Cary, NC – Start planning: North Carolinians will be able to save on major appliance purchases while putting $8.8 million in federal recovery funds to work stimulating the economy, cutting energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (more…)

Cary, NC –  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Cary, NC as one of four communities in the U.S. for helping to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of older adults through smart growth efforts. Smart growth refers to neighborhoods that are creatively designed to reduce driving and environmental harm.

“We’re proud to recognize Cary for making its neighborhoods healthier and creating a more environmentally sustainable community,” said Stan Meiburg, EPA’s Acting Regional Administrator in Atlanta. “Walkways, open space and bike paths, as part of well-designed developments, can improve our environment and offer healthy options for Americans of all ages.”

According to the EPA:

“The town of Cary has demonstrated excellence in smart growth and promoting active aging in the preservation of 2,300 acres of open space, 22 parks, 174 miles of walking and biking trails, and hundreds of fitness and wellness programs designed by and for older adults.

Cary has also developed activity centers that are physically and aesthetically unified, concentrating mixed-use development in a compact pedestrian friendly fashion. The centers are popular locations for Cary’s growing population of more than 22,000 elders due to their proximity to shopping, exercising, and socializing.

These actions not only protect the environment by reducing air pollution, but also foster economic vitality and enhance everyone’s quality of life.”

The town of Cary also received the Achievement Award, the top honor under the Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging awards, which recognizes communities for overall excellence in building healthy communities for active aging.

Cary, NC – This weekend marks  the fourth annual National  “Great Backyard Bird Count”.  Sponsored by Kids Together Playground the event will begin on Saturday, February 13 at 9 am.

Why do we count birds?

Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are.  Bird populations are dynamic and constantly on the move. Some questions scientists hope to answer are:

How does one count birds?

First you look around to notice where the birds are.  At Kids Together Playground, located in  Marla Dorrel Park, folks will first walk around the perimeter of the playground to  spot where the birds are.  Marla Dorrel, who will lead the event, says, “Birds are always there, but we’re not attuned to them”.

The process is this: once you spot a species of bird, take out a field guide to identify what you see. Then tally the number of that species that you have seen and record it.  Spend about 30 minutes or so counting all the birds you’ve seen. Participants are encouraged to count birds all weekend long.  In the past spotters have even seen red-tailed hawks and owls nesting in the park.

What is done with the information?

Anyone who counts birds anytime during the weekend can submit their counts using the tally sheet from the Great Bird Backyard Count (GBBC) web site. There is even a place on the web site that you can view data as it comes in from different parts of the country.

How did Cary get involved?

Marla Dorrel and her husband have been avid birders for about 30 years. When she learned about the Great Backyard Bird Count she thought the handicapped accessible park was the perfect place.

"Blue Bird with Snow" photo by Karl Fisher of the Cary Flickr group

Ms. Dorrel thought the park “was an excellent place to hold this event because it helps to connect children of all levels with the natural environment”.

For more interesting events happening in Cary, check out the CaryCitizen Calendar. If you have an event you would like us to add to the calendar, email Lindsey Chester.

CaryCitizen photo by Hal Goodtree

Cary, NC – The Town of Chapel Hill and University Mall are holding a photo contest on the theme of ecology. Top prize is $1000.

DEADLINE

Photos are due Wednesday, March 3. There’s still time, so get shooting!

Further instructions from the Town of Chapel Hill website:

Send a CD or DVD containing portfolio materials through the post to:

Public Arts Office
405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Or, you can email a .zip file to chapelhillarts@gmail.com. No hardcopy portfolios will be considered or returned, they say.

CONTEST THEME

The winning photos will be on display from April 12 – May 30, 2010 at University Mall. The organizers described the theme of the contest:

For the purpose of this competition and exhibition, the term ecology is broad and encompasses living with nature, conservation, protection and preservation of resources, low ecological impact activities (hiking, biking, recycling, reuse), connections between the built and natural environment, human structures/settlements reclaimed by nature, green building, sustainability, etc.

This invitation is extended to all individuals 18 years or older residing in Orange, Durham, Wake, Chatham and Alamance Counties of North Carolina. There is no entry fee. Selection for the exhibition and awards will be based on artistic quality and adherence to the ecological theme.

