Town of Cary
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January 2015
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Each year we give our staff and citizens the opportunity to nominate as Employee of the Year those eligible staff members who make a consistently outstanding contribution to our Town operations. We’ve sifted through the impressive recommendations and of 18 finalists this year two of our over 1,200 employees received the distinction. Consistently going above and beyond for citizens and colleagues, Development Services Division Manager Wes Everett and Senior Police Officer Artie O’Brien are this year’s winners. Each received a plaque and $700, and was recognized by the Cary Town Council at its December 11 meeting.
With over six years of service to our Town, Wes Everett oversees our recently formed Development Support Division. His leadership skills and proactive approach to serving Cary citizens and other partners involved in developing or building in Cary played a role in the successful formation of the new service division.
Staff Duty Officer Artie O’Brien has served in our Police Department for 11 years. Nominees describe O’Brien as engaged and thoughtful, and praised him for placing the welfare and safety of others at Town Hall above his own.
“Employee of the Year” at www.townofcary.org
We’re accepting applications for our School of Government Class of 2015. This is a great opportunity to get an innovative, hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at how municipal government functions, the people and facilities that provide the services you use every day, and how you can get involved in your local government. Applications are accepted now through February 13. Eight sessions are scheduled on Wednesday evenings from March 25-April 29 from 6-9 p.m. and two Saturday morning sessions on April 11 and 25.
For eligibility, further details and an electronic application, search “School of Government” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4006.
As part of our long-term fire management plan for Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, sometime between now and April 2015 we’ll perform our annual prescribed burn at the Preserve. Because of stringent weather conditions that must be met for a prescribed burn, the notification window of the burn may be only hours. If you’re interested in receiving more details on the timeframe of the burn, sign up for updates at hemlocks@townofcary.org.
The North Carolina Forest Service will implement and supervise the burn, which will measure two to three acres. That’s about the size of a football field. We’ll have staff and a fire truck on site to provide logistical assistance. While certain sections of select trails will close for the day, the Preserve and Stevens Nature Center will remain open; we encourage you to enjoy as usual.
“Hemlock Bluffs” at www.townofcary.org
Summer Camps
When school’s out, consider our School’s Out! Summer camps. We offer mini, half-day and full-day camps for kids of all ages, all summer long. From arts, sports, and science to drama, nature education and more, there is no shortage of opportunities to keep hands engaged and minds working. Registration opens February 2 for Cary residents and February 16 for all others. Pick up a copy of the School’s Out! guide at any Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facility or public libraries in Cary. Or view the guide online starting in February. Scholarships are available for qualified participants.
“Camps” at www.townofcary.org | (919) 469-4061
February’s the time of year many of us start thinking about pre-emergent weed control. You can help prevent chemicals from running into our waterways if you avoid applying pre-emergent when heavy rain is forecasted. When applying fertilizer, remember to follow manufacturers’ suggested application rates, and calibrate spreaders and sprayers. Be sure to sweep back into your lawn any granules of fertilizer or pesticide that fall on sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces.
“Stormwater Education” at www.townofcary.org l (919) 469 4038
Mills Park & Panther Creek Greenway Update
Join us at Fire Station 8, 408 Mills Park Drive, on February 19 from 5-7 p.m. for our third public meeting about Mills Park and Panther Creek Greenway. We’ll present the master plan for Mills Park and talk about phase 2. We’ll also unveil the final plans for the Panther Creek Greenway. Mills Park Phase 2 and Panther Creek Greenway are funded by the 2012 Parks and Rec Bond Referendum, which was approved by 69 percent of our voters and is part of the Cary Community Investment Bonds.
“Cary Community Investment Bonds” at www.townofcary.org
Dads, channel your inner Derek Hough, grab your daughter (age 4-12) and waltz on over to our Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. On February 6 and 7 from 6–9 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center, treat your little miss to a night of music, dancing, fun and memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Light refreshments will be served. Come early for the photos that start at 5 p.m.; each daddy-daughter pair will receive a keepsake 5x7 grip and grin. Both dad and daughter must pre-register by mail or in person at any staffed Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facility.
“Daddy-Daughter Dance” at www.townofcary.org
In winter, it’s important to insulate your pipes to help prevent water from freezing and pipes from bursting. If a pipe bursts in your home, act fast. Immediately turn your water off at the master shut off valve. Not sure where that is? It may be close to your water heater or washing machine or in your front hall closet. It’s a good idea to locate the valve and know how it works; ensure the others in your home can do the same. If you’re unable to locate your master shut off valve, don’t despair; call us at (919) 469-4090 and have your meter turned off at the street.
