Mayor Touts 2011 Successes, Charts Upcoming Projects
   In his State of the Town address last month, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht shared our 2011 accomplishments and some of the investments needed to maintain Cary’s high quality of life. “2011 was another good year for Cary and I am proud of what we accomplished, and we start 2012 on very solid ground,” he said. “Cary remains in a healthy financial position despite the continuing significant, negative financial impacts of the recession.”
   Weinbrecht underscored some accomplishments that included:
   · Attracting 887 new jobs in four Cary companies;
   · Dedicating the Cary Arts Center, the first of several investments to foster a vibrant downtown; and
   · Beginning construction of the Western Wake Wastewater Management Facility.
   He also mentioned Aquastar, Project Phoenix, Spruce, C-Tran and energy efficient projects.
   Weinbrecht listed some 2012 projects, including construction of a new fire station; expansion of the Cary/Apex water treatment plant; regional transportation; energy-efficient options for Town street lighting and vehicles; and evaluation of more than $90 million of delayed capital projects.
   The text and video of the entire speech can be accessed online by searching “State of the Town” at www.townofcary.org.


Cary At A Glance
· Approximately 141,000 population;
· Lowest property tax rate in Wake County; and
· Safest community in the state and in the top four nationwide.

Local Connections with Global Impact at the Citizen Diplomacy Summit
   The 2012 Citizen Diplomacy Summit, with the theme What A Difference One Person Can Make!, will be held 5-9 p.m. March 15 at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave. The free summit seeks to foster awareness among regional business, educational and humanitarian organizations with the international community. Due to limited seating, registration is recommended at sistercitiesofcary.org. For more information call (919) 633-0055.

Share Your Budget Priorities for Next Year
   From now until the end of February, you are invited to let us know the priorities you feel should be included in the Town’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget, which identifies services and projects to be undertaken by the Town from July 2012 until June 2013. Please share your thoughts by e-mail to budgetinput@townofcary.org or by voicemail at (919) 469-4307.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
   Kids to age 10 are invited to the Town of Cary's 21st Annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 31st at Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Road. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures and videos at the Breakfast with the Bunny beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are required and prices vary by age. Tickets sell fast and may be purchased beginning February 27 at the Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave. Following the breakfast the Egg Hunt begins at 10 a.m. with different start times for various age groups. The egg hunt is free and open to all. Following the egg hunt, enjoy some rockin', rootsy music at a concert at the Sertoma Amphitheatre.
   For more details, call (919) 469-4100 or search “holiday events” at townofcary.org.


Flying Fun at Kite Fest
   Join in the high-soaring fun at the 17th Annual Kite Festival March 10 at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Road. You can see stunt kite demos or you can compete to win your chance of awards in 14 kite categories, including longest tail, quickest take off and best crash. Come early at 12:30 p.m. to register. The fun will begin at 1 p.m. Call (919) 469-4100 for more information or search “kite festival” at www.townofcary.org.

Temporary Changes at the Tap
   Each year during the month of March, we temporarily change the water treatment process by suspending the use of ammonia. This disinfection process is a state-mandated routine practice to ensure safe drinking water. Customers who use water for kidney dialysis, fish aquariums or other chlorine sensitive uses should be aware that water may contain chlorine, ammonia, or a mixture of the two from March 1-April 1, 2012. Questions? Call (919) 469-4090.

Bud Bits
   Seniors can meet with local health and wellness experts to find out about your health at the free Annual Senior Health Fair. It is set for 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 22 at the Senior Center, 120 Maury O'Dell Place.
   “Build a Better You” is the theme of the 8th Annual Cary Teen Forum. Teens will learn about yoga, personal goal setting and problem-solving at the Forum, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. March 10 at the Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave.
   Only rain should go down the drain. There are more than 15,000 catch basins in Cary that flow to lakes and streams in the Neuse and Cape Fear River basins. Volunteers are needed to stencil storm drains in the Town of Cary. Call 469-4038 to volunteer or email charles.brown@townofcary.org.