PRIZES

The three top place winners will receive $1,000, $500, and $250, respectively. A people’s choice award of $250 will also be offered.

MORE INFO

Read all the rules and regs before you start shooting and planning how you’ll spend the thousand bucks.

Good luck, Cary photographers. Let’s dominate the show!

Cary, N.C. – The town has notified CaryCitizen that an abundance of grease led to a 1,723-gallon sanitary sewer overflow from a surcharging manhole near the 900 block of Hamshire Court.  An observant citizen contacted the town around 9 a.m. on January 25.  Unfortunately the waste reached an unnamed tributary of Walnut Creek. No fish kill was observed.

“Despite heavy rains, our crews were able to quickly locate and clear the blockage,” said Town of Cary’s Chief of Utility Maintenance Sam Tingler. “We encourage residents to participate in the Town’s Residential Waste Cooking Oil Disposal Program to reduce these problems in the future.”

Hal Goodtree reported on the proper process for grease waste disposal for CaryCitizen in late December.

To repeat: the Town of Cary last summer launched a full-time, safe disposal option for residential waste cooking oils. Cary residents can now collect their cooking oils, fats and greases in a sealable container and when at least a half gallon has been saved, contact the Town to schedule a pickup.

The first of its kind known in the state, the program is aimed at reducing sewer blockage/over flows, accidental spills and disposals in landfills. Since 2006, fats, oils and greases contributed to more than 20,000 gallons of untreated wastewater being discharged into Cary area streams, creeks and lakes.

The Clean Water Act requires public notice in the form of a news release issued by public works operators within 48 hours of the detection of a wastewater overflow of 1,000 gallons or greater that also reaches surface waters.

Visit the Town website for more information about Fats, Oils and Grease Control.

Screen shot of the Town's VIP tool for developers.

CARY, NC –  The Town of Cary has unveiled two new online tools. One helps people apply for jobs. They other is designed to simplify the development process.  Both have the side benefit of reducing paper usage.

APPLY FOR TOWN JOBS ONLINE

The online employment application tool, powered by NeoGov, provides applicants with an enhanced level of customer service by making all aspects of the employment process easily accessible. Job opportunities, job descriptions, and other employment information are kept in one central location. The employment application is designed to be filled out online and sent electronically; beginning today, the Town will accept applications for employment through its online employment application tool only.

“Moving to an online application process will enable us to better reach out to a global audience and potentially double the pool of qualified applicants seeking to become a part of the Town of Cary team,” said Town of Cary Human Resources Consultant Renee Poole. “Online-only applications also support the Town’s commitment to preserving and protecting the environment by using less fuel and paper.”

In the last fiscal year, more than 4,500 paper applications were received and processed by the Town.

Applicants who do not have a computer can use one of the two self-assisted computer kiosks available in the Town of Cary’s Human Resources Department to complete their application. Other options for accessing a computer include local libraries, local Employment Security Commission offices or assistance from friends or relatives. Appropriate accommodations will be made for people with disabilities who are unable to apply on-line.

VIP – The Virtual Interactive Planner

The Town’s second new online tool — Virtual Interactive Planner — is designed to help reduce the confusion and intimidation sometimes associated with complex, comprehensive processes like land development. By clicking on VIP from the Town’s Web site – visit vip.townofcary.org – and entering an address, users are given a guided tour of the Town’s planning and development process in a format that is easy to understand. Video and animation are used to break the process down in easy to follow steps.

Users also have a choice of accessing a text-only version of VIP.  Both the animated and text-only versions of the tool include a wide variety of development-related information such as downloadable applications, fee schedules, and definitions. Citizens are also made aware of the points in the process where the public is encouraged to provide input to the Town.

“We’re committed to providing the highest level of customer service and we’re continuously looking for innovative, effective ways to help those we serve be successful. VIP is the latest in a long line of tools we’ve developed or employed to help our citizens be better involved in the decision-making that impact their lives and their community,” said Town of Cary Customer Resource Planner Dan Matthys.

MORE NEW ONLINE TOOLS COMING

The new online tools are the latest additions to the Town of Cary’s revamped Web site, which launched in October 2009. Throughout the year, the Town will unveil improvements to the site, including more online tools designed to meet the needs of its citizens.

