Additional Forum Held When Runoff Occurs

Watch the Cary Community Candidate Forum between September 22 and October 10 on Cary TV, cable channel 11. Click Cary TV on the home page of www.townofcary.org for the forum broadcast schedule.

Candidates' unedited statements and responses to Cary citizens' questions are recorded live to tape for later rebroadcast. The goal is a forum that is fair to all, dignified and professional. The September 14 forum will be for Town Council districts A and C and for an At-Large seat, as well as for Wake County School Board districts 2, 7 and 9.

Remember to watch election results on Cary TV the evening of October 11.

Voting Reminder

Don't forget to vote in the Cary municipal elections October 11.

For early voters, one-stop voting by absentee ballot begins September 22. No excuse is required. Herb Young Community Center at Town Hall is available for one-stop voting at the following times:

• Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Saturday, October 1, noon - 8 p.m.

• Saturday, October 1, noon - 8 p.m.

• Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Call the Wake County Board of Elections at (919) 856-6240 for additional voting information.

Tips for Cleaner Air

For a healthier environment, the Town is helping publicize ways to reduce air polution:

• Drive with cruise control when practical and stay within the speed limit. Avoid prolonged idling and drive-throughs.

• Wait to refuel until after 6 p.m. Don't top off the tank after the pump automatically shuts off.

• Set air conditioning at the highest comfortable temperature, preferably no more than 78 degrees. Set it higher when everyone is asleep or away.

• Try not to cut the grass on an air quality action day. Wait until after 6 p.m. on such days to use a gas-powered mower.

For more tips on reducing air pollution, call 1-888-RU4NCAIR or visit www.ncair.org.

Bud Bits

Get details on Town of Cary services anytime using a touch tone phone with the 24-Hour Town Hall service. For details and a listing, call (919) 319-4500

For upcoming meetings, the BUD-TV schedule, and other information, click THIS WEEK on the home page of our Web site.

Cary collected 109 tons of phone books between January and April. For the remainder of the year, take old phone books to county recycling facilities at 9004 Deponie Drive in Raleigh or 6000 Old Smithfield Road in Apex.

Click E-mail Service under Shortcuts on the home page for free Town Hall news and information.

Fire Safety for Kids

Matches and lighters are among the leading causes of fire-related deaths for children under age 5. Children have a natural curiosity about fire. Do not underestimate their ability to strike matches or start a lighter.

Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet. Even child-resistant lighters are not childproof.

Teach toddlers to tell you when they find a match or a lighter. If a child is curious about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are for adults to use carefully. Never use matches or lighters for fun. Children may imitate you when you're not around.

For more safety advice, call the Cary Fire Department at (919) 469-4056.

Protecting Valuables

Cary police suggest leaving valuables at home if you won't need them while traveling or going about your daily routine. Examples include credit cards, checks, jewelry, large amounts of cash and anything with your Social Security number on it. These items are especially appealing to thieves. Carrying these items with you unnecessarily increases the chances of theft.

When at work or just out and about, be cautious of where you leave your purse or wallet. Also, do not leave valuables in a shopping cart unattended. If you leave valuables in your car, make sure they're locked in the trunk where they cannot be seen through a window.

For more information, call Officer Matthew Schlegel, the Police Department's Community Services coordinator, at (919) 469-4324.

Auditions for Holiday Variety Show

Do you sing, dance, or love to perform? Auditions will be October 25 and October 28 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center for the Town's Holiday Tree Lighting Variety Show.

Cary residents are invited to share their talent with their neighbors as we kick off the holiday season with song, joy, and community togetherness. The annual community tree lighting will be December 3. This group will also perform at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre's holiday event, Tinsel Town. Last year more than 500 people came together to enjoy the variety show and usher in the holiday season with the annual lighting of the tree.

Interested Cary residents should call (919) 469-4061 to schedule an audition. All types of holiday performances will be considered.

Stormwater Tip

Hurricane season lasts through November. These storms can overwhelm drainage systems. Clear blockages from streams, ditches or drains on your property to help keep water from backing up and causing floods.

Call Public Works and Utilities at (919) 469-4090 if street drains are blocked.

Report on Wastewater

The Town's annual wastewater report will be available September 1. The report will be available online at www.townofcary.org. Printed copies will be at Town Hall, the Operations Center on James Jackson Avenue, Cary community centers, and Cary library.

The purpose of publicizing the wastewater report is to keep citizens informed about wastewater treatment issues and environmental protection efforts.

Citizens can also request that a copy be mailed to them.

Leadership Recognition

Mary Henderson, director of our Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, has received the John B. Ross, Jr., Leadership Award from the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This award recognizes an outstanding executive management level individual in Wake County's hospitality industry. The 10th annual award went to Henderson for helping transform Cary into a cultural, live music and sports hotbed. Examples include Lazy Daze festival, the State Games and PONY fast pitch softball. Venues include Booth Amphitheatre and SAS Soccer Park.

Cultural Connections

Click THIS WEEK on the home page of www.townofcary.org for the Cary Connections listing of meetings and other information.

Brass at Bond

Sunday, September 25, 1 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park. Free. Details at (919) 469-4061.

Triangle Youth Jazz Band

Sunday, October 16, 3 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park. Free. Details at (919) 469-4061.

Celebration of Children in the Arts: Performances & Art Work

Saturday, October 1, 2:30 p.m. at Cary Ballet Conservatory, 3791 NW Cary Parkway. Free. Details at (919) 481-6509.

Photographer's Eye

Tuesday, October 4, Bob Adams
Tuesday October 11, Nanci Tanton
Tuesday October 18, Ron Flory II

7 p.m. at Page-Walker. Free. Details at (919) 460-4963.

Cary Town Band

Friday, October 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Bandstand, corner Walnut & Tanglewood. Free. Details at  (919) 467-7336.

Concert Singers of Cary: Baroque Chamber Classics

Saturday, October 8, 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 221 Union Street.  Details at (919) 678-1009.

Diwali, Indian Festival of Lights

Saturday, October 15, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Booth Amphitheatre. Details at (919) 460-4963.

Carolina Clarinet Quartet

Sunday, October 16, 7 p.m., Page-Walker. Details at (919) 469-4963.

Season tickets available for all four shows.

Exhibits

New at Page-Walker and Jordan Hall: Annual Art Quilts show and Instructors Show and Sale.