INSIDE HIGH POINT NOVEMBER 2023
HOLIDAYS IN HIGH POINT!
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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MUSEUM CELEBRATES DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
STORM DRAIN ART PROJECT WINNERS SELECTED
EMPLOYEE FITNESS CHALLENGE
Learn what a traditional Día de Los Muertos celebration entails.
Find out who will be educating the public through art.
Check out who participated in the Horneytown 5k Run for Hospice.
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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
Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov 336.906.7328
Ward 4 - Wesley Hudson, Mayor Pro Tem
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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LIBRARY CELEBRATES WITH FLANNEL DAY On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the High Point Public Library staff dressed in their flannel wear and named the day “Flannel Day.” The day was filled with laughs and fun while creating treasured memories. This event not only showcased great taste and flair in flannel attire but also displayed unity within divisions from floor to floor.
LIBRARY BEGINS BLESSING BAGS INITIATIVE On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the library will surprise homeless and less fortunate customers by giving out “blessing bags,” also known as necessity bags or care kits, that will include a variety of items for people who are homeless, hungry and in need of basic necessities. All donations are provided by staff members.
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MUSEUM HOSTS DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS For the seventh year, the High Point Museum and the YWCA Latino Family Center partnered to present a Día de Los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the High Point Museum. The event was a hands-on learning experience and celebration of the Day of the Dead with altars, kids’ activities and an honoring of the loved ones that have passed away, a Latin American tradition brought to the High Point community by High Point families. "Dia de Los Muertos is a celebration of family,” said Latino Family Center Director Laura Godínez Arce. “We are able to honor those who have passed before us and remember their legacy. I think all families should be able to experience that feeling, and this way, we allow those that are not familiar with it to experience it as well." The public was invited to learn about and experience the Latinx culture and view the community’s Día de Los Muertos altars. The event featured live dance and music performances and a trivia game from the 2022 Kearns Academy Robotics Club. Visitors made a Día de Los Muertos-themed craft, got their faces painted and enjoyed popcorn and pan de muerto from Enciso’s bakery. Kids also had a chance to contribute to the community ofrenda and get their photo taken with Catrin and Catrina. Language interpreters were on site the entire day, and the event was free and open to the public. The Day of the Dead ofrendas were on display in the museum from Oct. 25 to Nov. 4. These altars are the most prominent feature in the celebration because they show the souls the way home. The altars make the souls (animas) feel welcome and show they have not been forgotten. Most altars feature photos, personal items, candles, food (including candy and fruit), flowers, salt and religious elements. The museum is grateful to the organizations that created ofrendas for the display. www.highpointnc.gov
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HIGH POINT MUSEUM HOSTS 51ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE The High Point Museum is hosting its 51st annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 3, 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. Entertainment for the afternoon will include strolling High Point Community Theater carolers and the High Point University Brass and String Quartets from 1-1:30 p.m., the First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir from 1:45-2:15 p.m., the Penn Griffin Vocal Music Ensemble from 2:30-3 p.m. and holiday karaoke from 3-4 p.m. Steel drummer, Tracy Thornton will be in the Historical Park from 1:303:30 p.m., and mountain dulcimer player, Joe Shelton will be in the Haley House from 1-4 p.m. Santa Claus will be in the Little Red Schoolhouse from 1 to 4 p.m. Crafts and refreshments will be available for the entirety of the event, and historical demonstrations, candle dipping and an outdoor exhibit titled “Winter Holidays Around the World” will be in the Historical Park. “We enjoy hosting this event for our community each year,” Edith Brady, Museum Director, said. “It’s a fun and relaxed way to kick off the holiday season with our neighbors.” Attendees will also get to start their Holiday shopping 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.
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CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR PASSES MAJOR EXAM Erik Edwards, the contracts administrator in the Finance-Purchasing Division, passed the North Carolina Contract Manager exam in November. Erik has been the City’s contacts administrator for less than a year. The NCCM Certification is for individuals in the role of contract management and consists of six three-part core courses. The majority of the NCCM program content is comprised of topics contained in the National Contract Management Association’s (NCMA) Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK) course material. Congratulations, Erik!
www.highpointnc.gov
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CITY'S NEW BRAND RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY The City of High Point’s new brand was first runner-up for best use of design at the City Nation Place Global Conference Awards in London, England, on Nov. 9, 2023. Consultants from Civic Brand who assisted with the project attended the ceremony and accepted the award. City Nation Place is the global forum for place branding, bringing together nations, regions and cities. High Point was awarded second place out of the seven finalists selected from submissions from over 30 countries worldwide. The organization’s selection committee judged entries based on evidence that the development of design around brand identity is rooted in the process of research and planning for place brand strategy and for a creative approach that works for the long term and across key audiences. 8
Inside High Point
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN AWARD The High Point Human Relations Commission is now accepting nominations for its annual Humanitarian of the Year Award. Nominations can be made at https://www.highpointnc.gov/ HumanitarianAward and must be received by Dec. 5, 2023, or submitted in person at the Human Relations office in City Hall, room 205, 211 S. Hamilton St. Nominations for the Human Relations Commission Humanitarian of the Year Award are evaluated by the commission based on the following criteria: • The nominee’s past contributions and efforts that benefited traditionally 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.
www.highpointnc.gov
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WARD WATER TREATMENT PLANT WINS OPTIMIZATION AWARD The Ward Water Treatment Plant received the 2022 North Carolina Area Wide Optimization Award. Awards are given each year to water systems that demonstrate outstanding turbidity removal, a key test of drinking water quality. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by individual particles that can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Microbes are microscopic particles that occur naturally but can include harmful bacteria and viruses. While all drinking water systems must meet strict state and federal drinking water standards, these systems met performance goals that are significantly more stringent than state and federal standards.
