Reliable Routes: C-Tran Offers Affordable Alternative to Driving

   With gas prices on the rise, you may be ready to park the car at home and explore alternate ways of getting around.

   C-Tran’s new fixed route service offers reliable and inexpensive transportation around Cary.

For just $1, riders can purchase a one-way ticket for one of three routes: the Maynard Loop, the East-West route, or the North-South route. A monthly pass for C-Tran is just $30 and yields unlimited rides for that month. An 11-Day pass is $8.

   Transfers between the three fixed routes are free.

   Transfers between C-Tran and Triangle Transit Authority buses are free for riders with a Regional Day Pass, which can be purchased on C-Tran buses for $4, or a Regional 30-Day Pass, which can be purchased from TTA for $30.

   Passengers ages 12 and older can ride C-Tran unaccompanied.

   Fixed route service is available Monday through Saturday. C-Tran does not operate on Sundays or Town of Cary holidays.

   For more information on fixed routes, contact the C-Tran Operations Center at (919) 481-2020 or go to www.townofcary.org.

State of the Town

   This year, Cary Mayor Ernie McAlister joins many of his fellow Mayors across the state by beginning a new tradition for the Cary Mayor - presenting the first of what he hopes will be an annual address to Cary citizens about the state of your government and our community.

   Through the ‘State of the Town’ address, McAlister and future Cary Mayors will have the opportunity to speak to and reflect upon both the general and the specific issues, matters, trends, and plans in key areas of interest to you.

   “I believe that adding an annual ‘State of the Town’ address to the responsibilities of the Mayor will give us all a better sense of where we’ve been and where we’re planning to go,” said the Mayor.

   This year’s address examines Cary ’s past and future in terms of jobs and economic development, public safety, transportation, and the environment. The remarks also discuss improving downtown, exciting new recreational opportunities, regional cooperation, and the Town’s financial position.

   “…I am optimistic and enthusiastic about 2006, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your Mayor. And while I promise to continue working hard for our future, I can’t do it alone. My Council colleagues and I need not only to hear from you; we need your active participation, your ideas, and your support.”

   So get started now by reading the complete text of the 2006 State of the Town at www.townofcary.org or watch the address airing regularly through February on Cary TV 11.

Weigh in on Cary’s Budget

   The Town of Cary is encouraging citizens to share their priorities for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2007 Annual Budget, which will identify services and infrastructure projects to be undertaken by the Town from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

   You can register your budget priorities with the Town at your convenience - via e-mail at budgetinput@townofcary.org or via voicemail at (919) 462-3858. You can also speak directly to the Cary Town Council at either of two special budget public hearings to be held as part of the Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 regular Town Council meetings, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at 316 N. Academy St.

   Town Budget staff will attend the February meeting of each of the Town’s nine citizen advisory boards and commissions to receive budget priorities from the members and any citizens attending those meetings.

   All comments must be received by Feb. 28, 2006 to be considered for the Town Manager’s recommended budget, which the Cary Town Council is expected to begin considering this spring. You can review the current year’s budget at www.townofcary.org or in hard copy at the Cary Library in downtown Cary.

Leaks Can Increase Water Bills

   Has your water bill skyrocketed or gradually crept upwards? A leaky toilet may be the culprit.

   Wasting 50-200 gallons of water per day, a leaky toilet can easily double your water bill.

Fortunately, identifying a leak is simple. Call the Public Works and Utilities Department at (919) 469-4090 for a Toilet Training Tutorial and dye tablets.

Cary Tops State in Seat Belt Use

   Seat belt use in the United States is at its highest level ever. With an average usage rate of 82 percent, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 15,700 fatalities have been prevented and $67 billion has been saved by motorists buckling up.

   In North Carolina, seat belt use has risen to almost 87 percent, the highest in the southeast region. Cary motorists are still pushing the curve.

   A year-long survey conducted by the Cary Police Department finds seat belt compliance rates within the Town are greater than 91 percent. Cary Police commend citizens’ efforts, but urge you not to drop your guard now.

