Inside High Point - November 2022

INSIDE HIGH POINT

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.

Mayor - Jay Wagner

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

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

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

OPERATION INASMUCH SERVES WEST END

During the week of Oct. 21, eight teams from various corporate, faith and government organizations spent time serving 13 families in the West End Neighborhood as part of Operation Inasmuch (OIAM).

Operation Inasmuch is a partnership between Community Housing Solutions, Housing Consultants Group and the City of High Point. This event occurs twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, and is focused on home repairs and neighborhood revitalization in the core city of High Point.

The idea for this day of service is taken from the scripture passage in Matthew 25:40, which asks us to take care of our neighbors. The City of High Point assesses which neighborhoods are in need of improvement, and Com munity Housing Solutions recruits and leads volunteer groups to make these homes warmer, drier and safer.

This fall, 96 volunteers from the following organizations provided critical home repairs to 13 families.

• The City of High Point

• Covenant Church

• GoodWorks NC

• High Point Housing Authority -SOAR Program

• Pinnacle Financial Partners

• Samet Corporation

These volunteers collectively worked 576 hours, impacting the lives of 29 individuals. The volunteers built handrails, painted, repaired decks, replaced drywall and so much more.

Additional repairs were completed by subcontractors, such as a roof replacement, gutter installation, furnace replacement and a tub-to-shower conver sion.

This biannual event helped to rebuild homes and restore hope for 29 of our neighbors in the West End neighborhood. These 13 homes are now warmer, drier and safer.

HIGH POINT EDC

HPEDC SUCCESS CONTINUES IN 2022

Each year, before Thanksgiving, the High Point Economic Development Corp. (HPEDC) likes to look back and take count of the successes it’s had in the previous 12 months. This year, the news was good, and the new job count was high, as the City continued a trend in 2022 of getting a lot of good new business and seeing the expansion of businesses already located in High Point.

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the HPEDC released a recap of the organization’s Annual Meeting, which took place earlier this month at High Point City Hall. At that meeting, HPEDC Chair woman Beth Earnst spoke and was followed by Mayor Jay Wagner, who discussed the contin ued positive growth of High Point’s economy. HPEDC Director Sandy Dunbeck weighed in with a recounting of the major new projects this year.

Here are some of those highlights for the city that was once all about furniture and is increas ingly about much, much more.

• Volvo is expanding its presence in the city to house the global headquarters for the compa ny’s Financial Services Division. That project includes the addition of about 360 jobs and a $41 million investment.

• Ecolab is coming to High Point, and, according to the HPEDC, the company will “have the largest industrial building footprint at 1,050,060 square feet.” Also, as part of that project, 125 jobs will be relocated to the High Point area, and 20 new jobs will be created.

• Coldwell Banker Advantage will relocate its offices and bring 38 positions to downtown High Point – with plans to add more than 20 jobs over the next three years.

• The family-owned Metal Works of High Point is expanding with a new location on Hickory Chapel Road in High Point and has plans to add 20 jobs for its powder-coating and assem bly operations.

• Nomad Wine Works is coming to High Point’s downtown. It will be the Triad’s first urban micro-winery making wines, meads and other products.

The City had quite a few other successes this year as well, including growth in the medical field.

Over the past decade and a half, High Point has seen very impressive growth in the number and variety of jobs – and City leaders are working hard and keeping their fingers crossed, with hopes that the trend continues in 2023 and beyond.

Article by Scott Yost, The Rhino Times

HPEDC SUCCESS CONTINUES IN 2022

High Point Economic Development is pleased to announce iHeartMedia Triad as the city’s newest downtown office tenant. The company will occu py 3,250 square feet on the second floor of The Bedrock at 275 N. Elm St. iHeartMedia is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans each month. Locally, iHeartMedia Triad has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands, both broadcast and digital, including Real Rock 105.7, Mix 99.5, Q 104.1, WPTI 94.5 and Hits 100.3. Each of these stations will broadcast live and stream from The Bedrock beginning in 2023. “We can’t wait to move our broadcast and digital operations to the heart of High Point,” said iHeartMedia Triad President Kellie Holeman. “We’re very excited about our partnership with the downtown area and existing busi nesses and look forward to connecting our listeners, staff and advertisers to further serve this great community.”

