Inside High Point - September 2021

INSIDE HIGH POINT SEPTMEBER 2021

HPPD V. HPFD ANNUAL CHARITY SOFTBALL GAME! IT'S NOT FALL YET FOR OUR BOYS OF SUMMER!

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.

08/

14/

PD V. FIRE SOFTBALL GAME

ECONOMIC MUSEUM DEVELOPMENT HOSTS 9/11 A local company's PROGRAM

Find out who took home the bragging rights.

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Inside High Point

expansion leads to downtown relocation!

25/ Learn how High Point was impacted by the tragedy.

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

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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EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATORS RECOGNIZED At the Sept. 20 City Council Meeting, Mayor Wagner recognized 24 High Point teachers as Exceptional Educators. These individuals earned this distinction by seizing the opportunities to uplift their students and remind students of their worth and potential. We thank them for their commitment and service to our city.

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MAYOR SELECTED FOR ELITE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Mayor Jay Wagner is ready to explore the latest in leadership and management practices as one of 38 mayors chosen for an intensive education program with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

As a member of the Initiative’s Class of 2021-22, Mayor Wagner is part of a class of mayors participating in a program delivered by faculty from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School as well as world-class experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global network.

The year-long program launches with a three-day convening for mayors in New York City beginning Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, which Mayor Wagner is attending at no cost to the City. Each day of the convening, mayors will attend classroom sessions focused on the latest management and leadership practices, using case studies and workshops developed at Harvard.

The mayor said he/she believes this program will “help enhance our leadership team’s capabilities in these areas, not to mention, connect me with other mayors with innovative approaches to similar issues in their own cities.”

Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term mayor of New York City, collaborated with Harvard University leadership to create the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative in 2017.

Collectively, Harvard University and Bloomberg Philanthropies aim to help mayors and their leadership teams manage the complexities of running a city and give these leaders opportunities to learn from one another. The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative will connect Mayor Wagner to some of the university’s top educators, coaching from experts, a network of peers and technical assistance. The program provides an opportunity to share practices and learn from fellow mayors about the promising ideas that are helping to enhance the quality of life in cities around the world.

After the mayors’ convening, two senior-level city officials nominated by each mayor will attend a convening in October and attend virtual classes throughout the year. From High Point, City Manager Tasha Logan Ford and Assistant City Manager Greg Ferguson will participate in the yearlong program and help Mayor Wagner translate what they learn into organizational changes that improve life in High Point. www.highpointnc.gov

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Magazine Photo by6 Brandon Cook

www.highpointnc.gov

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HPPD V. HPFD ANNUAL CHARITY SOFTBALL GAME Congratulations to the High Point Police Department on their 12-11 victory over the High Point Fire Department in the annual First Responders Charity Softball Game on Sept. 11, at Truist Point, the High Point Rockers' Stadium.

The game, presented by Ilderton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, raised funds for the NC Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Angels in Blue.

For every ticket purchased, the Rockers donated $4, which was split between the respective departments' charities.

Angels in Blue was formed by the High Point Police Department in alliance with the High Point Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. Its

Photos by Brandon Cook

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mission is to provide Christmas joy for selected families who were experiencing financial restraints.

NC Fallen Fire Fighters is an organization whose mission is to lead the effort to remember North Carolina ’s fallen firefighters, support their families and cultivate a fraternal spirit among the firefighters as they endure the loss of their fellow firefighter.

After the game, members of the police & fire departments were paired up with Rockers players for the Home Run Derby to raise more money for these charities.

Finally, fans were able to stick around free of charge for that evening’s High Point Rockers “First Responders Appreciation Night” game versus the West Virginia Power.

www.highpointnc.gov

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HIGH POINT ELECTRIC UTILITIES HELP AFTER HURRICANE High Point Electric Utilities sent two five-person crews and equipment to Houma, La. after receiving a request for mutual aid assistance through ElectriCities.

This 33,334 population city is the largest city in the Terrebonne Parish and was devastated by Hurricane Ida. The area High Point crews worked was completely devastated and left approximately 13,308 customers without power.

The High Point crews were welcomed with open arms and were able to restore 90 percent of the power two weeks after Hurricane Ida made landfall.

www.highpointnc.gov

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HIGH POINT THEATRE TO HOST A BROTHER'S REVIVAL The High Point Theatre will host A Brother’s Revival, an Allman Brothers Band tribute group with original band member David Goldflies. The group came together in 2019 as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band.

Known for energizing audiences, the A Brother's Revival concert is the most accurate presentation of the original music, matching note for note. From the dual drummers to the timpani to the Hammond B-3 organ, no detail was left out for this revival.

