUTRITION SEMINAR: INS & OUTS OF SUPPLEMENTS

- CONTACT KRISTI WALLACE TO REGISTER SEPT. 2 - 6:30 P.M. | SEPT. 4 - 8:30 A.M.

- CONTACT KRISTI WALLACE OR LAMAR LEE TO REGISTER 3:30 P.M.

- LINK: WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEETING

(REGISTRATION KEY: HighPointNC2021) 3:30 P.M.

- LINK: WEDNESDAY WELLNESS CHAT

9 A.M.

- LINK: BUDGETING FOR THE HOLIDAYS 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.

- SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT HERE: PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP 10 A.M.

- LINK: INS & OUTS OF SUPPLEMENTS

SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

Southside Recreation Center RSVP Required (Kristi Wallace: kristi.wallace@highpointnc.gov or 336.822.4785)

DAILY WELLNESS TEXT

Text ‘DailyWellnessText’ to 833.744.0553 to opt-in

VIRTUAL 5-MIN WORK BREAKS Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel & 30-MIN WORKOUTS

FREE HOME EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Contact Kristi Wallace for details

INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE PRESCRIPTIONS

Contact Kristi Wallace for details

VIRTUAL/TELEPHONIC/ IN-PERSON HEALTH COACHING

Contact Kristi Wallace to schedule (Kristi Wallace: kristi.wallace@highpointnc.gov or 336.822.4785)

EMPLOYEES ENJOY FREE PADDLEBOARDING OPPORTUNITIES The City of High Point Human Resources Department’s Wellness Program teamed up with the Parks and Recreation Department to offer free stand-up paddleboarding classes and events for City employees, and employees have certainly been enjoying the opportunity.

Paddleboarding is great exercise and gives a completely different perspective on the lakes.

Classes include Basic Stand-up Paddleboarding, Fundamentals of Stand-up Paddleboarding and Yoga Paddleboarding. The basic class provides one hour of learning the basics of paddleboarding with an experienced instructor, plus 30 minutes with the equipment to play and have fun on your own.

The fundamentals class is a longer course that provides instruction in the basics of stand-up paddleboarding, plus additional skills and safety knowledge that will give you the confidence to enjoy SUP on larger waters.

Participants will have the opportunity to practice skills during this session.

Participants must know how to swim. This is similar to the basics course but with more time on the water and more in-depth safety skills instruction.

18

Inside High Point

The stand-up paddleboard yoga class combines the mindfulness, strength, flexibility and balance of yoga with the serene beauty of nature and being out on the water. This 75-minute combination of stand-up paddleboarding and yoga is the perfect balance of relaxation and exercise.

Yoga Paddleboarding classes are offered on Sept. 2, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., and Sept. 4, from 8:30 – 10 a.m. The next basic class will be Sept. 18, from noon-1:30 p.m. The next fundamentals class is also on Sept. 18, from 3 – 5 p.m. All will take place on Oak Hollow Lake.

Another exciting paddleboarding opportunity offered free to City employees is the Glowing Night Paddle event. This unique experience utilizes a glowing board lit from underneath. Participants will enjoy Oak Hollow Lake after dark as soft lighting on your board makes the water glow beneath your feet. The event will begin about an hour before sunset to allow everyone to get organized and comfortable on the boards, followed by a two-hour sunset exploration of the lake. Employees can contact Lamar Lee & Kristi Wallace to register for any of these exciting opportunities.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HP Support Have you had the opportunity to see your new HP Support system? If you have not, please navigate over to HP Support, IT's citywide support interface. From here, you can see many links, including HP Support’s ticketing interface, a link for Beacon, the Intranet, thePoint and a very valuable resource: The Knowledge Base. But how did all of this happen? The people, of course! The City of High Point Information Services Department is staffed with some eager and knowledgeable employees, and we would like you to meet the user support team.

Behind the Keyboard: Meet the Team Virginia Baskins, User Support Manager Virginia Baskins has over 10 years of IT user support experience and a bachelor’s degree in IT/network security.

She also holds a CompTIA Network + certification. Baskins thoroughly enjoys helping others, as it is a natural niche for her. Because of this, she chose a career path in IT user support. She is a critical thinker and problem solver.

Baskins is eager to assist and looks forward to working closely with staff in providing exceptional support to maximize the end user’s satisfaction.

Brianna Azzara, User Support Agent Having worked nearly 14 years with the City of High Point so far, Brianna Azzara enjoys the interaction and opportunities provided by this new position. She especially enjoys the training aspect. Working to build relationships with employees all over the City, Azzara hopes to improve your day-to-day work experiences.

One way she is working toward that goal is to complete her degree at Forsyth Tech, where she recently received her Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification.

Not only that, but being surrounded by an intelligent, passionate and dedicated team makes the problem-solving aspect an enjoyable and creative experience. Once the business day is done, Azzara can often be found networking throughout the roller derby community or skating through her own community with her children. She looks forward to bumping into you!

