With 14 years of service under her belt, the last three of which she’s served as our specialized recreation and inclusion specialist, Judy Newsome’s been named 2016 Employee of the Year. Passionate about working with those with disabilities, Newsome’s created extensive opportunities for program participants, their families and their caregivers. 

As our specialized recreation and inclusion specialist, Newsome’s developed programs for people of all ages with disabilities. Some of her recently-created programs include zip line adventures, cooking classes, team building at the Bond Park Ropes Course, Easter Eggstravaganza and a fall fashion show. 

Through her annual Share and Care families learn about local agencies and their services, and she’s organized workshops for families and/or caregivers where they learn tips and strategies on topics as varied as vacationing with a child with disabilities or caring for yourself when you’re caring for others. For our staff Newsome’s developed training that highlights tools and techniques that allow participants to feel more confident when serving this population. She also coordinates and recruits volunteers for the Wake County Special Olympics. 

Newsome’s been called “the voice for those in Cary with disabilities;” parents speak of experiences their children would have missed were it not for Newsome’s programming and how it’s changed them emotionally and socially. Our Town Manager,  Sean R. Stegall, says that “the work Judy does is incredibly honorable, powerful and affirming. I admire her and appreciate all she’s accomplishing for our citizens and organization.”  

Newsome received a plaque and $1,000 and was recognized by our Town Council at their December 8 meeting. Our Employee of the Year program dates to 1989; through it employees are recognized for consistently performing beyond job description requirements. 

“Employee of the Year” at www.townofcary.org

If you’re 50 or older, join us at the Senior Center on February 17, 5:30-7 p.m. for dinner and a concert by Ken Lavigne. Register by February 13. “Dinner & A Concert” at www.townofcary.org or (919) 469-4081.

Hear how our historic Page-Walker Hotel was saved at our Page-Walker Historic Preservation Series: Celebrating 25 Years of the Page-Walker on February 7 at 7:30 p.m. “25 Years of Page-Walker” at www.townofcary.org or (919) 460-4963. 

Grab a partner or three and come out for a great weekend of tennis at the WWTA Polar Doubles Adult Tournament at our Cary Tennis Park February 10-12! “Tennis Tournaments” at www.townofcary.org or (919) 462-2061.

Get your tickets for Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s Still Life with Iris by Steven Dietz at the Cary Arts Center on February 24 & 25 at 7:30 p.m. and February 26 at 3 p.m. “Applause!” at www.townofcary.org.

Celebrate talented African-American authors at the Women Writers and Literary Freedom: African-American Literary Tea on February 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. “Women Writers” at www.townofcary.org or (919) 460-4963.

Register for our spring youth baseball and softball leagues from January 30-February 19. Baseball players must be between 5-16 as of April 30, 2017 while softball players must be between 8-18 as of January 1, 2017. The season runs from late March-June. You’ll notice one change to our popular youth baseball and softball programs. We moved from Town-wide to zone-based organization of the instructional leagues (ages 5-10). With this enhancement, you’ll be able to practice and play more frequently at locations closer to your home.

“Youth Sports” at www.townofcary.org |  (919) 469-4062

Mark your calendars for our third annual Share and Care at the Herb Young Community Center on February 10 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. If you’re an individual with disabilities or a care  provider, our free event is a wonderful opportunity to drop-in and visit with dozens of service providers in one convenient location. Representatives from organizations, businesses, assistive services and other resources from which persons with disabilities would benefit will be available to share information and answer questions. Visit our website for the list of participating agencies.

“Share and Care” at www.townofcary.org |  (919) 462-2027

On February 4 at 8 p.m. at The Cary Theater catch award winning songwriter, veteran storyteller and entertainer Michael Reno Harrell. This southern Appalachian Mountain native is known for his humor and wit and the emotional depth of his work. He’s teamed up with Ben Bedford for this performance, and the two deliver intriguing sketches of America, its individuals, their victories and their struggles.

www.thecarytheater.com or (919) 462-2051

Did you know coyotes are common in our county just not always commonly seen? In January and February coyote activity will begin to pick up. They’ll start to mark territories (like dogs do!), so you may begin to see a few more. If you do see them, treat them as you would any other wild animal and don’t  approach closely or try to feed them. Observe from a safe distance. And remember to keep you trash secured and don’t leave pet food outdoors. Both can draw coyotes and other unwelcome guests at night!

Did you know our Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program provides matching grants of up to $5,000 to qualified neighborhood organizations? Our Program is an incentive to encourage residents to take on projects that will improve our neighborhoods and community. While the program requires a 100% applicant match, that can be in the form of volunteer labor, cash or donated materials and services. 