From the Cary Newsfeed
Certainly send feedback to the Town, but we are interested too!  Send us your feedback or leave a comment.

Cary, NC – The Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facility offers some real amazing nature programs in January.  Visit classweb.townofcary.org, or call (919) 462-2017 to register for programs.   We are told that in the event a program is full, residents are encouraged to get on the wait list, as there are often cancellations. 

Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is designed to complement the natural surroundings of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve . The 3,700-square-foot center is named for Colonel William Walton Stevens and his wife Emily Stevens for their generous contributions and support of the center’s programs.  Colonel Stevens was a native of Wake County and worked as a soil scientist and soil conservationist for the State of North Carolina where he was a leader in the conservation field, according to the center web site.  The Stevens Nature Center provides information about the natural history of the area and the plants and animals that live in the Nature Preserve.  The nature center also offers a variety of nature programs for participants of all ages on a year-round basis.

The Stevens Nature Center features a gift shop, an educational exhibit hall, classroom outdoor education shelter, and a native wildflower garden.  Please contact Joy Logan with any questions at joy.logan@townofcary.org or  (919) 387-5980. 

January Line-up

Junior Naturalist (Age 5-8 w/a parent): Winter is Wonderful
Saturday, January 2 from 2-3 p.m.
Spend time with your child in these programs that encourage participants to develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43819

Eco-Explorers (Age 7-9): Nature Detectives
Sunday, January 3 from 2-4 p.m.
Children will expand their knowledge of nature and build their observation skills in these hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43802

Discovery Days Mini-Camps (Age 5-7): Wild About Wetlands
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, January 4, 6 & 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Discover all that is wild about streams and pools and find out what animals are hanging out there!
Fees: $67(Cary Residents) $87(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 42156

Nature Fun for 4 & 5’s (Age 4-5): Discovering Dinosaurs
Tuesday & Thursday, January 5 & 7 from 1-3 p.m.
Dive into the world of nature through outdoor explorations, games, stories and crafts, in a safe and nurturing environment.  Who knew learning could be so much fun? 
Fees: $28(Cary Residents) $36(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44148

Kids Fun-Days (Age 5-8): Super Salamanders
Thursday, January 7 from 10 a.m.-noon
Children will delight in learning through hands-on explorations of nature using their senses and their imagination! 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44508

Curiosity Club (Age 5-6): Leaf Litter Critters
Saturday, January 9 from 10 a.m.-noon
Children will embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43793

Family Programs (Age 6 & up w/parents): Learning to Like the Dark!
Saturday, January 9 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Spend some quality time experiencing the fun of nature at Hemlock Bluffs with your family. 
Fees: $11(Cary Residents) $14(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43829  

Tales and Trails (All ages welcome w/a parent): Cool Coyotes
Sunday, January 10 from 2-3:30 p.m.  Experience the world of coyotes with stories and a walk. Did you know there are coyotes are in Wake County?
Fees: $20(Cary Residents) $28(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43834

Discovery Days Mini-Camps (Age 8-12): Salamander Commander
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, January 11, 13 & 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Adventure into the preserve in search of the hiding places of salamanders and frogs.
Fees: $67(Cary Residents) $87(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 42157

Silver Naturalists (Age 55 & up): Birds and Buds
Tuesday, January 12 from 1:30-3 p.m.
We’ll search for winter birds and sharpen plant identification skills.
Fees: $5(Cary Residents) $7(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43325

Curious Creatures (Age 5-8): Backyard Bird Adventures
Thursday, January 14 from 10 a.m.-noon
Children will discover fascinating facts about birds, their habits, and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44424

Crafty Kids! (Age 7-10): Rock Art
Thursday, January 14 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Discover how ‘crafty’ nature can be in an environment that encourages a sense of wonder and creativity.  Some projects may get ‘messy’, so dress to get dirty! 
Fees: $17(Cary Residents) $22(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44161

Eco-Explorers (Age 7-9): Dinosaurs Rock!
Saturday, January 16 from 2-4 p.m.
Children will expand their knowledge of nature and build their observation skills in these hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43803

