News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(Nov. 25, 2024) 

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! Feel free to cheer on the runners at the Gallop & Gorge road race through Carrboro. Remember to Shop Small on Saturday, and we Dare you to Share by donating to Care to Share - OWASA's community water bill assistance program.  Note that the trash collection schedule moves up two days early this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Save the Date for our holiday events coming in December!

Thanksgiving Holiday Service Changes

Town of Carrboro offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29.

Due to the holiday, household trash collections are two days early the week of Thanksgiving.

Wednesday’s waste collection route will be collected on Monday, Nov. 25; Thursday’s waste collection route will be collected on Tuesday, Nov. 26; and Friday’s waste collection route will be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 27. 

Yard waste, loose leaves, and bulk waste will not be collected during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 25-29).

Learn more about Holiday Service Changes in Carrboro.

20th Annual Gallop & Gorge 8K 
set for Thanksgiving Day

The final race of the 20th annual Le Tour de Carrboro series is the Gallop & Gorge 8K scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.

The race will begin and end on Weaver Street in downtown Carrboro so expect traffic delays in that area. View the full race route below. 

There will also be an opportunity to give back to your community.  Collection boxes will be available for non-perishable food items to be donated to the Interfaith Council Food Pantry.

Grab a cup of coffee, some non-perishable items to donate, and come out to cheer on the runners before you begin your Thanksgiving festivities at home.

The race's 2024 Community Partners include Carrboro Boy Scout Troop 845, Carrboro Family Garden, Meals on Wheels of Orange County, Optimist Club of Chapel Hill, Orange County Rape Crisis Center, Table and UNC Get Real & Heel Cancer Exercise Program.

Learn about the race.

Care to Share Day in Carrboro

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 to be Care to Share Day in Carrboro, in conjunction with the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). 

In 2023, Care to Share provided $26,000 of utility bill support to 130 households.

During November, we celebrate thankfulness for what we have and encourage all to remember that clean water is critical to public health and the vitality of our community. 

Donations can be made to the program by OWASA customers as part of their monthly bill or by a direct donation to Care to Share HERE. All of the funds donated to the program will directly help local residents in need. 

• Read the proclamation.
• Photo: Receiving the proclamation from Mayor Barbara Foushee (right) were OWASA representatives Denise Battle (left) and Brianna Carter (center).

Support Small Business Saturday in Carrboro

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) as Small Business Saturday in Carrboro.

According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses in the United States. These small businesses are responsible for 61% of net new jobs created since 1995, and small businesses employ 46% of the employees in the private sector in the United States. 

Sixty-eight cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in the local community and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business purchasing local goods and service.

The Town of Carrboro supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities. We urge everyone to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday— celebrating its 15th year in 2024 – and Shop Small throughout the year.

• Read the full proclamation.
• Photo: Carrboro Business Alliance members receiving the proclamation  (left to right) are Bridget Pemberton-Smith, Abhi Sivadas, Chris Baldwin, Mayor Barbara Foushee and Miles Fitch. 

Red Curb Means No Parking

Carrboro Public Works crews are painting curbs red around select fire hydrants the fire department repeatedly sees cars parked in front of to remind folks that it is prohibited to park in this zone. 

Every second counts in a fire, so immediate hydrant access is critical. Help ensure that firefighters have access to this vital water supply during an emergency. Parked vehicles in front of hydrants also can obscure their visibility from the street, making it difficult for fire crews to locate them when needed. 

Note that it's illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, regardless of whether the curb is painted red.

Field Trip for the Cubs

Carrboro Town Hall hosted about 90 students on Friday, Nov. 22 from Carrboro Elementary School. Mayor Barbara Foushee welcomed the students, along with Town Manager Patrice Toney and Town Clerk Lamar Joyner, and answered their questions about local government and public services. 

The beautiful gift baskets presented by the school to say “thanks for all you do” to the public servants across our Town organization are especially appreciated! 

Special thanks to the second grade teachers including Jessica Bigelow, Hayley Fallin, Kathy Rodriguez, Arco Williams and Jonathan Lategan -- as well as the teacher assistants and parent escorts. What a fun morning!

Pump Track Renovation Underway 

Earlier this month, Carrboro Communication & Engagement staff spoke with Nature Trails on-site foreman Clayton Newman about progress on the pump track improvements underway at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1120 Hillsborough Road.

Hudson said that the rebuild of the track, which began in October, is progressing well and on schedule for completion in January 2025. The renovation will include a different track layout with taller features to improve users confidence and skills while still being accessible and friendly for all ages and skills. "We have simplified in some ways and added fun in other ways," Hudson said. "We are putting our own flavor and flare on this design." 

A friendly notice is that residents should respect the construction fence. Tampering or using the facility during this phase can change the shapes that are being carefully formed prior to being coated in asphalt. Hudson said that anyone curious to know more are welcome to waive him down and have a chat. 

Did you know? A pump track is a purpose-built track for cycling. It has a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" — generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing. 

For more information, contact the Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department at 919-918-7364 or RecParks@carrboronc.gov  

Mayors' Monarch Pledge: Help Protect Pollinators

Did you know that the fall is the best time to plant milkweed seeds to benefit monarch butterflies and other pollinators? Milkweed seeds must be exposed to cold weather in order to germinate in the spring.  

