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INSIDE HIGH OCTOBER 2026

POINT

CITY COUNCIL

CYRIL JEFFERSON MAYOR

MONICA PETERS

MAYOR PRO TEMPORE WARD 3

BRITT MOORE

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

CHRIS WILLIAMS MEMBER AT LARGE

VICKIE MCKIVER

TYRONE JOHNSON

Chris.Williams@highpointnc.gov

Vickie.McKiver@highpointnc.gov

Tyrone.Johnson@highpintnc.gov

PATRICK HARMAN

TIM ANDREW

MICHAEL HOLMES

Patrick.Harman@highpointnc.gov

Tim.Andrew@highpointnc.gov

Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

WARD 4

WARD 1

WARD 5

WARD 2

WARD 6

EXECUTIVE TEAM LEADERSHIP

TASHA LOGAN FORD CITY MANAGER

GREG FERGUSON DEPUTY CITY MANAGER

DAMON DEQUENNE ASST. CITY MANAGER

ERIC OLMEDO

ASST. CITY MANAGER

JERON HOLLIS

MANAGING DIRECTOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

2024-27 STRATEGIC PLAN

4-5

HIGH POINT PARKS & REC EARNS NATIONAL REACCREDITATION

6-7

HP PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES COMMUNITY AT INAUGURAL KIDS FEST

HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES HP PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTENNIAL

9-17

HIGH POINT LIBRARY UPDATES

18-21

HP THEATRE UPCOMING EVENTS

22-24

PARKS & REC UPDATES

25-28

PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

2024-27 STRATEGIC PLAN OUR VISION

Creating the single most livable, safe and prosperous community in America.

OUR MISSION

The City will serve as the catalyst for bringing together the community’s human, economic and civic resources for the purpose of creating the single most livable, safe and prosperous community in America.

WE VALUE

1. STEWARDSHIP

2. PRODUCTIVITY

We manage the city's resources responsibly and make decisions that sustain High Point's future. In other words, we take care of what we have today to build what we'll need tomorrow.

We stay focused on results, fostering creativity, innovation and outside-the-box thinking. We don't just get things done we find smarter, better ways to do them.

WE ARE

WE VALUE

3. WELCOMING

4. INTEGRITY

We create a friendly, open environment where residents, partners and visitors feel valued and embraced. We want everyone who connects with High Point to feel welcomed, like they belong here.

We act with honesty, transparency and ethical responsibility in everything we do. That means doing what's right - even when no one's watching. This is how we earn our community's trust.

HIGH POINT PARKS & RECREATION EARNS NATIONAL REACCREDITATION High Point Parks & Recreation has again earned national accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), recognizing the department’s commitment to professional best practices, accountability and continuous improvement. The department met all 154 standards evaluated during the reaccreditation process — the second time High Point Parks & Recreation has achieved full compliance. “Meeting all 154 standards for a second time is an accomplishment our entire department can be proud of,” said Lee Tillery, High Point Parks & Recreation Director. “It reflects the commitment of our employees and the work they do every day to provide quality parks, programs and services to our community.” High Point Parks & Recreation first earned CAPRA accreditation in 2021 after completing an extensive review of its operations and demonstrating compliance with all standards. At that time, High Point was one of only 12 parks and recreation agencies in North Carolina to hold the accreditation. Today, High Point is one of 15 CAPRA-accredited agencies in North Carolina and one of 232 nationwide. CAPRA is the only national accreditation program specifically for parks and recreation agencies. Accredited agencies are evaluated against nationally

HIGH POINT PARKS & RECREATION EARNS NATIONAL REACCREDITATION recognized professional standards covering areas such as planning, financial management, personnel practices, recreation programming, facility and land management, public safety and evaluation of programs and services. Agencies reaccredit every five years, a process that requires extensive self-assessment, documentation demonstrating compliance with each standard and an independent review by a team of parks and recreation professionals. Employees throughout High Point Parks & Recreation contributed to the process by reviewing operations, updating policies and procedures, compiling documentation and preparing for the accreditation review, all while continuing to run the parks, programs and facilities the community uses every day.

HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY AT INAUGURAL HP KIDS FEST

High Point Public Library hosted its inaugural HP Kids Fest on Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at the High Point Athletic Complex. The free music festival brought together children, families and community members for an afternoon of live entertainment, outdoor games, face painting, food trucks and family-friendly activities. Attendees enjoyed an exciting lineup of performances featuring the Three Graces Belly Dancers, Big Bang Boom, Criss Cross Mango Sauce and SUAH African Dance. The diverse entertainment offered something for all ages while creating opportunities for families to connect, have fun and make lasting memories. “HP Kids Fest is an opportunity for families and our community to come together, enjoy great music and make lasting memories in a fun, welcoming environment,” said Mary Sizemore, director of High Point Public Library. “One of our goals, particularly as we celebrate our 100th year, is to strengthen our city’s sense of community from the oldest to the youngest residents. We are excited to introduce this new event and create a space for the Triad’s families to gather year after year.” 6

HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY AT INAUGURAL HP KIDS FEST

The inaugural festival also supported the United Way of Greater High Point’s BackPack Program, which provides nutritious weekend meals to local children who may experience food insecurity when school meals are unavailable. Festival attendees were encouraged to support the initiative by donating nonperishable food items to help fill children's backpacks. HP Kids Fest marked an exciting new addition to High Point's community events, celebrating the library's centennial year while bringing families together for an afternoon of music, entertainment and community engagement.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTENNIAL

The High Point Historical Society Monthly Program Series will take place Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. at the High Point Museum at 1859 E. Lexington Ave. This month’s topic will be the High Point Public Library at 100 Years. Julie Raynor, High Point Public Library 100th Anniversary Planning Committee Coordinator, will discuss the library’s service to the greater High Point community for the last century. She will explore the library's commitment to determining the needs of the community and working to meet those needs within the library's walls and in the neighborhoods around the city. Attendees are encouraged to come with their own stories of the library and will be able to share those memories after Raynor’s talk. “The High Point Public Library is very excited to be celebrating this milestone with the community that has supported our efforts for 100 years,” said Raynor. “We hope that people will come to learn about the legacy of the library and how we're striving to continue our focus on the community into the future. We appreciate our partnerships with the High Point Historical Society for sponsoring this program and with the High Point Museum for presenting the historical exhibit, ‘Telling the High Point Public Library's Centennial Story.’” Following the program, attendees will enjoy a sneak peek of the library’s exhibition, "Telling the High Point Public Library's Centennial Story" which will be in the lecture gallery at the museum. This exhibition will highlight important moments in the library’s history and feature photographs from its century of service. This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

EVENT UPDATES POLICE DEPARTMENT SWEEPS PODIUMS AT 2026 PEPPER BLAST CHILI COOK-OFF!

The High Point Police Department took home a clean sweep at this year’s Pepper Blast Chili Cook-off, braving a rainy Saturday at the High Point Farmers Market to claim every top spot. Held in the parking lot of the High Point Public Library, this special edition of the annual cook-off welcomed culinary teams from the Police and Fire Departments, alongside a new team from the library in honor of its historic 100th anniversary celebration. A panel of three local judges—retired Police Lieutenant Jeff Blank, Library Board Member Ann Lynch, and retired Fire Detective Phil Shields—conducted a blind taste test to evaluate each secret recipe. Meanwhile, market attendees sampled the stews to determine who would walk away with the public's vote.

EVENT UPDATES POLICE DEPARTMENT SWEEPS PODIUMS AT 2026 PEPPER BLAST CHILI COOK-OFF!

The Official 2026 Results:

🥇 First Place: Mamaw’s Chili – Prepared by Dusty Brackett (Police Dept.) • 🥈 Second Place: Peppered Chili – Prepared by Jennifer Evans (Police Dept.) • 🥉 Third Place & People’s Choice: Three Bean Chili – Prepared by Jerry Gregory (Police Dept.) •

A huge congratulations to the winners, and a special thank you to all the participating cooks from the Fire Department (Darrell Barham, Travis Thompson, and Armando Toledo-Vazquez) and the Library team (Megan Bowers, Lauryn James, and Kim Oldaker) for keeping spirits bright despite the weather! Hungry to try these award-winning stews at home? All competition recipes will soon be uploaded to the Farmers Market page on the High Point Public Library website: https://www.highpointnc.gov/1753/High-Point-Farmers-Market. 12

EVENT UPDATES FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY HOST JOURNALISM ICONS FOR SPECIAL PRE-SALE EVENT

The Friends of the High Point Public Library hosted "A Conversation with Tom Blount and Carol Andrews" on Saturday, October 17, bringing together two legendary figures of the local news industry. Tom Blount, who retired as editor of The High Point Enterprise in 2012, shared insights from his remarkable 60-year career in print journalism. Joining him was Carol Andrews, a veteran television news anchor who spent nearly 30 years broadcasting across the Piedmont Triad and the Southeast before transitioning to executive coaching and writing. The highlight of the afternoon was an exclusive book sale featuring titles generously donated from Blount’s personal collection. Attendees got a special sneak peek and early shopping access ahead of the highly anticipated Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale on Saturday, October 24. All proceeds from the display sales are allocated by the Friends of the Library to directly benefit the library's programs and activities. 13

EVENT UPDATES HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT

The High Point Historical Society hosted a special educational program on October 21 at the High Point Museum to look back on a century of library history. Library staff members Julie Raynor and Elizabeth Blanchett from the library's Centennial Celebration Planning Committee led the presentation, highlighting the library’s long-standing dedication to community outreach and evolving neighborhood needs. Following the presentation, attendees enjoyed refreshments provided by the Historical Society and took to the microphone to share their own fond memories and personal stories of the library. Missed the event? You can still catch up on the celebration: Watch the Recording: A full video of the presentation is available on the High Point Historical Society’s YouTube Channel:

EVENT UPDATES HIGH POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=9lWFrXAJlAI&list=PLQaT2lILROJtENYP3SIAa5CQEZfQqn075&index= 1&t=2795s Visit the Exhibit: The presentation serves as a companion to the "Telling the Library’s Centennial Story" exhibit, which is currently on display at the High Point Museum through December 31, 2026. Join the Big Celebration: Don't forget to mark your calendar for the library's official centennial celebration on Sunday, November 8, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the main library branch! 15

ALL CITY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE A COHP DISCOUNT! FOR TICKETS, VISIT THE BOX OFFICE OR CALL (336) 887-3001 TODAY!

