Inside High Point - February 2023

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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.

09/ 18/ 06/

HUMAN RESOURCES PLANS ENGAGING EVENTS! Check out the new employee events calendar.

MUSEUM'S WASHINGTON STREET TOUR NOW ON APP

Learn more about the historic location on the High Point Museum app.

ASPIRE ATHLETES COMPETE AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Find out about this amazing program and how many medals were won!

Mayor - Jay Wagner

Member at Large - Britt Moore

Member at Large - Tyrone E. Johnson

Ward 1 - Cyril Jefferson

Ward 2 - Chris Williams

Ward 3 - Monica Peters

Ward 4 - Wesley Hudson, Mayor Pro Tem

Ward 5 - Victor Jones

Ward 6 - Michael Holmes

CITY COUNCIL

City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month. You can find their meeting schedule HERE.

Jay.Wagner@highpointnc.gov

336.883.3305

Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

336.687.2200

Tyrone.Johnson@highpointnc.gov

336.307.8261

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

Chris.Williams@highpointnc.gov

336.883.1736

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

336.906.7328

Wesley.Hudson@highpointnc.gov

336.655.5880

Victor.Jones@highpointnc.gov

336.899.7777

Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov

HUMAN RESOURCES

MEET AND GREET

HUMAN RESOURCES LAUNCHES NEW EMPLOYEE EVENT CALENDAR

The City of High Point Human Resources Department sent out its inaugural Employee Engagement Calendar this month. The calendar is a summary of planned activities the department will host or help spread the word about this year. Employees are encouraged to get involved and engaged. Human resources’ goal with this new initiative is to do things differently and get different results. Check out the calendar below, and get ready to have some fun in 2023!

HUMAN RESOURCES CELEBRATES HEART HEALTH MONTH

On Friday, Feb. 3, the Human Resources Department invited all CHP employees to participate in "National Wear Red Day." This holiday, created by the American Heart Association, raises awareness for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women.

Employees were invited to wear red, share at least one healthy habit they are prioritizing (sleep, stress management, physical activity, nutrition, etc.) and encourage others to do the same.

The initiative focused on helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by sharing and building healthy habits.

LIBRARY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH ARTIST DISCUSSION

The High Point Public Library hosted an artist discussion celebrating Black History Month with Phyllis Bridges on Feb. 22.

Bridges, a native of High Point, has been deeply involved in African-American art and High Point’s Black history for the last fourteen years. In 2008, she opened Yalik’s Modern Art, an art gallery featuring fine Black art by local African Americans. Also featured at this event was Yolanda Grier, a poet, author, visual artist and arts educator living in High Point. Grier also hosts “Creative Healing with Yolanda,” a podcast that invites people into conversations about healing and wholeness.

These artists showcased some of their work, and attendees had the opportunity to meet and talk with them and other local artists.

HUMAN RELATIONS

TENANT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY COMES TO HIGH POINT

Through collaboration with the Community Development & Housing Department and the Human Relations Division, residents learned about housing rights, City services and community partners over the past two months in the first offering of UNCG’s Tenant Leadership Academy. The academy was developed and led by the UNCG Center for Housing and Community Studies (CHCS).

Over four mornings, attendees participated in interactive learning sessions with local experts on code compliance, fair housing, food security and financial literacy, including presentations by Code Enforcement Manager Lori Loosemore and Human Relations Manager Rase McCray. All academy sessions take place in the High Point Community Development Center on Fourth Street, with the goal of educating tenants on how to avoid eviction, improve neighborhood conditions and, ultimately, become neighborhood leaders.

CHCS organizers are currently accepting applications for their next Tenant Leadership Academy, to be held every other Saturday from March 18 to April 29, including childcare, transportation and lunch. All High Point residents can apply now at https://go.uncg.edu/tla10

HIGH POINT MUSEUM

MUSEUM CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The High Point Museum hosted four programs this month to celebrate Black History Month. The first was a viewing of the documentary "The Unlocking the Door of Opportunity," held on Saturday, Feb. 4. The film tells the story of North Carolina's Rosenwald Schools and why the Jim Crow era made them necessary. It was produced by Longleaf Productions and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Truist.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m., visitors watched Diane Faison perform her one-person drama "The Spirit of Harriet Tubman." This inspiring performance recounted the life of abolitionist and Underground Railroad worker Harriet Tubman while exploring the importance she holds to this day. This event was presented by the High Point Museum in partnership with Yalik's African American Art & Cultural Movement.

Next, the High Point Historical Society presented "The History of CUCC in High Point" on Feb. 18. Angela Roberson, pastor of Congregational United Church of Christ (CUCC), took visitors on a journey from Main Street to Fairview Street to Gordon Street to highlight the CUCC’s significant contributions to the City of High Point.

Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 25, the museum hosted a program honoring The Montford Marines of High Point. More than 20,000 African Americans trained in segregated facilities between 1942 and 1949 at Montford Point, N.C., and became the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. The presentation recognized, remembered and honored the Montford Point Marines of High Point and their legacy. This final event was presented by Yalik's African American Art & Cultural Movement in partnership with the High Point Museum and The National Montford Point Marine Association NC Triad Triangle Chapter 38.

