Town of Cary
HomeMenuDecember 2013
D'town Projects Making Progress
We continue to be in the design phases of the downtown park and Academy Street improvement projects. Join us from 5-7:30 p.m. on January 13 for a public information workshop located in the Town Hall lobby area to view the updated design and learn more about these exciting projects.
The downtown park will provide a green space that complements the larger downtown, surrounding neighborhoods and Academy Street improvements. The park’s final amenities and ultimate size are being guided by the Town Council in a series of work sessions with staff and consultants.
The Academy Street Improvements Project will create a visually enhanced street section of Academy Street and Dry Avenue in the area between Chatham Street and Walnut Street. Planned improvements include upgraded sidewalks, landscaping and utilities.
“Community Investment Bonds” at www.townofcary.org
Honor The Memory of MLK, Jr.
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave us a vision of what Lincoln called “the better angels of our nature.” We’re proud to celebrate the life, times and vision of this great man with our annual MLK, Jr. Dreamfest.
Dreamfest 2014, a partnership between the Town and the MLK, Jr. Task Force of Cary, is a series of events and activities planned to educate, inspire and challenge us to create a welcoming and inclusive community.
It all kicks off at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center on January 17 with the 4th Annual Women’s Federation for World Peace gathering of organizations and businesses. Keynote Speaker Dr. Gloria Ward Wright will share her story of marching with Dr. King, and other speakers will share their stories.
On January 18, head to the Cary Arts Center for An Arts Tribute to Martin, a celebration of Dr. King’s birthday through dance, spoken word and song.
Finally on January 20, honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving back to your community. Volunteer with Spruce to help beautify the Middle Creek Community Center parks and grounds. From picking up litter and sorting recyclables to trail maintenance on the disc golf course, hundreds of volunteers are expected to come together and participate in this project. Volunteer registration is required.
“Dreamfest” at www.townofcary.org l (919) 469-4061
Intersections Project Public Workshop
We’re in the planning and design phase of the Reduce Congestion through Intersection Improvements project that will look at operational and safety improvements at the following intersections: Kildaire Farm Road and Cary Parkway; Cary Parkway and Evans Road; NW Maynard Road and Chapel Hill Road; NW Maynard Road and High House Road; and Cary Parkway near US 1/64 ramps.
Join us on January 8 for a public information workshop. Check out current design plans and weigh in on what you see. Stop by the Herb Young Community Center at 101 Wilkinson Avenue anytime from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
“Community Investment Bonds” at www.townofcary.org l (919) 462-3930
Recycle Used Cooking Oil
While cooking this holiday season, never pour fats, oils and grease (FOG) down the drain.
Instead, pour excess oil into a plastic screw-cap container and save for recycling with the Town’s free curbside cooking oil collection program.
“Residential FOG” at www.townofcary.org l (919) 469-4090
Consideration for Neighbors
This season, we’re asking citizens to show a little holiday spirit by being considerate towards your neighbors now and throughout the year.
A common complaint involves motorists parking in handicapped spots reserved for travelers with disabilities.
Please leave designated spaces for those patrons for whom they were intended. Don’t park in these spots simply because the lot is crowded or you have a relative’s placard or permit in the car.
You may face a $250 fine if you are caught.
Bond Park Winter Fun
As the mercury drops here in Cary, the fun heats up! Join your fellow Caryites at Bond Park this winter for some outdoor family entertainment.
On January 4 from 1-4 p.m., head to the Bond Park Boathouse for the Three Kings Day Parade. Various Latino cultures will celebrate this important holiday with dancing, music and cultural cuisine. For more, visit www.diamanteinc.org.
Then at 9 a.m. on January 5, start 2014 on healthy footing and celebrate with hot chocolate with the Hot Chocolate 5K Race & 1 mile Fun Run! Warm up and celebrate your accomplishments after the race with a hot chocolate social. Registration includes a hot chocolate mug.
Finally on January 10 and 11, bring your sled and come dressed to play at the Multipurpose Field in Bond Park for Winter Wonderland. We’ll have snow for you to enjoy on the popular sledding slope. Pre-registration is required. In the event of unfavorable conditions, this event will be rescheduled for January 24 and 25.
“Program Brochure” at www.townofcary.org l (919) 469-4100
Young Thespians: We Want You!
Are you a Cary youth interested in the stage? Do you dream of the Great White Way? Then Applause! Cary Youth Theatre is for you! Come try out for a spot in their production of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
Auditions are from 5–9 p.m. on January 13 and 14 at the Cary Arts Center and are open to youths age 6–12. Schedule auditions by email to Rachel.Baranski@townofcary.org beginning January 3.
“Applause” at www.townofcary.org
Lines Possible at Town Hall
Cary Town Hall is a busy place during the last week of December and the first week of January.
During that time, many citizens choose to visit our customer service window to pay their Wake County and Cary property tax bills in person prior to the January 7 due date. At this satellite office, we’re pleased to accept cash or check payments.
You may also pay your property taxes online at wakegov.com or through your checking account without any service fees. Sorry, we do not take Chatham County bills at Town Hall.
Credit card payments with MasterCard or Visa are also accepted online or through Wake County’s automated telephone system at (919) 856-5400; a service fee will be charged.
Holidays Collection Schedule
Don’t forget: garbage, yard waste and recycling collection is slightly altered during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. For each week, Tuesday’s collection is unchanged; however, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday customers will be collected one day later.
As part of your holiday clean up, consider composting your live tree, wreathes and garland. These items can be taken to the designated yard waste area at the Citizen’s Convenience Center. Or, place these same things at the curb by 7 a.m. for pick-up on your regular yard waste collection day.
While Town offices are closed on January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all trash, yard waste and Yellow week recycling will be collected as regularly scheduled.
“Holiday Collection” at www.townofcary.org l (919) 469-4090
HOT TIPS: New Year's Resolution: Stop Fires Before They Start
Make a New Year’s Resolution for safety. Be sure everyone in your home knows how to dial 9-1-1 and the information typically asked, like home address. Regularly practice your home escape plan and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, stop fires before they start in your home using this simple checklist:
Candles: Blow out candles when you leave the room or before you go to bed.
Heating: Keep flammable items, including clothes, blankets, newspapers and furniture, at least one foot away from heaters.
Matches: Put matches and lighters out of sight and away from children.
Smoking: Remind guests that smoking while in bed is dangerous. Provide guests with large ashtrays and regularly empty them once the ashes cool.
Cultural Connection
Marvelous Music Mainstage Series: Glenn Miller Orchestra January 17, 7:30 p.m., Cary Arts Center. (919) 462-2055
Marvelous Music Series: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Too Many Frogs and Hansel & Gretel January 25, 10 a.m. & 3 p.m., Cary Arts Center. (919) 462-2055
Friends of Page-Walker presents David Burgess January 26, 4 p.m., Page-Walker Arts & History Center. (919) 460-4963
See a complete list at www.townofcary.org
BUD Bits
Don’t trash our streams! Please don’t throw your Christmas tree, wreaths or garland in or along a stream. Help protect our streams by taking advantage of our designated yard waste area or place items at the curb as part of your regular yard waste collection.
The Town of Cary and Duke Energy Progress are working to begin replacing close to 8,000 street lights with Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures. Once the project is completed by the end of 2014, the annual savings is estimated to exceed $200,000. Kyle.Hubert@townofcary.org
Voters re-elected three council members in October’s General Election: District A Representative Jennifer Robinson, District C Representative Jack Smith and At-Large Representative Ed Yerha. Contact your Town Council members at town.council@townofcary.org.