INSIDE HIGH POINT MAY 2022
WE LOVE OUR PEOPLE! EMPLOYEES WERE CELEBRATED DURING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK
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/
09/
16/
PSRW AT CHP
HP MARKET RECYCLING
PARKS & REC AWARD
Find out how much was recycled from furniture market and how the MRF made it fun.
See which neighborhood organization honored the division.
Check out how we celebrated Public Service Recognition Week.
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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 Celebrates PSRW The week of May 2-6, the City of High Point celebrated Public Service Recognition Week to recognize and commend its employees. On Monday, May 2, Mayor Jay Wagner read a proclamation formally recognizing the first week of May as Public Services Recognition Week at the City Council Meeting. On Tuesday, the marketing division visited different departments to photograph employees and showcase what motivates them to work in public service. These photos and sentiments were shared on the City's social media platforms for all to see. Wednesday was named "wellbeing Wednesday," during which our Wellness Analyst Kristi Wallace provided resources on the importance of mental health. Employees who participated in this programming were to win a prize. Thursday was focused on thanks. Employees sent thank-you notes to coworkers for the important work they do, and the City hosted a food drive to give back to our community. This was another chance for employees to win a prize if they brought in a canned food donation. Finally, On Friday, Human Resources hosted an ice cream social for all CHP employees where attendees were entered in a final prize drawing. Congrats to our prize winners, and thank you to all CHP employees for all you do!
HIGH POINT MUSEUM HISTORICAL SOCIETY TOURS BIENENSTOCK FURNITURE LIBRARY The High Point Historical Society Monthly Program Series hit the road on Wednesday, May 18, for a tour of the Bienenstock Furniture Library. May's program differed slightly from past events by offering a fieldtrip format to explore the library and enjoy the Pat Plaxico Gardens. The Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library is the largest furniture specialty library in the world, with more than 5,000 furniture and design-specific volumes. The library's rare book collection contains volumes dating back to 1543, including original works of 18th-century furniture masters Chippendale, Sheraton and Hepplewhite and a 26-volume set of Diderot's Encyclopedia from 1776. "We are so fortunate to have this reputable and impressive library here in High Point," said High Point Museum Director Edith Brady. "This was a great opportunity for community members to not only get to enjoy the beautiful sculpture garden but also to discover the furniture history that can be found in our own backyard." 6
Inside High Point
HUMAN RELATIONS HR Commission's Ramadan Dinner is a Success The High Point Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the Islamic Center of High Point, hosted a celebratory Ramadan dinner on April 30 at the Roy B. Culler Senior Center. This meal, which offered an opportunity for all of High Point to learn more about Islamic culture and strengthen our community through fellowship, understanding and good food, was an enormous success. There were 180 people in attendance! The goal of this event was to deepen a sense of community in our international city across many cultures during this time of atonement and thanks, and we are happy to say this goal was accomplished! Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. Muslims are called upon to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, stay away from bad habits and use the month to reevaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. It is, therefore, a wonderful time for members of all religious and cultural communities to engage in friendly table conversations and break bread together. The main course of the meal was catered, but the rest was potluck-style. Attendees brought a delicious assortment of appetizers, side dishes and desserts to share!
PUBLIC SERVICES Public Services Hosts Educational Event for Public Works Week On May 14, the Public Services Department hosted a Touch-a-Truck day at the High Point Public Library and Farmer's Market. All of the High Point Public Services Divisions were represented through equipment, staff, educational booths and signage. Despite rain for the first half of the event, approximately 185 people visited the displays and learned about the many aspects of public services, including drinking water, recycling, trash collection, street and ditch repairs, sewer maintenance, surface water protection and ways to get involved with Keep High Point Beautiful. The High Point Public Services Department strives to host this event once a year in conjunction with National Public Works Week each May.
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MRF Holds Furniture Market Cardboard Competition The Material Recovery Facility staff had a friendly competition during the past Spring High Point Furniture Market. All employees guessed the total tonnage of Furniture Market Cardboard that would be processed during Spring Market. The winner would receive $100 cash, donated by the MRF superintendent and supervisor. Each employee wrote their guess on a piece of paper, and these numbers were sealed. After the final amount of Cardboard was processed, Adam McCook, MRF equipment operator, was announced as the winner. Adam guessed 497 tons; the actual amount was 500 tons!
www.highpointnc.gov
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Great American Cleanup Results The results are in, and we did it again! Thanks to our volunteers, partnerships, and sponsors, we removed a total of 14,200 pounds of litter from roadways, streams, ponds, lakes, parks, the Greenway, and school campuses! Not only that, but Oak Hill Elementary and Florence Elementary also received and planted dozens of flowers on their campuses. We are very thankful for all the city employees and volunteers who came out to help make the 2022 Great American Cleanup a big success! We greatly appreciate the support of all our volunteers and sponsors and thank you for all you do to help keep High Point beautiful. Please save the date and plan to join us for the High Point Big Sweep on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Inside High Point
www.highpointnc.gov
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HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE WELLNESS JUNE EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES June 21
FINANCIAL WELLNESS SEMINAR: IDENTITY THEFT
June 21
NUTRITION SEMINAR: INTUITIVE EATING 101
9 A.M.
- Link: FINANCIAL WELLNESS SEMINAR: IDENTITY THEFT
10 A.M.
- Link: NUTRITION SEMINAR: INTUITIVE EATING 101
ONGOING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES LUNCHTIME WALKING GROUP
Contact Kristi Wallace for details.