Junior Naturalist (Age 5-8 w/a parent): Nature at Night
Saturday, January 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Spend time with your child in these programs that encourage participants to develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43820

Hemlock Nature Quest (Age 13-18): Winter Birding Adventures
Sunday, January 17 from 2-4 p.m.
Join us as we survey the preserve for winter bird residents.
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43815

Nature Fun for 4 & 5’s (Age 4-5): Discovering Dinosaurs
Tuesday & Thursday, January 19 & 21 from 10 a.m.-noon
Dive into the world of nature through outdoor explorations, games, stories and crafts, in a safe and nurturing environment.  Who knew learning could be so much fun? 
Fees: $28(Cary Residents) $36(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44149

Kids Fun-Days (Age 5-8): Looking Under Logs
Tuesday, January 19 from 4-6 p.m.
Children will delight in learning through hands-on explorations of nature using their senses and their imagination! 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44509

Wee Walkers (Age 1 & up w/a parent): Big or Small
Wednesday, January 20 from 10-11 a.m.
Little ones will delight in discoveries of the shapes, colors, textures, sounds, and smells of nature as we focus on specific concepts each class. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44136

Eco-Express (Age 8-12): Amphibian Awareness 
Thursday, January 21 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Take the fast track to nature in these hands-on studies of nature and ecology at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44499

Nature Nuts (Age 3-5 w/a parent): Muskrats
Friday, January 22 from 10-11 a.m.
Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery! 
Fees: $11(Cary Residents) $14(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43846

Night Out in Nature (Age 8-12)
Friday, January 22 from 6-9 p.m.
Kids spend a night out in nature making memories and new friends in this old fashioned camp-style program.  Each month is something new! 
Fees: $17(Cary Residents) $22(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43788

Nature Nuts (Age 3-5 w/a parent): Muskrats
Saturday, January 23 from 10-11 a.m.
Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery! 
Fees: $11(Cary Residents) $14(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43847

Adult Nature Programs (Age 16 & up): Winter Birding
Saturday, January 23 from 10:30 a.m.-noon
Continue your lifelong learning through informative and educational nature walks that are focused on seasonal activity.  Discover the winter birds of the Bluffs. 
Fees: $6(Cary Residents) $8(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43334

Young Ecologists (Age 10-12): Salamander Safari
Sunday, January 24 from 2-4 p.m.
Search the preserve for salamanders.
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43811

Discovery Days Mini-Camps (Age 8-12): Salamander Commander
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, January 25, 27 & 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Adventure into the preserve in search of the hiding places of salamanders and frogs.
Fees: $67(Cary Residents) $87(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44177

Kids Fun-Days (Age 5-8): Dynamic Dinosaurs
Tuesday, January 26 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Children will delight in learning through hands-on explorations of nature using their senses and their imagination! 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44510

Curious Creatures (Age 5-8): Rocks at the Bluffs
Thursday, January 28 from 4-6 p.m.
Children will discover fascinating facts about rocks and geology at the bluffs through hikes, activities and crafts. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44425

Wee Walkers (Age 1 & up w/a parent): Big or Small
Friday, January 29 from 10-11 a.m.
Little ones will delight in discoveries of the shapes, colors, textures, sounds, and smells of nature as we focus on specific concepts each class. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44137

Curiosity Club (Age 5-6): Full Moon Hike!
Saturday, January 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Children will embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43794

Eco-Explorers (Age 7-9): Animal Inns
Sunday, January 31 from 2-4 p.m.
Children will expand their knowledge of nature and build their observation skills in these hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43804

Cary, NC – With all the cooking and Southern hospitality during the holiday season, many of us have accumulated a few jars of grease. As we reported back in August, Cary is ready to recycle that fat into Biodiesel. Here’s how to help in 3 easy steps:

• Save up the grease until you have about a half gallon (similar size to a two-liter bottle of Coke)
• Label the container “Waste Cooking Oil” – use a magic marker
• Call the Dept. of Public Works at 919-469-4090 to schedule a curbside pick up

Put your container of kitchen fat (sealed with a secure cap) out by the curb the night before your scheduled pickup. The container must be out there by 7 AM, so do it the night before. Remember that grease pick-up is a specially scheduled trip and not part of your regular collection day.