WASHINGTON STREET TOUR NOW ON APP

The High Point Museum is excited to announce its walking tour of Historic Washington Street, now available on the High Point Museum App.

The tour features video, audio and images from 2011 and 2022 tours of Washington Street by historian Glenn Chavis, with additional images and highlights from the Museum collection. The tour begins at the corner of Washington and Centennial and ends at Penn-Griffin School of the Arts. It is less than a halfmile walk and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Washington Street developed as a commercial district for the Black community in High Point after the “separate but equal” ruling of the Supreme Court in 1896. As racial segregation was codified through what came to be known as Jim Crow Laws, African Americans’ need for a separate commercial district arose. The successes of the Civil Rights Movement contributed to the decline of East Washington Street as integration brought an end to Southern black downtowns. Though many of the neighborhood’s historic structures have been destroyed, Washington Street stands today as one of the few remaining “black downtowns” in North Carolina.

The High Point Museum App features driving, walking and biking tours of High Point, videos and information about the museum. Additional walking tours include Uptowne Main Street, Johnson Street and Hedgecock Farm. Driving tours include the African American Heritage Trail, a High Point Furniture History tour and a High Point Civil War Tour. The 3.5-mile biking tour highlights notable people in High Point’s history and is narrated by Dolly Jennings of Bicycle Toy and Hobby.

“Glenn’s Historic Washington Street Tour has been keeping the street’s significant history alive for over a decade,” said High Point Museum Director Edith Brady. “We are thrilled to be able to offer the tour on a digital platform that will enable people to learn more about Washington Street on their own or with their friends and family.”

This is a free app for all ages. Search “High Point Museum” in your app store to download the app.

Links to download the app:

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/high-point-museum/ id1536632569?platform=iphone

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stqry.highpointmuseum

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENT WORKERS HELP RESIDENT IN NEED

The Environmental Services Division wrapped another successful Household Hazardous Waste event on Feb. 4. They had a total of nine workers and 124 cars come through and no one was turned away.

A resident even came back with his wife to bring coffee and doughnuts for the workers to thank them for their great work.

Also, during the event, an elderly gentleman got a flat tire nearby and came to the event staff for help. Special Route Operator Zach Bailey helped the 91-year-old man call AAA and the man’s neighbor while Tim Daut and Chris Solustri gave him a place to sit and a doughnut. The man’s neighbor turned out to be a retired City of High Point Human Resources employee who thanked Zach for acting fast and getting this man help.

Thank you to all who worked this event in the cold and provided great service to our residents!

• Mike Allen, Environmental Services, Operator

• Carlos Gutierrez, Environmental Services, Operator

• Chris Solustri, Environmental Services, Operator

• John Mouzone, Environmental Services, Operator

• Zach Bailey, Environmental Services, Special Route Operator

• Jahlil Brown, Environmental Services, Worker

• Michael Peterson, Environmental Services, Operator

• Tim Daut, Environmental Services, Code Enforcement Officer

• Wendell Ingram, Environmental Services, Operator

STORMWATER DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

On Feb. 3, the Stormwater Division was interviewed by WGHP FOX8 to talk about their volunteer program for storm drain marking. Kelsie Burgess with the Stormwater Services Division spoke with a FOX8 representative at Armstrong Park to show how volunteers can help bring awareness to protecting our storm drains from potential pollution, thus preventing pollution in our local waterways.

This is a flexible volunteer program that any citizen of High Point can do. Volunteers can choose a location in High Point (a neighborhood or multiple streets), and, using adhesive, they will attach small signs to the storm drains to let everyone know that only rain should go down our storm drains.

There are currently thousands of drains to be marked in High Point. Please reach out to the Stormwater Division if you’re interested in volunteering.

KEEP HIGH POINT BEAUTIFUL KICKS OFF WINTER WIPEOUT

The City of High Point and Keep High Point Beautiful are hosting the sixth annual Winter Wipeout litter cleanup campaign, which focuses on litter cleanup on city roadways and intersections. The campaign kicked off on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, and will run through Sunday, March 5, 2023. During this time frame, volunteers can pick up their supplies and clean up when it works best for their schedule.

The Winter Wipeout campaign is an easy way to help beautify High Point, take care of the environment and serve our community. The campaign time frame of four weeks allows volunteers to choose when it is most convenient for them to clean up. During the winter months, the trash hidden by vegetation is revealed. While many trees, vines and flowers lay dormant, we are better able to see and reach what has been hidden for weeks or possibly months.

How It Works:

• Keep High Point Beautiful has compiled a list of litter hotspots from information provided by the community at www.highpointnc.gov/khpb

• Once a litter hotspot is received (street, stream, etc.), it will be posted to the online Litter Hotspots Map.

• Groups can submit their own litter hotspot to clean or select an area using the Litter Hotspots map linked within the online registration form.

• Keep High Point Beautiful will provide trash and recycling bags, gloves, safety vests and grabbers/reachers to participating groups.

