Inside High Point - March 2025

MARCH 2025 INSIDE HIGH POINT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

CITY MANAGER ELECTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTEENITIES WITH HUMAN RELATIONS

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CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK: APRIL 6-12

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KEEP HIGH POINT BEAUTIFUL BRINGS GREATEST AMERICAN CLEANUP TO HIGH POINT

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ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUPS PERFORMED

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HP POLICE DEPT’S WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE HONORS COHP NOMINEES

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COHP FINANCIAL SERVICES EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS

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HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TOUR MRF

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PARKS & REC UPDATES

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PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

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

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CITY MANAGER ELECTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Congratulations to ElectriCities' newly elected board member Tasha Logan Ford of the City of High Point Government and our re-elected board members Rick Howell of the City of Shelby, North Carolina, Kip Padgett of the Town of Wake Forest, NC, and Robert "Robbie" Swinson IV of the City of Kinston, North Carolina!

"Congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected members and this year's officers," said ElectriCities CEO Roy Jones. "A sincere thank you to outgoing chairman Troy Lewis for his dedicated service and leadership this past year."

ElectriCities' 16-member Board of Directors advises and directs the activities and policies for North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1, North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency, and ElectriCities of North Carolina. Board members serve three-year terms.

"Many thanks also to North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Tamara Barringer for swearing in the newly elected and re-elected board members," Roy said.

"I'm excited to work with this esteemed group to help secure a bright future for public power in our region."

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTEENITIES WITH HUMAN RELATIONS On Wednesday, March 12, the Human Relations division hosted the City’s 2nd annual OpporTEENity Job Fair at Truist Point Stadium.

At the fair, more than 200 young jobseekers from our High Point public high schoolsmet with 30 local employers hiring full-time, parttime and seasonal workers. Many qualified teens were scheduled for later job interviews, and some employers even recruited potential hires on the spot.

In the week before the fair, Human Relations staff alsoled the teens through career-readiness workshops filled with tips on applications, interviews and job etiquette. The workshops also built confidence for the many teens who are seeking their first job. A special thank you to the High Point University VISTAs for their extra help in making these workshops a success!

The fair was planned in partnership with Guilford County Schools, High Point Schools Partnership, shift_ed, GuilfordWorks, HPU Center for Community Engagement and the Tomorrow’s Titans program.

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CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK APRIL 6-12 AT HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. The High Point Public Library invites the community to join the celebration.

Whether a long-term patron or a new visitor, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. This includes informational programs about health, personal finance, and computer classes, free Wi-Fi, digital collections, and a variety of after-school clubs for kids. The library also offers opportunities to visit local institutions and have cultural experiences with our Borrow an Experience program, ensuring everyone can access resources that educate, inspire, and connect. These and more can be accessed via the new mobile app, HPPL2Go, at https://tlcgoapp.net/HPPL2Go. Additionally, a display will be featured in the library lobby with information on how to support the library.

The High Point Public Library has something for everyone. Whether preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, the library supports all journeys. It is a hub for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities.

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CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK APRIL 6-12 AT HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY Library staff will participate in Stock + Grain’s Family Fun Night on National Library Outreach Day, April 9, at 5 p.m.

First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types nationwide each April.

For more information about National Library Week events at High Point Public Library, visit highpointpubliclibrary.com and follow the library on Facebook and Instagram.

Visitors are also encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #highpointpubliclibrary and #nationallibraryweek.

For more information, visit the library’s website at www.highpointpubliclibrary.com.

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KEEP HIGH POINT BEAUTIFUL BRINGS GREATEST AMERICAN CLEANUP TO HIGH POINT On Saturday, April 5, the City of High Point and Keep High Point Beautiful will participate in the Greatest American Cleanup in partnership with Keep Winston Salem Beautiful and Greensboro Beautiful, focusing on litter removal throughout all areas of High Point.