In addition, to live broadcasts, iHeartMedia Triad will bring special events such as performer meet and greets and more to the Truist Point Plaza. The company will also be highly involved with the community. Just recently, Hits 100.3 did a live broadcast of the Second Annual Community Tree Lighting ceremony, which took place at the Truist Point Plaza on Nov. 19. “It is incredibly exciting to see another nationally recognized company choose downtown High Point,” said High Point Mayor Jay Wagner. “The addition of iHeartMedia helps High Point realize its vision for a revitalized downtown where people can live, work and play in an exciting and engaging environment.”

“iHeartMedia Triad will definitely add to the momentum building in High Point, Guilford County and the Carolina Core of North Caroli na,” said HPEDC Director Sandy Dunbeck.

HIGH POINT MUSEUM

HISTORICAL SOCIETY TOURS CITY LAKE PARK

The High Point Historical Society Monthly Program Series took place on Nov. 16 at City Lake Park. Tracy Pegram from High Point Parks and Recreation spoke to the society about the history of City Lake Park and its recent renovations.

Participants explored the new park before its reopening and took time to walk around and enjoy the exhibit, which documents the history of the park.

MUSEUM COMPLETES AUTISM CERTIFICATION

High Point Museum is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a credential awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organ izations that complete training and certification to better understand and welcome autistic or sensory-sensitive guests and their families. In addition to staff training, IBCCES also conduct ed an onsite review to provide additional rec ommendations on how to better welcome and accommodate visitors, including sensory guides to help visitors understand the impact on the five senses for each exhibit area.

"The High Point Museum tells the history of the High Point community,” said Director of High Point Museum Edith Brady. “We strive to represent every High Pointer in the stories we tell. It is important to us to design the Museum experience so that every visitor can find a meaningful personal connec tion to our history."

High Point Museum offers designated quiet areas inside and outside the museum for those who need a space to retreat if feeling overloaded. The museum also offers an app with online tours of the historical park, a museum map and visitor and event information to aid visitors in planning their trip. Because there is no admission fee to the museum, re-entry is allowed during the visit.

In addition to the certification process, the High Point Museum provides hands-on crafts and activ ities each month for visitors to actively engage in history. These are low-key, self-paced educational experiences for visitors who enjoy learning about the history of High Point and seeing historical artifacts up close.

There are interactive and tactile features integrated throughout the museum, as well as indoor and outdoor attractions and activities that guests can take advantage of to alternate the environment temperature, noise level and lighting according to their sensory needs.

By completing the CAC program, High Point Museum joins the Visit High Point initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation from IBCCES. By becoming a certified desti nation, Visit High Point aims to welcome and attract new visitors to the area by ensuring there are a variety of autism-certified options for lodging, recreation, and entertainment.

"IBCCES is thrilled to work with High Point Museum to help enhance their commitment to wel coming all visitors through our credentialing process and long-term support programs," said Myron Pincomb, chairman of the IBCCES board. “With more autistic travelers and their families seeking out locations where they will feel welcomed and understood, High Point has been hard at work to build a more inclusive destination."

Currently, other organizations in High Point that have completed the CAC program include the High Point Library Children's Department, Q's Corner, and Visit High Point, with many other attractions and hotels in the area in the process of completion.

MUSEUM HOSTS 50TH HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

The High Point Museum is hosting its 50th annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. People of all ages are invited to enjoy an entertaining day at the museum, located at 1859 E. Lexington Ave. It will highlight and showcase High Point’s history while helping the local community to get in the holiday spirit.

