Inside High Point - June 2025

JUNE 2025

INSIDE HIGH POINT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3-5

HIGH POINT THEATRE UNVEILS LANDMARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

6

UNC SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT CELEBRATES 2024–2025 GRADUATING CLASS OF THE CGCIO™ PROGRAM

7

CASCADE DIE CASTING GROUP EXPANDS MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN HIGH POINT

8-11

COHP UPDATES

12

PUBLIC SERVICES TEAMS SUPPORT BEE CITY HIGH POINT

13-15

HIGH POINT LIBRARY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

16-18

PARKS & REC EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

19-23

PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

CITY COUNCIL

CYRIL JEFFERSON MAYOR

BRITT MOORE

AMANDA COOK MEMBER AT LARGE

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE, MAYOR PRO TEM Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

VICKIE MCKIVER

TYRONE JOHNSON

MONICA PETERS

Vickie.McKiver@highpointnc.gov

Tyrone.Johnson@highpintnc.gov

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

PATRICK HARMAN

TIM ANDREW

MICHAEL HOLMES

Patrick.Harman@highpointnc.gov

Tim.Andrew@highpointnc.gov

Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov

WARD 1

WARD 4

WARD 2

WARD 5

Amanda.Cook@highpointnc.gov

WARD 3

WARD 6

2

HIGH POINT THEATRE UNVEILS LANDMARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

High Point Theatre proudly announced a milestone season celebrating 50 years of High Point Theatre, the city's premier performing arts venue. The 937-seat theatre opened its doors in October 1975 and has since become a cultural cornerstone of the Triad region and beyond.

“The theatre started with quite a splash with performances from legends like Dave Brubeck, Victor Borge, Dizzy Gillespie, Carlos Montoya, and Dottie West—all within its first six weeks,” said Dr. Dan Barnard, director of High Point Theatre. “For five decades, the theatre has served as a gathering place for world-class entertainment, community collaboration, and artistic inspiration.”

To celebrate its golden anniversary, High Point Theatre unveiled a starstudded, 11-show season that honors the theatre’s rich history while embracing the vibrant diversity of the High Point community. This milestone lineup promises unforgettable performances that span genres, cultures and generations.

High Point Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season features Grammy-winner Ledisi (Sept. 18), country stars Diamond Rio (Sept. 26), and jazz highlights tied to the Coltrane Festival with Anat Cohen (Nov. 7) and Matthew Whitaker (Jan. 17).

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HIGH POINT THEATRE UNVEILS LANDMARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

Other standouts include Los Lonely Boys (Nov. 21), holiday shows from Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas (Nov. 30) and The Nutcracker (Dec. 19–21), the cirque spectacle Blizzard (Feb. 21), flamenco performance Noche Flamena: Searching for Goya (Mar. 5), comedy magic from Piff the Magic Dragon (Apr. 18), and a soulful finale with Kandace Springs (May 2).

This landmark season is more than a celebration — it’s an invitation to experience the next 50 years of unforgettable moments at High Point Theatre.

In addition to a vibrant self-presented lineup, High Point Theatre continues its commitment to community through longstanding partnerships with High Point Community Theatre and High Point Ballet, while also serving as the host venue for the Miss North Carolina and Miss North Carolina Teen competitions. For 37 years, it also served as the home of the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival until 2014.

For pricing, package options, and full event details, visit www.highpointtheatre.com.

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HIGH POINT THEATRE UNVEILS LANDMARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

5

UNC SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT CELEBRATES 2024–2025 GRADUATING CLASS OF THE CGCIO™ PROGRAM The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Government proudly announces the graduation of Adam Ward, City of High Point, from the nationally acclaimed Certified Government Chief Information Officers (CGCIO™) Program.

More than 60 graduates from across the country—including representatives from local governments, state agencies, K–12 education systems, community colleges, and public universities— completed the rigorous 240-hour leadership and professional development program, which prepares senior IT professionals for the complex demands of public sector technology leadership.