Some examples of eligible projects include creating a neighborhood website, physical improvements such as playground construction or beautification efforts. Examples of ineligible projects are food, salaries, festivals and ongoing maintenance of landscaping, signage or environmental projects. We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year and give preference to projects with a high level of neighborhood involvement. So get your neighbors together, submit a project proposal and get ready to roll up your sleeves.

“Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program” at www.townofcary.org | (919) 380-5991

Visit our downtown cinema - The Cary Theater - in January and February where in addition to music, comedy and improv, we’re hosting a Star Trek weekend. Trekkies will find on the screen:

For the Love of Spock

January 27 & 28 @ 7 p.m.

January 29 @ 2 p.m.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

January 27 @ 9:30 p.m.

Star Trek: First Contact 

January 28 @ 9:30 p.m.

While not a Start Trek classic, we’re also showing:

The Babadook

January 31 @ 7 p.m.

Our Science on Screen series returns February 3 with the Christopher Guest mockumentary BEST IN SHOW. Dr. Margaret Gruen of North Carolina State University offers insight into “How smart is my dog, really.”

You can catch The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged/Revised) presented by The Cary Players. This mashup of some of Shakespeare’s plays is a great time if you’re looking to poke fun at the bard and witness some of his most brilliant moments. This event will have audiences in stitches and takes place February 17-18, February 24-25 at 7:30 p.m., and February 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

www.thecarytheater.com | (919) 462-2051

Boxing up? Set your Christmas trees, wreathes and other natural holiday décor at the curb where we’ll pick them up with your weekly yard waste removal. Or, if easier, drop them off at the Citizen’s  Convenience Center. Be sure to remove all artificial decorations. 

Got cardboard? Flatten and/or cut boxes to fit them in your recycling cart. Jammed cardboard can get stuck which can prevent the automatic arms on our trucks from emptying it and other recyclables. If you recycle boxes at the Citizen’s Convenience Center, flatten them so that they fit in the bin.

Recycling? Our 2017 recycling calendars are online.

“Recycling” at www.townofcary.org | (919) 469-4090

Marvelous Music Series presents Robin Spielberg. Jan 27, 7:30 p.m., Cary Arts Center. (919) 462-2055

Marvelous Music Family Series: Triangle Wind Ensemble presents Music in Motion. Jan 28, 3 p.m., Cary Arts Center. (919) 462-2055

Marvelous Music Series presents Ken Lavigne. Feb 17, 7:30 p.m., Cary Arts Center. (919) 462-2055

Marvelous Music Family Series: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents Commedia Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Feb 18, 3 p.m., Cary Arts Center. (919) 462-2055

Friends of the Page-Walker Concerts Series presents Brian Reagin. Feb 19, 4 p.m., Page-Walker 

Arts & History Center. (919) 460-4963.

Carol Kroll—Contemporary Mixed Media Sculpture & Fine Craft. Feb 24, 6-8 p.m., Page-Walker Arts & History Center. (919) 460-4963

ART55 reception. Feb 24, 3-5 p.m., Cary Senior Center. Exhibit runs Feb 21-March 24. (919) 469-4081

Cary Art Loop. Feb 24, 6-9 p.m., locations throughout downtown Cary. www.caryartloop.org

When temperatures drop below freezing, uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst spilling gallons of water into your home. To reduce chances of freezing pipes, it’s best to insulate them, especially those nearest exterior walls or in attics or crawl spaces. Keep your thermostat set to a minimum of 55 degrees and consider leaving open the areas under sinks to get heat to those pipes. 

If your pipes freeze, waiting for them to thaw is best. If you choose to speed up the process, never use an open flame device or place space heaters in unattended areas or near combustibles.

If a burst pipe spills water into your electrical system, turn off the breakers. Call an electrician to check the affected areas before you restore your power. 

Finally, it’s a good idea to know where your water shutoff is. Should your pipes burst, you’ll need it to turn off the water.

Scroll through our 2017 School’s Out program guide online, or grab a copy at libraries in town, the Cary Chamber of Commerce or our staffed facilities! You’ll find tons of fun-filled camps from June-August. Registration begins on February 6 for residents and February 20 for others.

“Program Guide” at www.townofcary.org

You’ve got new options to pay your utility bills online! Through our newly-unveiled and secure eWallet feature, utility customers who choose to log into their accounts can save financial information for future use and easier bill payment. With this enhancement, you’ll find it easier to create and manage automatic payments, and view past statements and payment history. You can continue to make one-time utility bill payments without logging in or creating an account. You’ll find both options presented in a responsive web design so that you can make your payments on your mobile devices, tablets and desktop computers. We’re also able to accept phone payments 24/7 through our automated payment system at (919) 469-4050.

“Utility Accounts” at www.townofcary.org