We could go on, but we would hate to be a Ramblin' Man. Grab your tickets, and get ready for some good, clean fun at the High Point Theatre!

Discounts of $5 per ticket are available for High Point residents and groups of 10 or more. To receive the discount, please call the box office directly at 336.887.3001, Monday - Friday, noon - 5 p.m. (Resident discounts are not available online.)

Due to Guilford County's mask mandate as of Aug. 26, 2021, all persons attending this event must wear a mask while in the building.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Momentum Rapidly Building In September, the High Point Economic Development team announced RUD Fleet, a locally owned fleet services operation, will relocate to downtown High Point from its current location on Eastchester Dr. The company will be headquartered at 209 N Main St. and bring 10 jobs to the area immediately upon move-in later this year. Within three years, the company will add an additional 20 full-time jobs for office and professional positions.

On choosing the location, company president Drew Haire said, “High Point’s downtown is rapidly building momentum and offers a great opportunity for our growing team. We are excited to create an energized business environment that will benefit our team and community. We will leverage High Point’s outstanding talent pool to become a spotlight for the city, bringing business professionals and visitors to work, dine and enjoy downtown.”

RUD Fleet’s location choice will activate the former Huffman Koos building after five years of vacancy. The relocation project includes a building upfit investment of $250,000 to transform the space from showroom to office use.

“We love to see local companies like RUD Fleet continue to grow in High Point,” said High Point EDC Director Sandy Dunbeck. “The downtown High Point office scene is experiencing quite a renaissance thanks to companies like RUD Fleet and Key Risk, who have chosen to locate their headquarters here, as well as through redevelopment ventures like Congdon Yards, The Outfields, CoHab Space, multiple projects by Peters Development, and investments by the extraordinary High Point University.”

Keep up with the latest news, announcements and updates from HPEDC by following @highpointedc on Instagram!

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HUMAN RELATIONS SUMMER JUBILEE BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATION On July 31, the Human Relations department held their third annual Summer Jubilee Backto-School Celebration! A collaboration with the High Point Public Library, High Point Farmers Market and BASIC of High Point, this fun-filled Saturday morning was an absolute hit with the more than 1,100 kids and parents who joined us.

This year’s Jubilee featured fun kids activities like a “fairy hair” booth and a petting zoo with fainting goats, miniature horses, rabbits and snakes. The main event, however, was a giveaway of over 430 backpacks filled with notebooks, markers, pencils and other school supplies, all donated by local partners, including Bethany Medical and the City Stormwater, Recycling and Keep High Point Beautiful divisions. As well, the Cover the City Project made this year’s Jubilee extra special by donating so many stuffed animals (literally hundreds!) that every kid could choose exactly which furry friend to bring home.

A special thank you to all our volunteers; we couldn’t have made this happen without your help!

PUBLIC SERVICES STORMWATER VOLUNTEER SHOUTOUT! The Stormwater Services Division had a wonderful volunteer this month who wants to help make a difference in our water quality. Myron Cameron marked 34 storm drains with placards that say, “Only Rain Down the Storm Drain!” in a neighborhood near City Lake. This volunteer program is in place so that citizens can help spread the word that these storm drains lead back to our lakes, rivers, and streams. Nowhere is this more important than when they drain so close to a major source of drinking water like City Lake!

Myron is the former owner of Cameron’s Funnel Cakes which had to shut down due to the pandemic.

He has been seeking out volunteer opportunities in the community. He was given supplies to perform cleanups along Penny Road, where he often sees trash and would like to continue to pick it up and keep our streets and streams looking as good as they can.

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EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OCTOBER EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES Oct. 13

OCTOBER 2021 WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEETING

Oct. 19

PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP

Oct. 19

FINANCIAL SEMINAR: THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Oct. 20

3:30 P.M.

- LINK: WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEETING

8 A.M. - 6 P.M.

- SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT HERE: PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHECK-UP

9 A.M.

- LINK: THE SANDWICH GENERATION

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS CHAT: OVERALL WELLNESS

3:30 P.M.

- LINK: WEDNESDAY WELLNESS CHAT

ONGOING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

Southside Recreation Center RSVP Required (Kristi Wallace: kristi.wallace@highpointnc.gov or 336.822.4785)

DAILY WELLNESS TEXT

Text ‘DailyWellnessText’ to 833.744.0553 to opt-in

VIRTUAL 5-MIN WORK BREAKS Access Here: Employee Wellness Channel & 30-MIN WORKOUTS

FREE HOME EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Contact Kristi Wallace for details

INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE PRESCRIPTIONS

Contact Kristi Wallace for details

VIRTUAL/TELEPHONIC/ IN-PERSON HEALTH COACHING

Contact Kristi Wallace to schedule (Kristi Wallace: kristi.wallace@highpointnc.gov or 336.822.4785) www.highpointnc.gov

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PARKS & RECREATION October Events Oct. 2: Denim and Diamonds: Tea Party in Wonderland

Oct. 22 - Nov. 7: Fall Leaf Tours

Oakview Recreation Center | 2 - 4 p.m.