The UNC CGCIO™ program, launched in 2005 as the nation’s first local government-specific certification for Chief Information Officers and IT Directors, continues to set the standard for public technology leadership.

With coursework spanning strategic technology planning, cybersecurity, procurement, legal issues, leadership, and emerging tech trends, the program develops not only technical acumen, but the strategic mindset required to lead transformational change.

The program is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and its unwavering commitment to developing leaders who are not only technically proficient but also deeply committed to public service. Dr. Shannon Tufts, the program’s founder, professor of public administration and government, director of the Center for Public Technology and senior advisor for cybersecurity for the University of North Carolina system, emphasized the impact of the program: “These professionals are focused on a mission to leverage the power of technology for the greater good, to build more responsive, efficient, and equitable governments, and to ultimately improve the lives of every member of their community, their state, and our country.

They are champions of secure, efficient, and citizen-centered technology that makes government work better for everyone. Their communities are better because they chose the noble calling of public service.” With over 2,000 graduates nationwide, the CGCIO™ program continues to shape the next generation of public technology executives committed to responsible stewardship, digital equity, and transformational leadership. For more information about the UNC CGCIO™ program, visit https://www.sog.unc.edu/courses/course-lists/unc-chapel-hill-school-government-certifiedgovernment-chief-information-officer-cgcio-certification.

6

CASCADE DIE CASTING GROUP EXPANDS MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN HIGH POINT Cascade Die Casting Group, an advanced manufacturer specializing in aluminum and zinc die casting, will expand its existing operations in High Point, N.C. The company will invest a minimum of $8 million in new real and personal property improvements, equipment and machinery and will create at least 43 new full-time jobs at 1800 Albertson Road and 501 Old Thomasville Road in High Point.

Cascade Die Casting has operated in High Point since 1978 and serves as a Tier 1 supplier to major global brands in the automotive, heavy truck, powersports and appliance industries, including Ford, Jeep, Bosch and GE. The company also maintains two additional locations in Michigan.

“We’re excited to continue growing in High Point,” said Jason Antis, Vice President of Cascade Die Casting Group. “This expansion not only reflects our long-term commitment to the community but also supports our mission to deliver high-quality, precision components to our customers.

We’re particularly proud to invest in our workforce through programs like NC FAME, which is helping us build the next generation of skilled talent.”

New positions will include process technicians and engineers, human resources personnel, tool and die technicians, maintenance technicians and others.

“This expansion is another strong vote of confidence in High Point’s workforce and business climate,” said High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson. “Cascade Die Casting’s continued investment in our city shows that we are a destination for advanced manufacturing and long-term partnerships.”

To support the project, the City of High Point has approved $100,000 in performance-based incentives, which are being matched by an additional $57,824 from Guilford County.

“Cascade Die Casting’s growth strengthens our industrial base, supports local supply chains and offers meaningful career opportunities for our residents,” said Peter Bishop, Economic Development Director for the City of High Point.

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CITY HOSTS PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES ON DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE UPDATE

The City of High Point offered two opportunities for community members to participate in a public open house about the City’s Development Ordinance update on Wednesday, June 25.

The first open house session took place from noon to 2 p.m. at Stock + Grain Assembly, 275 N. Elm St., High Point, N.C. The second session was held from 5–7 p.m. at the High Point Public Library in the Morgan Room at 901 N. Main St., High Point, N.C. These events allowed residents, business owners, and stakeholders to engage directly with City staff and Inspire Placemaking Collective, the planning consultants for the project, to help shape the future development of High Point. Attendees had the opportunity to review an initial assessment, ask questions, and provide input to ensure the ordinance aligned with the community’s vision for High Point’s future.

The Development Ordinance was a key tool that set the standards for land use and development in the city, covering a wide range of topics such as zoning, use standards, landscaping, parking, signage, and more.

The goals of the update were to align with the community vision of the High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan and ensure the revised regulations were clear, concise, and user-friendly.

