Town of Cary
HomeMenu
.png)
.png)
.png)
December 2014
BUD Bits
Winterize your irrigation system to help prevent water in the pipes from freezing and cracking the lines and spray heads. For information and a video on winterizing, search “Irrigation Maintenance” at www.townofcary.org.
Our 20th Annual Cary Kwanzaa Celebration is December 30 at the Cary Arts Center. Visit our Vendor Market and Children’s Village from 11 a.m.-3 p.m; performances by Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble at 3 p.m. “Kwanzaa” at www.townofcary.org.
Bring your sled and come dressed to play at our Winter Wonderland in Bond Park on January 9-10: if we have real snow, the event is January 23-24. Pre-registration required. Winter Wonderland” at www.townofcary.org.
He’s Got Hometown Spirit
Our congratulations go out to Mr. David J. Martin, recipient of the 2014 Hometown Spirit Award (HSA). The award recognizes community-minded citizens who enhance the quality of life in our Town by preserving, promoting and carrying out small town community values and traits. Perhaps best known as the developer of Cary’s first shopping mall – South Hills Mall and Plaza – Martin’s come a long way since his first construction project some 60 plus years ago: a chicken house made of scrap lumber and two metal Tru-Aid signs. Today at 86, the founder and president of Martin Properties continues to work every day. A Cary resident since 1936, Martin’s helped build a better Cary. From helping a widow repair a leaking roof to giving emergency housing to a family in need and incubating churches with free meeting space, there is no shortage of examples that demonstrate his kindness and generosity. “The only place you can go that is better than Cary is heaven,” Martin often says when greeting newcomers. Clearly, his efforts help make our Town the great place that it is. Martin was honored at our November 20 Town Council Meeting along with our other HSA nominees Steve Linton, volunteer CFO for the Triangle Alano Club and Jobs for Life mentor through Dorcas Ministries, and Barbara Magee, Green Hope High School Earth Science and AP Environmental Science teacher.
“Hometown Spirit Award” at www.townofcary.org
Banish Boorish Behavior
Don’t be a parking pain! One of the most common complaints we hear during the holiday shopping season is about drivers who park illegally in handicapped spots. As you navigate from shopping center to shopping center, you might be tempted to grab that handicapped spot that’s so delightfully close to your destination. Maybe you’re thinking you’ll only be there for five minutes; that there are so many handicapped spots no one will notice; or how lucky you are that you have uncle Fester’s handicapped placard in your car (never mind Fester’s at home). Resist the temptation! It’s not nice - it’s naughty - to take these spaces if you aren’t disabled; it’s also illegal and you risk a $250 fine. Remember, if you’re able to walk, drive on by that handicapped parking spot. And if you suspect an able bodied scofflaw has parked in a handicapped spot, call our police patrol at (919) 469-4012.
“Traffic Safety Team” at www.townofcary.org
What a Site!
If you haven’t seen The Cary Theater’s new website, head over to www.thecarytheater.com and start planning a visit to our downtown destination. The site makes it easy for you to view upcoming films and performances, share events with friends, add events to your calendars and purchase tickets online through Etix. Sign up to receive show and ticket information via email and connect to The Cary’s Facebook page. You’ll also find helpful information for planning a visit to the venue, including a parking map, seating chart and special accommodations.
www.thecarytheater.com l (919) 462-2051
Serving our Community
Heeding the advice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who advocated the power of community service,
we invite you to participate in our Day of Service in honor of this remarkable man. On January 19, volunteers will work on projects that help maintain and beautify the area around Middle Creek Community Center. Morning and afternoon shifts are available; you’ll need to register in advance. All ages welcome; an adult must accompany those 15 and younger. Register by calling (919) 469-4301 or emailing sarah.justice@townofcary.org.
“Dreamfest” at www.townofcary.org
Holiday Collections
Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection is altered during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. For each week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday collections will be one day early; Friday’s collection will remain unchanged. Our Citizen’s Convenience Center will close December 25 and January 1. While Town offices are closed on January 19 in observance of MLK Jr. Day, trash, yard waste and yellow week recycling will be collected as regularly scheduled.
“Holiday Schedule” at www.townofcary.org
Our Three Kings
Come downtown to our Town Hall campus on January 3 for the Three Kings Day Parade from 1-4 p.m. This event will feature dancing, music and Latin foods.
“Three Kings Day Parade” at www.townofcary.org.