DAILY WELLNESS TEXT
Text ‘DailyWellnessText’ to 833.744.0553 to opt-in
VIRTUAL FIVE -MIN WORK BREAKS & 30-MIN WORKOUTS
Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel
HEALTHY RECIPE SHAREPOINT
Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel
INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS: WELLNESS BOOK DISCUSSION
Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel
PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP
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Monday, Wednesday, Friday from City Hall
NOON
By Appointment Only - Schedule Appointment here: PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP
Public Service Recognition Week
Wellbeing Wednesday
Thank you to all participants! RAY ADAMS, BRANDON COOK, ANNETTE SMITH, JIMMY BAYNE, COLTEN MARBLE, KIM RIESON, SARAH TIBBETTS, JOYCE CHAMBLISS, GINA LINDSEY, ALLAN HICKS, COURTNEY MCINTOSH, BETZY HARDIN, SHIRRELL WILLIAMS, AMY HUGHES, TABATHA JARRANTE, MAXINE DAYS
Drawing Winners! BRANDON COOK KIM RIESON MAXINE DAYS COURTNEY MCINTOSH COLTEN MARBLE
www.highpointnc.gov
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Four City Employees Promoted Congratulations to:
Edwina Stewart
Kristine Kinney
Promoted from Laboratory Assistant II to Laboratory Assistant III
Promoted from Laboratory Assistant II to Laboratory Assistant III
Kisha Yokeley
Ian Stanick
Promoted from Master Police Officer II to Master Police Officer III
Promoted from Master Police Officer III to Police Supervisor I
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Inside High Point
Welcome CHP New Hires! Congratulations and welcome to:
www.highpointnc.gov
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PARKS & RECREATION Community Partnership Success High Point Parks & Recreation's ASPIRE partnered with Kernersville Parks and Recreation to offer FishAbilities, an adaptive fishing program, on May 18. The weather was perfect, the fish were biting and a great time was had by all! ASPIRE stands for Adaptive Sports, Programs & Inclusive Recreation. For more information on programs and events offered in High Point, please call 336.883.3477.
High Point Parks & Recreation celebrated another community partnership win this month. Thank you to the Burns Hill Neighborhood Association for presenting Morehead Recreation Center with one of its "Good Neighbor Awards" at its 15thanniversary celebration! Morehead was recognized for hosting the Burns Hill Neighborhood Association's monthly community meetings and collaborating with the organization on High Point's annual Youth Summit.
Employee Accomplishments Interim Chief Park Ranger Named Park Ranger Dennis Salgado has been named interim chief park ranger following the retirement of Chief Chris Riewe. Officer Salgado joined High Point Parks & Recreation in August 2017. Please join us in welcoming him to this new role!
ASPIRE Recreation Coordinator Wins Award Congratulations to Stephanie Hedgecock, part of High Point Parks & Recreation's ASPIRE staff, on receiving the Boggs/Mitchell Award from the Arc of High Point! This award, named for two longtime advocates for recreation programs for people with disabilities, is given to local champions who carry on the spirit of this work. Stephanie works with our Special Olympics, Miracle League and other ASPIRE programs; for more information on how to get involved as a participant or volunteer, please call 336.883.3477.
Parks Welcomes New Hires! Quanté Speight Named Recreation Supervisor High Point Parks & Recreation welcomes Quanté Speight, our new recreation supervisor! Quanté grew up in Scotland Neck, in eastern North Carolina, as a "parks and rec kid." He earned a degree from North Carolina A&T State University in recreation administration and has a Master of Arts degree in health and physical education. He also received a Master of Science degree from Ohio University in athletic administration. As recreation supervisor, Quanté will be supervising all our recreation centers and their programs. He will also lead all adult and youth athletic programs and oversee outdoor athletic facilities and field rentals. "Once I understood the impact of parks and recreation on the community, I decided to study it in college and then make it my career to serve others," said Quanté. Actually, quite a few "parks and rec kids" grow up to pursue jobs in this field of work, and we feel very fortunate to have someone with Quanté's education and experience join our team of professionals. It's great to have you on board, Quanté!
Leigh Clodfelter Joins as Marketing Admin Specilaist High Point Parks & Recreation is excited to welcome Leigh Clodfelter, our new administrative specialist in marketing! Leigh grew up in Greensboro but now lives in High Point with her husband and daughter. She is a graduate of Guilford College with a degree in computer information systems. She has previously worked in advertising and graphic design positions and worked at Guilford County Schools and the NC Zoo. Leigh enjoys birding and photography. "I love being outdoors, so promoting everything High Point Parks & Recreation has to offer the community is exciting to me," said Leigh. It's great to have you on the team, Leigh!
John Rife Becomes City Lake Park Assistant Supervisor High Point Parks & Recreation is excited to welcome John Rife, our new assistant parks supervisor at High Point City Lake Park! John grew up in Greensboro and has a bachelor's degree in sports management from Guilford College. He also earned his master's in parks, recreation, tourism and sports management at NC State. John loves the outdoors, including camping and swimming, and says he is passionate about impacting and serving the community. We are, too, and are very happy to have John join our team of professionals!
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