Work has begun on more than $2.4 million in projects designed to improve basic infrastructure and the overall quality of life in "Old Cary", loosely defined as those areas in and around the Maynard loop. This includes more than $1.2 million in water, sewer, and sidewalk improvements; as well as another $1.2 million in parks and greenways projects. These projects help the Town meet Council’s goal of providing the highest achievable quality of life for all Cary citizens, especially those living in the heart of this great community.

Water quality and water pressures will improve for many businesses and residents in Old Cary with the replacement of several water lines including some along Bryce Place, Chapel Hill Road, Magnolia Drive, Murphy Drive, and Pleasants Avenue.

To help ensure that Cary can continue meeting high environmental standards for the proper collection and disposal of wastewater, including reducing the likelihood of sewage spills, the Town will replace portions of the sewer system at key points along Chapel Hill Road, Delta Court, Heater Alley, Manchester, Pleasants Avenue, Ward Street, and West Chatham Street. In addition, more than 5,000 feet of sewer mains, generally north of Chapel Hill Road and south of East and West Johnson Streets, will be rehabilitated. Finally, the wastewater pump station at the end of Honeysuckle Lane will be removed and a gravity service line will be extended to the sewer main on Castlefern Drive, thus eliminating the requirement of routine maintenance and further reducing the risk of overflow during power outages.

As for parks and greenways, residents using Dunham park have already seen the children's playground and basketball area that has been renovated and expanded; next up is the addition of a practice court and wall as well as court resurfacing and fence repairs, all expected to cost about $227,000. Lexie Lane and Lions parks will get paved parking lots as well as sidewalks and new fencing at Lions. Godbold Park will receive about $50,000 of work to include a new gazebo and more picnic tables. As for greenways, Higgins—located off Danforth Drive to Maynard—is in the final stages of a facelift that includes resurfacing, new seating, signage, and trash receptacles. As one of the largest projects at $786,000, phase four of the Black Creek Greenway will extend four miles, linking Godbold Park to Bond Park with a 10’ wide paved trail.

The holidays can be a joyous occasion for the whole family. Make sure your holiday is an enjoyable one by following these Christmas safety tips:

1. Buy a fresh tree that is not shedding its needles.
2. Trim at least an inch off the trunk and install your tree in a large NO TIP stand with an ample reservoir.
3. Position the tree away from heat sources, fireplaces and exit routes.
4. Water your tree daily.
5. Remove your tree soon after Christmas.
6. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure it is flame retardant.
7. Replace decorative lights that are worn with new ones that bear the label of an independent testing lab.

Become a part of Cary’s Electronic Mailing List Service. Sign up to receive emails about Town of Cary news, planning & zoning activities, new rezoning requests, and telecommunications issues. More topics are added every month. Subscribe now by clicking on the mailing list icon in the upper left-hand corner of the Town’s website splash page.

Cary kicks off the holiday season in style with a visit from New York City’s most prominent large brass ensemble and their unique holiday concert on Friday, December 1^st, 7:30PM at the Cary Community Center. This 12-member ensemble features the leading brass players from the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the New York Pops, but their interaction with the audience makes this the perfect family holiday outing.

Come together with your friends and neighbors and enjoy the holiday variety show on the outdoor stage at Town Hall campus on Sunday, December 3^rd from 6 to 8 PM. After the outside festivities, stroll over to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center for free refreshments, entertainment and special exhibits.

Bring your family and friends out to experience the sights & sounds of Kwanzaa, Wednesday, December 27^th, from 1 to 5 PM at the Cary Community Center. This year’s celebration features the reggae sounds of Jamrock and the inspiring words of Dr. JoAnne Coble Woodard, founder of the largest year-round charter school in the state. Cary’s celebration is co-sponsored by The Ujima Group, Inc.

The Town of Cary is seeking volunteers for vacant seats on Town Boards and Commissions. If you are interested in serving your community in a volunteer capacity, please visit http://www.townofcary.org/boards/boards.htm where you will find more detailed information about each board and commission and an application form. The application deadline is December 1^st, 2000. If you have questions, please call the Town Clerk's office at 460-4011 or email lbulla@ci.cary.nc.us.

Christmas Trees will be collected beginning Tuesday, January 16, 2001. To assure curbside collection, residents should have their Christmas Tree at the curbside by 7AM on January 16, 2001. Please remove all non-vegetative material (tinsel, bulbs, ornaments, etc). Beginning Monday, December 18, 2000, Christmas Trees can be dropped off at the following locations: Cary Citizens Convenience Center at 313 N Dixon Avenue or Godbold Park  at 2050 NW Maynard Rd. Please leave TREES ONLY in the designated location.

**Yard waste will not be collected during the week of the holiday. Household garbage, curbside trash and recycling material will be collected on a normal schedule during the week of the holiday.

Help us label Cary’s storm drains to increase public awareness about water quality! To volunteer, call 469-4038. To learn more about storm water, visit the What's New page on our website.