INSIDE HIGH POINT JULY 2022
THE CITY IS IN A GREAT STATE! CHIEF EVANS WINS CHAMBER HERO AWARD AT STATE OF THE CITY EVENT
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.
CITY COUNCIL City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month. You can find their meeting schedule HERE.
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STATE OF THE CITY EVENT
THE MRF IS RUNNING RIGHT
NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS
See what major successes the City celebrated at this year's event.
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Inside High Point
Find out why the spotlight is on the MRF!
Check out who has joined the CHP family and who has moved up.
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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STATE OF THE CITY
Logan Ford spoke about High Point’s bright future, highlighting the more than $22 million in state and federal funding the City has received.
Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of The City event this year at the High Point University Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center Ballroom. During the event, Mayor Jay Wagner gave his State of the City address. His speech highlighted the success of the Downtown Catalyst Project, which was projected to create a $99 million increase in taxable property values in the downtown area over the next decade as new residential, retail, hotel, restaurant and office projects developed. “Today, the increase in the downtown catalyst area tax base is $238 million,” said Wagner. “That’s more than twice what we promised in half the time.”
“It’s an amazing time to be part of the High Point Community,” said Logan Ford. “I believe the foundation of our success now and in the future rests largely in the strength of our collaborative partnerships and a strong commitment to do what’s best for our citizens and businesses. With over $22 million in Federal or State grants to directly support key projects, the plans we have to position this community as a thriving hub of activity have been well received. As a city, we will continue to recruit the best talent, invest in our infrastructure and be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.” Police Chief Travis Stroud said his department’s longtime deterrence strategy continues to drive violent crime down despite persistent manpower shortages and other challenges. He said the department has added a community division as part of a restructuring.
Wagner also noted the city has expanded its redevelopment efforts beyond downtown, into places like southwest High Point, with plans to purchase a former hosiery plant for a small-scale manufacturing hub.
“Our No. 1 mission is always going to be to fight crime, but community engagement efforts should be almost neck-andneck with crime-fighting efforts,” Stroud said.
Finally, the mayor touched on strategic plan items like the City’s success in blight reduction.
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Chamber Hero Award to Deputy Fire Chief Brian Evans. He was recognized for 27 years of service with the High Point Fire Department, as well as community service on behalf of organizations such as the United Way of Greater High Point, Open Door Ministries and BHP Chamber’s Leadership High Point program. Congratulations, Chief Evans!
The address was followed by a panel discussion including City Manager Tasha Logan Ford, Chief of Police Travis Stroud, Business High Point Chief Operating Officer Rachel Moss and Visit High Point President Melody Burnett.
www.highpointnc.gov
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER SUSHIL NEPAL NAMED LOCAL GOVERNJoin us in welcoming Damon Dequenne, who has accepted the assistant city manager position and began his new job on June 21, 2022.
MENT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FELLOW
Dequenne is a ten-year veteran of the United States Navy, serving in both the enlisted and officer ranks. His local government experience includes time in roles that span a wide variety of municipal services and cross-departmental management.
New Planning and Development Director Sushil Nepal has been accepted as a 2022 Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) Fellow. The LGFCU Fellows program offers a unique opportunity for high-performing North Carolina local government leaders to further develop their individual and organizational skills.
Dequenne joined the City of Winston-Salem in 2011, assumed the position of assistant city manager in 2018 and most recently served as a private-sector consultant with WithersRavenel. As a member of the Winston-Salem City/County Utilities Division, he served in several roles, including utilities services coordinator, GIS coordinator/systems engineer, construction and maintenance engineer, field operations manager and deputy director for the Winston-Salem City/County Utilities Division. Before joining Winston-Salem, Dequenne served as the water resources director and assistant public works director for the City of Buckeye, Arizona. Dequenne has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and holds a Grade 3 North Carolina Wastewater Collections System Operator certification as well as a North Carolina A-Distribution Water Operator certification. 6
Inside High Point
A total of 140 applicants applied for the program this year, and 50 individuals were selected through a competitive process led by UNC School of Government. A group of 25 individuals are selected as a cohort, and each cohort will work together throughout a two-week program, learning from each other and inspiring each other to be better leaders. “I am beyond thrilled to be accepted into the 2022 Leading for Results program as an LGFCU Fellow and look forward to enhancing my leadership and organizational skills to better serve my community,” said Nepal. “This is a great opportunity for me to grow both personally and professionally.” www.highpointnc.gov
