Watch For Walkers

Spring has sprung, and this means you'll start to notice more pedestrians on our sidewalks and greenways. It's a great time to talk about how pedestrians and drivers can - and should - share the road.

Under North Carolina law, pedestrians have the right of way at all marked pedestrian crossings and unmarked crossings at intersections and driveways. This means drivers are required to yield to  pedestrians once they're in the crossing;  however, pedestrians have a responsibility to act carefully and enter the pedestrian crossing safely. And, where possible, pedestrians should use signalized crossings.

At some greenway crossings, we've installed advanced safety crossing devices called rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB).  If you're a driver, these warning devices alert you to trail users.  However, they're not traffic signals and aren't meant to stop traffic to allow pedestrians to enter the street. If you're a pedestrian at a crossing with an RRFB, enter only when it is safe to do so.

When you're walking, and you're crossing a street other than at a crosswalk - marked or unmarked - or when walking on a highway, you must yield the right of way to all vehicles. As a pedestrian, be certain to look both ways before starting across a highway and keep an eye out for cars.

"Flashing Beacons" at www.townofcary.org

(919) 469-4030

Volunteer!

We're looking for community-minded citizens to serve on our Economic Development Committee and seven council volunteer boards and commissions! Volunteers must live within our corporate limits or, in some instances, in our extraterritorial jurisdiction. You'll find complete details and an application on our website. We're accepting applications May 1-June 30.

"Boards and Commissions" at www.townofcary.org

(919) 460-4941

Historic Properties

Are you interested in knowing more about our historic properties? Attend the Friends of the Page-Walker Historic Preservation series May 23 when they present "What Have We Got to Lose?—Annual Survey of Historic Properties." The event's at  7:30 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center.

You'll learn the status and significance of our historic properties and hear interesting tidbits about the people associated with these local treasures.

www.friendsofpagewalker.org

(919) 460-4963

Wheels on Academy

Head to South Academy Street May 20 for our Wheels on Academy & Touch-a-Truck event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the cars of yesteryear and some of today's modern hotrods and exotic cars.

If you're bringing the little ones, visit the Touch-a-Truck at the corner of Academy Street and Dry Avenue; touch, climb on and ask operators questions about their favorite vehicles and heavy machinery. Stay for entertainment, food and fun!

 "Wheels on Academy" at www.townofcary.org

(919) 469-4061

e-news

Get the latest Town-related information in your inbox.  Go to www.townofcary.org/email and subscribe to the list or lists of your interest.

@The Cary

Fun, personable and sought-after comedian Collin Moulton performs May 13, 8 p.m. at the Cary Theater. Moulton's had his stand-up special on Showtime, been on Nickelodeon and was recently featured on Last Call with Carson Daly. Having toured for over 15 years, Collin's got an ease and enjoyment on stage that makes every show worth watching. You'll love his electric storytelling style, and his comedy is the release you need from everyday life! Tickets are $13-15.

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

Who's There?

As the weather warms and our evenings stay lighter longer, you may start to have door-to-door solicitors. With few exceptions, in our town we require a permit for selling door-to-door; we also require that the permit be displayed at all times while the person is selling. Door-to-door selling is allowed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during eastern standard time and until 6 p.m. during eastern daylight time.

If you hear a knock at the door and open to someone who's not following our ordinances, call our Police Department's non-emergency number, (919) 469-4012, to report it.

"Door-to-Door Solicitation" at www.townofcary.org

Entertainment .. outside

As the weather warms, the season picks up at our Booth Amphitheatre. On May 21 at 5 p.m., join us as Triangle Brass and Youth Brass Bands  perform John Williams' music from Star Wars and Harry Potter. Come dressed as your favorite character! Throughout the year, you'll find outdoor performances that include opera, symphony, cultural festivals, movies on the lawn and national entertainment.

www.boothamphitheatre.com

Tennis For All Ages

Throughout May we're hosting several events at our Tennis Park for players of all ages. Come out May 6-7 for the Western Wake Tennis Association Cinco de Mayo Futures Junior Tennis NC L5.  During this USTA sanctioned event, come cheer on our juniors!

On May 10, we're calling our seniors for Senior Appreciation Day from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This is a fun social setting for our 55+ group to play the great game of tennis. No matter your level, you are sure to have a great time!

We're hosting the Boys NCHSAA Tennis State Championships 1A & 2A May 20-21, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Join us as North Carolina boy's high school teams participate to claim the State Championship Title.

"Cary Tennis Park" at www.townofcary.org

(919) 462-2061

Cary It Green

Give your automatic irrigation system an annual check-up. Set your control box to water following our Alternate Day Watering (ADW) Ordinance and your rain sensor on "activate." While our ADW schedule also applies to sprinklers, it does not apply to systems using reclaimed, pond or well water.