• Sites can be cleaned up anytime between Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, and Sunday, March 5, 2023.

• Please leave all bags on the side of the road and place bags together when possible. Please do not block sidewalks.

• When the cleanup is complete, report the number of bags collected and the number of volunteers who participated by completing the data reporting card provided.

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

PARKS & RECREATION

ASPIRE SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES COMPETE IN WINTER GAMES

Accompanied by High Point Parks & Recreation's ASPIRE staff and three volunteer coaches, eight local Special Olympics athletes recently traveled to Appalachian Ski Mountain in Boone to compete in the Special Olympics Southeast Winter Games.

Our athletes competed in winter sports against Special Olympians from Georgia, Florida and other parts of North Carolina. The weather was cold and windy, but our athletes persevered, bringing home five gold medals, one silver medal, one bronze medal, two fourth-place ribbons and one fifth-place ribbon.

High Point Parks & Recreation’s ASPIRE program offers Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation (ASPIRE) to individuals with physical and developmental disabilities in our community. To learn more, please call ASPIRE Supervisor Leanne Lyons at 336.883.3481, or email her at leanne.lyons@highpointnc.gov.

PARKS & RECREATION WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES

High Point Parks & Recreation is excited to welcome Eli Campbell, the new athletics supervisor, to the team! Campbell grew up in Greensboro and attended UNC-G, where he earned a bachelor's degree in recreation and parks management with a minor in sports coaching.

He is also a certified personal trainer. Campbell is big on all sports and loves music, especially hip-hop and R&B!

"I grew up participating in a lot of recreational programs, and I've always enjoyed community engagement,” said Campbell. “That combination made parks and recreation intriguing to me. So when I got to college, I decided to pursue it as a career. I'm really glad to be here!"

High Point Parks & Recreation extends a warm welcome to Paul Kinn, Oak Hollow Tennis Center’s new tennis pro! A lifelong athlete and tennis professional for the past seven years, Paul grew up in Pulaski, NY. He enjoys fly fishing, bowling and hiking with his wife, Hannah, and their dogs, Kuli and Buttercup. For more information on lessons and programs offered at the Oak Hollow Tennis Center, please call 336.883.3493.

TWO PARKS EMPLOYEES PROMOTED

High Point Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce that Yon Weaver was recently promoted to the position of Parks & Recreation Safety Coordinator.

Weaver has worked with the department for over 11 years, most recently supervising Southside Recreation Center. He also previously worked in the City of High Point’s Community Development and Housing Department for 11.5 years.

Weaver grew up in Black Mountain, N.C. and graduated from Greensboro College with a degree in sports management and a minor in psychology. He is a big football fan and loves playing golf and spending time with his fraternity brothers.

“I enjoy working for High Point Parks & Recreation and serving our community, and I look forward to working with all of the staff in my new position,” said Weaver.

High Point Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce that Will Deters was recently named recreation center supervisor at Deep River Recreation Center (1529 Skeet Club Road, High Point).

Deters, who previously worked as the assistant center supervisor at this location, grew up in Kinston and graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a degree in recreation and parks management and a concentration in community recreation and event planning.

CHP PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

CONGRATULATIONS:

JASON JENKINS - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

JACOB MILLS - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

BRIAN IDOL - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

WILLIAM HUSBAND - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

DANNY BAUGHMAN - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

SHAUN SMITH - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

THOMAS EDMONDS - Transportation Planner to Transportation Planning Admin

AARON GLEISER - W/S Camera Technician to W/S Mains Specialist

TIMPANI TROXLER - Program Activity Leader to Recreation Coordinator

ERIK EDWARDS - Senior Warehouse Attendant to Contracts Administrator

WELCOME:

CHARLIE WILLIAMS - Telecommunicator I

ISAAC CRISE - Wastewater Operator I

JAMES, JAQUEL - Sanitation Equipment Operator I

KALANI BURBY - Fleet Services Technician I

NORMAN HINES - Library Research Associate

JAVANTE PRICE - Meter Reader I

BRANDON BANKS - Parks Groundskeeper I

LAWRENCE CAMPBELL - Assistant Rec Center Supervisor

ALEXIS MCALLISTER - Program Activity Leader

ROBERT BOBBITT - Groundskeeper I

AARON MARLOWE - Groundskeeper I

ERIC GRIER - MRF Worker I

SHAWON SCALES - MRF Worker I

GLENN GOLDEN - Storm Water Operator I

ZACHARY EATON - Street Maintenance Operator I

ALAN ORAZIETTI - Street Maintenance Crew Lead

DEANNA PENDRY - Street Maintenance Operator I

JAMES QUICK - Street Maintenance Operator I

GREGORY SMITH - Street Maintenance Operator I

ALVIN WILSON - Street Maintenance Operator I

BRYAN GRIMSLEY - Traffic Signals Traffic Signal Tech I

LUCINDA BURCHETT - Transit Operator I

TRACY FRAZIER - Transit Operator I

EBONY HEMINGWAY - Transit Equip Service Attendant

MARLON NOBLE - W/S Technician I

MICHAEL THOMPSON - W/S Technician I