The process included reorganizing sections of the regulations to resolve duplications and conflicts, clarifying and streamlining development processes, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the Development Ordinance.

As part of the update, the ordinance was expected to be organized as a Unified Development Ordinance to reflect the many topics covered. This update reflected policy changes, best practices in urban design, and community priorities.

For more information about the Development Ordinance update and to stay informed on future meetings, visit https://www.inspire-engagement.com/HighPointDOUpdate.

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CITY HOSTS PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES ON DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE UPDATE

Britt Moore Member at Large, Mayor Pro Tem

Michael Holmes Ward 6

Earlier this year, two members of the High Point City Council were appointed to serve on National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Federal Advocacy Committees. Mayor Pro Tem Britt Moore was named to the Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Committee, while Ward 6 Representative Michael Holmes was selected to serve on the Community and Economic Development Committee.

Both are serving one-year terms, contributing to the development of NLC’s federal advocacy priorities in their respective areas of focus. The appointments were announced by NLC President Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio. As a member of NLC’s FAIR Committee, Mayor Pro Tem Moore will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities, towns and villages before Congress, with the administration and at home in High Point, N.C. “It’s an honor to serve on the FAIR Committee and to represent the interests of High Point at the national level,” said Mayor Pro Tem Moore. “This role allows me to advocate for the resources and policies that directly impact our residents and to collaborate with local leaders across the country on strategies that strengthen municipalities.”

This year’s FAIR Committee will be led by Chair Blaine Griffin, Council President of Cleveland, Ohio, Vice Chair Clare Kelly, Council Member of Evanston, Ill. and Vice Chair Mary Dennis, Mayor of Live Oak, Texas.

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CITY HOSTS PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES ON DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE UPDATE

Britt Moore Member at Large, Mayor Pro Tem

Michael Holmes Ward 6

Ward 6 Representative Michael Holmes will serve on the Community and Economic Development Committee, where he will help shape national policy on housing, community development and economic opportunity.

As a member of NLC’s Community and Economic Development Committee, Councilman Holmes will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocating before Congress, with the administration and at home in High Point, N.C. “I’m honored to represent High Point on the Community and Economic Development Committee,” said Councilman Holmes. “This opportunity allows me to advocate for smart housing policies and economic development initiatives that reflect the needs of our city and region. Collaborating with our Congressional Delegation and national peers will help strengthen High Point’s future and broaden opportunities for our residents.”

For more information on NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committees, visit https://www.nlc.org/advocacy/federal-advocacy-committees.

10

HUMAN RELATIONS DIVISION OFFERS FREE SWIM PASSES TO ELIGIBLE CHILDREN The City of High Point Human Relations Division has once again partnered with Washington Terrace Park & Pool to provide free swim passes for eligible children. The free passes may be used at the Washington Terrace Park swimming pool by children ages 2 to 16 whose families receive assistance or other services from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Human Relations Division will register eligible families for the passes while supplies last. Passes are valid at Washington Terrace Park Pool every Thursday beginning June 12 until Aug. 8, 2025. A maximum of 250 passes are available for the program. Each child may receive one pass per household.

To receive the passes, children must belong to a family that receives some form of Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services (TANF, EBT, WIC, childcare assistance, Medicaid, etc.), be High Point residents and be between the ages of 2 and 16. Children under age two receive free entry to the pool and do not require a pass. All children must always be accompanied by an adult. Passes are non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost.

Residents may apply for and pick up passes at the City of High Point Human Relations Division office, located on the second floor of City Hall, 211 S. Hamilton St., Room 205, High Point, N.C., 27260.

11

PUBLIC SERVICES TEAMS SUPPORT BEE CITY HIGH POINT WITH TOPSOIL DELIVERY AT CLOSED KERSEY VALLEY LANDFILL The Cemeteries Division, the Kersey Valley Landfill, and the Ingleside Compost Facility of Public Services once again assisted Bee City High Point with bringing topsoil to the crest of the closed Kersey Valley Landfill.

