Even better neighbors - explaining fence rules along busy streets

Letters describing fence rules are being sent out to 8,000 owners of property along thoroughfares and collector streets.

The letters cover standards that were adopted in the mid-1990s. They deal with screening and how far back fences should be set from collector streets or thoroughfares.

These regulations help ensure proper sight distance for motorists’ safety while keeping our most-traveled streets looking nice.

We’ve drafted letters for three groups. One will explain the rules to people who don’t have a fence. Another letter will cover rules for major repairs to fences that precede the rules. The third letter will cover fences built since the regulations took effect.

The letters are part of a campaign to educate property owners.   They apply only to property abutting thoroughfares or collectors. For a list of such streets, see Fence Rules under Site Index on our Web site, townofcary.org.

Also remember that fences at all homes should not be more than 8 feet tall.

Call (919) 460-4984 if you have questions.

Illumination sensation

How could anyone be blue in front of more than 1,200 red, green and white lights?

Get into the holiday spirit (if you aren’t already) at the annual holiday tree lighting from 6 - 8 p.m. Dec. 7 on North Academy Street .

A musical performance will accompany lighting of the 35-foot Eastern red cedar.

Then visit historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center , decorated by Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel. Enjoy music and refreshments and the Heritage Museum . Call (919) 469-4061 for more details.

Celebrating heritage

"Strengthening Our Youth: 21st Century Leadership" is the theme for Cary ’s annual Kwanzaa celebration 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Dec. 27 at Herbert C. Young Community Center .

Cary Kwanzaa is a communal, cultural celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage. It is a celebration for all people, focusing on family, friends and the fruits of the earth.

Everyone is invited to ponder the Nguzo Saba, seven  principles derived from African heritage, as a means of taking stock and entering the future renewed.

The Karamu program is based on a model from Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, founder of the celebration.

The guest speaker is Dr. Na'im Akbar, psychologist. Performers and a community market are features of the program. Cary Kwanzaa is sponsored by Cary Parks , Recreation and Cultural Resources and the Ujima Group.

Fear of frying - tasty turkey without trauma

Deep frying is the hottest thing in preparing holiday turkey. Cary firefighters have a few tips for making sure the bird is the only thing that the hot oil touches.

Choose only smaller turkeys (no more than 12 pounds) for deep frying. Use oils with high smoke points such as canola, safflower and peanut oil. 

Use turkey fryers outdoors on a flat surface, and not on wooden decks or in garages.

Make sure the turkey is thawed completely. Pat it with paper towels to prevent spattering.

Most don’t have thermostat controls, so the oil could continue heating until it catches fire. Oil temperature should be maintained at 350 degrees.

Never leave the fryer unattended.  The oil can remain very hot for hours after cooking, so keep kids and pets away.

Place a fire extinguisher nearby. For more tips, call Cary firefighters at (919) 469-4056.

Bud Bits

The North Cary wastewater treatment plant was named a national finalist in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water Act Recognition Awards program this year for  operations and maintenance.  

This fall our storm water staff will be surveying storm drains for evidence of illegal dumping. Only rain should go down those drains, not paint, oil, leaves, pet waste, etc. For more information , call (919) 469-4030.

Cary Crime Stoppers pays up to $2,500 for information leading to the capture of people responsible for certain crimes.  Calls are kept confidential upon request.

Call (919) 469-4017. 

Road rules - a word on scooter safety

Motorized scooters and skateboards are becoming increasingly popular with kids who aren’t old enough to drive.

But Cary police are getting calls from people about near-accidents with these devices.

Callers worry about kids running stop signs, pulling in front of cars, riding on the wrong side, or at night without lights.

You must be at least 16 to operate gas or electric power scooters or skateboards on streets, sidewalks or parking lots. Traffic laws apply. 

Kids should ride motorized scooters only on private property with the owner’s permission and always with a helmet.

Cary police are trying to get the word out to kids and parents about what the law says. Most of all, they want to ensure that no one gets seriously hurt.

If you have questions, call (919) 319-4521.

Something for the older set

Cary Senior Center events for people 55 and over. Advance registration required. Register at www.classweb.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4081.

Annual Holiday Party (Free)

Thurs Dec. 4, 1:30-4 p.m.

Course code 14386

Decorate the center’s holiday tree, enjoy food, carols, and a performance by “Far From Broadway” readers’ theater.

Soup & Sandwich Bingo ($6)

Tues Dec. 9, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Course code 14808

  Register by Dec. 2 for the meal. The co-sponsor is Cary Health and Rehabilitation Center .

Holiday Concert  ($5)

Fri Dec 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Course code 14389

  Music, food and fellowship with entertainment by Cary School of Music's children’s choir and guitarist David Spencer.  Register by Dec 5. 

Service request

There’s still time to volunteer your time and talent on one of the boards and commissions that advise the Town Council.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. The council will make appointments in January.

For more information and an online application, see Boards and Commissions under Shortcuts on our Web site.

You can also send an e-mail to the deputy town clerk at karen.gray@townofcary.org.

Holiday closing

Town Hall offices will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28. We won’t collect yard waste that week so we can get to everyone’s household garbage, recyclables and curbside trash.

Crews will run Tuesday’s routes on Monday, Nov. 24 and Wednesday’s routes on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Then they’ll double–up, collecting from Thursday and Friday customers on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Call (919) 469-4090 with questions.

Santa Claus - for a good cause

Kids 12 and under accompanied by an adult can enjoy Santa’s Workshop  on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Cary Senior Center .

It features holiday crafts, refreshments, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. Send each child with two non-perishable food items for the Teen Council’s food drive. Call (919) 460-4965 for details.

How we don't collect money

Some people seeking money for a community cause may make it sound like they’re calling on behalf of your Town government.  They aren’t.

The Town of Cary fully provides the resources necessary to get the job done. We don’t support or endorse efforts by others to collect money on our behalf.

For example, you may get calls from the Cary Professional Firefighters Association.  Understand that contributions to this group support union activity, not the Cary Fire Department.

Be sure you understand before you give that the donation is neither requested nor used by your Town government.  Call (919) 469-4007 if you have questions about the Town’s policy.

How we do collect it

We’ve installed a drop box for utility bill payments at Bond Park in the Cary Senior Center parking lot, off High House Road .

We still have the drop box at Town Hall outside Building A on the railroad tracks side. 

Call Customer Service in the Finance Department at (919) 469-4050 if you have questions.

Conservation Corner

Recycling Tip: If it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable. Drop off rechargeable batteries for recycling any of the three community centers (Town Hall campus, Bond Park, Middle Creek), at Town Hall or the William Garmon Operations Center on James Jackson Avenue . For more information, call (919) 469-4090.  

Storm Water Tip: Celebrate three years of local stream buffer rules by planting a native tree. Help protect streams by maintaining shrubs and tree cover along them. Before clearing land or building within 100 feet of any ditch, lake or stream, call  (919) 469-4076 to have your plans reviewed. No clearing or building within 30 feet of a stream or lake is permitted. Find tree planting and care tips under Site Index on our Web site.  

Water Conservation Tip: If you have an automatic irrigation system, now is the time to winterize it. Drain water from your system to prevent frozen water from cracking the lines and heads. Then either remove or insulate the back flow prevention device and other exposed pipes. Call (919) 469-4090 with questions.

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