Cary, N. C. – Mayor Harold Weinbrecht delivered an optimistic and forward-thinking State of the Town Address to a packed house at the Cary Chamber “Eye Opener Breakfast” this morning at Prestonwood Country Club.

After introductions of the Cary Town Council and government officials in attendance, the Mayor began by talking about Cary as a great place to live and do business and proceeded to run off the many awards and accolades that Cary has received over the years.

Even in the throes of this recession, Cary is surviving, one might say on the verge of thriving.  Cary’s unemployment rate “peaked” at 6.9% in July, Weinbrecht explained, and is now at 6.2% (versus North Carolina at 11%).  He pointed out, as a sign of things to come, the division of  Deutsche Bank’ AG’s move to Cary (approved in August 2009) bringing more than 300 jobs with an average salary of $88,000/year.  This, the mayor said, “says a lot”.

Growth

Mayor Weinbrecht stated that Cary’s population today is 139,000 -  “within the 3% we planned for.”  He believes that growth will moderate over the years and go to 35% growth in 20 years.  “Today we are close to build-out”,  he commented.  He went on to explain that buildings, including homes, are getting smaller.   He touched on Cary’s new diversity and commented on the Asian population growth that is at 12.4% today.  The Mayor dismissed the discussions about a Morrisville-Cary merger as simply an off-hand conversation.

He made a plea for all citizens to complete the census being executed in March of this year as funding to the town will be based on this.

Events as a Source of Town Revenue

The Mayor talked about the new sources of Cary revenue coming from NCAA and other sporting events, which are part of the “plan”.  He mentioned Cary’s Tennis Park and the USTA events held there, the USA National Baseball Training Complex and focused on the $3m in revenue Cary received from the NCAA Soccer Championship games held here.

The Short-term Future

Harold Weinbrecht  boasted about Cary’s deserved reputation as one of the safest places to live and that we had a 16%  drop in violent crime from 2008 to 2009. Continuing the effort, the Mayor mentioned bringing in more police officers , geo-policing and surveillance technologies.  He went on to speak about transportation and the increased mobility of our nation, Caryites included.

“In a few years, we will see increased buses, and the advent of light rail.”

But this alone, he added will not solve our congestion problems.

He touched on the desire to use new social media techniques and the use of on-line surveys to involve the community in Cary’s future.  Also, the Town is beginning to deploy virtual planning tools to allow for easier and more efficient preparation for the future.  The automation of utilities will continue with Aquastar electronic meter reading which will save us $2-$4m/year.

Green Cary

Mayor Weinbrecht spent some time talking about Cary’s “Green” Projects and the advisory boards formed to make progress in this area.  Our new recycling process now allows for 20% more materials being recycled versus the old system.  Cary’s Chamber and Cary participate in Green Plus which connects small employers with online green assessment tools.  The Town sponsors ”Spruce” – a volunteer-based program designed to connect citizens to beautification, litter reduction, and environmental service projects in our community.  He cited our Green MacDonald’s and our implementation plans for solar power.

Hard Choices

Over 380 capital projects are in the Town’s plans.  Nearly $90m worth have been delayed or postponed in the spirit of fiscal conservatism.  The town will focus on “priority projects“, the Mayor said.  There is still $413m on the table to be dedicated to parks, roads and quality of life, he reported.

“We are in great shape regarding our debt, and there is no need to raise taxes in the next few years.”

The Mayor went on to say that despite this “…we remain as the the town with the lowest tax rate in Wake County.”

The Future Will Continue to be Bright

The message was promising.  He explained to the crowd that we are ”in great shape to continue to lead the region in this long, slow economic recovery”.  The Mayor said “how blessed we are” to live in Cary with such a high quality of life, and that he has been gifted with a great staff.  He closed by mentioning how honored he is to serve such a community.

The Mayor is known for his unassuming and genuine style.  This address was not an exception to that reputation.

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

“I am so excited we have the chance to showcase many of our Cary nonprofit organizations at this community wide event.  This is an opportunity for our citizens to learn more about volunteerism, how to take advantage of these services, or how to participate as a volunteer”, says Sheila Ogle, Cary Community Foundation Board President.

Entertainment will be provided by talented artists including dancers, musicians, actors and singers.  ”We are especially excited about our guest emcees, Free Association Theatre Ensemble (FATE),” said Lyman Collins, Cary’s Cultural Arts Manager.  The event will also feature artists, photographers, members from Applause! Cary Youth Theatre, Stage Door Dance Productions, Carolina Rail Hawk Dance Teams, Graceful Expressions Dance Education, the Cary Academy Rocking Jazz Band, the Cary Players, Dancers Pointe Academy, Swoops - the mascot of the Carolina Rail Hawks, Acoustic Duo – Acoustic Guitar and Upright Bass, CC & CO Dance Complex and Vocal Motion – the SAS Show Choir.

One of the many reasons to celebrate Cary is that we are a family-oriented community.  Cary companies and groups will be providing a wide variety of youth activities.  These will be fun, family-oriented and FREE.   Kids can do balloon art, chalk-the-walk, self-portraits, face painting, tumbling, kids fitness testing, hair braiding/beading, princess crafting .  Families can also take a nature walk along the lake.

No celebration of Cary would be complete without a family fitness event and Celebrate Cary at Sunset has one!  Becky Schmidt, Booth Amphitheatre General Manager, is excited about the Cary 7000 Family Fun Run. The $15 entry fee will be waved for entrants that bring food donations for the NC Food Bank.  An important activity for all ages is the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC food drive.  Collection barrels will be available for the donation of non-perishable food in honor of HUNGER AWARENESS MONTH.  To register to race go online to http://www.insideoutsports.com .