To plant, simply sprinkle some seeds onto soil in a pot or in your yard with a few inches of loosely-packed mulch or straw on top. Water lightly and then leave for the winter – seeds will sprout in the spring! 

Monarch butterflies rely exclusively on milkweed as their larval host plant. Milkweed sap contains compounds which the caterpillars ingest when eating the leaves, protecting them by making them poisonous to many predators. The monarch butterfly population in the eastern U.S. has declined by 90% in recent years. The Town of Carrboro has taken action to help monarchs by joining the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. 

Remember to also choose native milkweed species! Native plants are adapted to the local ecology and provide food and habitat for diverse pollinators native to the area. To learn more about native milkweeds in North Carolina, the Milkweeds of the Southeast publication from the Xerces Society is a helpful resource. 

Swearing-in Ceremony of Newly Elected

Council Member set for Dec. 3

Following results of a Nov. 5, 2024, special election, Cristóbal Palmer will be sworn into office as a member of the Carrboro Town Council during an organization meeting set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. 

The special election was held to fill Mayor Barbara Foushee’s unexpired Council term through December 2025. 

Town Council Update

The Town Council is scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, Dec. 3. 

Following results of a special election, Cristóbal Palmer will be sworn into office as a member of the Carrboro Town Council during an organization meeting set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. The special election was held to fill Mayor Barbara Foushee’s unexpired Council term through December 2025. 

The Town Council meets at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or can view the livestream YouTube.com/CarrboroNC  OR at https://carrboro.legistar.com/ 

The livestream will be available  at https://www.youtube.com/live/kk3abBRgNSA?si=rzLw5PtIn2GY-2n4 

Past Meeting Recap 
The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and considered an agenda posted at https://carrboro.legistar.com

Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/3Y9lU-E5ei8?si=eYv2_ee2mNhnRn3x

ABOUT CARRBORO CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. You can reach the Town Council with your ideas, views and questions anytime at Council@carrboronc.gov  Meetings are open to the public to join in person at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. OR via Livestreaming at YouTube.com/CarrboroNC    

• Regular business meetings are generally held the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Work sessions are generally held the second Tuesdays of the month. Public comment is not accepted during work sessions, and votes are not taken.
• Agendas (and meeting videos) are posted at https://carrboro.legistar.com/
• The Town of Carrboro offers free language translation and interpretation services to residents. Information: 919-918-7391 or info@carrboronc.gov 
• Sign up to receive Council Updates with meeting agendas and post-meeting recaps at www.carrboronc.gov/signup (choose Carrboro Town News)
• Learn more about your Town Council
•  Questions? Reach Town Clerk Lamar Joyner at 919-918-7309 or townclerk@carrboronc.gov 

Celebrate Holiday Magic at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade

The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Get festive and watch arts, cultural, and community groups make their way through downtown! 

“As a team, we’re really excited to end the year strong and bring community together one last time in 2024,” says Xavier Vallejo, Community Arts & Culture’s Special Events Coordinator. “Folks can expect to see plenty of cheer teams, marching bands, cultural performances, and more.” 

The parade begins at the 140 West Franklin Street Plaza, travels along Franklin Street, continues onto Main Street, and ends at Carrboro Town Hall. 

 “I am excited that the Town Council will be joined by staff and community members in this year’s parade with our uniquely styled Carrboro Team entry,” said Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney. “We look forward to joining community in kicking off the holiday season.” 

Celebrate at the Carrboro Annual Tree Lighting

Join us at Carrboro Town Hall on at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 as we gather for the Annual Tree Lighting and celebrate the festive season!

We welcome all community members to join members of the Town Council along with local schoolchildren from Carrboro and McDougle elementary schools as we officially kick off the season with music and the lighting of the community tree. 

In collaboration with our participating schools, we have partnered with Porch to hold a canned food drive. Please bring non-perishable items to the tree lighting and place in each designated box. Let's see which school can collect the most donations!

Save the Dates for Carrboro’s Holiday Events

Join The Town of Carrboro in celebrating the holiday season and save the dates for these upcoming festive events.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Join us at Carrboro Town Hall as we gather and celebrate the festive season!

We welcome all community members to join members of the Town Council along with local schoolchildren from Carrboro and McDougle elementary schools as we officially kick off the season with music and the lighting of the community tree. 

In collaboration with our participating schools, we have partnered with Porch to hold a canned food drive. Please bring non-perishable items to the tree lighting and place in each designated box. Let's see which school can collect the most donations!

This event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in front of Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. 

Chapel Hill – Carrboro Community Holiday Parade

The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade route begins at 140 West Plaza, travels along Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, proceeds to Main Street in Carrboro, and ends at Carrboro Town Hall.  

Join us for a festive, entertaining, safe, and inclusive community parade to celebrate the winter holiday season. Stake out your curbside spot and watch arts, cultural, and community groups parade through town. 

Kids, Cookies & Candy Canes

Join our holiday celebration for children of all ages! Bring the family to the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and enjoy some holiday fun!  Join us for cookies, crafts, and a children's show.

