Standard & Poor’s raised Cary’s rating last month from AA+ to the coveted Triple-A, joining Moody’s and Fitch. It was the first time that all three agencies had given Cary Triple-A ratings.

North Carolina has a higher percentage of Triple-A ratings than any state. Even so, Cary is one of only four cities in the state with top ratings from more than two services.

Cary officials sought the ratings before selling $76.9 million in 1999 road and water bonds. The Triple-A triple will save Cary taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest. The savings will be in addition to $400,000 that the Town will save through refinancing $12.4 million in existing debt.

Standard & Poor’s cited the Town's strong management and operating flexibility. Other factors included a strong regional economy, high wealth, low unemployment and strong building activity.

The Girls Choir of Harlem, which debuted at Lincoln Center two years ago, will perform here May 1.

The concert will begin at 7:30 PM in the Herbert C. Young Community Center.

The choir stresses the classical tradition, but sings folk, spiritual and international songs as well. Tickets go on sale April 4.

Bicycle maintenance, traffic laws and safe cycling are focuses of the 11^th annual Bicycle Rodeo for children ages 6-12 on Saturday, April 21 at Herbert C. Young Community Center in downtown Cary. Participation is free and open to the public.

Kids should bring their bicycles and safety helmets to the event, which will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the community center parking lot. No training wheels, "big wheels" or skateboards will be permitted.

Pre-register from March 31 through April 18 at the Young or Bond Park community centers. Forms are also at All-Star Bicycle Shop at Chatham Square in Cary. No registration by telephone will be allowed. For more information, call 460-4965.

The Town Council has approved a new program to provide subsidized transportation for disabled persons and citizens age 55 and over.

The service is scheduled to start in early August.

The Town is hiring First Transit of Cincinnati for the town-wide program, which will provide door-to-door service on demand Monday through Saturday. Cary officials expect passengers’ tickets to cost $2 for trips in town and $4 for those beyond town limits.

The contract with First Transit is for three years with renewal options.

The Town’s first-year costs for the transportation program are estimated at $1.3 million.

A citizens task force that met regularly recommended providing high-quality service.

Town officials want drivers to arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. Service will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Council members said the program could help the Town determine how it might extend on-demand transportation to all Cary citizens.

Cary’s eighth annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival will be Saturday, April 28, on Town Hall Campus. The festival features local artists, food, live entertainment and an art show.

The festival, which is free and open to all, will be from 9 AM until 5 PM. The rain date is Sunday, April 29, from noon until 7 PM.

Town of Cary is offering free workshops on how to lessen the need for watering landscapes and use water more efficiently. Call 469-4090 to learn more or to register.

A working smoke detector doubles chances of surviving a fire. The switch to Daylight Savings Time each spring and the change back in the fall provide good reminders to switch batteries.

Replace the batteries at other times of the year, too, whenever the detector makes a chirping sound. Vacuum dust from the detector’s air vents. Install new smoke detectors every 10 years.

When "springing ahead" for Daylight Savings Time, check your automatic irrigation system. Replace the back-up battery and reset the clock. Re-install the back flow prevention valve and check for leaks. Check each zone for broken or misaligned heads and for leaks. Make sure heads are not obstructed. Set the rain sensor at ¼ inch or less. Questions? Call 469-4090.

Celebrate Earth Day by taking your household hazardous waste to a permanent collection site at the North Wake Landfill (856-6186). Examples are antifreeze, pesticides, oil-based paints, paint thinner, batteries, and cleaners.