Inside High Point - February

INSIDE HIGH POINT FEBRUARY 2022

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH! HIGH POINT NATIVE JOHN COLTRANE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES

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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MUSEUM BLACK HISTORY GENEALOGY

ECONOMIC PARKS DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATES EMPLOYEE See which major company is expanding SUCCESS

Learn how the museum incorporated Black History Month in their programming.

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Inside High Point

in High Point.

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Find out who earned professional certifications!

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 MUSEUM HOSTS “I AM BLACK HISTORY” VIRTUAL GENEALOGY SERIES In celebration of Black History Month, the High Point Museum hosted a virtual four-part series about genealogy research titled “I am Black History” each Saturday in February.

Presented by The High Point Museum, The High Point Public Library and Yaliks American Art & Cultural Movement, the program explored various ways to research genealogy and gave attendees tools to continue their journey beyond the series.

“We as African Americans have similar but different backgrounds and history,” said Director of Yaliks American Art & Cultural Movement Phyllis Bridges. “I think it's quite fascinating to hear and learn from the different stories in order to discover who we really are and where we come from. Our commonplace of origin is Africa. I'm sure this genealogy series will help someone discover more about their family history and will provide more resources to help them along their journey.”

On Feb. 5, High Point Museum’s Curator of Education, Sara Blanchett, presented “Beginner’s Luck,” in which she Blanchett discussed her current path down the road of her own self-discovery as an adoptee who utilized genetic testing to learn more about her heritage. Genealogical research can be an emo4

Inside High Point

tional journey, especially for those who have experienced the adoption process. For an adoptee, the roadblock of finding one’s heritage and identity can begin with genetic testing.

On Feb. 12, Angela Roach Roberson presented “A Snapshot of Color and Wealth.” Color indicates class, and wealth indicates assets. Roberson traces the assets of three African American couples in Pitt County, N.C., through her genealogical research, to understand the interlocking systems of capitalism and racism in U.S. History.

On Feb. 19, Marcellaus Joiner of the Heritage Research Center presented “Using Social Media for Genealogy.” Joiner examined how the recent revolution in online communication has transformed the way genealogists network and how many have found themselves left out of the loop but with so much to offer. Joiner explored the most effective ways to use social media channels to reach out to others.

On Feb. 26, The Black GenEx Genealogy Experience will host a three-hour program. From 10 to 11 a.m., “Black GENeX Coaching and Consultations” provides a mini quick start on genealogy with individual 15-minute consultations and a time for questions. “FOUNDeX: Introduction to African American eXperience” will be from 11 a.m. to noon and will offer an active-learning introduction to family history research that demonstrates basic methods, resources and tools used to research and record the ancestry of African American families. Finally, from noon to 1 p.m., FOUNDeX attendees 80 years and over are invited to an after-party with a special Q&A session. www.highpointnc.gov

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PUBLIC SERVICES Stormwater Trailer Gets a Makeover The City of High Point Stormwater Division recently wrapped its CCTV Trailer to educate and inform the public on its purpose. The CCTV system uses a robotic camera to inspect stormwater pipes for blockage, damage and flooding. The trailer is outfitted with monitors and controls to steer the camera through the stormwater system. Included on the decal is the phrase, “Only Rain Down the Drain,” to bring attention to the fact that all stormwater drains lead to our streams, rivers and lakes and to highlight the importance of protecting these local waterways from water pollution.

Also featured is the City’s customer service line for reporting stormwater concerns as well as the division’s webpage address. Because of the nature of the work, the CCTV truck often attracts attention.

The decal has proven to be a great way to communicate what the City is working on to passersby. www.highpointnc.gov

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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE On Saturday, Feb. 12, Keep High Point Beautiful partnered with High Point University volunteers and community members to remove litter from several roadways in High Point. This event was held in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, which was postponed from its original Jan. 17 date.

Volunteers filled 18 bags with trash and six with recyclables. The City greatly appreciates everyone who came to help. KHPB would also like to thank Hickory Chapel Wesleyan Church for hosting the group and providing a meeting location for all.

Please visit the City of High Point’s website or use www.highpointnc. gov/winterwipeout for direct access to more information on the Winter Wipeout! For more information, please contact Rebecca Coplin at 336-883-3520 or rebecca.coplin@highpointnc.gov

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Volvo Expands Facility to Bring Global Financial Headquaters to High Point On Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, Volvo Group announced a $41 million investment into its High Point facility, located on 8003 Piedmont Triad Parkway. The investment includes the purchase of the building as well as an expansion plan to add 62,000 square feet.

