Inside High Point - October 2023

INSIDE HIGH POINT OCTOBER 2023

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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/

10/

16/

LIBRARY MAKES NEW ADDITION TO PROGRAM

HIGH POINT BIG SWEEP IS A SUCCESS

ASPIRE CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN

Find out what new experience is available at the library.

2

Inside High Point

Learn how volunteers cleaned up our community.

See the awesome photos from the funfilled event.

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

3

EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATE IN UNITED WAY CANPAIGN The City of High Point participated in the United Way of Greater High Point’s 13th Annual CANpaign with an employee food drive held from Sept.

19-23.

This initiative helps to restock local food pantries and meet the needs of hundreds of our community’s most vulnerable citizens whose lives are impacted by economic difficulty.

Thank you to everyone who helped service a great need!

4

Inside High Point

WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM JOINS BORROW AN EXPERIENCE PROGRAM The High Point Public Library is excited to announce its newest partner in the Borrow an Experience Program, We Rock the Spectrum – Triad, an indoor children’s gymnasium. Through this partnership, patrons can check out the pass to visit the gym on a weekly basis. More details are available at bit. ly/3EPdHMf. This addition to the Borrow an Experience Program will further inclusivity, as We Rock the Spectrum – Triad was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. All children can benefit from their sensory equipment, which is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders.

In November of 2022, the High Point Public Library launched its Borrow an Experience Program, which allows adults to check out tickets to local children’s museums, theaters, recreation 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 experiences while highlighting local organizations to build a stronger sense of community.

The High Point Public Library has been making great strides to become a more inclusive and inviting space. In 2022, the High Point Public Library was certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as a Certified Autism Center™. In 2023, the library began offering a monthly Sensory Friendly Story Time that has been well received by the community.

Many of the library’s community partners for the Borrow an Experience Program are also Certified Autism Centers, including the High Point Theatre, Nido and Marianna Qubein Children’s Museum, The Art Gallery (TAG) at Congdon Yards, High Point Museum and the High Point Rockers.

In addition to the ongoing Borrow an Experience Program and Sensory Friendly Story Time, the High Point Public Library’s initiative to be a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone also includes the upcoming Sensory Garden to be completed in 2024. This outdoor space is the culmination of the library as a Certified Autism Center™.

For more information about the program, contact Sarah Nareau at sarah. nareau@highpointnc.gov.

www.highpointnc.gov

5

HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS DEEP RIVER LODGE DEEP DIVE The High Point Historical Society October Program Series took place Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the High Point Museum, located at 1859 E. Lexington Ave. This month's topic was "Stories of Deep River Hunting Lodge” by Shanna Moore, co-curator of the Museum’s current exhibition, “Fields & Feathers: Hunting at Deep River Lodge, 1895-1935.”

Moore, the former division chair of Industrial, Construction and Engineering Technologies at GTCC, spent over a year and a half going through items left in the old Armstrong house on Guilford College Road in Jamestown. By cleaning out the house, reading, sorting and cataloging, she discovered the long-forgotten history of Deep River Kennels and the families who owned the estate.

Moore recounted some stories from Deep River that were not included in the exhibition. Attendees had a chance to hear more about the Mackay and Armstrong families as well as details about the lodge and kennels. Moore also told stories about Armstrong’s three daughters and their adventures in Jamestown and abroad.

“This is a great chance to learn more about these two families and their adventures across the country and the world,” said Curator of Collections Marian Inabinett. “Shanna has a wealth of knowledge on Deep River Lodge, and I am excited that she gets to share more with the community.”

6

Inside High Point

MUSEUM GHOST STORIES EVENT RETURNS WITH PETER TURNER The High Point Museum hosted its 12th Annual Ghost Stories in the Park event on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Historical Park.

From 6 - 6:30 p.m., guests got the chance to decorate a pumpkin and a trick-or-treat bag with the High Point Historical Society. Snacks were available as visitors settled down to hear family-friendly, frightening and amusing ghost stories and music from the talented Peter Turner.