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HIGH POINT LIBRARY
HIGH POINT MUSEUM
“DOMESTIC ART” EXHIBIT SHOWING POWER OF PRODUCE CLUB COMES TO HPPL A free club is trying to make the classic struggle COMMUNITY QUILT of getting kids to eat their vegetables a little The High Point Museum is showing its Community Quilt in the current exhibit, “Domestic Art," which features quilts from the permanent collection, now through Sept. 3, 2022. The Community Quilt was made for this year’s National Day of Unplugging, an awareness campaign that promotes a 24-hour respite from technology. During the month of March, museum visitors were encouraged to take a break from their devices to sew, draw and decorate a square of fabric. Along with community members, the museum partnered with local Little Free Libraries, parks and museums to create their own squares for the quilt. Organizations include the Latino Family Center of Greater High Point, Alpha Art Club, Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum, High Point Parks & Recreation, Washington Street Park Little Free Library, Junior League of High Point, High Point Historical Society, High Point University Department of History, United Way Greater High Point, High Point Rockers and High Point Public Library. “This has been a time-intensive project,” said High Point Museum Curator of Education Sara Blanchett, who has spent three months arranging the quilt squares and hand sewing them together to create the full community quilt. “I am excited for our community members to see their square on the quilt, knowing that it is now a part of High Point’s history. It is amazing to see an artistic piece that mirrors our community so well. It’s not perfect; as individuals and organizations of the High Point community, we can make something beautiful together if we put our minds to it,” said Blanchett. The community quilt will be on view until “Domestic Art” closes on Sept. 3. 8
Inside High Point
easier.
According to the High Point Public Library, the free Power of Produce Club is part of a nationwide push to help kids from ages four to 12 unlock their own healthy superpowers. Club members can trade Power of Produce tokens for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmer’s markets. The High Point Public Library initially expected about 30 children to join the club, and as of July, around 90 kids are involved. Nutrition educator Kimber Titlebaum works with several programs through the High Point Public Library that teach kids how to plant, grow, harvest and cook fresh produce. She said the Power of Produce Club is a great way to make healthy eating both fun and accessible. “A lot of kids, the families don’t always have a lot of money and … if you give kids these little coins that they can actually go in and trade for vegetables, well, it doesn’t come out of their allowance, so that’s why they’re a bit more willing to give it a shot," Titlebaum said. The library recommends calling your local farmer’s market to check for clubs in your area. The High Point Power of Produce Club will run all summer long at the High Point Farmer’s Market. Story courtesy of Spectrum News 1
www.highpointnc.gov
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PUBLIC SERVICES
MATERIAL RECOVERY & RECYCLING
KEEP HIGH POINT BEAUTIFUL Keep High Point Beautiful recently spent a wonderful morning at the High Point Farmers Market. Over 60 people stopped by. This gave us a chance to share our mission, recruit volunteers and educate the public about the hazards and problems created by litter. Additionally, we distributed Zinnia seed packets and talked about the importance of supporting pollinators through intentional planning and planting. KHPB will host an information/education booth at the Farmers Market once a month through October.
www.highpointnc.gov
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COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT HUMAN RELATIONS ANNUAL SUMMER JUBILEE The City of High Point Human Relations Department, along with Brothers and Sisters in Christ (BASiC), the High Point Public Library and the High Point Farmers Market, will host the fourth-annual Summer Jubilee back-to-school celebration and backpack giveaway on July 30, 2021, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the High Point Public Library. Event partners will give away backpacks filled with school supplies in the HPB Insurance parking lot at 801 N Elm St., across the street from the library, beginning at 9 a.m., and will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis until supplies are gone. The event will run in conjunction with the High Point Farmers Market, which will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and will feature live music. Additionally, the jubilee will include a petting zoo from 9 – 11 a.m. “The Summer Jubilee is a day of fun that also provides kids with the essential resources they need for school success, from pencils and notebooks to glue sticks and markers,” said City of High Point Human Relations Manager Rase McCray. “It’s an incredible collaboration between local businesses, nonprofits, faith organizations and City agencies, all of whom come together each year to help even more families in need,” McCray said. The Summer Jubilee began in 2019 as a collaboration between BASiC, the High Point Human Relations Department, and the High Point Public Library. It’s grown every year with additional partners and increased funding. For more information, contact Human
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Inside High Point
