Inside High Point - May 2025

MAY2025

INSIDE HIGH POINT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3-5

CITY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL EVENT

6

BILLBOARD ON W GREEN DRIVE SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON STORMWATER'S ROLE

7-9

CITY OF HIGH POINT PARTICIPATES IN FERNDALE MIDDLE CAREER FAIR

10

KERSEY VALLEY LANDFILL HOSTS INSECT TRAP

11

COHP LANDFILL HIGHLIGHT

12

HIGH POINT POLICE CHIEF CURTIS CHEEKS SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY

13-16

HIGH POINT LIBRARY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

17-18

CITY OF HIGH POINT CELEBRATES PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK 2025

19-22

PARKS & REC EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

23-25

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

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CITY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL EVENT

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 · Ammunition, fireworks and unwanted or broken firearms 3

CITY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL EVENT

Disposal is for household waste only.

Residents were asked to have all materials collected in the trunk of their cars or in the bed of their pick-up trucks for easy access and removal.

High Point Residents can find a comprehensive list of common household items and their proper disposal methods by visiting www.highpointnc.gov/whatdoidowith.

For more information, please contact Recycling Program Coordinator Teresa Baker at 336.807.4817 or teresa.baker@highpointnc.gov.

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CITY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL EVENT 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 · MXI = 10,897 total weight of miscellaneous household hazardous materials

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BILLBOARD ON W GREEN DRIVE SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON STORMWATER'S ROLE

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!

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CITY OF HIGH POINT PARTICIPATES IN FERNDALE MIDDLE CAREER FAIR; OPENS DOORS TO FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

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.

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CITY OF HIGH POINT PARTICIPATES IN FERNDALE MIDDLE CAREER FAIR; OPENS DOORS TO FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

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.

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CITY OF HIGH POINT PARTICIPATES IN FERNDALE MIDDLE CAREER FAIR; OPENS DOORS TO FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

9

KERSEY VALLEY LANDFILL HOSTS INSECT TRAP TO SUPPORT HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY RESEARCH 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.

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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!

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HIGH POINT POLICE CHIEF CURTIS CHEEKS SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY Congratulations Chief Curtis Cheeks who was selected to attend the FBI National Academy! The 10-week program includes more than 250 law enforcement officers representing agencies from the local level to the federal level, and even international agencies.

Coursework includes intelligence theory, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and management science. There is also a physical fitness component.

Participation in the National Academy is invitation-only through a nomination process based on demonstrated leadership qualities.

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HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES CITY’S ESSENTIAL WORKERS AT PUBLIC WORKS DAY

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.

🥈

🥉

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HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL CHILDREN’S AUTHOR FAIR SHOWCASING LOCAL TALENT 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.

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HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL CHILDREN’S AUTHOR FAIR SHOWCASING LOCAL TALENT

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.

15

HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY 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@highpointnc.gov or 336.883.8542.

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CITY OF HIGH POINT CELEBRATES PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK 2025 Beginning Monday, May 5, the City of High Point celebrated Public Service Recognition Week 2025 – a special time set aside to recognize and honor the incredible work our employees do every day in service to the community.

At Monday’s Council Meeting, the Mayor presented a resolution officially declaring May 5–9 as Public Service Recognition Week. The resolution was accepted on behalf of the entire team with heartfelt gratitude to every employee who helps make the City of High Point a better place each day.

Throughout the week, employees were celebrated for their dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to serving the community. From tackling complex challenges to providing vital services—often behind the scenes— every contribution was acknowledged and appreciated. The sense of unity and pride in being part of the High Point family was truly inspiring.

As May was also Mental Health Awareness Month, the week included several wellness opportunities designed to support employee wellbeing.

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CITY OF HIGH POINT CELEBRATES PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK 2025

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HIGH POINT PARK RANGERS JOIN HEATSTROKE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN Our High Point Parks Rangers, led by Ranger M. Miloro, were happy for the opportunity to partner with Leigha Jordan and Alex Wilkins with Safe Kids Guilford and Norman Franklin from the Office of the State Fire Marshall on their Heatstroke Prevention Campaign.

High Point City Lake Park adjacent to the playground was a great place to provide information and a hands-on demonstration on the dangers of leaving children alone in a car - even for a minute.

Safe Kids Guilford staff talked with parents and gave out lots of helpful information to help keep the children in our community safe from this risk.