The open house presents a fun-filled day featuring holiday-themed musical performances from local groups, historical demonstrations and interpreters, arts and crafts, refreshments including hot apple cider and cookies, candle dipping, an outdoor exhibit and a visit from Santa Claus.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the open house, the High Point Historical Society has or ganized special guests for the event. Kyle Jenks and Laura Rocklyn, James and Dolly Madison ac tor-interpreters, will be in the gallery interacting with visitors and recounting stories and holiday traditions from the past.

Entertainment for the afternoon will also include High Point Community Theater performers from 1-1:30 p.m., the High Point University Brass Quartet from 1:30 to 2 p.m., the Penn Griffin Vocal Music Ensemble from 2:10-2:40 p.m., the First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir from 2:50 to 3:20 p.m. and more. The museum is also excited to welcome back hammer dulcimer player Joe Shelton, who will play in the Haley House. Santa Claus will be in the Little Red Schoolhouse from 1 to 4 p.m., and kids will have the chance to write a letter to Santa if they are not able to see him in person. Crafts and refreshments will be availa ble for the entirety of the event, and historical demonstrations, candle dipping and an outdoor ex hibit titled “Winter Holidays Around the World” will be in the Historical Park.

“It’s exciting to be hitting this 50-year milestone,” said Museum Director Edith Brady. “It demon strates how much this event has become a part of the community. We always enjoy seeing so many people come together to kickstart their holiday season.”

Attendees are encouraged to shop for holiday gifts at the High Point Museum Store. The store sells a variety of local merchandise, including Seagrove pottery, jewelry, books, miniature furniture, games, puzzles, novelties, T-shirts, CDs and much more. Proceeds from museum store purchases support the ongoing acquisition, care and preservation of our artifacts and other special museum projects.

Admission and all activities are free and open to the public.

HIGH POINT LIBRARY

DEC. 3 IS HOLIDAY TIME AT THE LIBRARY

The High Point Public Library will officially kick off the holiday season with its Holiday Time event on Saturday, Dec. 3, featuring a special Holiday Stroll Market, holiday activities through out the day and the lighting of the library Christmas tree that evening.

The 15-foot Christmas tree was donated by library supporter and local attorney Jim Morgan in December 2019, who, along with Santa Claus, will flip the switch at approximately 5:30 p.m. following a short program of Christmas music in the library.

Below are the day’s activities:

• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Holiday Market

• Noon – 1 p.m. Holiday craft for children in the Story Room

• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Making Christmas cookies with Mrs. Claus in the Story Room

• 3 – 4:30 p.m. Grinch movie with holiday snacks in the Story Room

• 4:45 – 5:20 p.m. Photos with Santa in the Story Room (Sensory-friendly priority time 4:30 – 4:45 p.m.)

• 5 – 5:25 p.m. Tri-City Christian Academy Bell Choir in the café

• 5:30 p.m. Lighting of the Christmas tree

Those attending are encouraged to take advantage of the lighted "Selfie Sleigh" for additional holiday photo opportunities. The Christmas tree and sleigh will remain lit until after the New Year. The Selfie Sleigh is provided by the Guilford Merchants Association.

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES

“BORROW AN EXPERIENCE” PROGRAM

The High Point Public Library Children's Department will launch its new “Bor row an Experience” program this month. The program will allow children ages four to 12 to check out tickets to local museums, science centers, theaters, rec reation facilities and other businesses in the High Point area just as they would check out a book.

The program removes financial barriers for children interested in STEAM ex periences while highlighting local organizations to build a stronger sense of community.

“The High Point Public Library continues to strive to meet the various needs of the High Point community,” said Jim Zola, head of the library’s children’s department. “Our new “Borrow and Experience” program gives families an opportunity to check out local educational venues they might otherwise have missed.”

Many community partners have committed to providing experiences for the program either year-round or seasonally. Committed partners include High Point Parks and Recreation, High Point Theatre, High Point Community Theater, Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum, Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum in Greensboro, Kaliedeum in Winston-Salem, The North Carolina Zoo, All-A-Flut ter Butterfly Farm, Hi-Toms Baseball and the High Point Rockers.

