Boards & Commissions-- Get Involved In Your Town Government!
   Calling all community-minded citizens! The Cary Town Council seeks volunteers to fill vacancies on Cary’s boards and commissions. The Town of Cary has 10 Boards and Commissions. Each is unique in its size, meeting schedule and specific function; however, the overall mission is the same: To Make Cary a place in which we can be proud to live, work and play.
   Members will be selected from within Cary’s corporate limits and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, depending on the board. Citizens interested in applying can learn more about each Board and Commission and download an application at www.townofcary.org under “Sunshine.”
   Applications must be received by June 30. Appointments are for three-year terms, and begin on October 1. If you’re interested, come to our Board Recruitment Open House on Wednesday, June 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cary Town Hall.
   Whether you are interested in recreational activities, cultural events, technology issues or land use practices, the Town of Cary has opportunities for you to volunteer to share your time and talents.
   For specific questions about Boards and Commissions, call Karen Gray in the Town Clerk’s office at 319-4508 or e-mail karen.gray@townofcary.org.


Keep Summer Dog-Gone Safe and Fun for Fido and Friends
   A little heat outside the car can quickly make it very hot inside. On a summer’s day of only 85 degrees Fahrenheit with the windows cracked, a car’s interior can climb to well over 102 degrees in only 10 minutes. If a dog’s body temperature rises above 107 degrees Fahrenheit, it will within a very short time suffer irreparable brain damage, or even death!
   For tips on keeping your pets cool and safe this summer, call the Town of Cary Animal Control at 319-4517 or visit www.townofcary.org.
   Dog owners should also note the Town’s upcoming Dog Days of June, June 5 at 9 a.m. at Bond Park. The event includes a Canine Frisbee Disc Competition, Dog wash, Rabies & Microchip Clinic and charity raffle. For more, call 319-4517.


Cary Utilities Switch to Automated Processing
   In our continuing effort to increase efficiency, we’re automating our process of posting utility payments mailed in by our customers.  Automated processing eliminates manual keying of payments. This is set to begin June 1, 2010.
   The most significant change you’ll notice on your bill is the return address printed on the payment coupon– all future payments will be mailed to a secure bank processing center in Charlotte. The center will send all payment transaction files to the Town through electronic transmittal daily.
   All other correspondence should still to be sent to Town of Cary, P.O. Box 8049, Cary, NC 27512.
   To avoid a delay in processing a payment, please continue to include your payment coupon with your check or money order.
   As always, do not send cash, and do not fold, staple, tape or paper clip your check to the payment coupon.
   If you prefer not to mail your payment we hope you will consider signing up for Automatic Bank Draft from you checking or savings. This is the most cost effective method of processing your utility payment and your account will be drafted on the due date.
   For a list of other payment options, please visit our Web site or call our Customer Service at 469-4050 ext. 2.


Mind Your Runoff
   The runoff from washing your car can be harmful to fish and the bugs they rely on for food. When washing your car, use detergents and water sparingly. Wash your car on the lawn where water can soak into the ground. Or, take your car to a commercial car wash where water is recycled, reused and treated.
   Call Stormwater Services at 469-4038 to learn how you can protect our streams and preserve our natural resources.


Bud Bits
May is National Bike Month. The Town of Cary has been recognized as one of the top Bike-Friendly Cities in the country. Download the Town’s Bike and Hike map on our Web site. Remember: same roads, same rights, same responsibilities!

Carolina Recycling Association has awarded the Town of Cary’s Spruce organization with the Outstanding Litter Prevention Program award. Call 469-4301 to get involved with Spruce, the Town’s volunteer-based beautification group.

Spring is here and Cary offers great greenways and walking trails. If you are looking for a friend to walk or jog with, consider visiting the Wake County Animal Center for your perfect exercise partner! Visit www.wakegov.com/pets/adoptions for available pets.

Help a neighbor in need: OASIS is a donations-based program managed by the Town that offers financial assistance to utilities customers. Consider a one-time donation or set-up a monthly tax-deductible donation included in your water bill. Call 469-4050 for complete details.


Shelter Reservations Now Accepted Online 
   You can now book your outdoor family or group gathering using the Town of Cary’s new online picnic shelter reservation system.  From the Town’s EZ Reg Web section, search facilities by date, location or amenities and book with your Client code or Family Account Pin along with a MasterCard or Visa.
   Cary residents can make a reservation up to six months in advance; non-Cary residents may book up to five months prior. A limited number of facilities are included in the online reservation system. For more, visit our Web site or call 460-4956.