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HIKERS EXPLORE NATURE DURING PIEDMONT DISCOVERY HIKE

This group of hikers participated in a Piedmont Discovery hike on May 3, hosted by High Point Parks & Recreation, NC and Piedmont Environmental Center. It's the last in a spring series offered to highlight the features of the free Piedmont Discovery app as well as all the amazing natural resources offered by municipalities all across Guilford County!

This particular walk, led by PEC staff naturalist Tom Shepherd, highlighted the plants and wildflowers you find in PEC's trails, some of the folklore you hear about them - and how much of those stories are based on fact vs. fiction!

For more information on the Piedmont Discovery app, a free download that can help you find all kinds of recreational opportunities, please visit https://www.piedmontdiscoveryapp.com.

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ADAPTIVE WATER SPORTS EVENT AT OAK HOLLOW LAKE OFFERS INCLUSIVE FUN We love our community partnerships!

High Point Parks & Recreation’s ASPIRE staff thanks Get Outdoors Greensboro and Pair NC for offering an evening of adaptive water sports for people with disabilities and their families on beautiful Oak Hollow Lake.

Twenty-one participants learned about water safety and enjoyed kayaking alongside staff and volunteers, an experience some said they thought they might not otherwise get to try. What an amazing night!

ASPIRE (Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation) is part of High Point Parks & Recreation and offers a wide variety of programs for people with physical and intellectual disabilities ages 5+. Visit https://www.highpointnc.gov/ASPIRE or call 336.883.3469 to find out more.

21

HIGH POINT UNITES FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RUN AS OFFICERS, PARK RANGERS, AND ATHLETES CARRY FLAME

May 21 was the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run! The High Point Police Department, High Point Parks & Recreation Park Rangers and seven local Special Olympic athletes ran five miles through High Point with the torch. It was passed off to the Burlington Police Dept. next as it made its way towards Raleigh, where it eventually entered Reynolds Coliseum for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2025 Special Olympics Summer Games!

Athletes from all over North Carolina competed May 30 - June 1 at the Summer Games. Athletes from Greater High Point took on competitors in bowling, swimming and basketball and were ready for the challenge!

Please join us in thanking the law enforcement community for their continued strong support of Special Olympics and in congratulating our athletes!

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Promotions JACOB CUNNINGHAM Lifeguard to Pool Manager, Assistant MARTEKA DAVIS Permits Specialist II to Community Relations Specialist AMANDA M. SIMMONS Utilities Service Dispatcher to Utilities Service Dispatcher, Lead TERRIN J. SWANSON Firefighter to Police Officer I

New Hires CALVIN E. BAKER Transit Operator I CHELSEA M. CASEY Police Information Tech I JACOBY A. CECIL Motor Equipment Operator I 23

NYLAH L. DACK Summer Camp Counselor

JOSHUA J. HOPKINS Summer Camp Counselor

ROBERT E. EARLY Golf Professional

BRANDON D. ISOM W/S Plant Mechanic I

MITCHELL A. EDGE Groundskeeper I

JOEL JABLONSKI Grillroom Attendant

JOSHUA E. ELLAS Golf Shop Assistant

DERRICK W. JOHNSON Summer Camp Counselor

CHRISTIAN ESQUIVEL VIDAL Seasonal Park Attendant

MELISSA A. LEMONDS Summer Camp Counselor

RYAN P. GORMAN W/S Technician I

REGINALD D. LENDON Parking Attendant

JOSHUA B. HEPLER Street Maint Supervisor

PATRICIA A. LIVINGSTON Seasonal Park Attendant

EFRAIN D. HERNANDEZ W/S Technician I

RYAN M. MARTIN Motor Equipment Operator II

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CHARICE L. MCMILLIAN Transit Operator I

SETH M. STARLING Parks Maint Crew Leader

CORINTH S. MEREDITH-CAMP Human Relations Analyst

EVAN G. STEPP Camp Ann Counselor

JEREMIAH L. MITCHELL Motor Equipment Operator I

DATANNICA L. STRONG Summer Camp Counselor

SHAYLA L. MUA Library Associate

HAILEE N. SUITS Summer Camp Counselor

CRAIG L. NICKELSON Local Codes Enforcement Officer I

JAEDEN E. WATKINS Recreation Attendant

JERRY D. RAMEY JR. Motor Equipment Operator I

KATELYN D. WILLIAMS Telecommunicator Trainee

NOAH A. ROBLES Seasonal Park Attendant ALIYAH J. RUFFIN Summer Camp Counselor 25

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

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