Inside High Point - June 2022

INSIDE HIGH POINT JUNE 2022

SUMMER IS HERE! AND DOWNTOWN IS THRIVING!

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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CHP STAFF IN LEADERSHIP HIGH POINT

HPPD YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

MEET OUR NEW CPE TEAM MEMBER

Check out the City employees in the 2022 Leadership High Point class.

Find out how the police department is developing young leaders in the community.

Learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Analyst Kyva Jones.

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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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City Staff Complete Leadership High Point Program

This month, four City of High Point staff members completed the Leadership High Point program. Congratulations to Tasha Logan Ford, Rase McCray, Anthro Gamble and Heather Forrest.

Leadership High Point is a 10-month program offered by Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce that transforms actively engaged citizens and leaders into community champions and chamber ambassadors.

The program offers participants exceptional "insider" access to all High Point has to offer and to top-level business, civic and government leaders. Through Leadership High Point, participants connect with other leaders, cultivate skills and knowledge and contribute to the community by completing a class project to meet a community need with long-term sustainability.

This year's class chose to center their project around enhancing the High Point Public Library teaching garden.

They worked together on three projects to continue the outdoor learning space enhancements at the High Point Public Library: a keyhole garden, a story walk and a Lego wall.

The projects will expand access and create a more cohesive experience between the library's existing teaching garden and a planned sensory garden being built by the Rotary Club of High Point.

The keyhole garden is a raised-bed garden designed for accessibility. The story walk project involved creating a story-lined pathway from the northwest corner of the property to the Arts & Education Plaza. Both the garden and the story walk were designed to connect the teaching garden to the planned sensory garden. Finally, the Lego wall was installed in the children's room inside the library to incorporate tactile and visual sensory elements like those found in the sensory garden throughout the library.

Through hard work and fundraising efforts, the project was completed with funds to spare! The remaining money was used to purchase a commemorative plaque for the project, and the rest was donated to the library teaching garden program to expand services.

After 10 months of education, community immersion and service, the 2022 Leadership High Point class celebrated their graduation at the Lofts at Congdon Yards.

During the event, graduates received their certificates along with some superlatives, and Rase McCray was named the class valedictorian for his attendance and efforts.

Thank you to Tasha, Rase, Anthro and Heather for representing CHP in this program, and congratulations to the Leadership class of 2022! www.highpointnc.gov

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDC ANNOUNCES METAL WORKS EXPANSION & WELCOMES MONTANA BROWN This month, High Point EDC announced Metal Works of High Point will expand its operations with the purchase of 1245 Hickory Chapel Road, investing $2,819,000 and adding 20 jobs. The 37,050-square-foot property will house a powder-coating line and additional room for assembly to help meet growing demand.

Headquartered at 918 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the family-owned company manufactures metal components, weldments and assemblies for the material handling, furniture, transportation, power generation and appliance industries. The company currently has 52 full-time employees and expects to open its new facility in October 2022.

“The Metal Works expansion provides opportunity for the next generation of workers in advanced manufacturing and speaks to the strength of the manufacturing industry across High Point, Guilford County and the Carolina Core,” said High Point EDC Director Sandy Dunbeck.

Also, in June, High Point EDC welcomed Montana Brown as the 6

Inside High Point

department’s newest hire. Brown joined the team as economic development manager on June 6.

In his role, he will help guide projects through the contract phase, ensuring a timely process and seamless experience for clients.

Brown joins High Point EDC from the City of High Point’s Planning and Development department, where he served as an administrative specialist.

Coming from that department, Brown brings extensive knowledge of city zoning, ordinances, policies and procedures, as well as many customer-facing skills.

“Montana brings a unique set of skills and tremendous enthusiasm for the work of recruiting and retaining business as he joins the High Point EDC team,” said director Dunbeck.

Brown’s onboarding ramps the department back up to full capacity for the first time since the pandemic.

“It’s incredibly exciting to start work with High Point Economic Development,” said Brown. “Through this position, I can contribute to the betterment of the community that has given me so much.” www.highpointnc.gov

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HIGH POINT THEATRE THEATRE HOSTS MISS NORTH CAROLINA The High Point Theatre hosted the Miss North Carolina competition on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Thirty young women competed to represent our state in the Miss America pageant in 2023, and Karolyn Martin was the winner.