CaryCitizen looks forward to the day when the passage of Town vehicles leaves behind the faint aura of hush puppies and fried chicken.

Learn more about the Town’s program to Recycle Residential Cooking Oil and Fats.

In response to our story on pedestrian safety in Cary, Town Councilman Don Frantz (District B) sent us a fact sheet from the Town of Cary staff.

Here are Don’s comments ~

After reading the story posted on CaryCitizen about Raleigh/Cary’s ranking in TFA’s pedestrian safety study I was very concerned and inquired with staff as to the data for Cary alone.  I have attached  what I was sent by our town staff as I thought you might be interested.

The Town of Cary takes public safety very seriously and any loss of life is unacceptable. We can do better, and we strive to do better. Keep up the good work on the website.

Our thanks to Don Franz and to all the Town staff and officials for striving to make Cary a safer, better place.

TOC PEDESTRIAN FACT SHEET ———————————————

The Raleigh metropolitan area, which includes Cary, was ranked as the sixth most dangerous metropolitan area for pedestrians in the U.S. according to a report issued by the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership and Transportation for America. The report looked at the top 52 metro areas (those with at least one million residents as of 2008) and used data from 2007 and 2008 to come up with the ranking based on factors such as:

• Average pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 residents over a two-year  period
• Percentage of residents who commute to work by foot (see report footnote on page 17 – data point comes from the 2000 Census and fails to include on all the non-work related pedestrian trips)

Fatalities

During 2007-08, the Raleigh-metro area had 43 pedestrian deaths. While every death is a terrible tragedy, only one of those deaths was in Cary; a second occurred just outside Town limits in Cary’s urban service area on NC 55.  Neither of the Cary deaths appear to have been work-related.

Pedestrian-Friendly Improvements

• The Town has a sidewalk request program in place that is funded at $1 million annually; now in its 14th year, there were 10 projects funded last year.
• The Town maintains a sidewalk inventory. Currently there are 365 miles of sidewalk in the Town with 44 additional miles planned/proposed.
• The Town of Cary has a Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan in place guided by a Pedestrian Advisory Committee and extensive public input that focuses on pedestrian safety, accessibility and connectivity, and highlights best practices, priority sidewalk improvements, and policy recommendations. This information is available on the Town’s Web site at www.townofcary.org.     Goal 1 of the Pedestrian Plan is to “provide a well-connected, ADA-compliant pedestrian network for the Town of Cary that will provide convenient and pleasant access to all major destinations, for work and play.”      Goal 2 of the plan is to “develop pedestrian facilities throughout Cary that promote a healthy lifestyle and allow all residents and visitors to safely walk to destinations.”
• The Town has implemented a pedestrian-activated signal policy/cross-walk policy/traffic calming policy.
• There are 32 greenway trails with more than 39 miles of trails for walking in Cary.
• Cary has received national recognition as a “Bicycle-Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists.
• The Town coordinates regionally with numerous pedestrian-focused groups, including CORE and the bicycle/pedestrian stakeholder group through CAMPO.

Infrastructure Investment

• The Town requires all new and improved roads to include sidewalks. In addition, all of our land use and area plans include a pedestrian component.

A new study by Transportation for America ranks the Raleigh-Cary area as the sixth most dangerous for pedestrians in the U.S. According to the organization:

Researchers at the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership in the 1990s developed the Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) in order to establish a level playing field for comparing metropolitan areas based on the danger to pedestrians. The PDI corrects for the fact that the cities where more people walk on a daily basis are likely to have a greater number of pedestrian fatalities, by computing the rate of pedestrian deaths relative to the amount of walking residents do on average.

The PDI shows that the most dangerous places to walk are those that fail to make smart infrastructure investments that make roads safer for everyone.

NOT SAFE TO WALK

The chart shows where we rank in percentage of pedestrian fatalities.

Source: Transportation for America

T4America is a non-partisan coalition of cities, government officials and interest groups across all 50 states. Here’s a frightening stat from their website:

With more than 76,000 Americans dying in the last 15 years, it’s the equivalent of a jumbo jet going down roughly every month, yet it receives nothing like that kind of attention.

No doubt this Top 10 List is something we’d do well to avoid.

Photos by Hal Goodtree.