News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(November 14, 2023) 

Here's what's new in Carrboro:  The Carrboro Film Festival is this weekend--get your tickets now! Learn more about Life on Wheels this Saturday. Check out the Thanksgiving week service changes for Waste Collection. Learn how to put out leaves for collection or Leave the Leaves. Find all the details here ...

Carrboro Film Fest Celebrates Southern Cinema

The Carrboro Film Fest marks its 18th year this Nov. 17-19 with screenings of 2023’s films at The ArtsCenter, 400 Roberson St.

55 films. 9 screenings. 3 days. 1 venue.  Festival passes and tickets for individual screenings on sale now. https://www.carrborofilm.org/tickets

Carrboro Film Fest embraces its identity as a Southern institution and presents exclusively Southern films in a non-competitive setting.

Every year the fest leans into its mission to showcase the best, new Southern Films, and this year will be no different. Filmgoers can expect full-length films, Q&As with directors and actors after the screenings, and short films clustered around various themes which celebrate and interrogate Southern identity and culture.  

Carrboro has always been a little different. In Carrboro, Southern hospitality means everyone is welcome, and the folks here are curious about the world, engaged in their community, and lovers of the arts. That’s why our town is a great place for a film festival.

The Carrboro Film Fest has an established history as a dynamic event that brings filmmakers and audiences together for a heartfelt celebration of independent cinema.

Carrboro Film Fest is made possible with support from the Town of Carrboro and the Carrboro Tourism Development Authority.

Check for the festival schedule and ticket information at https://www.carrborofilm.org/events

Browse through the films ad get your tickets today! 

• Festival Trailer: https://youtu.be/KveB965_7Cc
• A Thousand Pines: https://youtu.be/o29qYoeziq4
• Searching for Self: https://youtu.be/XYmg6NcT8KU
• Stories of Healing: https://youtu.be/63Yxqon0hKU
• I Gotta Do Me: https://youtu.be/v4yh823QeNE
• Labors of Love: https://youtu.be/4TOOTfCFEF8
• Southern Gothic: https://youtu.be/AlTCQFI00eQ
• Holler: https://youtu.be/Ar5e2uNgr8o
• Tall Tales: https://youtu.be/n2J7maJmlcs
• The River Runs On: https://youtu.be/vpqXUhy0wi4

Life on Wheels

Think bicycles are just for recreation? Think again! That bicycle in your garage can replace so many of your trips taken by car.

Join BikeCarrboro, Bicycle Alliance of Chapel Hill and the Town of Carrboro at South Green, located at 501 S. Greensboro St. in Carrboro, on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of fun and learn how to make your bike do more! 

There will be a Bike Zoo filled with various bikes that people have set up to carry more than just the rider -- groceries, kids, packages, etc. Learn how to put your bike on a Chapel Hill Transit bus bike rack. Not sure what type of bike is right for you? Several local bike shops will be on hand so you can try out different bikes including cargo bikes and e-bikes. 

There will be a traffic garden for the kids, games, bike checks, giveaways, food and more. Join us and see what Life on Wheels is all about!

Carrboro receives high score in the 2023 Municipal Equality Index

The Town of Carrboro is pleased to announce a score of 95 in the 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI). 

The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities on how inclusive cities’ laws, policies, and services are of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people.

Since 2014, the Town has been rated by the Human Rights Campaign in their annual report of the MEI. The index examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

"I'm glad to see Carrboro once again perform well on the Municipal Equality Index," Mayor Damon Seils said. "We will continue standing up for LGBTQ+ people in our community and urge our leaders at the state level to ensure that all people are safe, welcomed, and respected in North Carolina." 

See the Town’s score, and how Carrboro compares to other cities across the nation on the MEI website.

Congratulations to the newly elected Mayor and Town Council Members for the Town of Carrboro! 

An Organizational Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Carrboro Town Hall when they are sworn into office before taking their seats for the upcoming term.