This was Martin’s second year competing in the Miss North Carolina pageant in High Point.

She was second runner-up last year.

The theatre also hosted the 2022 Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen Competition the same day, during which Kerrigan Brown was crowned.

HIGH POINT THEATRE WINS BIG AT ART COUNCIL AWARDS Each year, the High Point Arts Council sponsors the Arts Awards for those whose contributions to the arts make its mission possible. The 38th annual Arts Awards Banquet was held on June 16 at the Centennial Station Arts Center, during which, the High Point Theatre was honored.

Carlos Olvera, Board Chair, presented the Arts Award for Corporate Support of the Arts to High Point Theatre. Established in 1975, the theatre is one of the nation’s first cooperative ventures between municipal government, private enterprise and the arts.

From 1975 to 1982, the theatre provided offices and gallery space for the High Point Arts Council! Throughout the years, the theatre has hosted performances by the arts council’s affiliates – Carousel Theatre, High Point Ballet, High Point Community Concerts, High Point Community Theatre and the late North Carolina Shakespeare Festival.

Congratulations to David Briggs and the entire High Point Theatre team!

HIGH POINT MUSEUM HIGH POINT MUSEUM LAUNCHES APP The High Point Museum is excited to announce the High Point Museum App, which is now available for download on both iOS and Android devices.

The app features driving, walking and biking tours of High Point, videos and information about the museum. The driving tours include a hands-free option, which gives turn-by-turn directions.

They include the African American Heritage Trail tour narrated by Dana Gaines Kilgoe, 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.

The 1-mile walking tour provides both architectural and historical descriptions of buildings on Uptowne Main Street.

Additional tours and app features will continue to be added, and the museum will notify the public when these additions are made.

The museum encourages those new to the app to read the “Tips for Using the App” page or watch the instructional video on the home page.

“We have been working on this app for a couple of years, and we are so excited for the public to see it,” said High Point Museum Director Edith Brady. “The tours already cover a diverse spectrum of the city’s history, and it is exciting that we can continue to add new tours and activities as they are created.”

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

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Inside High Point

HIGH POINT POLICE YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WELCOMES LARGEST CLASS TO DATE The High Point Police Department Youth Leadership Academy welcomed its largest class in June. Organizers selected 35 high school students from around the Triad to participate in the two-week leadership course.

The hands-on program is designed to challenge students with opportunities for leadership, teamwork and giving back to the community.

Students heard from several guest speakers, served lunch at Open Door Ministries, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, visited the HPFD Training Center and HPPD Range, faced their fears at the National US Whitewater Center, and completed a beautification project at Hanging Rock State Park.

The HPPD Youth Leadership Academy is led

by HPPD School Resource Officers in partnership with High Point University.

www.highpointnc.gov

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PUBLIC SERVICES Celebrating National Trails Day and Guilford Creek Week Keep High Point Beautiful and the Stormwater Division set up informational booths at the Piedmont Environmental Center’s National Trail’s Day event on Saturday, June 4.

The day was spent educating community members about Keep High Point Beautiful’s programs, stormwater and water quality and our local ecology and petting a ton of dogs.

This day also kicked off the 2022 Guilford Creek Week. The City of High Point partnered with other municipalities in Guilford County for Creek Week 2022, hosting 19 events and reaching almost 400 community members.

Events included stream and lake cleanups, rain barrel workshops and a waterthemed trivia night at Paddled South Brewing hosted by the City of High Point’s Stormwater Division.

www.highpointnc.gov

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COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Welcome, Kyva Jones The Communications and Public Engagement Department welcomes Kyva Jones as the new diversity, equity and inclusion analyst. Kyva is from Upper Marlboro, Md. and has been a proud citizen of High Point since 2017. She has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Towson University, where she played basketball, and a master's degree in special education from Bowie State University.

Prior to joining the City of High Point, Kyva served as the Director of Recruiting for Guilford County Schools. As the diversity, equity and inclusion analyst, Kyva will assist Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Jelani Biggs in developing and implementing strategies to support diversity, equity and inclusion-related programs and initiatives.