OAK HOLLOW GOLF COURSE BRIDGE DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF GREG ALSPAUGH

High Point Parks & Recreation was honored to dedicate the newly replaced bridge leading to the tee box at hole #6 at Oak Hollow Golf Course in honor and memory of Greg Alspaugh, who served as the department’s Golf Course Superintendent for over 14 years before his unexpected passing in 2024. Many of Greg’s family members, friends and co-workers gathered at the bridge between #5 green and #6 tee to reminisce and remember his contributions. 22

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER HOSTS HANDS-ON BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP

Piedmont Environmental Center recently hosted Hillsborough-based artist and educator Angela Eastman, who led a basket-weaving workshop. Participants used wisteria vines that were removed on one of PEC's invasive plant removal workdays this past spring to create beautiful baskets! For more information on classes and other activities taking place at PEC, please call 336.883.8531 or visit www.highpointnc.gov/pec.

FOOD LION SUPPORTS MIRACLE LEAGUE OF HIGH POINT WITH GENEROUS DONATION AND VOLUNTEERS The Miracle League of High Point was honored and appreciative to accept a generous donation from Food Lion as it recently kicked off its fall season! Food Lion also showed its support by providing more than 30 buddy volunteers from its corporate office in Salisbury and stores throughout the Greensboro and High Point region. Savannah Barone, one of our Miracle League parents, threw out the first pitch as Food Lion's representative. It was a great evening and again, our thanks to Food Lion for its commitment to volunteerism and financial support, which helps make a difference in the lives of more than 150 local Miracle League players.

Speaking of volunteers, we are almost always in need of Assistant Coaches and “Buddies” to support this wonderful program. If you or your company, team or service organization would like to spend a fun Friday evening or Saturday morning supporting our athletes during their one-hour games, please e-mail Stephanie Hedgecock at stephanie.hedgecock@highpointnc.gov.

SEPTEMBER PROMOTIONS DAKOTA LUCAS W/S Plant Mechanic, Lead to W/S Plant Mechanic III

SEPTEMBER NEW HIRES BAXTER FAULK Motor Equipment Operator I BEAU MORGAN Golf Shop Attendant BJ MACFARLAND (Retired - Active) Civilian Specialist CALLA WALKER Budget Analyst CHASE JOHNSON Sanitation Equipment Operator I COLT MATTHEWS Traffic Paint/Sign Tech I DANIEL LAWRENCE IT Cybersecurity Analyst

BAXTER FAULK Motor Equipment Operator I

KAT FREYDL Librarian I

BEAU MORGAN Golf Shop Attendant

KYLE DONNELLY Recreation Attendant

BJ MACFARLAND (Retired - Active) Civilian Specialist

LAFAYETTE WALL Park Attendant

CALLA WALKER Budget Analyst

NEAL LANE Groundskeeper I

CHASE JOHNSON Sanitation Equipment Operator I

NICHOLAS HAWKS Park Attendant

COLT MATTHEWS Traffic Paint/Sign Tech I

RAMONA GALLEGOS Paralegal

DANIEL LAWRENCE IT Cybersecurity Analyst

RYAN BODINE Crime Scene Technician I

DASIA PHILLIPS Crime Scene Technician I

SASHA MCCLARY Code Enforcement Officer I

DONYEA RHODES Motor Equipment Operator I

TIMOTHY BROWN Groundskeeper I

OCTOBER PROMOTIONS CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON Fire Captain I to Fire Equipment Operator II

OCTOBER NEW HIRES ALBERT L. MCLEAN III Police Officer I ALEC MORE Transportation Director CALEB BAYNE Park Attendant CHRISTOPHER SMITH Police Officer I DAWSON DRAUGHN W/S Technician I DIANE ROBERTS Recreation Attendant DYLAN CARROLL Sanitation Equipment Operator II

GEORGE GLOVER Parks Maint Crew Leader

SABBY BEDI Executive Assistant

GREGORY MORRIS Transit Operator I

TACY JARRELL Civilian Specialist

JACOB MENDELSON Park Attendant

STEFAN INGRAM MRF Worker I

JONATHAN JONES Police Officer I JONATHAN KNIGHT W/S Mains Specialist LEWIS SIMMONS MRF Worker I MATTHEW ALGAN HR Info Systems Analyst, Sr. MICAH IMBUS Recreation Attendant NOAH TRUSKOWSKI Power Line Technician

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

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