News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(October 10, 2023) 

Here's what's new in Carrboro: Happy  Birthday to Fitch Lumber & Hardware, celebrating 100 years in Carrboro! Save the Date for the West End Poetry Festival, start planning your ghoulish good time at Halloween events offered by Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources, and see what's new with the Carrboro Town Council. Find all the details here ...

Fitch's Celebrates 100 Years 

Help celebrate 100 Years in Carrboro for Fitch Lumber & Hardware at 309 N Greensboro St, on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Stop by for live music and a great time. 

Celebrate Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day 

The mayor and other members of the Town Council will lead a walk, ride, and roll to school on Oct. 11 with students from Wilson Park to Carrboro Elementary School. Town staff will count students walking, biking and rolling to school at McDougle Elementary & Middle Schools and Morris Grove Elementary School.

Anyone looking to participate in a group Walk & Roll to School should meet at the bike repair stand at Wilson Park, 110 Wilson St., between 7 and 7:15 a.m. There will be a group photo before the group begins to Walk & Roll to School at 7:20 a.m. The Walk & roll should arrive at Carrboro Elementary by 7:35 a.m.

• For more information on year-round walking, biking, and rolling to school visit: https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/
• Read more in the Walk & Roll to School Day News Flash

Carrboro Fire-Rescue Truck Dedication Ceremony

Join the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department at the dedication ceremony for their new engine. 

The ceremony  will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at Carrboro Fire-Rescue Station No. 2, located at 1411 Homestead Rd., and will include the wet-down and push-in ceremony.

Kidical Mass Bike Event rides into Carrboro this weekend 

Celebrate the awesome bike community and ride along on our annual bike ride through the streets of Carrboro! 

Join the fun at Carrboro Elementary School bus loop, 404 Shelton St., on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. where we will have cool bike decorations and other neat giveaways (all riders are eligible). Light snacks will be provided at the end of the ride. 

All ages are welcome and this event is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to participate and children will be required to have a parent or guardian accompanying them throughout the ride. Trailers, tagalongs, etc., are a great idea for younger kids. Helmets are required for all participants.

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 meet for a Council Work Session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. The agenda is available at  https://carrboro.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1109796&GUID=BFC4B294-EA98-44E1-92A0-F4A0D4D022C7&Options=info|&Search=

The Council will receive a presentation and discuss a draft of the financial planning model being developed to assist staff with the evaluation of financial impact of operating and capital planning programs.

Please note that public comment is generally not received nor is Council action taken during work sessions. 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 at YouTube.com/CarrboroNC  OR at https://carrboro.legistar.com/ OR Cable TV 18 (in Carrboro). 

Meeting Recap 

The Council held a Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3, and took the following actions: 

• Received the proclamation for Walk and Roll to School.
• Received the proclamation for Fire Prevention Week.
• Authorized the Town Manager to negotiate and execute a contract addendum for executive search firm services for the position of Town Clerk.
• Received an overview of the quarterly Police Department equity report for the fourth quarter of 2022 and first quarter of 2023.
• Adopted a resolution of support for Orange County proceeding with community engagement consultant services related to the development of the Greene Tract Master Plan.

Watch the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/live/lWXq2AaHMqM?si=EKJAhXcTIM8La8_O

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

Africa Fest 2023: A celebration of culture, art and history

The African Studies Center at UNC-Chapel Hill held its third Africa Fest on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in collaboration with Weaver Street Market and the Town of Carrboro.

Africa Fest is a celebration of African culture, art and history. This family event offers an annual immersive opportunity to engage with the rich contemporary cultures of the continent.

This annual event focuses on sharing culture, fostering unity, and celebrating the beauty of diversity. Let's continue to empower our community to celebrate and learn while gaining an enduring appreciation for diversity and inclusivity.

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.

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

Don't miss all the Halloween events in Carrboro 

Each October, the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department organizes a range of Halloween events. Get ready with your pumpkins, costumes, and friends to be a part of the excitement this year!

Virtual Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest

Enter our Virtual Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest for 2023!

How to Enter:

• Submit a photo of your carved or decorated pumpkin to dhughes@carrboronc.gov
• Include in your photo, a sign that reads: “Carrboro 2023”
• Submit photo by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27

Photos will be posted, and the “Best of Show” winner will be announced on the Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/carrbororec/ on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Please remember that this is a kid-friendly event and CRPCRD reserves the right to deny entries deemed inappropriate.

Music and Stories Under the Stars

Grab a blanket and/low back chair, sit back and enjoy the music and stories!

The Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department and Weaver Street Market—Carrboro present “Music and Stories Under the Stars” on Friday, Oct. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weaver Street Market Lawn, 101 E Main St.

A costume contest will be held for children 12 and under, register onsite from 5 to 5:50 p.m. Winners will be announced before the stories begin.

Halloween Carnival

You and your family are invited to come out and enjoy a fun night of carnival games on Friday, Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W Main St.

We boast a host of carnival style activities that reward the children’s participation with a wickedly good price bag (children under 10, while supplies last).

Popcorn, water, hot chocolate and apple cider will be sold at the concession booth.

Fire Prevention Week in Carrboro

The National Fire Prevention Association has designated Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week and Mayor Damon Seils has proclaimed the observance locally. 

Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department’s core mission includes protecting lives, property and the community from the destructive effects of all hazards. The department uses a multifaceted community risk reduction model to achieve this mission, which includes education, engineering, fire code enforcement, economic incentives and emergency response.