Call 336.883.3508 to learn more.

High Point City Lake Park Call 336.883.3498 for tickets or visit our webpage.

Oct. 6: ASPIRE Day at the Fair

Oct. 22: Senior Health Fair

Call 336.883.3477 for additional information.

Oct. 9: Cornhole Tournament Oakview Recreation Center Call 336.883.3508 to learn more.

Oct. 15: Denim and Diamonds: Tea Party in Wonderland

Oakview Recreation Center | 6 - 8 p.m.

Call 336.883.3508 to learn more

Oct. 16: Spooky Hoopla

High Point Athletic Complex | 5 - 8 p.m.

Trunkers are needed!

Culler Senior Center 921 Eastchester Drive 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Call 336.883.3584 to register.

Oct. 26: ASPIRE Halloween Dance 6 - 8 p.m.

Call 336.883.3477 to register.

Oct. 29 - 30: Halloween Safari at PEC 1220 Penny Road | 7 - 9 p.m. both nights Call 336.883.8531 to learn register.

Oct. 30: Fall Leaf Kayak Tour

High Point City Lake Park | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Call 336.883.3498 to register.

City Manager Throws Miracle League First Pitch High Point Parks & Recreation's Miracle League was honored to welcome new High Point City Manager Tasha Logan Ford to throw out the first pitch at the fall season-opening game.

After a year away due to the pandemic, players, families, volunteers and staff were thrilled to be back on our “field of dreams” at the High Point Athletic Complex!

Volunteer coaches are especially needed for this six-week program; please reach out to our ASPIRE staff at 336.883.3483 if you are interested.

DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW COMMISSION MEMBER High Point Parks & Recreation welcomes Derek Pegram to its volunteer Commission!

Derek grew up in Greensboro, graduated from Northeast Guilford High School and enjoys golf. He is the general manager for Royal Limousine and is also self-employed with Htv Streams.

TRIANGLE PARK'S NEW STRUCTURE Triangle Park (500 Colonial Drive, High Point) has a new play structure! Another cool feature at this neighborhood park is the Mommy & Me Swing, where parents and little ones can enjoy swinging together. Come visit soon!

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LAKERS WIN SUMMER LEAGUE Congratulations to the 2021 champions of High Point Parks & Recreation’s 30+ Summer Basketball League, the Lakers and the runner-up team, Livewire!

For more information on our athletics programs, please visit our webpage at www. highpointnc.gov/pr.

www.highpointnc.gov

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PARKS & RECREATION CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTORS Did you know that our playgrounds are inspected monthly by certified playground safety inspectors (CPSIs) who work on High Point Parks & Recreation's Maintenance crews? We now have four!

Congratulations to Mike Mazur (left) and Rod Spivey (right), who recently became official CPSIs after extensive training and testing and are shown here at Southside Recreation Center's playground.

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HIGH POINT’S RESPONSE TO 9/11: THE IMPACT THEN AND NOW ON OUR COMMUNITY The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were the focus of September’s High Point Historical Society program at the High Point Museum.

The program, “High Point’s Response to 9/11: The Impact Then and Now on our Community,” was presented Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the museum and highlighted High Point’s contributions to the aftermath of the attacks.

Visitors heard from a panel of local community members, including High Point Police Chief Travis Stroud, High Point Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian Evans and Battalion Chief Perry Hall.

“Twenty years is a significant milestone, and it’s a good time to reflect on the impact of this event over the past two decades,” museum director Edith Brady said. “We’re far enough away from 9/11 now that younger people today have no living memory of the event, and it’s important for them to hear the story.”

The program also included a video from David Griffin, whose wrecking company, D.H. Griffin, provided demolition consulting at the site of the attacks in New York City. The company removed 1.6 million tons of debris and saved the city of New York about $400 million in anticipated costs. Griffin discussed his experience getting onto the grounds and beginning cleanup work and shared his insight on his experience after 20 years.

The museum also unveiled a new artifact from the company’s recovery efforts at the site that was recently donated by D.H. Griffin. A link to the video of the program can be found here.

The museum held an additional program celebrating first responders on Saturday, Sept. 11.

The High Point fire and police departments were in attendance with a fire truck and squad car for photo opportunities, and visitors had a chance to write thank-you cards to local first responders.

Photo courtesy of the High Point Enterprise

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.Varga@HighPointNC.gov