Bee City Committee Members planted native flowers for pollinators at the top of the closed landfill, connecting the flowers that are returning from previous year’s plantings. We are excited to see the growth and spread starting to happen and hope that one day, the landfill will be covered with these plants to assist with the restoration of our pollinator population. Also, many thanks to the Piedmont Environmental Center for providing the seedlings for planting as part of their annual Wildflower Sale!

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SUMMER READING 2025: “COLOR OUR WORLD” KICKS OFF AT THE HIGH POINT LIBRARY Registration for the library’s Summer Reading program opened on June 9 for all ages. To get started, go to: https://www.highpointnc.gov/1765/Summer-ReadingPrograms. The children’s program is for birth through age 12, the teens program is for kids 13-18, and the adult program is 18+ years.

Prizes will be awarded for all ages at the end of the summer based on the books that were read.

There will also be a variety of programs and activities throughout the summer.

For more information, contact the library!

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HIGH POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT SPONSORS A BIKE SAFETY RODEO AT THE HIGH POINT FARMERS MARKET On Saturday, June 7, the High Point Police Department setup a bike obstacle course for kids to try out! This event is intended to educate kids and parents about bike safety. This is a popular program, and fun was had by all!

14

HIGH POINT FARMERS MARKET HOSTED THE ALEXANDER MARTIN CHAPTER OF THE DAR FOR FLAG DAY On Saturday, June 14, the Alexander Martin Chapter of the DAR was at the Farmers Market to distribute American flags and to celebrate Flag Day. The City of High Point Police Department’s Color Guard presented the colors, the pledge of allegiance was recited, and Councilman Patrick Harman gave remarks about the history and importance of Flag Day. The Farmers Market is grateful for the Alexander Martin Chapter of the DAR for arranging the ceremony and the partnership with the City of High Point Police Department.

15

PARK RANGER AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROMOTE WATER SAFETY AT OAK HOLLOW MARINA FOR NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

High Point Park Ranger CJ Stroupe was joined by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Safe Kids Guilford at Oak Hollow Marina during National Safe Boating Week to spread awareness about water and boating safety. Thank you to our park rangers and community partners for helping keep our lakes safer as we kick off Summer 2025!

16

SPECIAL OLYMPICS GUILFORD/HIGH POINT DELEGATION SHINES AT 2025 SUMMER GAMES IN RALEIGH

Big congratulations to our Special Olympics Guilford/High Point delegation, who participated in the 2025 Summer Games in Raleigh May 30 – June 1 and brought home a collection of awards. These athletes competed in bowling, basketball and swimming, resulting in an impressive 25 gold medals, 14 silver medals, 14 bronze medals and 12 ribbons! Thanks to each of you for making your community proud!

Special thanks to the volunteers and donors who support the efforts of Special Olympics as well - it couldn't be done without you! If anyone is interested in getting involved with Special Olympics Guilford/High Point, we would love to speak with you; we will start practicing for our fall season in August. Please contact Stephanie Hedgecock at 336.883.3477 or stephanie.hedgecock@highpointnc.gov.

More photos available upon request.

17

HIGH POINT YOUTH COUNCIL CELEBRATES YEAR OF SERVICE WITH AWARDS AND REFLECTIONS AT ANNUAL BANQUET The High Point Youth Council wrapped up an outstanding year of monthly service projects in early June, thanking its members and leadership and giving out annual awards.

HPYC Vice Chairperson Yolanda Calhoun opened the banquet by sharing heartfelt words about what participating in Youth Council means to her, kicking off an evening of appreciation and inspiration.

Guest speaker Dell McCormick delivered a message emphasizing how small decisions made during your teenage years can have lifelong impact. The 2025 - 2026 Executive Board was also sworn in: Yolanda Calhoun (Chair), Micah Edwards (Vice Chair), Lennon Castellon (Secretary) and Bryce Timberlake (Sergeant of Arms). Congratulations and thank you to these outstanding young leaders for working to make an impact on the High Point community!

