The Oakwood Cemetery continues to work through the removal of dying or dead trees to make the cemetery a safe place for the public visiting their loved ones.
A large oak tree infested with bees was removed on Aug. 15, 2023. However, another large tree was struck by lightning during the storm, was split in half and fell over on the gravestones.
The contractor scheduled for the tree removal of the oak tree was able to cut up and remove all but the stump of the tree that was hit by lightning. Only two headstones fell off the pedestals, which will be fixed soon, and cemetery staff will work to remove the tree stump. The area has been blocked off to protect the public.
The Cemetery Division is grateful to have local contractors assisting in situations beyond their capabilities and to the cemetery staff for making this a safe and beautiful place for our family and friends to visit loved ones.
PUBLIC SERVICES WELCOMES NEW APPRENTICE
The Public Services Department had the opportunity to sign our fourth apprentice since entering the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) program. Shamar Williams, a senior at Northwest Guilford High School, has joined the Water & Sewer Maintenance Division to pursue a mechatronics engineering tract.
Apprentices are able to earn money on the job as soon as they start the apprenticeship program while also taking college classes at no cost. In fact, students actually get paid for time spent in class. Program benefits include:
• Payment for 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training during the four-year program
• An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) from Guilford Technical Community College
• All tuition, books, and fees for the associate’s degree program covered, so students graduate debt-free
• Options after apprenticeship graduation to transfer degree credits to most state four-year universities in order to earn a bachelor’s degree
• Specialized certification and experience that is recognized and sought by employers
• Health insurance, retirement and paid-time-off benefits to apprentices by many employers
The value of college classes plus pay received for training on the job and in the classroom is the equivalent of a $125,000 scholarship.
Welcome Shamar to our CHP team!
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
WELCOMES NEW COMMISSIONER
High Point Parks & Recreation is happy to welcome Vickie McLean McKiver to the Parks & Recreation Commission. McKiver grew up in High Point and worked for the City of Thomasville for 35 years, retiring as director of its Parks and Recreation Department in December 2020. She is a graduate of High Point College, now High Point University, which she attended on a scholarship for basketball and volleyball and where she received a bachelor’s degree in physical education. She was part of the team that won the AIAW National Women's Basketball Championship in 1978 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at HPU.
Vickie and her husband Abraham have three daughters and one grandson, with whom she loves to spend time. She is active in her church and the community and is excited to serve on the High Point Parks & Recreation Commission because she still loves sports and working with people of all ages. We are equally excited to have her join us! Welcome, Vickie!
HIGH POINT PARK RANGER EARNS ADVANCED
LAW ENFORCEMENT
CERTIFICATE
High Point Park Ranger Thomas Roehm has earned the prestigious North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. Thomas has over six years of law enforcement experience, holds a bachelor's degree from UNC Charlotte and has completed over 699 hours of advanced professional training.
MUSEUM HOSTS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The Museum had a great turnout for National Night Out this year, with over 100 visitors! The High Point Police and Fire Departments came, and everyone enjoyed some popcorn and lemonade. Kids were able to mine bars for “gold” in Little Red Schoolhouse. The night ended with a screening of the “Road to El Dorado.”
PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES
CONGRATULATIONS:
ROBERT BAKER - Operations Analyst to Stormwater Superintendent
DEAN BENBOW JR - Rec Center Assistant Supervisor to Rec Center Supervisor
RACHEL HURT - Lifeguard to Assistant Pool Manager
STEPHEN HAWRYLUK - Budget & Performance Manager to Budget & Performance Director
MARCOS ROQUE - Groundskeeper I to Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor
WELCOME:
BRITTANY BURKE - Erosion Control Inspector I
JEREMIAH JOHNSON - Construction Inspector Supervisor