In honor of the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States of America, Keep America Beautiful and all affiliated organizations are celebrating by encouraging everyone to help with litter removal to make the nation the cleanest it can be for July 4, 2026. Affiliates across the nation are kicking off this effort now.

Volunteers can participate by registering at www.highpointnc.gov/khpb.

Preregistration is requested, and supplies will be provided to volunteers at Pinnacle Financial, 1585 N. University Parkway (formally 1300 E. Hartley Drive), High Point, N.C. All volunteers are also entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards or one $250 Visa Gift Card courtesy of Blue Ridge Companies. Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to area food banks and will receive an additional entry into the gift card drawing for each food item they donate.

The Great American Cleanup is sponsored by A Special Blend, B&B Gutter Cleaning LLC, Blue Ridge Companies, Carolina Core FC Youth, Keep America Beautiful, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Little Caesars Pizza, Pinnacle Financial Partners and Superior Glove.

For more information, please contact Beautification Supervisor Rebecca Coplin at 336.883.3520 or rebecca.coplin@highpointnc.gov.

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ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUPS PERFORMED The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) has been busy performing the "once a year" Environmental Cleanup to minimize the airborne dust in the facility while using cleaning methods that don't stir up dust clouds. The cleanup is conducted yearly, with staff vacuuming all equipment, walls, and ceiling using scissor lifts, genie booms, and approved HEPA vacuums. All dust and cobwebs are vacuumed from ceiling to floor in the 55,000 sq. ft. facility.

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HIGH POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE (WEI) HONORS COHP NOMINEES As part of National Women’s History Month, the High Point Police Department’s Women’s Empowerment Institute (WEI) honored multiple nominees for the 2025 Sheila Twyman Woman of the Year Award. Among them were two exceptional High Point 911 employees: Julie Smith, Master Telecommunicator, and Devin Fennelly, Telecommunications Manager. This prestigious award celebrates women within the department who exemplify service, leadership, and dedication to others, reflecting the legacy of Sheila Twyman.

At this year’s ceremony, Julie Smith was named the 2025 Sheila Twyman Woman of the Year. With 26 years of dedicated service at High Point 911, as well as prior experience with Davidson County 911, Julie has made a lasting impact in public safety. She is a leader in Community Outreach, Peer Support, and Training, and is always willing to give her time and expertise to others.

Outside of work, she volunteers with her church to support the homeless, including creating plastic sleeping mats from recycled bags to provide comfort to those in need.

Julie’s kindness, patience, and generosity embody the spirit of this award.

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HIGH POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE (WEI) HONORED COHP NOMINEES Devin Fennelly was also recognized as a nominee for her leadership and commitment to High Point 911. As Telecommunications Manager, Devin fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment, ensuring her team feels valued and empowered. She leads efforts to prevent burnout, maintain fair hiring processes, and promote professional growth. Beyond her role in public safety, she mentors young women as a Chapter Advisor for Phi Mu Fraternity, helping them develop leadership skills and achieve their goals.

High Point 911 congratulates Julie Smith on this well-deserved recognition and acknowledges Devin Fennelly for her invaluable contributions. Their dedication reflects the very best of our profession.

The Sheila Twyman Woman of the Year Award was created by the High Point Police Department’s Women’s Empowerment Institute (WEI) to honor a woman within the department who exemplifies selflessness, leadership, community service, and gratitude.

The award is named in memory of Officer Sheila Twyman, whose legacy of compassion and dedication continues to inspire others.

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COHP FINANCIAL SERVICES EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS City of High Point employees received several recognitions at the N.C. Association of Governmental Purchasing (NCAGP) conference during the month of March.

Erik Edwards, Contracts Administrator, earned his Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer certification from the NCAGP.

Candy Harmon, Purchasing Manager, was recognized for her many years of service to the NCAGP, serving in a variety of leadership roles.

And finally, the City earned its 21st consecutive Sustained Professional Purchasing Award (SPPA), demonstrating sustained excellence in purchasing standards.

