JANUARY 2024
INSIDE HIGH POINT
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
MLK CELEBRATION The City honors MLK
9
HIGH POINT EDC Economic Development welcomes new director
11
COFFEE WITH A COP HPPD enjoys community outreach
13
HIGH POINT MUSEUM High Point Historical Society hosts NC furniture expert
15
PUBLIC SERVICES New recycling receptacles placed in Mendenhall Terminal
18
PARKS & RECREATION Youth basketball player scores big
1
CITY COUNCIL
CYRIL JEFFERSON MAYOR
BRITT MOORE MEMBER AT LARGE
AMANDA COOK MEMBER AT LARGE
Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov
Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov
Amanda.Cook@highpointnc.gov
VICKIE MCKIVER
TYRONE JOHNSON
MONICA PETERS
Vickie.McKiver@highpointnc.gov
Tyrone.Johnson@highpintnc.gov
Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov
PATRICK HARMAN
TIM ANDREW WARD 5
WARD 6, MAYOR PRO TEM
Patrick.Harman@highpointnc.gov
Tim.Andrew@highpointnc.gov
Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov
WARD 1
WARD 4
WARD 2
WARD 3
MICHAEL HOLMES
2
Only three shows remain in the 2024 season at High Point Theatre! Mark your calendars and secure your passport to entertainment. All City employees can use CoHP discount code CHP2324 to receive $5 off. For tickets, visit highpointtheatre.com or call 336.887.3001 today!
3
MLK CELEBRATION WEEKEND
The City celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a weekend of service and celebration.
The City of High Point invited residents and community members to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate the inauguration of our new history-making City Council. Events were held across the city beginning on Friday, Jan. 12, and continued through Monday, Jan. 15. In addition to the annual parade, this year’s events included opportunities for spiritual reflection and community celebration. On Friday, Jan. 12, the City of High Point hosted its annual MLK Day of Service, during which nearly 40 City employees joined forces to give back to the community. Employees worked on three projects, including cleaning up litter along MLK, organizing shelves and packing canned goods for pick-up at the West End Ministry food pantry and preparing nearly 1,000 bags of candy to be handed out at the MLK Day Parade and the City’s Inauguration Celebration.
5
This year, the Human Relations Division also made it easier to participate in the City’s service activities through a Housewares Drive with The Barnabas Network, a nonprofit furniture bank that ensures all qualified families and individuals have a place to sit, a place to eat and a place to sleep. Employees filled more than fifty “red bags” with donated new or gently used housewares that will help families experiencing furniture poverty across the Piedmont Triad.
The annual Black and White Ball was held Friday evening at The High Point Country Club. At this fundraising gala, the Carl Chavis YMCA recognized community members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, including Jakki Cross Davis, the recipient of the City’s Humanitarian of the Year award.
6
On Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, the City participated in the annual MLK Parade on Main Street. The parade drove north from Green Drive to Qubein Avenue and was followed by the Inauguration Celebration at Truist Point. The public was invited to a block party to celebrate the newly inaugurated City Council, which included music and inflatable family games. This council is the first in City history to have an African American majority. The new council also has three women after having only one for the last six years. An Inauguration Prayer Service was held on Sunday at the High Point Theatre. This event featured a prayer service to uplift the newly elected City Council and an opportunity to greet council members.
Festivities continued on Monday, Jan. 15, with the MLK Celebration Breakfast at the Qubein Conference Center. Organized by the Minister’s Conference of High Point & Vicinity, this celebration included an oratorical contest on the theme “Let’s Chat for Change in an AI world.” The celebratory events concluded with the MLK Service at Williams Memorial CME Church. This evening workshop service also awarded scholarships for the morning’s oratorical contest winners.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department hosted two additional events celebrating King’s legacy. On Monday, Jan. 15, the Washington Terrace Community Center hosted a dove release, including a brief program and a continental breakfast. On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the Roy B. Culler Center hosted “Reading Keepsakes: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The program featured readings of King’s letters advocating for civil rights, narrated by a librarian from the High Point Public Library.
WELCOME, PETER BISHOP Peter Bishop Named High Point Economic Development Director
The City welcomes Peter Bishop, who started with the City on Monday, Jan. 29, as the new economic development director. “I am looking forward to Peter joining our team as High Point continues to grow and be a destination of choice for businesses worldwide,” said City Manager Tasha Logan Ford. “Peter’s energy and talent will be a welcomed addition to our organization.” Bishop’s 16-year career in North Carolina economic development has been at the municipal level, with nine years in coastal, rural Currituck County and the last seven years in the Carolina Core as the City of Burlington’s Economic Development director.
9
He has direct experience with development finance, incentive negotiations, incentive contracts and grant management with programs from all levels of government. “I’m excited to work with the City of High Point’s management, elected officials and business community to help deliver on the great momentum surrounding the community and the entire Carolina Core,” said Bishop. Bishop has worked with government leadership, industry partners and community champions, building close ties with the staff of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the Piedmont Triad Partnership and the North Carolina Department of Commerce. He has participated in numerous recruitment missions, site selection events and trade shows. In Burlington, his team spearheaded a new corridor redevelopment investment grant, collaborated with Alamance Community College and the chamber on a Golden Leaf workforce development grant and developed an existing industry services program for current businesses.
