NEWS RELEASE

October 10, 2003

CARY TO GET A JUMP ON TOWN-WIDE DEBRIS COLLECTION 
THIS WEEKEND  

CARY, NC—Although Monday, October 13 is still the official start date of Cary’s town-wide Isabel debris collection, public works crews plan to work over the weekend to get a jump on the estimated 3000 curbside piles of whole trees, limbs, wads, and stumps.  Citizens who have not yet had a chance to bring their debris to the curb need not worry; they still have the weekend.  

“We don’t want folks who see us collecting debris this weekend to be concerned that they’ve missed out,” said Town of Cary Public Works Division Director Mike Bajorek .  “We’re going to be out and about for some time, which will enable us to also get any debris that’s laid out over the weekend.”  

Citizens should have all vegetative storm debris to the curb by 7 a.m. Monday, October 13.  Debris should be placed in three separate piles:  properly prepared yard waste, all size of storm debris, and stumps and tree wads.  It is important to separate these items since different crews will be picking them up at different times.  When placing items at the curb, please take care to not place debris in the street or on sidewalks.  Do not block fire hydrants, mail boxes, or water meters.  

Those who want to dispose of debris on their own can take it to the storm debris collection site adjacent to the Citizen’s Convenience Center on N. Dixon Avenue in downtown Cary .   

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NEWS RELEASE

September 23, 2003.

CARY YARD WASTE COLLECTION IS TAKING A LITTLE LONGER THIS WEEK, THANKS TO ISABEL

CARY , NC —The Town of Cary’s customary every Monday collection of yard waste will likely last into the weekend thanks to an abundance of vegetation from Isabel.  More than 30 crews are working daily on this week’s yard waste collection.  The Town’s official special town-wide collection for heavy debris—large limbs, stumps, and tree wads--begins Monday, October 13 at 7 a.m.  

“What we’re finding is that a lot of the debris from Isabel was small and folks had an easy time this weekend bringing it to the curb,” said Town of Cary Public Works Division Director Mike Bajorek .  “While that’s good, it is slowing us down a bit, and we want to make sure that citizens know we will get to them this week.”  

This week’s crews are focusing on debris that can be collected at the curb by hand and put into a regular Town truck.  The October 13^th town-wide collection will use front-end loaders and other machines to pick up heavy debris.  

Citizens should continue bringing vegetative storm debris to the curb.  Debris should be placed in three separate piles:  properly prepared yard waste, all sizes of storm debris, and stumps and tree wads.  It is important to separate these items since different crews will be picking them up at different times.  

When placing items at the curb, please take care to not place debris in the street or on sidewalks.  Do not block fire hydrants, mail boxes, or water meters.  

Those who want to dispose of debris on their own can take it to the storm debris collection site adjacent to the Citizen’s Convenience Center on N. Dixon Avenue in downtown Cary .   

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NEWS RELEASE

September 19, 2003
2:00 p.m.

AFTERNOON UPDATE  

CARY, NC—Cleanup is underway in Cary.  

DEBRIS REMOVAL  
The Town of Cary will conduct a town-wide storm debris collection beginning Monday, October 13 at 7 a.m.   Between now and then, citizens should bring vegetative storm debris to the curb.  Debris should be placed in three separate piles:  properly prepared yard waste, all size of storm debris, and stumps and tree wads.  It is important to separate these items as different crews will be picking them up.  When placing items at the curb, please take care to not place debris in the street or on sidewalks.  Do not block fire hydrants, mail boxes, or water meters.  

Those who want to dispose of debris this weekend can take it to the storm debris collection site adjacent to the Citizen’s Convenience Center on N. Dixon Avenue in downtown Cary.  The collection site will be open until 6 p.m. this evening, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS  
All Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources staffed facilities are open.  All programs are taking place on schedule.   

Weekend Events are on schedule, both events are free and open to the public.

Circus Day
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Saturday, September 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

           Sertoma Series - Brass at Bond
            Sertoma Amphitheatre, Bond Park
            Sunday, September 21, 2-6 p.m.  

Town parks and greenways are still being evaluated for safety.  Debris-related problems may make parks and greenways unsafe.  Town crews are inspecting, cleaning and making any necessary repairs and will reopen each facility when it is safe to do so.  Citizens may call (919) 469-4090 for information about which facilities are open.  

Bond Park trails are open and the Boathouse is operational.  Most trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve are closed.  

All athletic fields, except Thomas Brooks Park are closed. Games scheduled for Thomas Brooks Park will be determined by 3 p.m.   Please check the recording on the athletic cancellation line (ext 505 on 24-hour Town Hall – 319-4500) for more information.   