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HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TOUR MRF Environmental Services staff, Teresa Baker and Rebecca Coplin, gave tours of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and the closed portion of the Kersey Valley Landfill to High Point University students. The tours provide an up-close look and first-hand experience for students in the Environmental Science Lab sections for Natural Sciences.

Approximately, 200 students came though the facilities over a period of three days to learn about what happens with our waste and why recycling, reducing, and reusing our resources are so important. MRF and Landfill staff provided tour support and information to aid in the success of the tour experience for students.

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YOUTH BASKETBALL SEASON PLAYER HIGHLIGHT

KALI REID As we finish up our youth basketball season, we'd like to introduce you to a few more of our special players.

Meet Kali Reid with the 12U Lakers.

Her coaches say she worked hard to make an impact on her team's performance this season.

Her defense and ability to set strong picks and grab rebounds made a big difference in the team’s success. She also scored a big bucket during the championship game, and we thought she deserved a little shoutout!

To Kali and all the Lakers, congratulations on a great season!

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HIGH POINT POWER GIRL’S BASKETBALL TEAM Athletes from the Girl's High Point Power basketball team were all about team bonding as they took in the semi-finals game at the Women's ACC Tournament!

For more information on opportunities in youth athletics, please visit https://www.highpointnc.org/pr or call 336.883.3469.

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YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYERS WATCH GREENSBORO SWARM Players from our championship 8U, 10U and 12U youth basketball teams were excited to watch a Greensboro Swarm game and be recognized at center court during halftime on March 16.

Congratulations to all our athletes on a great season!

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HIGH POINT CHEER TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIP Congratulations to High Point Parks & Recreation’s Tiara’s team (ages 4 - 6), who won Grand Champions at the Powerhouse Nationals competition this weekend! (They are tiny but MIGHTY.) We also want to send big congratulations to the Juniors and Seniors Youth Cheer teams, which both won third-place honors and brought home two special awards from Powerhouse Nationals!

For more information on youth cheer programs, please reach out to Victoria Garrett at 336.883.8599 or victoria.garrett@highpointnc.gov.

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GREATER HIGH POINT SENIOR GAMES KICK OFF Let the Games begin!

The 2025 Greater High Point Senior Games kicked off on April 1 before a record crowd!

Special thanks to our generous sponsors, who also attended: Silver: HealthTeam Advantage, High Point University and Hartley Drive YMCA. Bronze: Senior Resources of Guilford, Devoted Health, Griswold Home Care, YWCA, Pennybyrn at Maryfield Senior Living and Home Helpers. Friends: St. George's Greek Women's Club, AuthoraCare and ElderLaw Firm.

For more information on all the fun, fellowship and learning there is to be had at the Culler Senior Center with Senior Games plus a myriad of other activities and events for adults ages "50 and better," please stop by for a visit or call 336.883.3584.

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Promotions JUSTIN R. CLINE Police Officer II to Master Police Officer I MARSHALL F. DODD Groundskeeper I to Motor Equipment Operator I RICHARD C. HORTON Police Officer II to Master Police Officer I DEVIN C. HUGHES Master Telecommunicator to Telecommunications Supervisor

New Hires ALDARRIUS N. DAVIS Police Officer Trainee

MELVIN R. JONES Motor Equipment Operator I

WILLIAM E. ERDO Park Attendant

LUCAS J. LANIER Fleet Tire Technician

JOSHUA R. FLORES POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

JESSICA S. LOWE 911 Quality Assurance Specialist

BRYCE A. JONES Power Line Technician II

MONTEE N. MITCHELL Wastewater Operator I

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ALEJANDRO KEVIN PAREDES POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE JEFFREY L. POPE Tennis Professional BRITTANY N. PRICE Transit Operator I VICTOR J. SANTANA Motor Equipment Operator I BENJAMIN P. SNYDER W/S Plant Mechanic II LANCE A. STEFFEY Power Line Technician II

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

HAVE A SUBMISSION FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE? EMAIL THEM TO PIO@HIGHPOINTNC.GOV.