Inside High Point - August 2025

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CITYCOUNCIL

CYRILJEFFERSON MAYOR

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

VICKIEMCKIVER WARD1

Vickie.McKiver@highpointnc.gov

PATRICKHARMAN WARD4

Patrick Harman@highpointnc gov

BRITTMOORE MEMBERATLARGE, MAYORPROTEM Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

TYRONEJOHNSON WARD2

Tyrone.Johnson@highpintnc.gov

TIMANDREW WARD5

Tim Andrew@highpointnc gov

AMANDACOOK MEMBERATLARGE

Amanda.Cook@highpointnc.gov

MONICAPETERS WARD3

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

MICHAELHOLMES WARD6

Michael Holmes@highpointnc gov

FOREMERGING LEADERSACADEMY

Gabby Zanzarella was selected from hundreds of applicants across the US and Canada to be a member of the 2024-2025 Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) through the National American Public Works Association (APWA).

Gabby, stormwater operations analyst, presented at the 2025 PWX, the National APWA Conference, in Chicago, IL, on August 19, 2025, on their final project “A Hands-On Guide to Emergency Management for Public Works Agencies. ”

Gabby and her team did an excellent job creating a manual for municipalities and others across the US and Canada for training and preparation in the face of disasters. Gabby was a representation of the high quality of civil servants dedicated to making lives better across not only the City of High Point, the State of North Carolina, and the world!

High Point was on the national stage as Tyler Long and Curtis Crisco competed in the National Backhoe Roadeo Competition at PWX in Chicago!

These skilled operators showed off their precision, speed and expertise, representing not only our city but the entire state of North Carolina, competing against 80 top competitors from across the country.

Their hard work and talent made us proud, proving that High Point’s crews are among the best in the nation. Tyler Long placed 9 in the backhoe competition. Congratulations to Tyler and Curtis for an incredible performance! th

We’re pleased to introduce Sailin Ba Carolina fellow with Customer Service. A recent UNC Charlotte graduate in Political Science and International Studies, Sailin brings strong communication skills and a passion for public service, community engagement, and building equitable access to city resources.

In her role, Sailin will focus on marketing and education—helping residents better understand our services and ongoing AMI initiatives through clear, accessible communications. She’ll collaborate across departments to strengthen outreach, develop resident-friendly materials, and support messaging across digital and print channels. We’re excited about the energy and fresh perspective she brings and the positive impact her work will have on our customers and the broader High Point community.

Over the Labor Day weekend, Oak Hollow Park came alive with two unforgettable evenings of music at the 14 annual John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival. th

Held in honor of High Point's native son and jazz legend, John Coltrane, the festival blended artistic excellence with community spirit, drawing fans of all ages for a weekend to remember.

Lineup Highlights included: Saturday, August 30

Snarky Puppy: The Grammy-winning ensemble delivered a boundary-defying performance that wove elements of jazz, funk, soul, and world music into a high-energy tapestry.

Lizz Wright: Her deeply soulful voice, described by the New York Times as "a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon, " captivated the audience.

Meshell Ndegeocello: The versatile, multi-instrumentalist and Grammy® winner graced the stage with her boundary-pushing blend of soul, funk, and R&B

The Headhunters: Legendary jazz-funk trailblazers since the 1970s, brought their signature groove to the lakeside setting.

Withers to Wonder: A tribute ensemble featuring Clint Holmes, Nnenna Freelon, and Take 6, honoring the music of Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder with rich harmonies and powerhouse vocals.

Sunday, August 31

José James, John Brown, Stanley Clarke, The Baylor Project, Rick Braun, Peter White, Richard Elliot and Ruthie Foster graced the stage, showcasing a spectrum of styles from soulful jazz vocals to instrumental flair. Each performance honored the improvisational spirit of Coltrane’s legacy while forging new musical paths. Authentic food vendors and local artisans added warmth and flavor to the festivities, making the park feel like a communal stage for the Piedmont Jazz community. At the close of Sunday evening, festivalgoers departed with glowing memories—and a renewed appreciation for John Coltrane’s timeless influence. With this celebration not only preserving his legacy but also uplifting contemporary artists, the stage is set to continue this grand tradition of inspiration and musical exploration.

HIGH

POINT FARMERS MARKET CELEBRATES WATERMELON MONTH WITH CONTEST

On Saturday, August 9, the Farmers Market hosted its unique annual event, the Watermelon Mania Seed Spitting Contest.

Congratulations to our fantastic winners: Ages 10 and under:

�� Aisen Miller

�� Warren Miller

�� Jayden Barrett

Ages 11-17:

�� Lucas Dau

�� Gabby Felton

�� Ace Devane

Ages 18 and up:

�� Oscar Villan (visiting High Point from Italy!)

�� Fred Hoffmann

�� Jaime King

A big “thank you” to Ryan Ferguson for serving as our emcee!

We’re looking forward to our Apple Jubilee Recipe Contest on September 20. This is open to all amateur chefs and bakers (https://bit.ly/2025AppleJubileeContestRules).

HPYOUTHBASKETBALLATHLETES

Each summer our High Point Power youth basketball athletes take a day trip as a "team building" experience. This year, the destination was Carowinds, and despite the heat, members of the 14U and 16U boy’s teams and the MS and 15U girl’s teams had a great time!

For more information about youth and adult athletics offered by High Point Parks & Recreation, please visit https://www.highpointnc.gov/pr, keep an eye out here on Facebook or contact Eli Campbell at 336.883.3621 or eli.campbell@highpointnc.gov.

Promotions

RECO L. HEILIG

Sanitation Worker to Sanitation Special Route Operator

EDWARD E. HOUSE

W/S Mains Specialist to W/S Mains Specialist, Senior

STEVEN L. JONES

Transit Operator I to Transit Supervisor, Assistant

CHRISTOPHER SMITH

Wastewater Operator I to Wastewater Plant Supervisor

New Hires

JESSICA L. BRIXIUS

Police Officer I

BAILEE J. CARVER

Park Attendant

MICHAEL HANEY

Telecommunicator Trainee

GRACE A. KILPATRICK

Administrative Associate

CAREY T. LOGGINS

Parks Maint. Crew Leader

JOSHUA M. MONTGOMERY

Seasonal Park Attendant

CORDELL R. MOORE

Sanitation Equipment Operator I

ZSUZSA B. PIVARNICK

IT User Support Agent

KELSEY H. PRUDENTE

Library Assistant

EDWARD QUICK

Motor Equipment Operator I

KRISTEN J. RESPERS

IT User Support Agent

LEE C. SHELTON

Parks Maint. Crew Leader

GREER F. SMITH

Golf Shop Attendant

MAEGAN STRINGFELLOW

Telecommunicator Trainee

DYLAN R. WILLIAMS

Building Maintenance Tech

JERI L. WISMAN

Stormwater Specialist I

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