News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 

(Oct. 8, 2025) 

A little rain felt just fine this morning as the Carrboro Cubs made their way to Carrboro Elementary after a community photo in celebration of Walk & Roll to School Day with parents, the school principal and town leaders. This Friday is Second Friday Artwalk, followed by Carrboro in Motion at Willow Creek Laundromat on Saturday, and the Kidical Mass Bike Event on Sunday.  That's Carrboro -- Always in Motion! Enjoy the weekend!

Carrboro Celebrates Walk & Roll to School Day 

Thanks to community members like Carrboro Elementary School Principal Jordi Roman, Carrboro Police Sgt. Steven Dixon, Mayor Barbara Foushee, Mayor Pro Tem Danny Nowell and all the parents for joining Carrboro Cubs on their Walk & Roll to School Day (Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025) from Wilson Park.

"I’m so grateful to everyone from the Town of Carrboro who came out and helped make this such a great community event, a beautiful reminder of how connected and spirited our Carrboro family is!" Principal Roman said.

When students walk, roll, or bike to school safely, it benefits the whole community by:

🚲 creating safer streets

🚲 reducing traffic congestion

🚲 improving accessibility

🚲 fostering a stronger sense of community

🚲 lowering household transportation costs

🚲 improving the health of the environment

Carrboro is updating its Safe Routes to School Action Plan. Get involved: https://monkeylink.co/586938

Note: The Kidical Mass Bike Event is set from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Sunday, Oct. 12. Celebrate our awesome bike community and join for the annual bike ride through the streets of Carrboro. Bike riders assemble at Carrboro Elementary School. Families are encouraged to ride, and parents/guardians should accompany their children. 

Carrboro to feature 20th Annual West End Poetry Festival

The 20th Annual West End Poetry Festival returns, Oct. 16-18, 2025. All events are free and open to the public. The theme this year is "The Power of Poetry."

Thursday, October 16 │ Steel String Brewery at 106-A S. Greensboro Street, Carrboro

• 7 - 9 p.m. - Join the Carrboro Poet’s Council for a reading & collaborative poem.  Hear poems from Gilbert-Chappell Mentorship Series Poet Kelsey Weimar.  Stay for a fun open mic experience!

Friday, October 17 │ Drakeford Library Complex at 203 S. Greensboro Street, Carrboro

• 5-7 p.m. - Youth Writing Workshop with NC Youth Poet Laureate Rishi Janakiraman
• 7-7:45 p.m. - Join us for a reception on the 3rd floor terrace.
• 8-9:30 p.m.  - Poetry reading from Carlina Duan and Meg Day, followed by a conversation between the two and questions and answer session.

Saturday, October 18 │ Carrboro Century Center at 100 N. Greensboro Street, Carrboro

• 12:30 p.m. - Join us for coffee and biscuits!
• 1 p.m. - Welcome from Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee, Reading by School Youth Poets Laureate, NC Youth Poet Laureate Rishi Janakiraman and Farmer's Market Seedling Day Poems read by youth
• 1:45 - 3 p.m. - Book poets reading 
  • Jameela Fay Dallis
  • Erin Miller
  • Vince Kopp
  • Crystal Simone Smith
• 3-4 p.m. - Coffee and snacks, publishers and tables, books for sale
• 4-4:45 p.m. - Poetry reading with Liza Wolff-Francis & James Davis May
• 5-5:45 p.m. - Poetry in the Round
• 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. - Dinner from Carrburritos
• 6:30 p.m. - Craft Talk - "The Art of Futility" with James Davis May

Saturday, October 18 │Steel String Brewery at 106-A S. Greensboro Street, Carrboro

• 8 p.m. - Afterparty and Open Mic

For more information on the events and poets please visit the West End Poetry website: https://www.carrboronc.gov/2781/West-End-Poetry-Festival

The West End Poetry Festival is sponsored by the Town of Carrboro and is planned by the Carrboro Poets Council 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.

Join the 2nd Friday Art Walk on Oct. 10

Join the 2nd Friday Art Walk around downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill on Friday, Oct. 10. 

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. Exhibits at Carrboro Town Hall and the Drakeford Library Complex are open from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Learn more about participating venues and their exhibitions.

Carrboro In Motion is on the way! 

The Town of Carrboro together with community partners hosts Carrboro In Motion events to increase neighbor-to-neighbor participation and engagement with the community. 

The events leverage community assets and strengths from public agencies and partners, including several Orange County departments, Chapel Hill Transit, El Centro Hispano, Orange County Public Library and Carrboro Transportation Choices. 