“I’m excited to work with the City of High Point’s management, elected officials and business community to help deliver on the great momentum surrounding the community and the entire Carolina Core,” said Bishop.
A Cleveland, Ohio-area native (and long-suffering Cleveland sports fan), Bishop graduated from the University of Toledo, earning a bachelor’s degree with honors in philosophy. He then earned a master’s degree in public administration with a certificate in economic development from Cleveland State University. He began his career in the private sector in commercial real estate, working in appraisal, brokerage and development before transitioning to the public realm. Bishop’s family includes his wife Mallory and sons Austin (15), Grant (11) and Remy (six months).
10
HPPD HOSTS COFFEE WITH A COP High Point Police Department officers served coffee and conversations at the most recent Coffee with a Cop event at McDonald’s on South Main Street. Several officers from the Housing Authority and School Resource Officers Units helped take orders, make sandwiches, and operate the drive-thru. Coffee with a Cop creates a space for officers and community members to get to know each other and build relationships. The HPPD’s next Coffee with a Cop is Tuesday, March 5, at A Special Blend, 504 N. Main St.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS AUTHOR ERIC MEDLIN The High Point Museum had an excellent turnout for their Historical Society program with Eric Medlin, and a lot of people came out to watch our historic interpreters make a hearty meal in Hoggatt House, even though it was 20 degrees. The High Point Historical Society Monthly Program Series took place Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the High Point Museum at 1859 E. Lexington Ave. This month's topic was " Sawdust in Your Pockets: A History of the North Carolina Furniture Industry” by Eric Medlin, author and history instructor at Wake Technical Community College. Medlin discussed his latest book, which surveys the economic and social history of the North Carolina furniture industry. 13
Medlin is a historian and teacher currently living in Raleigh. He graduated in 2017 with a master’s degree in history from North Carolina State University. His first book, “A History of Franklin County, North Carolina,” was released in 2020 and won an award for best history book from the North Carolina Society of Historians. He is the author of a chapter in “The Hamilton
Phenomenon” (Vernon Press, 2021), as well as dozens of articles for the ANCHOR article program and the North Carolina Historical Review. “Sawdust in Your Pockets” surveys the state’s furniture industry from its cabinetmaking beginnings to its digital present. Medlin shows how the industry transitioned from high-quality, individual pieces to the
affordable, mass-produced furniture of late nineteenthcentury High Point and Thomasville factories. He discusses how competition, consolidation and globalization challenged the furniture industry more recently and how businesses, workers and professionals have adapted and evolved to this day.
New Recycling Receptacles Placed in Mendenhall Terminal
The City of High Point is introducing new green recycling receptacles in the Mendenhall Transportation Terminal. The ten new containers have been paired with garbage receptacles to make recycling readily available and easy to identify. The City’s Public Services Department, with help from the Environmental Services and Streets & Stormwater Divisions, worked together to purchase and station the new containers. Many thanks to those who helped with the placement of the containers on Wednesday, Jan. 17 and braved the frigid temperatures!
15
KHPB PARTNERS WITH LIBRARY FOR FLOWERS POWERING HOPE
Keep High Point Beautiful partnered with the High Point Public Library and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department to hold the sixth annual Flowers Powering Hope event on Saturday, Jan. 13. KHPB Board members and Youth Advisory Council members set up at the High Point Public Library and Deep River Recreation Center, providing hundreds of flower bulbs and seed packets that were exchanged for donations of nonperishable food items, hygiene items or household cleaning items. The group collected over 100 items and gave them to Hand-to-Hand Pantry in High Point. Flower bulbs and seed packets were also donated to several nonprofit organizations to aid in their missions. Many thanks to Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful for the donation of these flower bulbs! 16
KEEP HIGH POINT BEAUTIFUL ANNOUNCES WINTER WIPEOUT LITTER CLEANUP
The City of High Point and Keep High Point Beautiful are hosting the seventh annual Winter Wipeout litter cleanup campaign, which focuses on litter cleanup of City roadways and intersections. The campaign will kick off on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, and run through Sunday, March 3, 2024. During this time frame, volunteers can pick up their supplies and clean up when it works best for their schedule. The Winter Wipeout campaign is an easy way to help beautify High Point, care for the environment and serve our community. The campaign time frame of four weeks allows volunteers to choose when it is most convenient for them to clean up. During the winter months, the trash hidden by vegetation is revealed. While many trees, vines and flowers lay dormant, volunteers are better able to see and reach what has been hidden for weeks or possibly months. Keep High Point Beautiful has compiled a list of litter hotspots