   Cary Police investigated nearly 4,200 crashes in 2005. Officers say that seat belts are still the most effective and valuable safety devices available in cars, and they will continue to strictly enforce seat belt laws.

   For more information on seat belt safety, contact the Cary Police at (919) 319-4521.

Stamp Out Smoking Fires

   Did you know that careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in our country? Discarding smoking materials without proper care is the leading cause of these fires.

   From hot ashes dumped into the garbage to a cigarette falling onto a couch cushion, fires resulting from such careless smoking behavior kills hundreds of people every year.

   These types of fires are all too common. The Cary Fire Department reminds citizens that with a little attention, you can prevent these types of fires and save lives. Remind friends and family members to be safe and follow these safety tips:

   - Never smoke in bed when sleepy;

   - Always use large, oversized ashtrays;

   - Make certain ashes are cold before dumping ashtrays into the garbage;

   - Check for cigarettes or ashes that may have fallen between the couch and chair cushions after a party.

One Size May Not Fit All

   During the Town’s transition from backyard to curbside collection, you may have found that your 95-gallon rollout cart isn’t the right size for your family’s needs.

   If all of your trash does not consistently fit completely inside of your cart, call the Town to request a second one.

   Each additional cart carries a charge of $3.50 per month. However, waste that doesn’t fit inside your cart will be subject to a $10 special collection fee beginning in March.

   If a smaller cart seems more appropriate for your family, the Town can provide a 65-gallon alternative at no charge. Additional change outs will cost $10 each.

   For more information, call (919) 469-4090.

The Rule on Drainage Disputes

   Most drainage complaints involve disputes between property owners and are outside the authority of local governments. The "Reasonable Use Rule" is the guideline adopted by the N.C. Supreme Court for settling drainage cases.

   For technical assistance with a drainage problem, call (919) 469-4030.

County to Collect Old Phone Books    

   Wondering what to do with old phone books? They should not be placed in curbside recycling bins.

   Participate in Wake County’s Annual Telephone Book Recycling Program in February. For details, call (919) 469-4090 or visit www.wakegov.com.

Drop by the Cary Senior Center

  New to the area? Stop by the Cary Senior Center for a free tour and to pick up your program brochure. Seniors ages 55 and older are invited to register for these upcoming programs:

  - Day trip to Fayetteville , NC : Tuesday, March 7, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

  - Family-Friendly Generational Financial Planning: Friday, March 17 & 24, 9:30-11 a.m.

  - Health Fair: Thursday, March 23 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free health screenings.

  - Meditation: Improve Health: Tuesdays, March 28-May 2, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

  - Visioning Your Future: Tuesdays, March 7-28.

  - Open Arts Studio: Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.

  For details on registration and fees, call (919) 469-4081 or go to www.townofcary.org.

Cultural Connection

  8th Annual African-American Celebration, Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Herb Young Community Center.  Free. Details at (919) 460-4963.

  Photographer’s Eye Slide and Lecture Presentations, Tuesday, March 7, 14 & 21, 7-9 p.m. at Page-Walker Arts & History Center . Free. Details at (919) 460-4963.

  Cary Ballet Company, Saturday, March 18, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m. at Cary Academy’s Theatre. Details at (919) 481-6509.

  Friends of Page-Walker Hotel 2006 Winter/Spring Concert Series: Diversions, Sunday, March 19, 7 p.m. at Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Tickets at (919) 460-4963.

  Applause! Cary Youth Theatre: Studio Series I, Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m. at Cary Senior Center. Details at (919) 465-4792.

  Cary Town Band, Friday, March 31, 7:30 p.m. at Cary Senior Center. Free. Details at (919)  467-7336.

  Exhibits
  ART55: 55 Works of Art by Artists over 55. Feb. 28-Mar. 31 at Cary Senior Center .

  Fine Arts League of Cary : It’s An Abstract! Mar. 1-31 at Jordan Hall Arts Center.

  Anne Mackie: New Works. Roger May: Landscapes. Photography. March 2-29 at Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Artists’ reception Friday, March 3, 6-9 p.m. Free. (9191) 460-4963.

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