Hot Tips: Weathering the Storm
Electricity in our homes is something we all appreciate, especially on cold winter days. Used properly, it provides us with safe lighting and heat, and powers our appliances. However, when it’s used improperly or when shortcomings are left unaddressed, electricity becomes a leading cause of house fires. Help keep you and those in your home safe by following these tips.
- Never attempt to repair frayed, worn or damaged electrical cords or extension cords with tape. Throw them away.
- Plug only one heat producing appliance into an electrical outlet at a time. This includes coffee makers, toasters and space heaters.
- Never substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
- When unplugging an electrical cord, hold the plug.
- If you notice frequent problems with tripped breakers, flickering lights, sparks from an outlet or discolored wall outlets, contact a qualified electrician or your landlord.
“Fire Safety” at www.townofcary.org
If you’ve recently replaced an appliance, remember to correctly dispose of your old refrigerator, washer or other white goods. You can take them to the Citizen’s Convenience Center to be recycled or call us at (919) 469-4090 to schedule curbside pickup; fees may apply. If you’re placing your appliance curbside, secure or remove doors on refrigerators and freezers. If your appliance works, you might also consider donating it to a charity for reuse.
“Appliance Recycling” at www.townofcary.org
At its October 10, 2013 meeting, our Town Council unanimously approved a two-year C-Tran fare increase; the first increase was in January 2014. The second occurs on January 27, 2015. The 2014 increase was C-Tran’s first for its Fixed Route services since 2005; fares had not increased on Door-to-Door services since 2008.
Effective January 27, 2015, a one-way fixed route fare will increase to $1.50; the discounted fare for seniors or disabled will rise to 75 cents. For fixed route passengers who use other regional transit services, the cost of regional passes that are valid on C-Tran won’t change. Riders who use the Tier I Door-to-Door service will see a 50 cents increase for a one-way trip; the off-peak Tier II discount fare from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will increase $1 for a one-way trip.
“C-Tran” at www.townofcary.org | (919) 485-RIDE
Registration for our youth baseball (ages 5-18) and softball (ages 8-18) is January 26 through February 15. If you participated last year, watch for the reminder postcard that we’ll be mailing. The fee is $50 for Cary residents and $75 for all others. You’ll need to provide a birth certificate for your 5-year-old player.
“Youth Sports” at www.townofcary.org l (919) 469-4062
As Old Man Winter settles into our fair Town, it’s a good time for severe weather reminders. First, use 911 only for imminent threats to people or property; to report non-emergencies call (919) 469-4012. Have you seen a traffic signal outage? Our advanced traffic management system captures the outage location and alerts staff, thus eliminating any need to report street signal outages. If you need to report slick spots or downed limbs and trees or inquire about street plowing, call us at (919) 469-4090.
“Winter Weather ” at www.townofcary.org
Never miss another of our events, breaking news announcements or street closings. It’s simple. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TownofCary. Other feeds are: @TOC_Fun, @TOC_Safety, @BoothAmp, @TOC_Traffic, @TOC_Downtown, and @Caryteens. We’re also on Facebook at townofcarync., and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/townofcarychannel .
Tickets go on sale January 26 for our Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s interpretation of the timeless children’s class The Secret Garden. Show dates and times are February 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center. Purchase your tickets at www.etix.com.
“Applause” at www.townofcary.org | (919) 462-2055
Fall head over heels for our Valentine’s English Tea at Cary Senior Center on February 13 from 2–4 p.m. Ages 55+ can register online at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4081 by February 5.
Bring your 3-9 year olds to Parent’s Night Out at the Herb Young Community Center on February 13 from 5:30–9:30 p.m. Participants must be potty trained. Pre-registration required. (919) 460-4965.
Cary Players’ Love Bits and Bites returns to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center with its greatest hits. Enjoy a generous serving of drama, music and delicious desserts. Show dates and times are February 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and February 14 and 22 at 3 p.m. (919) 460-4963
Marvelous Music Family Series: Triangle Wind Ensemble: Build-A-Band Concert (Feb. 8, 4 p.m., Cary Arts Center) (919) 462-2055.
Cary Town Band: Let’s Do Lunch (Feb 13, 7:30 p.m., Cary Arts Center) Free (919) 462-2055.
Marvelous Music Mainstage Series: Annie Moses Band (Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Cary Arts Center) (919) 462-2055.
Visit www.townofcary.org and on Twitter @TOC_Fun for more