Youth basketball practices will be held as scheduled except those scheduled for Reedy Creek Middle School.  Players expecting to practice at Reedy Creek Middle School should contact their coach for new practice location.  

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Friday’s garbage and recycling will be collected on Saturday.  Please bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

COMMUNICATIONS  
Please do not call the Town of Cary to report power or telephone restoration; please contact your individual service provider.  

Cary’s Isabel Hotline—(919) 469-4090 will close at 5 p.m. today.  Phones will reopen on Saturday, September 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.   The hotline received 571 calls over the life of the storm.  

Comprehensive information remains available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.   

This is the last scheduled Isabel update from the Town of Cary.  

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NEWS RELEASE

September 19, 2003
4:00 a.m.

CARY’S FINE  

CARY , NC —The moon is shining brightly on a pre-dawn Cary that appears to have weathered well the wrath of Isabel.   While limbs and leaves litter the Town, primary and secondary roads are open and the Town as a whole should awake to good things.    

At first light, Cary will begin deploying 20 fresh crews to assess damage and begin dealing with debris in public spaces such as along roadways, in parks, on greenways, and in and around utility stations.  Since the storm began, a total of 52 trees have been reported down; five of them on homes.  There have been no Isabel-related traffic accidents or fires.  

DEBRIS REMOVAL
The Town of Cary plans to conduct a town-wide sweep of Isabel debris after residents have been given time to clean up yards--probably in a few weeks.  Between now and then, citizens should bring vegetative storm debris--with the exception of stumps--to the curb regardless of size.  Please do not place debris in the street or on sidewalks; do not block fire hydrants, mail boxes, or water meters.  

Those who want to dispose of debris today can take it to the Citizen’s Convenience Center on Dixon Avenue in downtown Cary .  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
C-Tran, Cary ’s door-to-door transit service, will operate on Friday.  

Town Hall is open.  However, a decision regarding parks, recreation, and cultural resources facilities, programs and athletic field usage will be made later this morning.  Please check the recordings at the facility or athletic cancellation line (ext 505 on 24-hour Town Hall) for more information.   

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Thursday garbage and recycling will be collected today.  Friday collection will take place on Saturday.  Please bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

COMMUNICATIONS
Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the ISABEL HOTLINE at (919) 469-4090. Only actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1 .  

Comprehensive information is also available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org. 

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 2 p.m. unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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NEWS RELEASE

September 18, 2003
9:00 p.m.

CARY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR CLEANUP AS ISABEL TAKES HER FINAL SLAPS AT THE TRIANGLE  

CARY, NC—Although Isabel’s winds and rain continue to whip as she moves out of the state, the Town of Cary is ready with the answer to the next big question—what do we do with the debris?  The Town of Cary plans to conduct a town-wide sweep of Isabel debris after residents have been given time to clean up yards--probably in a few weeks.  Between now and then, citizens should bring vegetative storm debris--with the exception of stumps--to the curb regardless of size.  Please do not place debris in the street or on sidewalks; do not block fire hydrants.  

Those who encounter a tree or limb on a street or sidewalk should not attempt to remove it themselves. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, these trees and limbs often come in contact with live electrical wires. Call (919) 469-4090 and notify the chainsaw crews of the debris location.  

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Power and cable outages continue in Cary .  Over four dozen trees have been reported down.  While most blocked roadways, five landed on homes.  There have been no Isabel-related traffic accidents or fires.  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
C-Tran, Cary ’s door-to-door transit service, will operate on Friday.  

A decision regarding facility status, programs and athletic field usage on Friday, September 19 will be made no later than 7 a.m.   Please check the recordings at the facility or athletic cancellation line (ext 505 on 24-hour Town Hall) for more information.   

Cary 's Big Sweep scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at Briarcliff Elementary School has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m.  

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Thursday garbage and recycling will be collected Friday.  Friday collection will take place on Saturday.  Please bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

COMMUNICATIONS
Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the ISABEL HOTLINE at (919) 469-4090. Only actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1 .  

Comprehensive information is also available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.   

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 4 a.m. unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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NEWS RELEASE

September 18, 2003
4:00 p.m.

ISABEL CONTINUES TO PESTER CARY  

CARY , NC—Dozens of downed trees have been reported in Cary, many on roads and two on homes.  There have been no Isabel-related fires or traffic accidents.  Power and cable television services are still out in parts of Cary.  A shelter has been opened at Cary High School, 638 Walnut Street.  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
Tonight’s Greenway Committee meeting has been cancelled.  

