Inside High Point - December by cityofhighpoint

INSIDE HIGH POINT DECEMBER 2021

HAPPY HOLIDAYS THANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR!

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/

16/

21/

PARKS & REC RAISE GRANT ANGELS IN CELEBRATION BLUE BACK AT WELCOMES NEW COMMISSONERS IT! Find out who came to commemorate the City's Read how our HPPD success! officers are spreading Christmas cheer.

Inside High Point

Check out the new faces on the Parks & Recreation Commission.

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

CITY CELEBRATES RAISE GRANT On Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, the City celebrated the $19.8 million RAISE Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation at the High Point Public Library's Arts& Education Pavilion. Among the 57 in attendance were Rep. Kathy Manning, regional representative for Sen. Thom Tillis, Stephanie Blair, Field Representative Mike Fenley of the Northwest region for Sen. Richard Burr and NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division Director Ryan Brumfield. Mayor Wagner offered his remarks on the project, and council members Monica Peters and Cyril Jefferson, as well as members of City staff, came to show their support. We would like to extend a huge thank you and congratulations to the City staff responsible for the grant application and its success, including but not limited to Randy McCaslin, Greg Ferguson, Eric Olmedo, Trevor Spencer, Mark McDonald, Lee Tillery, Heidi Galanti, Greg Venable, Benny Deel and Andrew Edmonds. With funds from the grant, the "High Point on the RISE" project will enhance equitable access to public investments and community assets, spur transit-oriented economic development, and provide a safe, sustainable, and active route of transportation for walking, bicycling, and micro-mobility. The urban multimodal greenway and streetscape project will connect lower-income communities of

color in southwest High Point to the City's mass transit facilities and other essential services like the Wake Forest Baptist Health High Point Medical Center, High Point Public Library, the High Point Greenway, new commercial development and new recreation destinations like the new $35 million Truist Stadium. The project will also connect two Title 1 public elementary schools, six public parks, a public recreation center, two large Boys and Girls Clubs and twelve historic mills. The project includes Phases 1-3 of the Southwest Heritage Greenway, a shared-use path linking Downtown transit and train terminals to community parks, schools, residential and redeveloping areas. It also includes the North Elm Street Streetscape, creating a Complete Street from Commerce Drive to Sunset Drive. Finally, the Sunset Drive/Montlieu Avenue segment will be a roadway retrofit to include a north-side sidepath, ultimately connecting to Blain Street and the High Point Greenway at Armstrong Park. When completed and added to the existing greenway system, the project will create a 16-mile active transportation and recreation corridor in High Point. For more information on the High Point on the RISE project, click here.

Thank you, Danice Taylor for organizing this celebration.

GREG FERGUSON APPOINTED DEPUTY CITY MANAGER High Point City Manager Tasha Logan Ford announced on Dec. 7, 2021, that Gregory Ferguson has been appointed Deputy City Manager and will transition to this role on Jan. 2, 2022. Greg Ferguson takes on this position with over 27 years of local government management experience in Virginia and North Carolina. Prior to accepting the job of High Point Assistant City Manager for Community Services in 2019, he worked as the Town Manager of Waxhaw, N.C., and previously served as Town Manager of Huntersville, N.C. Ferguson has spearheaded successful development projects, including the Huntersville Town Center. “While economic development has been a key part of his career over the years, Greg brings operational experience from his previous management roles and understands the importance of mixed-use development, growth and planning,” said Logan Ford. “He embraces the philosophy of creating equitable opportunities both within our organization and in the broader High Point community.” “The City of High Point has a great team of professionals that work hard daily to provide services to our businesses and residents,” said Ferguson. “High Point is in an exciting phase of growth and redevelopment, as we look to complete the remaining bond projects, continue the momentum associated with the development of downtown and begin construction on the projects associated with the $19.8 million RAISE grant. I am honored to be selected by City Manager Logan Ford to help move those efforts forward." With this appointment and the recent developments and growth, the City is optimistic that the community will be better positioned to be a city to live, work and play for our current residents and those that will call High Point home in the future. Congratulations, Greg! 6

