September 2010
Plans in Place to Save Our Hemlocks & Fight the Bug
After discovering at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve a small population of Hemlock Woolly Adelgids, a bug known to decimate Hemlock trees if left untreated, we’ve worked hard with local, state and public and private sector agencies to devise a plan of attack to save this natural treasure.
At the beginning of this month, we executed our first phase of treatment, called bark painting. The bark quickly soaks up the product in this direct application, reducing the amount dripped on healthy vegetation.
Anytime bark painting is scheduled, we’ll close the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and the Stevens Nature Center to allow staff to focus on treatment efforts. Closures will be announced on our Web site, through our email list service and fliers posted at the Stevens Nature Center.
Concerned about hemlocks in your yard? We’re finalizing technology to launch our Hemlock Health Inventory at the end of the month.
To receive project updates, subscribe to the Stevens Nature Center email list at www.townofcary.org and follow us on Twitter @TownofCary. If you’d like to share ideas, questions, comments or concerns, email
hemlocks@townofcary.org or call 387-5980.
Get Involved! Fall Litter Sweep
On October 2, Spruce will partner with NCDOT and NC Big Sweep to host our annual Fall Litter Sweep.
You can join an existing sweep or start a sweep in your own part of town. Most sweeps run from 9 a.m.-noon, and all volunteers receive gloves, bags, vests and safety training.
The Town will pick up the trash and recycling bags at the end of your sweep.
Last Fall, we had almost 300 volunteers collect over 5,000 pounds of litter.
For a list of spots and times or for registration information, search Spruce at www.townofcary.org or call 469-4301.
Cycling Safety in Construction Zones
Construction zones can create a hazardous environment for drivers and cyclists alike.
Drivers may choose to take detours, and we encourage cyclists to modify their plans if their usual routes are under construction.
Consider biking on the established trails and greenways throughout Cary, like the American Tobacco Trail, the 8.5-mile NC Bike Route 1, which runs along Davis Drive, or the 11.2-mile NC Bike Route 2, which runs along High House Road.
If you must bike in a construction zone, announce your presence with proper hand signals and noisemakers, make eye contact with nearby construction crews and do not cross into restricted areas. As always, keep to the right and obey posted signs and detours.
For a complete listing of greenways and bike routes in Cary, search “Bike & Hike Map” at www.townofcary.org. For real-time traffic updates, follow us on Twitter @TOC_Traffic.
Jump on the Bus! Town Transit Service Sees Spike
Last fiscal year, C-Tran, the Town’s transit service, experienced a dramatic 40% increase in passenger trips. More and more people are taking advantage of this safe, reliable and inexpensive transportation system. Our public bus system is better for our environment, and it helps to reduce traffic congestion.
As ridership increases, we’re installing more passenger shelters and benches to make your experience more comfortable.
C-Tran currently provides service to numerous Cary destinations while offering well-timed transfers with Triangle Transit to help you get to places throughout the Triangle.
Service operates every day but Sunday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and is only $1 per one-way trip. Seniors and disabled citizens can ride for only $.50 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with a C-Tran ID card or Medicare ID card.
View a map of all six fixed routes under the Services tab at www.townofcary.org.
Represent Your Community
We’re seeking members for the Athletics Committee, Greenways Committee and Cultural Arts Committee. These committees serve as advisory bodies to the Town Council through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board and Town Staff. Members attend monthly meetings and select special events.
Interested? Complete an application available on the Citizen Advisory Committees page at www.townofcary.org. The application deadline is October 8, 2010 at 5 p.m. For more, call 469-4061
Roads Prepped for New School Year
As children and teachers return to school, we want to remind you of new traffic patterns and signals implemented over the summer.
In May, we installed Flashing Yellow Arrow signals at intersections along Kildaire Farm Road.
These signals increase safety of left-turn movement and improve traffic flow. If the yellow arrow is flashing, drivers may proceed to turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians; a solid yellow arrow means the left-turn phase is about to end.
In June, we worked with NCDOT to install new signals along NC 55, Kit Creek Road, Green Level Church Road and Carpenter Fire Station Road. Many of these signals incorporated the Flashing Yellow Arrow technology.
As part of the Morrisville Parkway Extension project, we reopened Carpenter-Upchurch Road at Morrisville Parkway to a right-in/ right-out condition at Morrisville Parkway and installed new traffic signs. The new traffic pattern is necessary to connect Morrisville Parkway with N.C. 55.
In any construction or school zone, remember to reduce your speed and be alert for posted signs and pedestrians or workers.
For the latest traffic information, check wink.townofcary.org and follow the Town on Twitter @TOC_Traffic.
Mail Time!