Recreation facilities closed at 3 p.m. today.  A decision regarding facility status, programs and athletic field usage on Friday, September 19 will be made no later than 7 a.m.   Please check the recordings at the facility or athletic cancellation line (ext 505 on 24-hour Town Hall) for more information.  This evening’s parks, recreation and cultural resources' programs are canceled.  

Tonight’s Crosby, Stills & Nash concert at Cary’s Amphitheatre at Regency Park has been cancelled; it will not be rescheduled. Fans who have already purchased tickets should return them to point of purchase for a refund. For more information call Ticketmaster at (919) 834-4000 or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park Box Office at (919) 462-2052.  

Cary 's Big Sweep scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at Briarcliff Elementary School has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m.  

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Thursday garbage and recycling will be collected Friday.  Friday collection will take place on Saturday.  Please bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

COMMUNICATIONS
Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the ISABEL HOTLINE at (919) 469‑4090. Only actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1 .  

Comprehensive information is also available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.   

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 9 p.m. unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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NEWS RELEASE

September 18, 2003
12:30 p.m.

CONDITIONS DETERIORATE IN CARY  

CARY , NC —Power and cable television services are now out in parts of Cary , and trees and limbs have begun to fall on and around roadways.  Town of Cary police officers are directing traffic at several intersections where the signals are out, including NE Maynard and Gregory, N. Harrison and Chapel Hill, and N. Harrison and West Chatham.  There have been no Isabel-related fires or traffic accidents reported since midnight .  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS  
Tonight’s Greenway Committee meeting has been canceled.  

Jordan Hall Arts Center and Middle Creek Community Center closed at noon. Other staffed facilities will close at 5 p.m., unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.  A decision regarding facility status, programs and athletic field usage on Friday, September 19 will be made no later than 7 a.m.  Please check the recordings at the facility or athletic cancellation line (ext. 505 on 24-hour Town Hall) for more information.   

This afternoon and evening’s parks, recreation and cultural resources' programs are canceled.  

Tonight’s Crosby, Stills & Nash concert at Cary’s Amphitheatre at Regency Park has been cancelled; it will not be rescheduled.  Fans who have already purchased tickets should return them to point of purchase for a refund. For more information call Ticketmaster at (919) 834-4000 or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park Box Office at (919) 462-2052.  

Cary 's Big Sweep scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at Briarcliff Elementary School has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m.  

The Town of Cary ’s Citizen Convenience Center on Dixon Avenue is closed today.  

Other Town government offices and facilities will be open on Thursday under the inclement weather policy.  However, since staffing may be reduced and some facilities could be without power, it’s best to telephone before planning to visit any Town facility.  

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Garbage and recycling collection for today has been moved to Friday.  Friday collection will take place on Saturday.  As always following any severe weather, we ask that you bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

COMMUNICATIONS  
Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the ISABEL HOTLINE at (919) 469-4090. Only actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1 .  

Comprehensive information is also available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.   

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 4 p.m. today unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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NEWS RELEASE

September 18, 2003
11 a.m.

ISABEL TAPS CARY ’S SHOULDER  

CARY , NC —Spotty showers and gusty winds from Isabel have reached Cary, but they’ve presented no problems since Town crews reported at midnight for emergency duty.  There have been no Isabel-related fires, traffic accidents, or downed trees reported since midnight .  

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Garbage and recycling collection for today has been moved to Friday.  Friday collection will take place on Saturday.  As always following any severe weather, we ask that you bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS  
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources' programs and athletic field usage beginning at 12 noon or later on Thursday, September 18 are canceled. Staffed facilities will close at 5 p.m. today with the possibility of earlier closure based on weather conditions in the afternoon.   A decision regarding facility status, programs and athletic field usage on Friday, September 19 will be made no later than 7 a.m.   Please check the recordings at the facility or athletic cancellation line (ext 505 on 24-hour Town Hall) for more information.   

C-Tran, Cary ’s door-to-door transit service, is not operating.   If you have a reservation for Friday, please call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.  

Cary 's Big Sweep scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at Briarcliff Elementary School has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 9 a.m.  

Today’s Planning and Development committee meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m.  

Tonight’s Crosby , Stills & Nash concert at Cary ’s Amphitheatre at Regency Park has been cancelled; it will not be rescheduled. Fans who have already purchased tickets should return them to point of purchase for a refund. For more information call Ticketmaster at (919) 834-4000 or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park Box Office at (919) 462-2052.  