Peter Turner is an actor and playwright. He has appeared in over 60 productions, with favorite roles including Pinocchio, Mowgli and Fudge in "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing." His plays have been performed at the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center, A.R.T.Station in Georgia and the Barter Theatre in Virginia.

“This is one of our most popular fall programs,” Tamara Vaughan, communications coordinator, said. “We are excited to host the very talented Peter Turner and to welcome everyone back for the 12th anniversary of this event.”

www.highpointnc.gov

7

FINAL COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCED FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INITIATIVE The High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan initiative will offer two final community open house events on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the High Point Museum at 1859 Lexington Ave., and Thursday, Nov. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Morgan Room at the High Point Public Library at 901 N. Main St. Community members are invited to attend either drop-in session to review the results of the participation to date and to give feedback as the City’s proposed long-term growth plan takes final shape.

Both open houses are open to anyone who lives, works and plays in High Point and will have no formal presentation.

The High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan initiative began in February 2023 to engage the public in creating a long-range decision-making guide that establishes the general direction for policymaking and public investment for the next 20 years or more.

Through a variety of engagement efforts, including in-person open houses and online surveys, over 1,000 people have participated in the process. They weighed in on outcomes for the major focus points the plan must include and on future growth and development scenarios.

Feedback received from the final open houses will be used to clarify and formalize strategies to achieve the community’s goals.

For more information on the open houses or the High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan, go to HighPoint2045.org.

www.highpointnc.gov

9

KHPB ANNOUNCES BIG SWEEP RESULTS Keep High Point Beautiful is excited to share the 2023 High Point Big Sweep results.

There were 334 volunteers who helped remove litter and debris from 23 locations across High Point. These volunteers helped remove over 3,860 pounds of trash and 1,300 pounds of recycling.

Volunteers also collected 162 non-perishable food items to aid in the fight against hunger in High Point.

This year, the initiative also incorporated stormdrain marking to help educate the public on the importance of keeping our catch basins clear of debris and waste.

A special thank you to Abigale Rosendale of the City of High Point Stormwater Division for leading and organizing that effort.

This event cannot happen without the support of City staff and their willingness to go above and beyond is appreciated. Many thanks to the City team for all their work and efforts to make the 2023 Big Sweep a great event.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rebecca Coplin and thank you all for your continued support!

10

Inside High Point

STORMWATER DIVISION MARKS DRAINS DURING BIG SWEEP The City of High Point Stormwater Division partnered with Keep High Point Beautiful to mark over 300 storm drains during Big Sweep this year.

City employees helped coordinate their groups to mark catch basins in the Southside, Blair Park, Burns Hill, Allen Jay Elementary, Washinton Street, Washington Terrace and ballpark areas.

These placards serve an important role in educating the public that these drains lead directly to our waterways and should be kept clear of trash, debris and dumping. Remember, only rain down the storm drain!

www..highpointnc.gov

11

CITY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL EVENT The City of High Point will host its next Household Hazardous Waste disposal event for High Point residents 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. Additionally, Shred Ace will provide an onsite secure document shred truck from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

This event will be 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 will be 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 will not be accepted. For ease of collection, please make sure that all loose Styrofoam is bagged.

City staff will direct all vehicles through and unload all materials.

Disposal is for household waste only. Materials from businesses, 12

Inside High Point

household garbage or medical waste will not be accepted. Proof of residency will be required for all disposals.

Residents are asked to have all materials to be collected in the trunk of their cars or in the bed of their pick-up trucks for easy access and removal.

High Point Residents can also find a comprehensive list of common household items and their proper disposal methods by visiting www.highpointnc.gov/whatdoidowith.

For more information, please contact Solid Waste Enforcement Officer Tim Daut at 336.883.3681 or tim.daut@highpointnc.gov.

www..highpointnc.gov

13

STORMWATER CREW LEAD RECOGNIZED BY APWA Clyde “Willie” Tate was recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) on Oct. 12 at the Annual Combined Equipment Services and Streets Division Conference for completing the education program requirements required to obtain his Roads Scholar certificate from the NC Local Technical Assistance Program (NCLTAP).