Other community organizations interested in supporting this project are encouraged to con tact the High Point Public Library Children’s Department. For more information on the program and participation opportunities, contact Sarah Nareau at 336.883.3667.

PUBLIC SERVICES

CELEBRATING AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

America Recycles Day takes place on Nov. 15 and serves as a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. It is a program of Keep America Beautiful, and each year, High Point celebrates it in a new way that endeavors to engage different parts of our com munity.

This year High Point recycling was able to celebrate the day through fun re cycling games and activities with participants in the Deep River Recreation Center after-school program. Participants competed in team activities, includ ing playing recycling hockey with brooms and plastic bottles and a rousing game of aluminum can basketball. All participants were given prizes for partici pating and got to talk about what recycling is, why it matters and how they can recycle at home.

STORMWATER ENGAGES WITH COMMUNITY

The Stormwater Division has been seen around town tabling with two new partners, Superior Foods and Allen Jay Elementary School. Coming up, they will continue to talk to citizens about water quality here at the High Point Public Library’s Holiday Stroll on Dec. 3.

If you see them out and about, be sure to stop by and pick up a frisbee or local watershed sticker.

NC ONE WATER TOURS WATER TREATMENT PLANT

The City’s Water Filtration Plant Division host ed a tour for the NC One Water group at our Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant. Opera tors, consultants and others represented those in attendance. Duane Hamby and Curt Yannone led an excellent tour of the facility.

NC One Water is an organization dedicated to providing water and wastewater education, training and service to protect public health and the environment. It has over 2,500 members in North Carolina representing municipal and private utilities, consulting engineering firms, government agencies, companies that provide equipment and supplies to the industry and academic representatives who teach and conduct research in water and wastewater-related areas.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HHW EVENT

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the City of High Point Environmental Services Division hosted a successful Household Hazardous Waste Event from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

They were excited to see 142 people take advantage of the program by drop ping off materials like paint, oil, fuel, bulbs, batteries, electronics and Styrofoam.

The facility, located at 1401 E. MLK Drive, opens quarterly, and events are free for residents with proof of residency. Having events that ena ble residents to dispose of hazardous materials responsibly is a critical part of keeping our community clean and giving residents access to vital services.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Environmental services would appreciate any help in making sure people are aware of it. More information about these events is available at www.highpointnc.gov/hhw.

The City of High Point’s Stormwater Division and Keep High Point Beautiful, along with Pinnacle Financial Part ners, participated in the High Point Holiday parade on Sunday, Nov. 20. Everyone had a great time distributing candy to the crowd, and all are excited for the upcoming holiday season!

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE

The City of High Point is accepting applications from residents, business owners and community leaders now through Jan. 6, 2023, to serve on a steering committee to guide the creation of the City’s long-term growth plan called “The 2045 Comprehensive Plan: Our City, Our Future, Our Next 20.”

Those interested are encouraged to apply at http://www.highpointnc.gov/ compplansc. Paper applications are also available by calling the Planning and De velopment Department at 336.883.3328. The committee will consist of 16 -22 members who broadly and accurately reflect all recognized geographies in the community. Members must be able to commit to the whole project end-to-end.

The Steering Committee will be responsible for guiding the planning process over approximately 14 months starting in February 2023. The committee will meet a minimum of six times as a group. Members will also be responsible for meeting with their friends and colleagues to gather input on various topics and scenarios.

As we embark on creating this plan for our community, equity and inclusion of all individuals and groups living and working in the city will be a theme that will be inter woven throughout the process, the crea tion of the plan and its implementation. Once adopted, the comprehensive plan will be the source of guidance to ensure that decisions are made in accordance with the goals and objectives established by and for the community to achieve the desired future.