Join us at the next Carrboro in Motion event: 

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Willow Creek Laundromat at 602 Jones Ferry Road.

Stop by to join the free event - no registration required. 

Carrboro In Motion will feature the following: 

• Live Zumba class led by Oscar Garcia. Come join in!  
• Bike and ped resources including repair for bicycles, map and routing resources, and reflective gear and bike lights 
• Town of Carrboro programs and services 
• Orange County services including housing and public health departments
• Recreation Programs: The Town’s Party Trailer will provide games and activities for children
• New Resident packet information

Carrboro In Motion aims to bring people and community assets together to improve lifestyles:

• Creating awareness and access to available services offered by public and non-profit agencies 
• Promoting environmentally friendly habits and lifestyle 
• Supporting opportunities for conversation and dialogue 
• Increasing neighbor-to-neighbor participation and engagement with local government 
• Creating a welcoming spirit of community where everyone belongs 
• Inspiring leadership through opportunities to serve

More Information 

Carrboro In Motion advances goals of the Inclusive Carrboro Communications and Community Engagement Plan by creating a method for the Town to establish a presence in communities and neighborhoods, build relationships, and offer multiple ways for residents to contribute input and feedback about services and topics. Learn more at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2735/Carrboro-In-Motion

For more information, please contact Catherine Lazorko, the Town of Carrboro’s communication and engagement director, at 919-918-7314 or clazorko@carrboronc.gov 

Town of Carrboro seeking applications for poet laureate position

The Town of Carrboro seeks applications for the position of Poet Laureate of Carrboro, a two-year term that will begin Jan. 1, 2026, and expire Dec. 31, 2027. 

Established in 2002, the central duty of the poet laureate is to engage in activities that enhance the presence of poetry in the social and civic life of Carrboro. These activities include, but are not limited to, working with the Town of Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department staff for the planning of and participation in the West End Poetry Festival (held annually in October), Carrboro Day, outreach to local schools, and weekly readings at Carrboro Town Council meetings. The Poet Laureate will work in conjunction with the Carrboro Poets Council (a subcommittee of the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Advisory Boards). Residency in Carrboro is preferable but not required. The Poet Laureate receives an annual honorarium in the amount of $3,000.  

Carrboro Poet Laureate Liza Wolff-Francis will continue to serve in the role through Dec. 31, 2025. Learn more about Liza and her work via https://www.lizawolff.com/

About Carrboro, N.C.

Carrboro has been recognized as one of the country’s Top 5 Small Arts Towns. Sometimes referred to as The Paris of the Piedmont, the town of Carrboro has carved out a niche for itself as a thriving arts community. Many exceptionally creative artists and craftspeople call Carrboro home. It is a thriving, inviting place for artists and artisans. 

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. The community encourages creativity and innovation. From festivals to farmers’ markets and everything in between, Carrboro strives to be a place where folks from all walks of life can work together to make it the best it can be. 

More Information and To Apply 

Those who wish to apply for consideration may access the application online at https://www.carrboronc.gov/3196/Poet-Laureate-Application All application materials must be received by 11 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2025. 

If you have questions regarding the Poet Laureate program, please contact arts@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7376.

Town Council Update

CARRBORO, NC --The Carrboro Town Council will meet for a Work Session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 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 www.YouTube.com/CarrboroNC  OR at https://carrboro.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx   

• The agenda will be available at  https://carrboro.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
• Access the livestream direct link to view the meeting at https://youtube.com/live/cEcT1RoeKq0?feature=share  

Past Meeting Recap 

The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and took actions on the agenda posted at https://carrboro.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

• Heard proclamations (to be posted here: https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions )
• Approved the minutes from the Town Council meeting held on September 16, 2025
• Set a public hearing for Nov. 18, 2025, to receive public comments and to consider the petition for voluntary annexation of 8522 Old NC 86, known as the Jade Creek development
• Approved the recommended grant funding from the Affordable Housing Special Revenue Fund to Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $150,000.
• Approved a $6,000 fee increase for the single audit state program.
• Approved the extension of the expiration date for Lloyd Farm, Phase 1 Special Use Permit-A to October 24, 2027.
• Received an information update on the proposed conversion of East Weaver Street to a bicycle and pedestrian only corridor. 
• Made an appointment to the Board of Adjustment (Andrew Whittemore).