NEW HP SUPPORT FEATURE HP Support is excited to announce a new feature: live chat! Log in to the HP Support site and click the “support” button in the bottom right of the screen to engage in a live chat with an HP Support agent. Click “get in touch” to begin your chat.

Live chat is quick and convenient! www.highpointnc.gov

21

PARKS & RECREATION Parks Director Receives Local Professional Feature The City of High Point’s very own Parks & Recreation Director Lee Tillery was featured in High Point Discovered’s most recent magazine issue, highlighting professionals throughout High Point. In the article, Tillery spoke about his position and the variety it affords him on a day-to-day basis.

“The common theme in Parks and Recreation is that no two days are the same,” said Tillery, which is an aspect of the job he appreciates.

Tillery joined the City of High Point as the assistant director of parks & recreation in January 2013 and became director in February 2014. In the time since, he and his team have done outstanding work to improve the

22

Inside High Point

parks and facilities as well as expanding programming to reach residents of all areas and demographics.

Under Tillery’s direction, High Point became a nationally accredited parks and recreation department. This honor is shared by fewer than 200 parks in the United States. Additionally, he was named President of the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA) in December 2020.

This organization oversees the advancement of the park, recreation and leisure professions in the state, representing over 5,400 parks and recreation professionals.

“I appreciate the City of High Point being so supportive of professional development and encouraging employees, like myself, to work toward the advancement of their profession, locally, statewide, and nationally,” said Tillery.

For the full article and to read Tillery’s the one-on-one interview with High Point Discovered, go to https://highpointdiscovered.org/magazine/ parks-get-professional-meet-lee-tillery/.

www.highpointnc.gov

23

DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW COMMISSION MEMBERS Lauren Britton is one of two newer members of the High Point Parks & Recreation Commission; she began her term in 2020. Britton, who grew up in High Point, graduated from Anderson University and works as a furniture sales representative.

She and her husband Trey have a beautiful daughter named Amelia, who thoroughly charmed everyone at the recent volunteer picnic.

Britton enjoys working out, coaching basketball and travel.

“I grew up here and always want to find ways to give back,” said Britton.

“I also love being outdoors, so parks and recreation seemed like the perfect fit and an opportunity to get involved with my community.”

Eric Abeles, the second new member of the High Point Parks & Recreation Commission, began his term in 2020. Abeles grew up in High Point, is a proud graduate of East Carolina University and works as an account executive with Level Solutions Group. He enjoys Crossfit and watching football with his wife, Cheridan, who is a nurse. His stepson Harrison Lipe is currently serving in the US Army.

“I love High Point! High Point is my home,” said Abeles in response to why he joined the commission.

The department expressed its appreciation of Britton and Abeles’ time this past year and is pleased to officially welcome them to the commission.

24

Inside High Point

HOMEGROWN HEROS TEACH CAMPERS TO GARDEN We love our community partnerships! Staff from Homegrown Heroes taught Oakview Recreation Center's summer day campers the difference between root vegetables and stem vegetables and how they play a role in healthy eating. The participants were also a tour of the garden, where they were able to see different vegetables and how they grow.

TRAILBLAZERS LEARN CAMPING FROM THE BEST The Trailblazers summer campers from Deep River Recreation Center recently spent a morning at Oak Hollow Campground learning about camping and outdoor safety from High Point Park Ranger Thomas Roehm.

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONER HONORED Lee Tillery, Director of High Point Parks & Recreation, (left) and Marshall Newsome, Chair of the High Point Parks & Recreation Commission, (right) recognize and thank local volunteer Ed Price (center) at a recent meeting.

Newsome noted Price's advocacy for youth, schools and local sports as he ends his term on the Parks & Recreation Commission after serving since 2005.

PARKS & RECREATION PARTNERS FOR GIVEAWAY High Point Parks & Recreation was pleased to join The Salvation Army and the City of High Point Housing Authority again this year in hosting a School Supply Giveaway on Aug. 19, at Washington Terrace Community Center. Over two hundred backpacks were distributed to local students as they prepare for a new school year.

We love our community partnerships!

SUPERHEROS FOR SUPER CAMPERS Oakview Recreation Center's Summer Day Camp celebrated Superhero Day on Friday, Aug. 6. Campers made superhero crafts, ate a superhero lunch and played superhero games.

The planet is safe with all these heroes around!

END-OF-SUMMER SUMMER CAMP CELEBRATION As summer 2021 came to an end, the Summer Day Camp participants from Allen Jay, Deep River and Oakview Recreation Centers came together to celebrate the ultimate field day with water slides, water balloon fights, a tug-o-war competition, Kona Ice and more!

www.highpointnc.gov

27

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.Varga@HighPointNC.gov