Visit the Events Calendar on our website to learn more about all our upcoming events.

Orange County Cold Weather Shelters

Cold weather shelters are available every night from November through March at IFC. The Orange County Shelter is available on the evenings when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. 

For more information visit the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness Resources page.

Leaf Collection in Carrboro

Have you noticed leaf piles around town? It’s certainly that time of year. The Town of Carrboro would like to remind everyone that leaves should not be piled into traffic lanes, bike lanes or sidewalks, as they become a dangerous public safety hazard.

Residents should also check collection schedules for yard waste and leaves, so that piles do not remain at the curb longer than necessary. 

Typically, residents receive yard waste and loose-leaf collection twice per month, either on the first and third Mondays of the month or the second and fourth Mondays of the month. It’s important to note that although the collection day is Monday, depending on the volume of material placed at the curb, the routes may take more than one day to complete.  

• Check your solid waste collection schedule.
• Note the holiday schedule.

Requirements for Leaf Pickup

• Don’t put leaves in the street or block sidewalks, bike lanes or storm drains.
• Optional use of a roll-out cart which is collected with an automated side loader refuse truck. 
• No plastic or paper bags are allowed. No plastic bags allowed.
• Keep the gutter clear. Allow at least 1 foot between the curb and the leaves.
• Don't block stormwater grates.
• Loose leaves waste must be free of all debris.  No dirt, sod, rock, or concrete. 
• Separate loose leaves and brush. Piles that contain limbs, brush or other yard waste will not be picked up.
• Place your leaf piles away from trees that have overhanging branches less than 14 feet from the ground, or lower branches that protrude into the lane of travel. These branches pose hazards to our equipment.
• Park vehicles at least 10 feet away from piles.
• Do not place leaves in lanes of travel (bike lanes/travel lanes).
• Help keep your neighborhood safe for people walking, biking, and driving by placing your trash, recycling and yard waste carts where they don't block the sidewalk, bike lane, or traffic flow.

More Information about Leaf Collection in Carrboro

• Loose leaves are picked up at no extra charge to our residents. 
• This program helps to keep gutters and storm drainage grates clean and working properly through the winter.
• Carrboro’s Loose Leaf Collection Program is year-round. 
• Often, when residents see our machinery approaching, they will come out and move their parked vehicles so we can access their leaf piles more easily. The crews appreciate this, as it makes the process go more smoothly.
• The Town recycles leaves as compost. Diverting these natural materials from the solid waste stream helps extend the usable landfill space and keeps methane-producing materials out of the landfill. FREE leaf compost is available to Carrboro residents. 
• With appreciation and recognition to the New Hope Audubon Society, the Town is encouraging residents to follow their "Leave the Leaves" initiative. Leaving leaves where they fall, or close thereby, saves time and money and recycles nutrients into the local ecosystem. 
• Learn more about Leaf Collection in Carrboro.
• Contact Carrboro Public Works at (919) 918-7425 or PWorks@townofcarrboro.org

Avoid collisions with deer 

Drivers should remain vigilant on the roads to avoid deer-vehicle collisions, especially between September and December. Deer movement increases dramatically during this time, and limited lighting makes it more difficult for drivers to see them on or near roads.

Safety Advice

Below are important tips from the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding animal (usually deer) crashes: 

• Always maintain a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and others, especially at night. If the vehicle ahead of you hits a deer, you could also become involved in the crash. 
• Slow down in areas posted with deer crossing signs and in heavily wooded areas, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
• Most deer-vehicle crashes occur where deer are more likely to travel, near bridges or overpasses, railroad tracks, streams and ditches.
• Drive with high beams on when possible and watch for deer eyes reflecting in the headlights. 
• Deer often travel in small herds so if you see one deer near a road be alert for others.
• If you see deer near a road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast
• Do not swerve to avoid a collision. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause a more serious crash.
• If your vehicle does strike a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can be dangerous or further injure itself. Get your vehicle off the road, if possible, and call 911.

Deciding not to rake leaves is a simple way to support the environment and local biodiversity while also making yard maintenance easier and more sustainable. 

Pledge to Leave Your Leaves  online or in-person at the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. and pick up a free yard sign! Yard signs measure 18 x 24 inches, are made of sturdy, weather-resistant materials, and are printed with low-VOC vegetable-based inks. There is a limit of one free yard sign per household per year.   

The Town of Carrboro is partnering with the Towns of Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, Orange County, the New Hope Bird Alliance, and Keep Durham Beautiful to encourage community members to Leave the Leaves, support biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce pollution. 

Did you know that leaves are natural fertilizers and help protect wildlife? Nature’s bounty provides an opportunity to put fallen leaves to good use. 

Learn more about Leave Your Leaves.

Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources

Monthly Events Newsletter

View the Monthly Events Newsletter and discover all of the exciting programs and special events that are coming up!

Check out the Monthly Newsletter.

Public parking available in downtown Carrboro

It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at 10 public lots all over town.

Please remember that the Carr Mill Mall parking area is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing. When in doubt, always park in public lots, and enjoy a hassle-free and relaxed shopping and dining experience.

Find more information including an interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking webpage.