Inspections & Permits Celebrates Building Safety
   When you enter a home or business, most likely you’re not thinking about whether it’s properly constructed and safe. Fortunately, your local safety experts think about building safety and fire prevention every day.
   To help raise awareness of building safety, the Town of Cary’s Inspections and Permits Department is celebrating Building Safety Month during May with various planned activities, including: Q&A event at a local home improvement store, presentations at local schools and civic groups, displays throughout Town Hall and the Proclamation of May as Building Safety Month at the May 13 Town Council meeting. For complete details, call 469-4043.


Booths 2010 Summerfest Line-up Announced
      The NC Symphony returns to Booth Amphitheatre with the 2010 Summerfest. Don’t miss these seven Saturday performances set to showcase a variety of orchestral pieces, from Tchaikovsky and Beethoven to Cuban jazz to military marches.
   A special concert will celebrate the Symphony’s 10 seasons at Booth Amphitheatre, and on July 10, the Symphony will bring the soundtrack from The Wizard of Oz to life while guests are treated to the movie on the big screen. On its only Sunday performance, July 4, the NC Symphony will play a patriotic concert, complete with fireworks.
   Most Summefest concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. No lawn tickets needed for children under 12. Tickets are rain or shine and non-refundable.
   For more, visit www.ncsymphony.org.


Exercise Good Water Habits
   Give your landscape a sustainable workout and your home a water efficiency makeover. There are many options to tone your water use and achieve great results both indoors, outdoors and in your wallet.
   Proper landscape design, irrigation choices and plant selection can maximize water use while growing a healthier landscape. Water only when necessary and according to the Alternative Day Watering Schedule, found online at www.townofcary.org. Drip irrigation and handwatering are allowed any day of the week.
   Make water efficiency a part of your indoor waterwise routine. Receive a $100 rebate when retrofitting your old toilet through our High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program.
   Learn more from local experts at our upcoming Good Water Habits Workshops. View class descriptions on our site, and register for them at 469-4090.

UPCOMING COURSES
WaterSensible Home
June 5, Noon- 1 p.m.
Home Depot, 2031 Walnut St
June 5, 2-3 p.m.
Lowe’s, 2000 Walnut Street

Rainwater Harvesting: Irrigate the Natural Way
June 8, 6:30 p.m.
Bond Park Community Center

Good Circulation: Tankless and Solar Water Heaters
June 17, 6:30 p.m.
Bond Park Community Center



Kick It to the Curb
   Remember to place yard waste in reusable containers, paper bags or securely tied bundles for collection at the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular garbage collection day.
   Yard Waste includes grass clippings, leaves and limbs no longer than 4 feet or larger than 4 inches in diameter. Yard waste contained in plastic bags or mixed with soil will not be collected.
   Yard waste is also accepted at the Citizen’s Convenience Center, 313 N. Dixon Avenue.

Cultural Connection
Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel Preservation Series: What Have We Got to Lose? (May 25, 7:30 p.m., Page-Walker Arts & History Center, FREE). 460-4963.

Dog Days of June (June 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fred G. Bond Metro Park, FREE). Event proceeds benefit local non-profit dog groups. Microchip and rabies clinics from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 469-4100.

Triangle Brass Band “Pops in the Park!” Concert (June 5 & 26, 7 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre, FREE). 363-8446 or www.trianglebrass.org.

United in Rock: Styx, Foreigner with Special Guest Kansas (June 9, 6 p.m., Koka Booth Amphitheatre). Prices and info at www.boothamphitheatre.com.

Starlight Concert Series: Moment’s Notice (June 11, 7:30 p.m., Page-Walker Arts & History Center Garden, FREE) Jazz artist Bobby Moody and friends. 460-4963.

Triangle Wind Ensemble (June 13, 6 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre, FREE). 469-4061.

7th Annual Senior Club Yard Sale (June 19, 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Cary Senior Center). Benefits Senior Clubs and Cary Senior Center. 469-4081.

Starlight Concert Series: Old Habits Bluegrass Band (June 25, 7:30 p.m., Page-Walker Arts & History Center Garden, FREE). 460-4963.

More Information on these events and others is available at www.townofcary.org.