Inside High Point

MUSEUM HOSTS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE The High Point Museum hosted its 49th annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 5. People of all ages enjoyed an entertaining day at the museum that highlighted and showcased High Point's history while getting the local community to get in the holiday spirit. The open house featured holiday-themed musical performances from local groups, arts and crafts, refreshments including hot apple cider and cookies, historical demonstrations, candle dipping, an outdoor exhibit and a visit from the one and only Santa Claus. Entertainment included the High Point University Brass Quartet, the Memorial Handbells of First Presbyterian Church and a DJ playing holiday music. Santa Claus met with kids in the Little Red Schoolhouse, while crafts and refreshments were offered inside the museum. There were also historical demonstrations, candle dipping and an outdoor exhibit titled "Winter Holidays Around the World" in the Historical Park. "We enjoy hosting this event for our community each year," Edith Brady, Museum Director, said. "It’s a fun and relaxed way to usher in the holiday season with others in our community.” Be sure to follow the museum on social media to learn more about the exciting events in 2022!

www.highpointnc.gov

SCOTTISH FAIRE WITH HOLIDAY FLAIR The High Point Museum hosted a Scottish Faire on Saturday, Dec. 18, during which attendees joined early North Carolina Scots families as they prepared to celebrate and enjoy festive Scottish traditions for New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) and the Yule season. Several attendees showed up ready for the end-ofyear festivities by coming in costume, while others observed traditional Hogmanay dishes being made over an open fire. The museum celebrated Scottish festivities with several demonstrations and activities throughout the day. Historic beer brewer Frank McMahon demonstrated his 18th-century craft, and Kristin Toler and Sarah Moore knitted and wove pieces of Scottish clothing. Participants were able to take a break from the rainy weather by coming into the museum to listen to traditional Gaelic folktales told by Dr. Michael Newtons. The on-theme weather did not keep visitors from gathering outside to listen and dance to Celtic band the Syllabub Trio and the Jamestown Pipe and Drums, who played Scottish melodies. Scottish traditions would have been familiar to many early Scots-Irish settlers in the Triad,” said Museum Director Edith Brady. “We are excited to share the history, food and crafts of the New Year’s celebration.”

Inside High Point

LIBRARY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING RETURNS! The High Point Public Library kicked off the holiday season with the lighting of its Christmas tree on Saturday, Dec. 4. The 15-foot Christmas tree was donated by library supporter and local attorney Jim Morgan in December 2019. COVID prevented a tree-lighting in 2020, and library staff celebrated the return of this tradition with a day-long schedule of holiday events. On Saturday morning, the High Point Farmers Market held a special Holiday Market with over 40 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, fish, poultry, plants and baked goods. Crafts such as pottery, woodworking, jewelry, soaps and candles were also be available. A visit by Guilford County Animal Control with adoptable pets was a special feature of this year’s Holiday Market. The ARC of High Point Choir entertained shoppers with Christmas carols in the afternoon and the Hope City Food Truck was also in attendance. Attendees were able to see a free showing of the holiday movie “Elf” in the Morgan Community Room with hot chocolate and holiday cookies.

Inside High Point

Santa Claus also made an appearance for photos, and the Tri-City Christian Academy Silver Bells handbell choir will performed a variety of holiday songs in the firstfloor lobby. At the end of the event, Santa Claus and Jim Morgan lead the way to the Christmas tree for the lighting. Be sure to check out the tree and take advantage of the lighted “Selfie Sleigh” in front of the library for additional holiday photo opportunities! The Christmas tree and sleigh will remain lit until after the New Year.