We’re sending you our annual Public Works & Utilities mailer next month. Included are this year’s loose leaf collection schedule and map, the upcoming holiday solid waste and recycling collection, and your 2011 recycling calendar. If you don’t receive one, check www.townofcary.org for copies of the same schedules and calendars.
10th Cary Diwali
Don’t miss one of the biggest ethnic events in the Southeast! This year, experience Indian culture with three different Diwali celebrations.
Enjoy an energetic Indian folk dance on October 2 with the Diwali Garba at Booth Amphitheatre.
On October 8, check out a Bollywood movie under the stars during the Diwali Indian Movie Night, also at Booth Amphitheatre.
Completing our Diwali celebrations is the 10th Annual Cary Diwali on October 16. Prepare to be dazzled at this Indian festival with local and international performers, unique exhibits, vendor bazaar and authentic Indian cuisine.
For complete details, search “Diwali” at www.townofcary.org or call 460-4963.
The Skinny on Fats, Oils and Grease
Recently, we’ve had a few sewer spills and backups due to a build-up of fats, oils and grease.
We all have a role to play in ensuring fats, oils and grease are properly disposed of. Pour unused oils in a container with a lid. Once you’ve collected at least a half-gallon of waste, call 469-4090 to schedule a free curbside pick-up.
Learn more- search “Cooking Oil Curbside” at www.townofcary.org.
Calling All Pet Owners
Being a responsible pet owner is more than just providing food, shelter and playtime for your dog or cat. Your pet relies on you for its health and safety.
To help us unite lost pets with their owners, we require that all dogs and cats four months or older within Cary to wear a pet tag.
This is a one-time license fee valid for the life of the pet, and may be purchased at any Cary community center.
A breakdown of fees can be found by searching “Pet Tags” at www.townofcary.org.
Take time to make sure your pet is current on its vet visits and vaccinations. If your pet records are outdated, we’ll be hosting a public Rabies Clinic in October. Each Rabies shot is $5, cash only. Please bring prior vet records with you to the event. Call 319-4517 for complete details.
WaterWise Workshops Continue
Staying water savvy in the fall helps keep your landscape WaterWise all year long. Check out the following workshops for tips:
Fall Planting for a WaterWise Landscape, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., Page-Walker Arts & History Center
A local landscape designer will share tips to create a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape.
Composting- pumpkins gourds and more, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., Cary Senior Center
Learn how to turn pumpkins, gourds and harvest scraps into rich, water-saving compost.
All workshops are free, but registration is required- call 469-4090.
Bud Bits
Our Annual Wastewater Report outlining our wastewater services management for FY 2010 is now available on our Web site; hard copies are located at all Town community centers, Cary and Morrisville Town Hall, Downtown Cary Library and Western Wake Library.
October 8 is the last day to register or update your address for the November 2 election. Visit www.wakegov.com for details.
Winter Youth Basketball information and registration packets are available starting September 20 at www.townofcary.org. Registration runs October 4-24.
Hosting a yard sale? Be sure to call the Town’s Planning Department at 469-4082 for sign regulations. Illegal signs will be removed and fines may be issued.
Cultural Connection
Cary Players presents “Over the River and Through the Woods” (Oct. 1-3, 7-10, Page-Walker Arts & History Center.) Tickets and times, www.caryplayers.org.
Fall Sertoma Series presents Roger Day (Oct. 2, 3 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre, Bond Park, FREE). 319-4560.
4th Annual Cary Eid Festival (Oct. 9, 11 a.m., Koka Booth Amphitheatre). Admission: $4, 12 & under free. 460-4963.
Bare Theatre and the Delta Boys present The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare (Oct. 8-9 at 8
p.m., Oct. 10 at 2 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre, Bond Park). Tickets and more, 332-0317.
Fall Sertoma Series presents Brass at Bond (Oct. 9, 1 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre, Bond Park, FREE). 319-4560.
Fall Sertoma Series presents Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble (Oct. 17, 3 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre, Bond Park, FREE). 645-8434.
Move Your Feet with the Cary Town Band (Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Cary Senior Center, FREE). 847-8806.
Marvelous Music Series presents the Von Trapp Children featuring the Concert Singers of Cary and the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra (Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., Herb Young Community Center). Tickets and more, 319-4560.
Fire Prevention: Know Your Way Out
Having a home fire escape plan is an important part of fire safety. In addition to working smoke detectors, check all windows to make sure they open easily from the inside. Consider sleeping with bedroom doors closed to keep smoke from traveling and be sure everyone knows two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting place where everyone can regroup once outside, and make sure everyone understands that once you leave the building, there is no re-entering without permission from the fire department.