Hot Tips: Weathering the Storm
With winter in full swing, it’s a good time to be thinking about weather preparedness. If you take the time to make a few preparations now, you and your family can better weather the storm.
• Check your flashlights to make sure they work; have extra batteries on hand. Avoid using candles whenever possible. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended.
• Have a plan to stay warm if a power outage occurs. Using a gas stove as a heat source is not safe and could cause deadly gases to build up in your house.
• Anytime you use wood, fuel-oil, or gas burning devices in your home, have a working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Test the alarm monthly to make sure it is operational.
• If you use a portable generator for back-up power, place it outside as far away from windows and doors as possible.
“Fire Safety” at www.townofcary.org
Christmas Compost
Not sure what to do with your evergreen and natural decorations once the holidays are over?
Give ‘em a second life. We’ll compost them when you bring them to the designated yard waste area at the Citizen’s Convenience Center. You can also place these items at your curb for regular yard waste collection. But, before doing so, be sure to remove all artificial decorations including tinsel, wire and ornaments.
“Recycling” at www.townofcary.org
C-Tran Fares
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 will occur on January 27, 2015. Our Council made its decision following many public forums and a public hearing. The 2014 increase was C-Tran’s first for its Fixed Route services since its inception in 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. 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
Exceptional Air Quality
With a nod to our culture of conservation, in October at the Southeastern Alternative Fuels Conference our Town was designated a North Carolina Smart Fleet Leader. Which means, you ask? We were recognized by the NC Department of Transportation as one of a handful of organizations that are helping to lead the way to reduced transportation-related emissions while increasing efficiency, a result of our efforts to reduce petroleum use by Town vehicles. This contributes to our overall goal of reducing our Town’s energy use, saving money and reducing our impacts on the environment.
“Sustainability” at www.townofcary.org | (919) 469-5125
Cooking oil into biofuels
While cooking this holiday season, don’t pour pipe-clogging fats, oils and grease down the drain. Instead, pour excess oil into a plastic screw-cap container. We’ll pick up the used cooking oil and grease at the curb and recycle them into an environmentally beneficial bio-fuel.
“Residential FOG” at www.townofcary.org
Cultural Connection
James Gregory-The Funniest Man in America (Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., Cary Arts Center). (919) 462-2055.
Piano Music of the Russian Romantics (Jan. 18, 3 p.m., Cary Arts Center). Free. (919) 462 2055.
Marvelous Music Mainstage Series featuring the Artie Shaw Orchestra (Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Cary Arts Center). (919) 362-2055.
Tony Williamson in Concert (Jan. 25, 4 p.m., Page-Walker Arts & History Center). (919) 460-4963
Visit www.townofcary.org and on Twitter @TOC_Fun for more
Share the Dream
Join us for Dreamfest 2015 as we recognize and celebrate the life, work and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We’ve organized events from January 16-19, including:
• Women of Action Gathering on January 16 at 7 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Keynote Speaker Evelyn Morgan-Mahon will speak of empowering women and recognizing their value and impact on family and community;
• A Dream of Community on January 17 at 2 p.m. at The Cary Theater;
• An Arts Tribute to Martin on January 18 at 3 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center;
• Dream of Democracy March on January 19 in Downtown Raleigh. Reserve your spot on the bus that will take us to Raleigh from our Town Hall at 10 a.m.
“MLK, Jr. Dreamfest” at www.townofcary.org
Applause, Applause
We’re hosting auditions on January 12-13 from 5-8:30 p.m. for Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s performance of “The Secret Garden”. Auditions are for ages 6-12 by appointment only; registration begins January 5. Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script and perform group scene work. No prior acting experience required. Contact Rachel Baranski at rachel.baranski@townofcary.org to register or for information. “The Secret Garden” will be performed February 27-March 1.
“Applause” at www.townofcary.org. | (919) 469-4069
Booze It & Lose It
We’re committed to keeping our streets safe for everyone. One way we do this is through our DWI enforcement program, and we’re active participants in all “Booze It and Lose It” campaigns promoted by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. As we approach the yearend festivities, we’ll be stepping up efforts to get drivers who are under the influence off the road. Ring in your new year safely and happily; don’t drink and drive. At anytime during the year, you can also report unsafe drivers to our Traffic Safety Team via the Town’s Road Watch Hotline at (919) 319-4521.
“Traffic Safety Team” at www.townofcary.org