PUBLIC SERVICES Keep High Point Beautiful Hosts Strategic Planning Meetings Keep High Point Beautiful Board Members and Youth Advisory Council held their Strategic Planning meeting this month at the new Congdon Yards facility. Keep High Point Beautiful operates under the City of High Point's Public Services Department Environmental Services Division and serves as an environmental and beautification resource for the community. The board is comprised of many community members from various industries and backgrounds. There are also several members who work for the City in differing capacities. Many thanks to Kelsie Burgess & Robbie Baker from Stormwater, Laura McCoy from Environmental Services and Sandy Dunbeck with Economic Development. A special thank you to Andy Piper from Planning & Development, for leading our planning session. 12

Inside High Point

Terry Houk Retires! The head of the City of High Point’s largest department will retire by the end of the year. Terry Houk has served since 2014 as director of the High Point Public Services Department, which operates the city’s critical infrastructure, such as water, sewer and stormwater systems, garbage and recycling collection, the Kersey Valley Landfill and street maintenance. He joined the City in 2002, after working for the City of Greensboro’s water and sewer department. His total career in the public sector has spanned 31 years. Houk estimates that he has helped in the planning and development of about $500 million worth of infrastructure projects, including, for High Point, the expansion of the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, construction of a transmission line from the Randleman Regional Reservoir, a major upgrade of the city’s recycling facility, construction of new lines around Truist Point stadium and a slew of smaller projects all over the city. “I would say, from my perspective, just personally, I’ve been supported by City Council, and that’s allowed me to do what I need to do,” Houk said. “I think I’ve still got a great staff. I don’t think there will be a bump in the road when I leave.” Another point of pride has been the way the department, which is budgeted for more than 300 employees, has continued to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Congratulations, Terry, and thank you for your service! *Article courtesy of Pat Kimbrough, High Point Enterprise

www.highpointnc.gov

High Point Recycling Starts on Styrofoam! Environmental Services has teamed up with Tiny House Community Development, Inc. to create a styrofoam recycling drop-off in High Point! Community members can drop off their clean and dry styrofoam packaging in the recycling trailer located at 3001 Ingleside Drive on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. & on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Residents must make sure to only place clean foam takeout containers, packaging, egg cartons and rigid Styrofoam-like coolers. No pluck foam, flexible foam wrapping, peanuts or bubble wrap will be allowed. This trailer is only for styrofoam, not other plastics. As always, if in doubt, please throw it out. Great work and congratulations on this new recycling endeavor!

Inside High Point

HUMAN RELATIONS Human Relations Welcomes New Commissioner The Human Relations Department is happy to celebrate our newest Human Relations Commissioner, Geovanni Hood. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Commissioner Hood has happily adopted High Point as his second home. "It is a privilege to serve my city," he said. "I'm excited to join this group of like-minded individuals working to unite people across High Point, allowing us to all share one voice." Commissioner Hood is a fashion show producer as well as a nonprofit founder and fundraiser. His goal is to "show the community how we can impact and make change," he said, "while stimulating economic growth through fashion." His fashion shows are focused toward nonprofit organizations and fundraising initiatives. One of Commissioner Hood's largest projects is Awareness Challenge Worldwide, a platform for uniting people who advocate, educate, and help people living with or affected by different diseases, as well as people who advocate for other important causes. In addition to his advocacy, Commissioner Hood is himself a carrier of sickle cell disease. "I hope to make a difference while serving on the Commission," he said. "I look forward to engaging in thought-provoking dialogue to generate ideas that ultimately improve our High Point community." Please join us in welcoming Human Relations Commissioner Hood! www.highpointnc.gov

ANGELS IN BLUE DELIVER CHRISTMAS JOY The members of the HPPD always protect, but this week the High Point Angels in Blue program has been serving and blessing families with a wonderful Christmas. The Angels in Blue made their Christmas deliveries to families in the triad area on Saturday, Dec. 18 and Monday, Dec. 20. All together, Angels in Blue will have delivered gifts to over 40 families in the triad area. HPPD would like to thank all businesses, families, schools and individuals who participated and helped make Christmas possible for others. Volunteers always look forward to seeing the smiling faces, knowing children and their parents will have the opportunity to wake up Christmas morning and open gifts. Angels in Blue was formed by the High Point Police Department in alliance with the High Point Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. Its mission is to provide Christmas joy for selected families who were experiencing financial restraints. Thank you HPPD for your service to those in need through this wonderful initiative!