"Alternate Day Watering" at www.townofcary.org 

(919) 469-4090

Crabtree Creek Greenway

Beginning this spring we'll be adding a 1.7 mile section of 10-foot wide paved trail to our Crabtree Creek Greenway, and we'll be closing the existing foot path around Lake Crabtree during construction. The new trail section will be along Lake Crabtree's southern shore and extend northwest on Evans Road.

Once completed the trail will offer a rich and varied trail experience, traversing through mature hardwood forest, along the lake's shore and across the Black Creek arm of the lake on a long boardwalk. We'll also be replacing the existing pedestrian bridge across Crabtree Creek with a 10-foot wide ADA accessible bridge. We expect the project to be completed by fall 2018.

"Crabtree Creek Greenway" at www.townofcary.org

Spring Daze

Head out to Spring Daze on April 29 in Bond Park where you'll find the best of North Carolina's arts and crafts community. For this year's free festival, visit with hundreds of artists, enjoy the entertainment on multiple stages, grab some food and participate in our annual Earth Day Celebration. In the event of rain, the festival will move to April 30 from 1-6 p.m.

"Spring Daze" at  www.townofcary.org

Fest in the West

You're invited to our Fest in the West at our USA Baseball National Training Center May 20, 12-6 p.m. In partnership with Cary Citizen, our newest festival celebrates our western area's nearby farmland and rich rural roots; there'll be live music, olde time demonstrations, homemade crafts, kids activities, food and drink and more. In the event of rain, the Fest is May 21, 12-6 p.m.

www.festinthewest.com

Protect Your Home

With the dry and windy conditions we've been having, the potential for grass and woods fires is on the rise. As a precaution, we've got a few tips for you to keep your property safer:

When possible, create a 30- foot buffer zone around your home.

Regularly clear leaves, pine straw and branches that may build up on your roof, in your gutters, under decks and around your home.

Maintain landscaping and promptly remove dead plants and shrubs within 10 feet of your home.

Consider using non-flammable landscaping materials closest. to your home; these include stone or rock rather than mulch.

Register for Summer Classes

If you're a Cary resident, register for your favorite summer classes and programs beginning May 1.  Non-residents can register May 15.  Look for the Summer 2017 Program Guide in Town-staffed facilities, libraries and the Chamber of Commerce.  You can also find it online.

"Program Guide" at www.townofcary.org

Cultural Connection

Cary Art Loop, April 28, 6-9 p.m., participating galleries, restaurants and coffee houses throughout town, www.caryartloop.org

Cary Town Band presents May Days Daze, May 5 , 7:30 p.m. Cary Arts Center,  (919) 469-4069

The Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle presents "The Stars Align," May 15, 7:30 p.m., Cary Arts Center, (919) 462-2055

Marvelous Music Family Series: Paperhand Puppet Intervention, May 20, 3 p.m., Cary Arts Center, (919) 462-2055

Live at Lunch, Thursdays in April and May, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fidelity Bank Plaza, (919) 469-4069

BUD Bits

Celebrate Public Safety Day with us in downtown Cary on May 21 from 12-3 p.m. This annual free event connects you to your public safety officials to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. "Public Safety Day" at www.townofcary.org

Come offer inspiration as our local artists paint the town May 6 for En Plein Air: Paint the Town. You'll find artists downtown and at parks and greenways throughout town. "En Plein Air" or (919) 469-4069

Share the greenery at the Cary Senior Center's Plant Exchange May 6 at 9:15 a.m. Drop off your plants from 8:30-9 a.m. Bring your labeled plants in bags or pots, and let's exchange! Register online at EZ-REG. "Plant Exchange" or call (919) 469-4081

Stroll the grounds and tour the garden at Herbfest May 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Visit booths selling herbs, crafts and garden products. "Herbfest" or (919) 460-4963

Don't miss the Community Chain Reaction May 6 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Herb Young Community Center. All ages are invited to build chain reaction/Rube Goldberg contraptions. Watch the spectacle, participate in hands-on activities, and get inspired in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). "Community Chain Reaction" or (919) 460-4965

We're developing the Manager's recommended FY2018 budget that will be presented at our Town Council meeting on May 11 and posted to our website by May 12. We welcome your comments on the recommended budget at our May 25 and June 9 Council meetings. By law, our Council must adopt a balanced budget by June 30, 2017

Join us for the Ritmo Latino Festival May 13, 12-6:30 p.m. at Cary Town Hall Campus. Enjoy Latin music, dance, and visual arts.  Visit with craft vendors, taste a variety of foods and participate in children's activities. "Ritmo" or (919) 460-4061