“I encourage all residents to ensure everyone in their home understands the sounds of the smoke alarms and knows how to respond, to make a home fire escape plan, and to ensure their smoke alarms are working and meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities,” says Mayor Seils. “I also encourage residents to share their appreciation for Carrboro Fire-Rescue’s dedicated first responders and to learn more about the community risk reduction services the department provides.”

Read the proclamation to learn more about the activities, efforts and successes of the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions

Carrboro to feature 18th Annual 
West End Poetry Festival: Community

The 18th Annual West End Poetry Festival returns, Oct. 19-21, 2023. All events are free and open to the public.

Thursday, October 19 - Luna (307 E. Main St. Carrboro, NC 27510)

 5:45-8:00 p.m.  Carrboro Poets Council Feature and Open Mic

Fred Joiner, Former Carrboro Poet Laureate

• Gideon Young
• Chad Knuth
• Susan Spalt
• Liza Wolff-Francis, Carrboro Poet Laureate, as MC

Friday, October 20 - The ArtsCenter 
(400 Roberson St. Carrboro, NC 27510)

4:30-5:30 p.m. Youth Workshop with Jaki Shelton Green

7-8 p.m. Carrboro Poet Laureate, Liza Wolff-Francis in poetic conversation with Ina Cariño and Len Lawson

8-8:30 p.m. Open Mic

8:30-9:30 p.m. Wine Reception (cash bar)

Saturday, October 21 -   Carrboro Century Center 
(100 N. Greensboro St. Carrboro, NC 27510)

10-11:15 a.m. Coffee, biscuits and Poetry in the Round

11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Break for lunch. Go explore the many delicious restaurants around downtown Carrboro!

12:45 p.m. Welcome from Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils

1 p.m. Poets Laureate Reading

• Carrboro Poet Laureate Liza Wolff-Francis
• Chapel Hill Poet Laureate Cortland Gilliam
• Piedmont Poet Laureate Dasan Ahanu
• Durham Poet Laureate DJ Rogers
• Charlotte Poet Laureate Jay Ward
• North Carolina Poet Laureate: Jaki Shelton Green

2:45-3:45 p.m.  Poetry Writing Generative Workshop with Ross White

3:45-4:30 p.m. Coffee and snacks provided

4:30-5:30 p.m. New Book Poets Reading

• Corrie Lynn White
• Ross White
• Len Lawson
• Ina Cariño
• Jan Harington

5:45 p.m. Light dinner fare provided by Carrburritos

6:45 p.m. Community Poem Reading: We need your words to help create the 2023 Carrboro Community Poem! This year's theme is COMMUNITY. Submit your words for the 2023 Carrboro Community Poem here.

Saturday, October 21 -   Steel String Brewery 
(106A S. Greensboro St. Carrboro, NC 27510)

7-9 p.m.  Poetry Slam hosted by Dasan Ahanu

For more information on the events and poets please visit the West End Poetry website: westendpoetryfestival.org

The West End Poetry Festival is sponsored by the Town of Carrboro and is planned by the Carrboro Poets Council (currently comprised of Carrboro Poet Laureate Liza Wolff-Francis, Gideon Young, Susan Spalt, Jay Bryan, Fred Joiner, Abigail Browning, Chad Knuth and Paul Jones) with the assistance of the staff of Carrboro’s Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department and the support of the Carrboro Arts Committee and the Carrboro Tourism Development Authority.

Orange County Board of Elections: early voting and voter ID information

Recent changes in state law require voters to show an acceptable photo ID when checking in at their voting site during early voting or on Election Day. Absentee-by-mail voters must include a photocopy of their acceptable photo ID when sending in their ballot. Learn more about the voter ID requirement on the state Board of Elections website.

To obtain a voter ID, voters will complete an ID request form at the Board of Elections office that includes date of birth, name and the last four digits of their Social Security number. Voters may obtain a free ID weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

No appointment is necessary.

Read more about elections and obtaining a voter ID on the Orange County Board of Elections website.

Click the above image to view our Monthly Events Newsletter and discover all of the exciting programs and special events that are coming up! Registration for our fall programs is underway. 

Fall Registration Open for Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Resources 

The Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department’s Fall program brochure is now available! Click the image above to learn more.

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.

2nd Friday Art Walk is on for Oct. 13

The 2d Friday Art Walk around downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill is back in full swing with participating galleries excited to welcome visitors on Friday, Oct. 13.

The second Friday of every month through November, rain or shine, Downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill will showcase The Carrboro-Chapel Hill 2nd Friday Art Walk. 

Explore art galleries, artist studios, shops and restaurants. There will also be live music, performances, spoken word poetry and more. Venues are generally open late afternoon and evening hours. 

Participating venues and their exhibitions include the following:  

• The ArtsCenter at 400 Roberson St., Carrboro, NC 27510 
  https://artscenterlive.org/gallery/ 
• FRANK Gallery at 370 E. Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510
  www.frankisart.com  
• The Frame & Print Shop at University Place 201 S. Estes Suite 400C, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 
  https://frameshopchapelhill.com/exhibits/
• North Carolina Crafts Gallery at 212 W Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510 
  https://www.nccraftsgallery.com/ 
• Peel Gallery + Photo Lab, 708 W Rosemary St., Carrboro, NC 27510 
  https://www.peel.gallery/ 
• This & That Gift Gallery at 118 E. Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510
  https://www.facebook.com/thisandthatgiftgallery 
• The Wallflower Gallery at 102 Merritt Mill Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
  markjabercrombie@gmail.com
• WomanCraft at 360 E Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510
  https://womancraftgifts.com/

For more information, please visit the galleries and venues listed above. Enjoy!