For more information about the compre hensive plan, please visit www.highpoint nc.gov/CompPlan

PARKS & RECREATION

SENIOR CENTER EARNS REACCREDITATION

The Roy B. Culler, Jr. Senior Center is pleased to announce that it has earned recertification from the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, meeting the criteria as a "Senior Center of Excellence" for another five-year term. To receive and maintain this recognition, six areas of operation are thor oughly evaluated for high standards of per formance, including planning and evaluation, services and activities, advocacy, transporta tion, volunteer opportunities and input from older adults.

To learn more about the Culler Senior Center and the wide range of activities and services it offers to adults over age 50, please call 336.883.3584 to arrange a visit or register for a program.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES PARTICIPATE

IN FALL GAMES TOURNAMENT

For the first time since 2019, High Point’s Special Olympics athletes were able to participate in a Fall Games tournament! Fifty-three ath letes and 14 coaches traveled to Charlotte to compete in bocce, cy cling, golf, soccer and softball and wow, did they bring home some impressive results!

Congratulations to our Special Olympics soccer team and softball team; both won silver medals! In total High Point won seven gold medals, eight silver medals, three bronze medals and four fourthplace ribbons.

"We are always proud of these athletes for the tremendous heart and spirit they bring to all they do, no matter the outcome," said Marketing Coordinator Paige Mone. "Please join us in congratulating them on a job well done."

Special thanks to all their supporters and our dedicated volunteers as well.

HUMAN RELATIONS

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN AWARD

The High Point Human Relations Commission is now accepting nom inations for its annual Humanitarian of the Year Award. Nominations can be made at www.highponitnc.gov/HumanitarianAward and must be received by Dec. 7, 2022

Nominations for the Human Relations Commission Humanitarian of the Year Award are evaluated by the commission based on the follow ing criteria:

• The nominee’s past contributions and efforts that benefited tradi tionally underrepresented individuals and diverse groups

• The nominee’s promotion of equity through his or her work with an employer, faith-based institution, civic group(s) and/or community organizations

• The nominee’s commitment to promoting understanding, respect, equity and goodwill among all citizens

The High Point Human Relations Commission Humanitarian of the Year Award was created to honor a High Point citizen who, during his or her lifetime, has made a significant contribution to human relations in High Point. The award will be presented during the City’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration.

CHP PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

CONGRATULATIONS:

KEVIN ALPHIN - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

VIRGINIA BASKINS - IT User Support Man ager to IT Network & Security Manager

RAYMOND BLUE - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

BRIAN BULLOCK - Fire Captain II to Fire Battalion Chief

SCOTT BURK - Firefighter Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

JAMIE CAULDER - Firefighter Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

SAMUEL CECIL - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

JOSHUA CLEGG - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

BENJAMIN FORREST - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

SAMUEL HUGHES - Fire Equipment Opera tor II to Fire Captain I

BRENDAN KAMMERER - W/S Technician III to W/S Crew Leader

WELCOME:

JOSHUA KIGER - Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I TERRY KINNEY - Landfill Equipment Operator to Tub Grinder Operator

JONATHAN LOWE - Firefighter Equipment Oper ator II to Fire Captain I

DAVID MAINS - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equip ment Operator I

JAKE POWERS - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equip ment Operator I

GILBERTO RAMIREZ GUADARRAMA - Groundskeeper I to Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor

JOSEPH RATHBONE - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

JOHN TATRO - Police Officer, Master III to Police Supervisor I

JEFFERY THOMPSON - Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

ZACHARY TROTTER - Police Supervisor II to Police Commander I

ROBERT VERNON - Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I

JUSTIN GROSE - Telecommunicator I

LUKAS ALDRIDGE - Power Line Technician I

MICHAEL WINTHER - Power Line Technician I

WILLIAM COLE - Sanitation Equipment Operator I

CORY HARTSOE - Local Codes Enforcement Officer I

ROBERT MOORE - Golf Shop Attendant

GARY GRAY - Police Patrol School Crossing Guard

AUBREY REID - Street Maintenance Motor Equipment Operator I

LUMMIE TULUENGA - Transit Operator II

DOUGLAS CALLAHAN - Transit Operator I

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