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STORM DRAIN ART PROJECT WINNERS SELECTED The Stormwater Division and Keep High Point Beautiful’s Storm Drain Art Project is underway at the High Point Public Library! The artists whose designs were selected are Annalee Shaffer, Naila Lyles-Elcock, Natalie Lucas and Karen Desrosiers. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to the City staff and community members who served on the selection committee. We are so excited to watch this project come to life and raise awareness about water pollution through urban street art.
www..highpointnc.gov
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CITY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL EVENT The City of High Point Environmental Services Division received 274 High Point residents at its most recent Household Hazardous Waste disposal event at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1401 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shred Ace provided an onsite secure document shred truck. These events are an opportunity for residents of the City of High Point to drop off the following household items at no charge for proper collection and disposal: • Aerosols, batteries, bleach/cleaners, electronics, fire extinguishers, furniture polish, fluorescent bulbs, nail polish/removers • Adhesives, gas cylinders, paints, solvents, stains/varnish, strippers/thinners, wood and metal cleaner, wood preservatives • Antifreeze, auto batteries, brake fluid, cleaners/degreasers, diesel fuel, gasoline or mixed gas, motor oil and filters, transmission fluid • Herbicides, lighter fluid, pesticides, poisons, pool chemicals • Electronics and tires (limit of four tires per visitor) Styrofoam recycling was also available. Accepted foam includes clean egg cartons and meat trays, clean foam takeout containers and cups, packing material and foam coolers. Tape, bubble wrap, pluck foam, foam wrapping and foam peanuts are not accepted. For ease of collection, please make sure that all loose Styrofoam is bagged. The environmental services staff did an excellent job directing all vehicles and unloading all materials. Stay tuned for more information on the next event scheduled for March 2024.
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PUBLIC SERVICES DIVISIONS PARTAKE IN PARADE The City of High Point’s Stormwater Division, Keep High Point Beautiful and Bee City High Point participated in the High Point Holiday Parade on Sunday, Nov. 19. Everyone had a great time and is excited for the upcoming holiday season!
www..highpointnc.gov
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DAVIS & GOLDBERG ORTHODONTICS MAKE GENEROUS DONATION A big thank you to Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics of High Point, whose employees were allocated a generous amount to donate to community organizations in recognition of World Kindness Day. Mandy King and Bri Lanier chose The Miracle League of High Point, a program of High Point Parks & Recreation, and purchased new wiffle balls and collapsible cones for our program. Davis & Goldberg is also a sponsor of our Red Sox team, and their ongoing support and kindness is so appreciated. World Kindness Day, observed each year on Nov. 13, promotes acts of kindness, big or small, that encourage compassion, goodwill and empathy.
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VOLUNTEER RECOGNIZED FOR COMMISSION SERVICE On Nov. 13, High Point Parks & Recreation Director Lee Tillery presented Bryon Stricklin with a plaque in recognition and appreciation of his volun-teer service to the High Point Parks & Recreation Commission from 2016 – 2023. The department is so grateful for the time and efforts of Mr. Stricklin and the many community volunteers who support our department!
www..highpointnc.gov
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EMPLOYEES TAKE ON FALL INTO FITNESS CHALLENGE As part of the City’s Fall Into Fitness Challenge, several City employees participated in the Horneytown 5k Run for Hospice on Nov. 4. Participants included Kevin Rogers and Robert Culler from Fleet Services and Tyler Morgan and Anita Simpson from Engineering. Tyler came in second place in his age group. Congratulations and well done to all!
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PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES CONGRATULATIONS: JIMMY BAYNE JR. Golf Professional to Golf Administrator JAYSON VALADE Fire Battalion Chief to Deputy Fire Chief RANDALL MCNEAL Master Police Officer III to Police Supervisor CORY KRAMER Police Commander II to Assistant Police Chief DEREK BOSTIC Police Supervisor II to Police Commander I MICHAEL PETTITT Police Supervisor II to Police Commander I KELSIE BURGESS Stormwater Specialist III to Stormwater Operations Analyst SHIRLENE STOTTS
Library Assistant to Library Associate
www.highpointnc.gov
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WELCOME: ELIAS THOMPSON - Recreation Attendant NATHANIEL COLEY - Police Officer Trainee DANIEL JONES - Sanitation Equipment Operator I JAMIE COLEMAN - Sanitation Equipment Operator II ALONZO FRINK - Solid Waste Collection Superintendent JEREMY PENDLEY - Wastewater Operator I WILLIAM LILLEY - Police Officer Trainee BENJAMIN SMITH - Police Officer Trainee
TRAVIS COLLINS JR. - Firefighter BRANDON ROWLAND - Police Officer Trainee LAUREN SURRATT - Police Officer Trainee PHILIP HAIGH - Parking Attendant PATRICIA LOWERY-GRAY - Residuals Management Superintendent AUSTIN MCDOWELL - Sanitation Equipment Operator MICHELLE FULTON - Transit Operator I MONIQUE HARRIS - Transit Operator I BRYAN LONG - Firefighter
AUSTIN ADAMS - Power Line Technician I
REBECCA BALL - Recreation Attendant
BRANSON NICHOLSON - MRF Worker Trainee
CASEY TRIVETTE - Ingleside Composite Scale House Operator
MARQUISE COMBS - MRF Worker Trainee
JEFFREY BAILEY – Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper I
RONALD MORRIS - Fleet Maintenance Technician
BRYSON RIDDICK - Park Attendant
STEVEN VARNER - Firefighter JAMISON ROBERTS - Firefighter
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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