Investing In Worms for Greener Gardens
   Make this a green year for yourself by investing your time to take several free classes offered by the Town of Cary. The first class, “Composting: Piles, Bins and Worms,” is scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 13 at the Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury O'Dell Place.
   You’ll learn how to transform your food scraps and yard waste into a nutritious fertilizer with a pile of leftovers, some bins and a few hungry worms. During this free workshop, we’ll explore the food cycle and visit a garden compost pile. You’ll also get free materials for a starter worm bin.
   Required registration can be made at (919) 469-4061 or by searching “EZ reg” online at townofcary.org.


Compost Giveaway in March
The Town of Cary is hosting its 3rd annual Compost Giveaway 9 a.m.-noon March 10 at the Garmon Operations Center, 400 James Jackson Ave. While supplies last, residents can bring their hard-sided containers, between 18 and 32 gallons, to be filled with nutrient rich compost. Residents using pickup trucks and open trailers will be placed in a separate lane to receive their free compost. Call (919) 469-4301 with questions or in case of inclement weather. This is open to residents only. No commercial interests please.


Free Class: Alternatives to Fescue Lawns
   Sheep were the old status symbol that ushered in big green lawns. What’s the new status symbol in today’s environmentally friendly landscaping? Find out about grass alternatives and the minimum lawn needed for recreation while still reveling in the beauty of your landscaping.
   The free class, “Alternatives to Fescue Lawns,” will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 22 at the Herb C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave.
   Required registration can be made at (919) 469-4061 or by searching “EZ reg” online at www.townofcary.org.


Get ready for Fix a Leak Week in March
   New or old, one in four toilets leaks. Could it be yours? Water can seep away at gallons per day or gush down a stuck flapper.
   In support of the EPA’s national campaign and as a WaterSense Partner, we encourage you to repair all household water leaks but especially to test and repair toilet leaks. While the national campaign runs for just a week, our campaign will last throughout March. During that time, pick up a free toilet leak detection kit that includes instructions and dye tablets at any Cary community center, Senior Center, Finance window at Town Hall, or Morrisville Town Hall. Or call (919) 469-4090 to request a kit via mail. You can search “fix a leak week” at www.townofcary.org.


Recycle Cooking Oils Curbside
   Remember that the Town will collect your used cooking oils and grease at the curb for free. The curbside collection program is a convenient way to have your used cooking oil converted into a biofuel. It also helps prevent blockages by keeping cooking oils out of our sewer system. For more details, call (919) 469-4090.


Softball Leagues Registration Begin Soon
   Whether you’re an avid softball enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to stay fit, the adult and senior leagues are great for both. Registration for adults begins Feb 27 until March 1, and only teams are eligible to register. If you’re still looking for a team to join, call (919) 469-4100. Seniors can register individually beginning March 12 through April 1. For more, search “adult athletics” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4100.


Koka Booth Amphitheatre Season Tickets on Sale
   While there’s still a chill in the air, it won’t be long before another star-studded concert season begins in Cary. Koka Booth Amphitheatre is busy gearing up for another summer of spectacular arts & entertainment. Full season packs and mini-season ticket packs are on sale now, featuring lawn tickets starting at just $27.50.
   Need to entertain in style? A VIP package is available for four or six people and includes VIP parking, wait staff service, complimentary buffet at select events, access to the VIP café “no wait” bar and the opportunity to purchase additional prime view reserved seats through the VIP Ticketing team.
   For pricing and package details, call (919) 462-2025 or go to www.boothamphitheatre.com.


Cultural Connection
Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents the Argonuts: Jason & the Quest for the Golden Fleece 7:30 p.m. Mar 2-3 and 2 p.m. Mar 4. Advance tickets are $10, adults; $8, students & seniors; and $5, children under 6. Tickets can be purchased at the Cary Arts Center Box Office or etix.com. Info: (919) 469-4069

Marvelous Music Mainstage Series: Vienna Boys’ Choir 7:30 p.m. March 8 at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave. Info: (919) 469-4069

“The Seasons” with International Ballet Company and the Triangle Youth Philharmonic 7 p.m. March 17 and 3 p.m. March 18 at the Cary Arts Center. Info: (919) 645-8434 and (919) 303-7200

Marvelous Music Family Series: Tarradiddle Players present Rapunzel 3 p.m. March 25 at the Cary Arts Center. Info: (919) 469-4069.

See more at www.townofcary.org


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