Teens (grades 8 - 12) interested in volunteering community while earning service hours and making new friends should keep an eye out for next year's High Point Youth Council Open House, which will be held in early September. We’d love to tell you more about this great opportunity!

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Promotions PETER A. ABERNETHY Police Commander I to Police Chief, Assistant ERIC D. BERRIER Police Supervisor II to Police Commander I ROBERT L. BOWERS Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I JOSHUA M. CLEGG Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I JACOB M. CONNER Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I JOSHUA S. CONNOR Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I ZACHARY D. CRAVEN IT User Support Agent to AMI Systems Analyst ANDREW L. DEKKER Police Officer, Master III to Police Supervisor I 19

Promotions DAVID B. MAINS Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I GARENCHA RENE Police Supervisor I to Police Commander I WILLIAM R. RILEY Police Officer, Master II to Police Supervisor I NATHAN H. ZEBRON Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I

New Hires AMINA J. ABDALLAH Program Activity Leader WESTON T. BLACK Lifeguard JOHN E. BRITTON Firefighter 20

TREVOR C. BRUNSON Firefighter

MALCOLM D. DACK Park Attendant

RYAN J. BRYANT Park Attendant

QUINCY M. DACK Seasonal Park Attendant

KALEB M. BURNETTE Firefighter

TREY D. DICKENSON Lifeguard

COURTNEY M. BUTLER Summer Camp Counselor

HARRISON B. DOBBINS Firefighter

JACOB S. CARTER Lifeguard

KAREN C. DRAYTON Summer Camp Counselor

RYAN Z. CECIL Seasonal Park Attendant

MATTHEW W. DULIN Firefighter

KAYLA M. COMPEAU Police Officer Trainee

DARDEN C. EURE- PARRISH Firefighter

ANABELLE C. COPELAND Lifeguard

ISAAC J. FLEMING W/S Technician I

GAVIN T. COX Firefighter

JACKSON C. GADDY HR Analyst

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NYRECO Y. GRAHAM Firefighter

JUSTIN D. LYNCH POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

DEVIN M. HACKSTALL Seasonal Park Attendant

TODD T. MACK Seasonal Park Attendant

ANDREW T. HAMPTON Firefighter

KELLEN J. MARTIN Motor Equipment Operator I

MICHAEL A. HEDGECOCK W/S Technician I

JOSH M. MCANDREW Firefighter

JOSEPH C. JARRETT MRF Worker I

PEYTON S. MCDEVITT Firefighter

CLAYTON B. JOHNSON Firefighter

BENJAMIN M. MCDONALD Lifeguard

LANEY R. JOHNSON Lifeguard

FREDDY MENDEZ W/S Technician I

CHRISTOPHER A. JONES W/S Technician I

SETH B. NANCE Park Attendant

CHRISTOPHER W. KING MRF Worker I

CHASE A. PARKER Lifeguard

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KIMBERLY G. PEACOCK Accounting Clerk IV

GRACIE L. WEST Lifeguard

ISABELLA S. PERRYMAN Lifeguard

AUSTEN G. WHITE Lifeguard

NOEL RIVERA Transportation Technician

JALEN A. WHITE Motor Equipment Operator I

CHARLES A. ROLLINS Police Officer I

CHRISTOPHER R. WILEY Lifeguard

OMAR SHARIB Seasonal Park Attendant

KAYTLIN A. WILLIAMSON Park Attendant

JAYSEN T. SMITH Firefighter

JASPER P. WOODARD Lifeguard

TYLER W. STEVENS SCADA Technician

PERRY D. YEOMAN IV Firefighter

MATTHEW Z. TAYLOR Communication Specialist 23

INSIDE HIGH POINT BROUGHT TO YOU BY: CITY OF HIGH POINT COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

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