The Town of Cary ’s Citizen Convenience Center on Dixon Avenue is closed today.  

Other Town government offices and facilities will be open on Thursday under the inclement weather policy.  However, since staffing may be reduced and some facilities could be without power, it’s best to telephone before planning to visit any Town facility.

COMMUNICATIONS  
Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the ISABEL HOTLINE at (919) 469-4090. Only actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1.  

Comprehensive information is also available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.   

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 4 p.m. today unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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NEWS RELEASE

September 18, 2003
4 a.m.

CARY WAITS FOR ISABEL  

CARY, NC —It’s quiet in Cary this morning.  Town of Cary crews began 24/7 emergency operations at midnight .  However, the Town has not activated its Emergency Operations Center.  Winds are relatively light at the Town’s Operations Center on James Jackson Avenue.  

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Garbage and recycling collection for today has been moved to Friday.  Friday collection will take place on Saturday.  As always following any severe weather, we ask that you bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS  
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources' programs and athletic field usage beginning at 12 noon or later on Thursday, September 18 are canceled. A decision regarding Friday programs and athletic field usage will be made no later than 7 a.m. on Friday, September 19.  Please check the recordings at the program's facility or athletic cancellation line for more information.  Staffed facilities will remain open.  

C-Tran, Cary ’s door-to-door transit service, will NOT operate today.  If you have a reservation for Friday, please call C-Tran at (919) 481-2020 to confirm that service will be available.  

Cary 's Big Sweep scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at Briarcliff Elementary School has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m.  

Today’s Planning and Development committee meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m.  

Tonight’s Crosby, Stills & Nash concert at Cary ’s Amphitheatre at Regency Park has been cancelled; it will not be rescheduled. Fans who have already purchased tickets should return them to point of purchase for a refund. For more information call Ticketmaster at (919) 834-4000 or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park Box Office at (919) 462-2052.  

The Town of Cary ’s Citizen Convenience Center on Dixon Avenue is closed today.  

Other Town government offices and facilities will be open on Thursday under the inclement weather policy.  However, since staffing may be reduced and some facilities could be without power, it’s best to telephone before planning to visit any Town facility.    

COMMUNICATIONS

Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the ISABEL HOTLINE at (919) 469-4090. Only actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1.  

Comprehensive information is also available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.   

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 11 a.m. Thursday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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NEWS RELEASE

September 17, 2003
1 p.m.

CARY FINALIZES PLANS FOR ISABEL  

CARY , NC —With winds and rain possible as early as tonight, the Town of Cary is putting the finishing touches on preparedness activities as it joins the rest of the Triangle in bracing for Hurricane Isabel.  Citizens are advised to complete all preparedness tasks before nightfall.  

The Town’s Emergency Operations Center—located at the Public Works & Utilities Operations Center—will be ready by 4:30 p.m. for activation should it be needed, and many Town employees will begin working emergency shifts at midnight.   

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Garbage and recycling collection for Thursday has been moved to Friday.  Friday collection will take place on Saturday.  As always following any severe weather, we ask that you bring your waste to the curb to avoid injury to our workers and damage to your yard.  If you’re unable to take your cans to the curb, please call us at (919) 469-4090.  

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
Thursday’s Crosby , Stills & Nash concert at Cary ’s Amphitheatre at Regency Park has been cancelled; it will not be rescheduled. Fans who have already purchased tickets should return them to point of purchase for a refund. For more information call Ticketmaster at (919) 834-4000 or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park Box Office at (919) 462-2052.  

The Town of Cary ’s Citizen Convenience Center on Dixon Avenue will be closed on Thursday.  

C-Tran, Cary ’s door to door transit service, will operate on Thursday for as long as possible.  

Other Town government offices and facilities will be open on Thursday under the inclement weather policy.  However, since staffing may be reduced and some facilities could be without power, it’s best to telephone before planning to visit any Town facility.
 

Thursday’s Planning and Development committee meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m.  

Thursday's Sister Cities Commission Meeting has been cancelled.

COMMUNICATIONS
Once the event begins to unfold, Cary Citizens with any NON-EMERGENCY questions or those needing to report downed trees or other property damage not posing immediate threats to persons should call the ISABEL HOTLINE at (919) 469-4090.  The hotline will open at midnight and be staffed 24/7 for as long as necessary.  Only actual emergencies threatening life and health should be reported to 9-1-1 .  

Comprehensive information is also available under the HEADLINES section of the Town’s Web site, www.townofcary.org.   

The next update from the Town of Cary will be issued around 4 a.m. Thursday unless changing conditions warrant sooner action.

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