Watch the meeting livestream at  https://www.youtube.com/live/x0ZWQIKzb68?si=Glrxi6LyDxjZP3_y

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/Calendar.aspx 
• 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 at https://www.carrboronc.gov/248/Town-Council 
• Questions? Reach Town Clerk Lamar Joyner at 919-918-7309 or townclerk@carrboronc.gov 

Orange County Voting Information 

The voter registration deadline is Oct. 10. Voters who miss this deadline may still register and vote in person at any early voting site. Those who miss the deadline may register and vote during the early voting period with proof of residency. Early voting begins Oct. 16 and will close on Nov. 1. Any NC voter may request and receive a mail-in absentee ballot now through Oct. 21 for the Nov. 4 election. 

Author Event: Frances Shetley's New Book "Vignettes"

Join us for a special book reading and a celebration of Carrboro history with longtime resident and author, Frances Shetley! 

On Friday, Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Frances will read from her new book, "Vignettes." The book is a collection of true stories from her life, starting on her father's farm in Calvander and continuing through her years living in and around Carrboro. 

At 98 years old, Frances has seen Carrboro grow and transform. A former alderwoman and the namesake of the Frances Shetley bike path, her stories capture the town's history through lively accounts of farming, family, technology, and civic engagement. As she writes in the story "Frances and the Pink Bulldozer," "I know how to make my mark." 

This is a unique opportunity to hear a master storyteller share her personal history and the history of our community. 

The event will be held on the third floor of the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 S. Greensboro Street in Carrboro. Light refreshments will be served. 

Carrboro to update the Safe Routes 

to School Strategic Action Plan

The Town of Carrboro Planning Department is working to update its Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan with funding support from a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure Grant. This plan will guide efforts to make it safer, easier, and more enjoyable for students to walk, bike, or roll to school at Carrboro Elementary School, McDougle Elementary School, Morris Grove Elementary School, McDougle Middle School, and Carrboro High School. 

As part of the planning process, the project team will:

• Evaluate how students are currently getting to school.
• Listen to residents, parents, school staff, and community members about their needs and ideas.
• Develop strategies and action steps—such as new sidewalks, safer crossings, or programs like a walking school bus—to support safe, active travel. 

Why update the plan now? 

Carrboro’s last Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan was adopted in 2012. A lot has changed since then! Today, the Town is focused on:

• Addressing current safety concerns and infrastructure needs around our schools.
• Supporting healthy habits by encouraging more walking, biking, and rolling.
• Reducing traffic congestion and stress during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Project Schedule

• Fall 2025: Review existing Town policies and the 2012 plan; collect data on student travel patterns; engage families, schools, and community members through surveys, school walk audits, and pop-up events.
• Winter 2025: Draft an updated plan that identifies priority routes, safety improvements, and programs for each of Carrboro’s five schools.
• Spring 2026: Share the draft plan with the community for public review and feedback before adoption.

How can you get involved?

Your voice is essential—whether your child walks, rides the bus, or carpools. Visit our project website to:

• Take the online survey.
• Tell us about your school travel experience.
• Share ideas for programs and identify areas that feel unsafe.
• Join upcoming school and community events. 
• Project website: Engage Carrboro

 Together, we can make Carrboro’s routes to school safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone. 

Save the Date: Carrboro Halloween Events

Gather your pumpkins for carving or decorating and put on your favorite costumes! The Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department invites you to participate in the 2025 Carrboro Halloween Events and Activities.

Music and Stories Under the Stars

Join us on Friday, Oct. 24 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for an evening of music and stories at Weaver Street Lawn, 101 E Weaver St. Put on your best costume for the annual costume contest, bring a blanket or a low chair, and snuggle up for these stellar shows!

• Music will begin at 5 p.m. 
• Costume contest, registration will be held from 5 to 5:50 p.m. 
• Winners of the costume contest will be announced before the storyteller. 
• Appropriate for all ages.

Halloween Carnival

Come enjoy the Carrboro Halloween Carnival on Friday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W Main St.  We boast a host of carnival style activities for all ages that reward the children’s participation with a wickedly good prize bag. Popcorn, water, hot chocolate, apple cider and coffee will be sold at the concession booth. No registration required.

Virtual Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest

Submit a photo of your carved or decorated pumpkin by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. Photos will be posted on Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Recourses Department’s Facebook page and "The Best of Show” winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 31. 

• Send photos to dhughes@carrboronc.gov. 
• Please include a sign that says “Carrboro 2024” in your picture. 
• Only one pumpkin in a photo. 
• Please remember that this is a kid-friendly event and CRPCRD reserves the rights to deny entries deemed inappropriate.

Check out our Monthly Events Newsletter to discover all the exciting programs and special events that are coming up!  

2025 Fall Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Program Guide 

The Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department’s Fall program brochure is now available! This includes registration for the 2025-2026 Youth Basketball Leagues.

Learn more about the Program Guide and How to Register.