www.highpointnc.gov
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CHP NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS Congratulations: Jessica Walker - Parks & Recreation - Camp Ann Counselor to Camp Ann Director Sarah McAvoy - Public Services - W/S Supervisor to W/S Assistant Superintendent Randy Cross - Public Services - Motor Equipment Operator to Landfill Equipment Operator Montana Brown - EDC - Administrative Specialist to Economic Development Manager Connor Ayers - Parks & Recreation - Program Activity Leader to Marina Operator Julian Neel - Public Services - Sanitation Equipment Operator III to Composting Supervisor Curt Yannone - Public Services - Laboratory Analyst III to Wastewater Superintendent
Welcome: Matthew Bradley - Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper Chad Hill - Transit Equipment Service Attendant Joseph Angel - Theatre Box Office Attendant
Damian Gomez - Public Services Motor Equipment Operator Tucker Messinger - Fleet Services GAP Apprentice
Damon Dequenne - Assistant City Manager
Lauren Matheson - Parks & Recreation Camp Ann Counselor
Shan Robinson-Funny - Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper
Sushil Nepal - Planning & Development Director
Lori Burdette - Museum Park Guide Adam Spangle - Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper Robin Rawls - Transit Operator Roderick Pitt - Parks & Recreation Summer Camp Counselor Gregory Carter - Public Services GAP Apprentice Nathaniel Ivey - Public Services GAP Apprentice Ricardo Sanchez- Bautista Apprentice
Public Services GAP
Jessica Brixius - Police Officer Trainee Brandon Hopson-Brown - Parks & Recreation Summer Camp Counselor
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Inside High Point
Kate Bret - Information Services Telecommunicator Ryan Wardlaw - Police Officer Trainee McKenzie Sollars - Library Children Services Associate Arrendo Mosley - Parks & Recreation Recreation Attendant Sara Soto - Parks & Recreation Recreation Attendant Thi Yolan - Parks & Recreation Seasonal Park Attendant Amanda Gooch - Parks & Recreation Camp Ann Counselor Brian Carter - Parks & Recreation Park Attendant Sabrina Valitzski - Parks & Recreation Seasonal Park Attendant
PARKS & RECREATION UNCLE SAM JAM RETURNS On the Fourth of July, The City of High Point Parks & Recreation hosted Uncle Sam Jam, a local tradition since 1973, at Oak Hollow Festival Park. The celebration featured live, family-friendly musical performances by Camel City Yacht Club and Hampton Drive. The Family Fun Zone offered free activities for kids, including inflatables, a rock-climbing wall and a jousting area. A variety of food vendors sold pizza, wings, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and shaved ice, popcorn, funnel cakes, lemonade and more. The grand finale was an incredible fireworks show over beautiful Oak Hollow Lake with a crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators Uncle Sam Jam 2022 sponsors included Pepsi, HH Architecture, Ilderton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat and High Point Parks & Recreation.
SUMMER FUN AT CAMP ANN ASPIRE PROGRAM INTERNS Camp Ann participants have been having a great time so far this summer, their first series of in-person camp sessions since 2019! Participants are enjoying art projects, community field trips, adaptive sports and more.
Camp Ann is provided by High Point Parks & Recreation's ASPIRE section for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 11 and up. For more information, please contact Stephanie Hedgecock at 336.883.3477 or stephanie.hedgecock@ highpointnc.gov.
High Point Parks & Recreation has enjoyed and appreciated the services of our ASPIRE interns this summer. All of these students attend UNC-Greensboro and are pursuing degrees in Parks & Recreation Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation Studies. Each student is fulfilling their course requirements under ASPIRE's Student Success Program, where they are learning and developing their skills and abilities to better serve individuals with disabilities through recreation and leisure programming.
Pictured left to right: Nikita Johnson (Summer Practicum), Karen Yavuz (Summer Practicum), Kaylee Mayhew (Summer Intern), Joslynn Killian (Summer Practicum) and Hanna Giddings (Summer Practicum)
EMPLOYEE EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES HIGH POINT POWER WINS CHAMPIONSHIP Who says exercise can’t be fun? Here’s an “after” photo from a recent Zumba class at Deep River Recreation Center (1529 Skeet Club Road, High Point). Zumba classes will be offered at this location on Thursdays from 6 – 7 p.m. through Nov. 17. The cost is $5/class. Please call 336.883.3407 to learn more. City employees and the public are also invited to work out at the Southside Fitness Center (401 Taylor Ave.), featuring spin bikes, virtual classes, row machine, elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike, fitness rope, kettlebells, weights and a Smith bench press machine. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Use of the Southside Fitness Center is free for City of High Point employees with your City ID; the cost for the public is $2/visit or $10 for a monthly pass. Please call 336.883. 3504 for more information.
Congratulations to High Point Parks & Recreation's sixth-grade High Point Power boys' basketball team for a great conclusion to their season! The team recently took home the championship at the Team BOND tournament. Great work, young men; we are proud of you all! Special thanks to their coaches as well. For more information on youth athletic programs offered by High Point Parks & Recreation, please visit https://www.highpointnc.gov/pr.
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