HUMAN RESOURCES HR Celebrates Opening of Lactation Pods The City understands the importance of moms having a private place to breastfeed, so human resources expanded the employee wellness program and created a lactation room in City Hall. Suite 310 has been renovated and has two Mamava Lactation PODs. A POD is a private mobile unit that provides lactating mothers a quiet, clean area with a lockable door to express their breast milk. The employee is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public. The PODs make nursing and pumping easier for working moms on the go. On Dec. 6, HR hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the suite and allow employees the chance to check out the updated suite.

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS JANUARY EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES Jan. 3-31

BMI CHECK-IN TIME! - Contact Jamie Asbill to schedule your check-in. jamie.asbill@highpointnc.gov or 336.883.3832

SOUTHSIDE WELLNESS CHALLENGE - Employees who take advantage of the Employee Fitness Center at Southside Recreation Center will be entered in a drawing for wellness prizes. Each time you go, sign-in for credit. The more you work out, the more entries you will earn. - Contact Kimili Long or Yon Weaver for questions. kimili.long@highpointnc.gov yon.weaver@highpointnc.gov

Jan. 4 - March 31

Jan. 18

PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP

Jan. 18

FINANCIAL SEMINAR: MONEY HABITUDES

Jan. 27

NUTRITION SEMINAR: BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS

8 A.M. - 6 P.M.

- Schedule Appointment here: PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP 9 A.M.

- Link: MONEY HABITUDES 10 A.M.

- Link: NUTRITION SEMINAR: BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS

ONGOING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES Monday, Wednesday, Friday from City Hall

WALKING GROUP

DAILY WELLNESS TEXT VIRTUAL 5-MIN WORK BREAKS & 30-MIN WORKOUTS HEALTHY RECIPE SHAREPOINT

Contact Betzy Hardin or Allan Hicks for details.

- betzy.hardin@highpointnc.gov or 336.883.3211

- carl.hicks@highpointnc.gov or 336.883.3829

Text ‘DailyWellnessText’ to 833.744.0553 to opt-in

Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel

PARKS & RECREATION High Point Parks & Recreation Welcomes New Commissioners! High Point Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the appointment of Micholas Credle to the Parks & Recreation Commission as an at-large representative. Micholas grew up in Raleigh, N.C. and Indiana. He attended NC A&T University and is now retired after serving in the United States Army. His community interests include advocacy for the elderly, disabled and veterans, and he is excited to help promote healthy living through his volunteer service. Welcome, Micholas! High Point native Jennifer Mays also joined the volunteer Parks & Recreation Commission in December 2021. A graduate of NC State University with a background in microbiology and animal science, Jennifer spent the first seven years of her professional career in a research laboratory at Wake Forest Baptist. After leaving the area for several years to live abroad, she and her family returned to High Point in 2015. Professionally, Jennifer has since transitioned to owning and managing businesses in the real estate sector. She is also a tennis player and enthusiast who says she is "trying to get better at yoga." Jennifer and her husband Brantley have two children. "We are so fortunate to have such a robust parks and recreation department in High Point," she said. "I utilize the park facilities often, through tennis or with my family, and I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to the city." We are glad to have you, Jennifer! www.highpointnc.gov

ASPIRE Christmas Dance The annual ASPIRE Christmas Dance was full of sparkle and Christmas cheer as participants danced the night away. Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special appearance to help kick off the holiday season, and even The Grinch stopped by! A big "thank you" to High Point University's Special Education department for providing volunteers to this year's event and to Event Resources Group for the great selection of music. ASPIRE is High Point Parks & Recreation's Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation section. For more information about the ASPIRE, please call 336.883.3477.

Parks & Rec After-School Programming We love our community partnerships! High Point Public Library visits High Point Parks & Recreation's after-school programs once a month to provide educational activities for our kids. Here they are using virtual reality viewers at Oakview Recreation Center to explore the North Pole, Australia and the Canary Islands. They also looked at glaciers, the Northern Lights, a super moon and a volcano!

Special Olympics North Carolina Golf Tournament High Point Parks & Recreation was pleased to recently host the Special Olympics North Carolina Golf Tournament at Oak Hollow Golf Course! Four Special Olympics athletes from High Point were among the 45 from across the state who competed. The event was supported by 15 local volunteers, including a group from Olympic Products. A great day was had by all!

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