Town Council Update 

Meeting agendas and updates are issued from the Town Clerk’s Office. To receive these by email or text, sign up for Carrboro Town News at https://www.carrboronc.gov/list.aspx 

Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. Reach the Town Council with your ideas, views, and questions at Council@carrboronc.gov

Coming Up

The Carrboro Town Council will hold a Council Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. The agenda is available at https://carrboro.legistar.com/ 

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/ OR Cable TV 18 (in Carrboro). 

Meeting Recap 
 The Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and took the following actions:

• Passed a resolution recognizing Town Clerk Wesley Barker
• Passed a resolution Honoring Braxton Foushee
• Passed a resolution for Operation Green Light for Veterans
• Authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract to Triangle Grading & Paving to modify the three sections of the center median on Jones Ferry Road and to adopt a project ordinance.
• Approved an amendment to the Capital Project Ordinance for Bike Loop Detector Project to increase funding so this project can advance to bidding for construction.
• Approved a clarification on the intent not to develop the designated greenspace of the Westwood Cemetery.
• Approved a request for an extension of the date when a Special Use Permit-A would otherwise expire for Lloyd Farm, Phase1.
• Held a public hearing to consider a text amendment to the Land Use Ordinance regarding residential density in Planned Unity Developments (PUDs) and adopted the amended ordinance.
• Held a public hearing to consider text amendments to the Land Use Ordinance that would modify residential parking requirements and adopted the amended ordinance.
• Held two closed sessions in compliance with NC General Statutes 143-318.11(A)(3) and 143-318.11(A)(6).

Watch the meeting at  https://www.youtube.com/live/gZo6iVN9l-A?si=T9ivSn9LvaqLNe5i

Town Council 
The Town Council, which is the legislative and policy-making body for Carrboro, comprises Mayor Damon Seils, Mayor Pro Tempore Susan Romaine, Council Member Barbara Foushee, Council Member Randee Haven-O’Donnell, Council Member Danny Nowell, Council Member Eliazar Posada, and Council Member Sammy Slade. More information is available at https://www.carrboronc.gov/248/Town-Council

Thanksgiving Holiday Service Changes

Town of Carrboro offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24. 

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. 20; Thursday’s waste collection route will be collected on Tuesday, Nov. 21; and Friday’s waste collection route will be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 22. 

 Yard waste, loose leaves, and bulk waste will not be collected during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 20-24).

Learn more on our Public Works webpage.

Gallop & Gorge 8K is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day

The final race of the 19th annual Le Tour de Carrboro series is the Gallop & Gorge 8K scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23.

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 2023 Community Partners include The Arc of the Triangle, 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.

For more information on the race visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Carrboro/GallopGorge8K 

Leaf Collection Information

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.  There is no collection on the fifth Monday of the month.

 Check your solid waste collection schedule and note the holiday schedule.

Requirements for Leaf Pickup

•  Residents must pile their leaves behind the curb.
• 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.
• Keep the gutter clear. Allow at least 1 foot between the curb and the leaves.
• 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.

Facts

• 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 the "Leave the Leaves" initiative. Leaving leaves where they fall, or close thereby, saves time and money and recycles nutrients into the local ecosystem. 

More information about Loose Leaf Collection.

Contact Carrboro Public Works at (919) 918-7425 or PWorks@carrboronc.gov  

Care to Share Day

Mayor Damon Seils has proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 to be Care to Share Day in Carrboro, in conjunction with the Orange Water and Sewer Authority.

The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service has partnered with OWASA since 1997 to provide water and sewer bill assistance to community members through the Care to Share program.

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 the IFC designated for the Care to Share program. All of the funds donated to the program will directly help local residents in need. 

In 2022, Care to Share provided $28,000 of utility bill support to 146 households.

• Read the proclamation.
• For ways to donate visit OWASA's Care to Share webpage.

Leave the Leaves

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.