from information provided by the community at www.highpointnc.gov/khpb. Once a litter hotspot (street, stream, etc.) is received, it will be posted to the online Litter Hotspots Map. Groups can submit their own litter hotspot to clean or select an area using the Litter Hotspots map linked within the online registration form. Keep High Point Beautiful will provide trash and recycling bags, gloves, safety vests and grabbers/reachers to participating groups. Sites can be cleaned up anytime between Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, and Sunday, March 3, 2024. Volunteers should leave all bags of collected litter on the side of the road and place them together when possible, making sure not to block sidewalks. When the cleanup is complete, a group member should report the number of bags collected and the number of volunteers who participated by completing the data reporting card provided. Please visit the City of High Point’s website or use www.highpointnc.gov/winterwipeout for direct access to more information on the Winter Wipeout. For more information, please contact Rebecca Coplin at 336.883.3520 or rebecca.coplin@highpointnc.gov. 17
Youth Basketball Player Scores Big
High Point Parks & Recreation’s young athletes all work hard and make us proud, but today, we ask you to please join us in a shout-out to Jacob Carter Smith, who plays on our 8U Warriors youth basketball team. Jacob scored 18 points in a single game on Jan. 20! Way to go, Jacob and the Warriors! For more information on our youth athletics programs, please reach out to Eli Campbell at 336.883.3621 or eli.campbell@highpointnc.gov 18
Staff Members Present to Conference Victoria Garrett and Kimili Long, shown here with High Point Parks & Recreation Director Lee Tillery, presented a continuing education program entitled “How Travel Ball and Competition Teams Help Increase Registration, Programming and Participation in Youth Sports” to a packed session of parks and recreation colleagues at a recent conference. Garrett is the Assistant Recreation Center Supervisor at Washington Terrace Park and Community Center and oversees our youth cheer programs; Long is the Assistant Recreation Center Supervisor at Deep River Recreation Center and works with our competitive youth basketball programs. 19
HRC Presents Jakki Davis with the 2023 Humanitarian Award
The Human Relations Commission is excited to announce Jakki Davis has received the 2023 Humanitarian Award! Presented at the Dec. 18, 2023, City Council Meeting, the Humanitarian Award was created to honor a High Point resident who, during their lifetime, has made a significant contribution to human relations in High Point by promoting equity through their work with their employer, faith-based institution, civic groups or community organizations. The nominees promote understanding, respect, equity and goodwill among all citizens. The HRC selected Mrs. Davis for the award in recognition of her passion for helping High Point children thrive. As a leader of D-UP, a nonprofit youth enrichment program on Washington Street that she co-founded with her husband Corvin, she has taught hundreds of kids about the importance of physical activity and healthy nutrition. She has also assisted the High Point Schools Partnership and helped plan the Washington Street Unity Festival. 20
Promotions Michael Bradshaw
Sarah Delong
Fire Captain II to Fire Battalion Chief
Master Police Officer III to Police Supervisor I
Joshua Bryant
Janae Dillman
Master Firefighter II to Fire Equipment Operator I
Police Records Support II to Telecommunicator I
Lee Castellano
Jacob Dykhoff
Master Police Officer II to Police Supervisor I
Master Firefighter II to Fire Equipment Operator I
Nolan Craven
Glenn Golden
Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I
Motor Equipment Operator I to W/S Camera Technician
Dustin Davis Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I
Joshua Inlow Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I
Joshua Davis Master Firefighter II to Fire Equipment Operator I 21
Joshua Jarrell
Travis Thompson
Master Firefighter II to Fire Equipment Operator I
Fire Captain II to Fire Battalion Chief
Zachary Jordan
Jerry Vestal Jr.
Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I
Fire Captain II to Fire Battalion Chief
Scott Lingerfelt
Adam Ward
Master Police Officer III to Police Supervisor I
Assistant IT Services Director to IT Services Director
Gerardo Olvera Garcia
David Welch
Master Firefighter II to Fire Equipment Operator I
Fire Inspector II to Assistant Fire Marshal
Christopher Routh Assistant Fire Marshal to Fire Marshal
Michael Russell Master Firefighter II to Fire Equipment Operator I
William Taylor Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I
22
New Hires Linda Barschefski
Jake Marley
P & R Special Facilities Grillroom Attendant
P & R Special Facilities Groundskeeper I
Benjamin Cline
Stanley Martin II
Fleet Services Parts Supervisor
Library Lending Services Assistant
Christian Diaz
Meridith Martin
Telecommunicator I
Wade Gilley Public Services Senior Analyst
Derrick Hagler W/S Technician I
Andrew Hardister Fire Captain I
Erin Jeffers P & R Program Activity Leader 23
Budget & Evaluation Strategic Initiatives Manager
Aidan McManis Police Officer Trainee
Anissa Rayfield P & R Special Facilities Grillroom Attendant
INSIDE HIGH POINT BROUGHT TO YOU BY: CITY OF HIGH POINT COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
HAVE A SUBMISSION FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE? EMAIL NOELLE MILLER AT NOELLE.MILLER@HIGHPOINTNC.GOV.