Willie has taken the seven required classes on road maintenance, traffic control and safety courses to receive this certification over several years.

He was honored along with other recipients of this certification at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, N.C., on Oct. 11, 2023. Willie is planning to continue working towards the Advanced Roads Scholar certification.

14

Inside High Point

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM HELPS IN COMMUNITY GARDEN High Point Parks & Recreation after-school programs focus on homework time, playtime, arts and crafts and more, including helping out the community by getting little hands dirty once in a while.

Thank you to the students in Morehead Recreation Center's after-school program for their work in the community garden last week. We love those smiles and appreciate their hard work.

www..highpointnc.gov

15

ASPIRE HOSTS HALLOWEEN DANCE & TRUNK-OR-TREAT ASPIRE (Adaptive Sports, Programs & Inclusive Recreation) held its annual Halloween Dance on Oct. 24, and it was more than just dancing. Participants also enjoyed trunk-or-treating, crafts, food, games and a whole lot of fun. It is always a good time and big smiles with this group of friends!

Parks & Recreation would like to say a special thanks to DJ Kevin Johnston from Event Resource Group for the music, and to all the wonderful community volunteers (including some of our ASPIRE parents and HPU students) who decorated their cars and provided the "trunks" and "treats." High Point University generously provided the food and volunteers for this event.

16

Inside High Point

www..highpointnc.gov

17

REC CENTER PARTNERS TO HOST COOKING CLASS We love our community partnerships! Generous funding from the Earl and Katherine Congdon Family Foundation allowed the American Heart Association to offer a series of healthy, budget-friendly cooking classes called Simple Cooking with Heart.

The first in the series was offered at Deep River Recreation Center; a new series will be offered soon.

Classes are free and taught by professional chefs. Participants take home a meal that feeds two to four people at the end of each class.

Students prepared Mediterranean tuna with brown rice and sauteed spinach in the most recent class.

18

Inside High Point

THEATRE ANNOUNCES FALL AND HOLIDAY SHOWCASE The 2023 High Point Theatre Fall and Holiday Showcase is right around the corner!

All City of High Point employees can use the discount code CHP2324 and receive $5 off online or by calling the Box Office at 336.887.3001.

Visit highpointtheatre.com and reserve your tickets today!

www..highpointnc.gov

19

PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES CONGRATULATIONS: KEONNA HAYES - Rec Center Supervisor to Recreation Supervisor CODY SWAIM - Groundskeeper II to Parks Maintenance Crew Leader BRANDON CAMERON - Water Meter Service Tech I to Construction Inspector I MILDRED FISHER - Recreation Attendant to Program Activity Leader JOSLYNN KILLIAN - Recreation Attendant to Program Activity Leader JAVANTE PRICE - Meter Reader I to Meter Service Technician

WELCOME: JERRY BYERS JR. - Groundskeeper I

ERIC RAINEY - Grillroom Attendant

DANIEL LOFLIN - Firefighter

EDWARD PEACH - Traffic Paint/Sign Tech I

DYLAN LAMONDS - Firefighter NOAH BARWICK - Building Maintenance Tech MIGUEL BARRIOS - Stormwater MSH Motor Equipment Operator I DANIEL POPE - Building Maintenance Tech DALLAS LEE POYNTER Stormwater MSH Motor Equipment Operator I TRAVIS WILLIAMS - Stormwater MSH Motor Equipment Operator I ROBERT MILLS - Firefighter CHRISTOPHER SHOFFNER Firefighter

20

Inside High Point

PAMELA INGRAM - Community Resource Specialist SEAN MORRIS - MRF Worker I BAYLIE HIGGINBOTHAM - Library Research Associate CALEB RANSOM - Sanitation Equipment Operator I DAJOR MORRIS – Parks & Rec Program Activity Leader DAVID PRINCE - Golf Shop Attendant

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