The Town of Carrboro is partnering with the New Hope Audubon Society, Town of Chapel Hill, and Keep Durham Beautiful to encourage community members to Leave the Leaves, support biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce pollution.

Leaving Your Leaves has several important benefits:

• Wildlife Habitat: Leaves provide winter habitat for native wildlife that are essential to a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity. Insects and pollinators such as bees and butterflies depend on leaves for shelter which in turn will boost gardens in the spring. Leaves also serve as a habitat for other wildlife such as lizards and birds. 
• Soil Health: Leaves prevent soil erosion, retain moisture, act as a natural mulch by providing ground cover, and improve soil fertility by adding essential nutrients as they decompose. 
• Less Pollution: Blowing and moving leaves often involves fossil fuel-powered equipment which produces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Leaving the leaves reduces this environmental impact and the noise associated with this equipment.
• Water Quality: Leaves are natural fertilizers and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers that pollute waterways and kill beneficial fungi. 
• Time Savings: Spend your days relaxing, hiking, or visiting with friends and family instead of cleaning up loose leaves.

Overall, not raking 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 and receive a free yard sign! 

Free yard signs are available to Carrboro and Chapel Hill participants while supplies last. 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 yard sign per household per year. 

Support Small Business Saturday in Carrboro

Mayor Damon Seils has proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) as Small Business Saturday in Carrboro.

There are 386 small businesses in Carrboro, making up over 97% of all business in our town. These small businesses employ 2,550 people and provide over $116 million in payroll. The Town of Carrboro celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community. 

“I urge the residents of our community and county to support small and local businesses on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year,” Mayor Seils said.

Read the proclamation.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade set for December 9

The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. 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.  

This year’s theme will be “Walkin’ in a winter wonderland” to feature modes of travel like walking, biking, and rollerblading. Earlier this year, the parade’s planning team made the decision to remove motor vehicles from the 2023 Community Holiday Parade for the safety of both participants and spectators. This decision also demonstrates Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s commitment to environmental sustainability.  

Participant registration for the parade is open through Sunday, Nov. 12. Parade participants are encouraged to decorate with a winter theme and should plan to entertain or engage spectators. Organizations with diverse cultural and faith traditions are encouraged to apply at https://www.chapelhillarts.org/parade-participant-application/ 

“We're lucky to have such a diverse array of community groups and organizations here in Chapel Hill and Carrboro,” said Community Arts & Culture Interim Director Meeghan Rosen. “They're what make the holiday parade such a fun, festive and uniquely local event. We're looking forward to this year's parade!” 

Attendees should arrive early to secure their spots and explore the area’s restaurants and shops after the parade ends. To see local offerings, visit https://downtownchapelhill.com/ and https://visitcarrboro.com/. ;

Parking will be available at 140 West and other lots downtown. Learn more about parking in Chapel Hill at ?parkonthehill.com? and parking in Carrboro at? https://www.carrboronc.gov/2774/Downtown-Parking

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is planned and organized by the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro; Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture;  Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources; and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.  

To learn more, visit? https://www.chapelhillarts.org/calendar/chapel-hill-carrboro-holiday-parade/ 

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 as we officially kick off the season with music and the lighting of the community tree.

This event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 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. 9. 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.  

This year’s theme will be “Walkin’ in a winter wonderland” to feature modes of travel like walking, biking, and rollerblading.

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. 14 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.

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.

Read more in our newsflash.

Put your ideas into action! 
Apply to serve the Town of Carrboro

The Town of Carrboro is seeking volunteers to provide a fresh perspective on important local issues.

Carrboro local government has various advisory boards and commissions that advise the Town Council on a wide range of issues. We are currently looking to fill vacancies!

When you serve, you become an advocate for the Town of Carrboro, provide feedback to the Council, and help strengthen the community with your unique perspective. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people as you put your ideas into action.

Learn more about the openings available.