Kyva enjoys going to the beach, reading, writing and listening to multiple genres of music. One of her favorite hobbies is volunteering at local radio stations. She has hosted radio programs in Washington, D.C. and at North Carolina A&T State University's radio station, WNAA. 14

Inside High Point

Human Relations Welcomes New Commissioner High Point Human Relations has a new commissioner, Rodd Smith, appointed

by Council on March 21, 2022. Rodd has called High Point home for the last 15 years.

When he is not working as the Director of Place-Based Initiatives at United Way of Forsyth County, Rodd enjoys catching a High Point Rockers game, serving as vice president of his neighborhood’s HOA and keeping up with new TikTok trends, thanks to his custodial niece, Dannell. He is excited to serve his community as the newest member of the HRC.

Human Relations Division Hosts Juneteenth Celebration On Sunday, June 19, 2022, the High Point Human Relations Division, in partnership with the Carl Chavis YMCA, held a Juneteenth Festival. Human Relations met 180 community members during this outreach event. This festival included attendance from City Manager Tasha Logan-Ford, City Council members and Congresswoman Kathy Manning. www.highpointnc.gov

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HUMAN RESOURCES JULY EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

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www.highpointnc.gov

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City of High Point BIOMETRICSCREENINGS Onsite Biometric Screenings are FREE to employees who have the City's Cigna Healthcare coverage. You can earn up to $300 into your HSA , or HRA, for participating.

• July 28 MOC, Training Room • Aug. 16 City Hall, Council Chambers • Sept. 21 Library, Morgan Room • Oct. 25 Northpoint, Conference Room • Nov.16 Fleet Services, Breakroom

www.highpointnc.gov

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Employee Promotions

Seth Couzens

Elona Presson

Promoted from Motor Equipment Operator to Stormwater Crew Lead

Promoted from Master Police Officer III to Police Supervisor

Colter Albertson

Melinda Burgess

Promoted from Parks Maintenance Crew Leader to Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor

Promoted from Theatre Box Office Attendant to Theatre House Manager

Justin Rogers

Savannah Fauber

Promoted from Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper to W/S Plant Mechanic I

Promoted from Camp Ann Counselor to Camp Ann Asst. Director

Welcome CHP New Hires!

Congratulations and welcome to: Ryan Gill - Parks & Recreation Summer Camp Counselor Tyler Alston - Parks & Recreation Lifeguard Jason Irons - Theatre Technical Director Nathan Kline - Water/Sewer Plant Mechanic John Rife - Parks & Recreation Assistant Park Supervisor Brandon Harris - Parks & Recreation Lifeguard Matthew Duggins - Wastewater Treat Plant Operator Anip Gurung - Parks & Recreation Lifeguard Tate Abbott - Parks & Recreation Seasonal Park Attendant Brandon Meredith - Water/Sewer Plant Mechanic Donnova Campbell - Parks & Recreation Summer Camp Counselor Justin Estep - Field Services Meter Service Technician Candace Edwards - Community Development & Housing Compliance Officer Bivek Gurung - Parks & Recreation Lifeguard Ashmit Gurung - Parks & Recreation Lifeguard Morgan Foster - Financial Services Accounting Technician Evan Pask - Parks & Recreation Lifeguard Richard Lamb - Information Services Telecommunicator, Master Samantha Nsiku - Parks & Recreation Summer Camp Counselor Edwin Renn Jr. - Transportation Traffic Paint & Sign Tech April Mittelstaedt - Library Associate Jonah Boan - Parks & Recreation Park Attendant/Operations Ashanti Burns - Parks & Recreation Sports Camp Counselor Brody Glasgow - Parks & Recreation Park Attendant/Maintenance www.highpointnc.gov

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PARKS & RECREATION Special Olympics Summer Games

High Point Parks & Recreation is so proud of our amazing Special Olympics Guilford/High Point athletes for their representation of our community during the recent North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh. Lots of medals came back home with this talented and dedicated group, but they are all winners in our eyes for the heart they bring to every competition!

Participation in Special Olympics is one option offered by High Point Parks & Recreation’s ASPIRE (Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation) section. For more information on how to get involved with ASPIRE as a participant or volunteer, please call 336.883.3477.

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