I N S I D E H I G H P O I N T
CITYHOLDSHOUSEHOLDHAZARDOUS WASTEDISPOSALEVENT
The City of High Point hosted its Household Hazardous Waste disposal event for High Point residents at the temporary Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1401 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive on May 17.
This event was an opportunity for residents serviced by the City of High Point to drop off the following household items at no charge for proper collection and disposal:
· Aerosols, bleach/cleaners, fire extinguishers, fluorescent bulbs/tubes, mercury-containing items (thermometers), household batteries
· Paints, stains/varnish, strippers/thinners, paint-related materials
· Antifreeze, auto batteries, brake fluid, diesel fuel, gasoline or mixed gas, motor oil and filters, transmission fluid
· Herbicides, pesticides, poisons
· Electronics and polystyrene Styrofoam
· Tires
· Medications and prescriptions
·
CITYHOLDSHOUSEHOLDHAZARDOUS WASTEDISPOSALEVENT
HHW Totals
· Total Number of Vehicles = 125
· Tires collected = 16
· Electronics Collected by COHP MRF = 1,925 pounds
· Medications = 75 pounds
· Ammunition = 6 rounds of 38 special, one 28 gauge shotgun shell, one case of fireworks
The Stormwater Division has taken stormwater education to new heights literally! This summer, a billboard is on display along W. Green Drive, highlighting the importance of protecting our local waterways and encouraging the community to recognize the critical role stormwater plays in safeguarding our environment and infrastructure.
The billboard is part of Public Services' ongoing outreach efforts to raise awareness and inspire everyday actions that reduce stormwater pollution. Whether it’s picking up pet waste, using fertilizers responsibly, or simply keeping storm drains clear, everyone can make a difference. Keep an eye out for the sign, and let it serve as a reminder: water that goes down the storm drain is not treated—it flows directly into our local water bodies. Protecting our watershed starts with each of us!
On May 16, Ferndale Middle School hosted an engaging and inspiring Career Fair, organized and facilitated by Ms. Bradt, Communities in Schools High Point site coordinator. Designed to expose students to a wide range of career paths, the event featured 18 different careers and over 30 guests, as many organizations were represented by multiple professionals. Approximately 400 students participated throughout the day.
Although Ferndale is a Title 1 school with just over 500 students, the Career Fair proved to be a powerful experience, offering students the chance to learn about careers they may have never imagined or considered attainable. The purpose wasn't job placement or internships—students are still too young—but to spark curiosity and show that success in any field requires dedication, hard work, and passion—and that it can be fun too.
DOORSTOFUTUREPOSSIBILITIES
Represented careers and organizations included professionals from fields such as videography, digital marketing, public safety, city departments, local businesses, and community advocacy. Participating groups included: High Point Fire Department, High Point Police Department, High Point Rockers Baseball, HP Code Enforcement, Human Relations, Transportation, Stormwater, and many more, along with independent professionals and entrepreneurs.
Feedback from students and staff was overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed excitement and curiosity, and many were disappointed the guests wouldn't be returning the following Monday. School staff praised the event's impact and have already requested that it return next year—expanded into a full-day experience.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the individuals and organizations who helped make this event a success. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm made a lasting impression on the students of Ferndale Middle.
The Kersey Valley Landfill is serving as a temporary home for a malaise trap (insect trap) to aid High Point University Biology Department in their research.
Director of Environmental Studies, Dr. Daniel Greene, and Adjunct Instructor, Zachary Bunch, are working with the North American Insect Abundance Network (NAIN) to catalog the various species of insects found in High Point. Mike Spencer, Landfill Superintendent, has worked with Dr. Greene to locate an area at the landfill that meets the requirements for the placement and collection of the contents in the trap. The processing of the data will be completed by the fall of 2025 with the help of student interns.
This photo was shared with the City of High Point landfill team by a contractor mowing the landfill cap. It's a striking image—and even more fascinating considering that thousands of tons of waste lie beneath that peaceful groundcover. It’s a powerful reminder of our ongoing commitment to safe disposal and responsible maintenance. And what a stunning shot!
PUBLICWORKSDAY
On May 21, the Library hosted Public Works Day, which was a fantastic celebration of the hardworking teams who keep our city running smoothly. With representation from nearly every division, the event was filled with energy, pride, and community spirit. Multiple divisions set up booths to provide information and giveaways to the citizens that attended the event. HR also attended and hosted a job fair. Children were able to see multiple pieces of equipment up close and in-action as two of our mini excavators were used in the Backhoe Rodeo.
A big congratulations to our Rodeo winners: �� Tyler Long (Water/Sewer Mains), �� Nathan Young (Stormwater Maintenance), and �� Chris Lawson (Water/Sewer Mains) — your skills and dedication truly shined! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped showcase the heart of Public Service teamwork, commitment, and care for our community.
High Point Public Library hosted the second annual Children’s Author Fair on May 17, promoting published works by local authors. The event was a huge success; customers were melding around before the authors were set up.
This event tied into promoting Children’s Book Week, which is the twice-annual celebration of children’s books and reading. Established in 1919, it is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country, now celebrating its 106th anniversary with over 3,000 participating schools, libraries, and bookstores in all 50 states.
During the event, featured authors shared brief summaries of their books as they interacted with library customers. Families were able to take a coloring book and a take-home craft kit, which was prepared by HPPL children’s staff.
Special thanks to the library helpers and all volunteers for their patience and support shown.
If you are a published children’s author and would like to participate next year, contact Maxine Days at 336 883 3646 or email maxine.days@highpointnc.gov, she would be happy to add your name to the list for 2026.
During the event, featured authors shared brief summaries of their books as they interacted with library customers. Families were able to take a coloring book and a take-home craft kit, which was prepared by HPPL children’s staff.
Special thanks to the library helpers and all volunteers for their patience and support shown.
If you are a published children’s author and would like to participate next year, contact Maxine Days at 336.883.3646 or email maxine.days@highpointnc.gov, to add your name to the list for 2026.
HOSTS TWO-PART SERIES ON THE HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH
The High Point Public Library hosted a two-part speaker series about the history of Juneteenth, partnering with BlackGenX.
The first part of the series, “The True Story of Juneteenth—How Freedom Came to Texas & How We Celebrate, ” took place on May 27. This presentation brought the story of Juneteenth to life by replacing myths and omissions with documented facts about the events of June 19, 1865, that took place "where it all began, " in Galveston, Texas. This program introduced participants to the people who made sure the state of Texas and the entire nation celebrate this important historical event, chief among them, the grandmother of Juneteenth, Mrs. Opal Lee. The program was presented by Sharon Gillins. Gillins’ background in instructional systems design and her passion for family history proved the perfect combination to prepare her to be a genealogy educator.
The second part of the series, “Juneteenth eXperience: Finding and Celebrating Your Juneteenth Family, ” with Shamele Jordon, took place on May 31. Participants discovered their African American ancestry back to 1870 with an interactive workshop and learned practical research strategies for tracing both enslaved and free people of color during the Antebellum period. The program offered a chance to better understand family history and celebrates the legacy of those who transitioned to freedom. This program was presented by Shamele Jordon, a genealogist, producer, writer and lecturer known for her work in the field of genealogy and historical research.
For details or questions about the event, contact Marcellaus Joiner at marcellaus
joiner