The three-story addition will house the new global headquarters for Volvo Financial Services and bring approximately 360 jobs to the new facility. The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony, and construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. Guilford County Economic Development Alliance (GCEDA) members including Greensboro, High Point and Guilford County elected officials, as well as staff from the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and High Point EDC, were in attendance to celebrate this win for the county. See the action in real-time by following High Point EDC on Instagram @highpointedc!

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PURCHASING DEPARTMENT NCAGP 2021 Sustained Professional Purchasing Award The City of High Point Purchasing Department received the 2021 SPPA Award from the North Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing. The SPPA is presented annually by the NCAGP to member agencies that have demonstrated excellence in purchasing standards during the calendar year.

The criteria for the award include the use of technology, minority outreach, staff certification, customer training, vendor training and the use of recycled products. The award will be presented to the department at the Annual Association Banquet & Awards Presentation on March 16, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C. “We are quite excited about and proud of this award,” said Erik Conti. “The ladies do an outstanding job, and we are a great team.”

This will be this department’s 17th consecutive year of receiving this designation and award and one of only 14 entities receiving this award state-wide.

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS FEBRUARY EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES Now - March 31

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

March 15

PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP

March 15

FINANCIAL SEMINAR: BUILDING A BETTER BUDGET

March 24

8 A.M. - 6 P.M.

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

- Link: FINANCIAL SEMINAR: BUILDING A BETTER BUDGET

NUTRITION SEMINAR: SPRING CLEANING

10 A.M.

- Link: NUTRITION SEMINAR: SPRING CLEANING

ONGOING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES LUNCHTIME WALKING GROUP

Monday, Wednesday, Friday from City Hall

NOON

Contact Betzy Hardin or Allan Hicks for details.

- betzy.hardin@highpointnc.gov or 336.883.3211 - carl.hicks@highpointnc.gov or 336.883.3829

DAILY WELLNESS TEXT VIRTUAL 5-MIN WORK BREAKS & 30-MIN WORKOUTS HEALTHY RECIPE SHAREPOINT 12

Inside High Point

Text ‘DailyWellnessText’ to 833.744.0553 to opt-in

Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel

Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel

TRANSPORTATION Johnn James Promoted to Supervisor of Off-Street Parking The Transportation Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Johnn James to the position of Supervisor of Off-Street Parking Services.

Johnn came to the City in November of 2016 when he began working as a Transportation Technician. Prior to joining us, Johnn was working on his Information Technology degree at NC A&T State University, where he graduated in April 2015. Johnn did an outstanding job in his duties over the last five years as he conducted traffic volume counts and studies, investigated various roadway issues in the field, and helped to make High Point’s transportation network as safe and efficient as possible.

Johnn has expressed that he will definitely miss the Transportation Department team here at City Hall, but that he looks forward to the new responsibilities involved with being a first-time Supervisor and trying to make the Off-Street Parking Division provide the highest level of quality for our customers.

Johnn will have one full-time and three active part-time employees reporting to him. He will be responsible for the maintenance and operations of the City’s three parking decks (Plaza, Broad and Main Street) and will be on the lookout to provide new ways to serve both our year-round and Furniture Market customers.

Please help us congratulate Johnn James on his promotion and support him in his new endeavor. www.highpointnc.gov

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PARKS & RECREATION High Point Park Ranger Teaches at N.C. Justice Academy High Point Park Ranger S. Mode taught several sessions at the recent Park Ranger Institute, held at the NC Justice Academy.

Park rangers from all over the United States attend for continuing education; Park Ranger Mode's presentations included "Active Shooter Response" and "Dealing with Suspicious Subjects."

Two Parks Supervisors Become Certified Parks & Recreation Professionals!

We are excited to congratulate Josh Avalos of Oak Hollow Marina on recently passing the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam.

Fun fact: On the same day he took this very comprehensive exam, Josh first worked to clear snow and ice at the Oak Hollow Campground and other Oak Hollow facilities. He left to go take the test, aced it and came back for more snow/ice clearing that afternoon.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work, Josh, and congratulations on this professional achievement!

More good news from our hard-working, high-achieving team: congratulations to Tanya Work, center supervisor at Allen Jay Recreation Center, on becoming a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)! Tanya joined High Point Parks & Recreation in 2018. “High Point is the best place to work,” said Work. “As I prepared for my CPRP exam, great discussions with my co-workers helped me become better prepared. I also enjoy partnering with them to create programs and activities for our community.”

Along with a supportive group of colleagues, here’s the other secret to Tanya’s achievement: a great egg and cheese sandwich made by her 13-year-old son Carson on the morning of the test. Way to go, Tanya!

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