News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(October 19, 2023) 

Here's what's new in Carrboro: Slow Down for Poetry! The West End Poetry Festival is this weekend, and we have the schedule! The Town Council this week approved a trail alignment for the Bolin Creek Greenway after a three-month community engagement process. Early voting begins today.  Find all the details here ...

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.

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. Tuesday, Oct. 24, 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 at 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. 17, and took the following actions:

• Received the Mayor’s Proclamation for Minority Enterprise Development Week
• Held a public hearing to receive comment on the Town’s use of Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) for Emergency Housing Assistance.
• Approved an Update to Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan following a presentation of results from the community engagement process for Phases 3 and 4 of the Bolin Creek Greenway and a review for new technical and regulatory challenges. Read more at https://www.carrboronc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2549

Watch the meeting at https://youtube.com/live/6MIDVpPMLWY?feature=share

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

Council approves Creekside Alignment for Bolin Creek Greenway

The Carrboro Town Council approved the creekside alignment for the Bolin Creek Greenway and reaffirmed its support for the continued pursuit of greenway development throughout the community at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

The Council affirmed that this trail route is preferred because it connects the largest number of Carrboro neighborhoods to each other and to schools, parks, jobs, civic and social opportunities and downtown.

Tuesday’s vote followed a staff presentation of results from a community survey made available from June through October 2023, results of which showed a majority of community members who took the survey prefer the creekside alignment with about 66% favoring this trail route. The Town’s use of a variety of online tools - a survey, an interactive mapping tool, social media - as well thousands of postcards and flyers, door-to-door literature distributions in select neighborhoods, and outreach at community events with a commitment to engaging a diversity of voices - through translation, interpreters, and paper questionnaires - resulted in 1,769 survey responses and more than 700 comments about greenways and trail alignments.  Many thanks to all all who participated in this engagement process! 

The Council requested that Town staff report back to Town Council in spring 2024 with a description of next steps that would be required for the Town to follow up on this preferred alignment for the Bolin Creek Greenway, including coordination with the Town of Chapel Hill where needed. 

Read the full news flash announcing the Council's decision.

Carrboro Fire-Rescue dedicates new engine

Friends, family and members of the Carrboro community joined together today to help the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department dedicate their new engine.

"The dedication ceremony, including the wet-down and push-in are a way for us to honor the past of our department, celebrate current accomplishments, and to leave a legacy for future firefighters in our community," said Chief Will Potter.

Carrboro Celebrates Minority Enterprise Development Week

Mayor Damon Seils proclaimed Oct. 22-28 as Minority Enterprise Development Week in Carrboro at the Oct. 17 Town Council Meeting. Siddisee Hirpa with Kumon of Carrboro - South Green, was in attendance to accept the proclamation.

Minority Enterprise Development Week, often referred to as MED Week, serves to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of minority-owned businesses and to recognize individuals who have excelled as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

“I encourage all residents to honor the achievements of minority business owners, to consider purchasing goods and services from minority-owned businesses, and to commit ourselves to creating a truly equitable economic system so all people can share equally in the promise of our community and our nation,” said Mayor Seils.

According to the Census Bureau, Carrboro is home to at least 55 minority-owned businesses, providing jobs for more than 1200 people.

Carrboro’s Economic Development Department has worked to promote minority-owned businesses through the PIOC Business Roundtable discussions, the BAG Business Accelerator Program, and the development of the New Business Resource Center.

Read more about MED Week

Free Shred-A-Thon scheduled Oct. 21 and Oct. 28

Bring your confidential documents to the Orange County Shred-A-Thons for free and safe destruction and recycling. Orange residents, small businesses, and local government employees only (including Chapel Hill in Durham County). Drive-Thru service only; no walk ups. Wearing a mask is optional.

• Saturday, October 21st, 2023, behind Home Depot in Hampton Pointe, 625 Hampton Pointe, Hillsborough, NC 27278
• Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at the Eubanks Park & Ride Lot, 1768 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Both events are from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m., or until capacity is met.

You must handle your own paper. Paper must be in clear plastic bags, paper bags, reusable bags (up to 13 gal) or boxes (no larger than a banker box). No black trash bags. Limit 4.

One trip per household or organization. Confidential paper only. No newspapers, receipts, junk mail, or catalogs. No plastic folders, plastic notebook covers, large metal clips, notebook rings, credit cards, or electronic media.

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.

Community Meeting for Residential Stormwater Assessments

Carrboro homeowners are invited to learn about an opportunity for a free assessment of their properties on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Baldwin Park, 400 Broad St. Carrboro, NC 27510. Mike Dupree from Feather Village Farm will be talking to residents about what they can do to address issues on their properties and improve overall water quality for Carrboro. 

Topics to be covered: 

• Proper drainage
• Rain gardens and cisterns
• Critical area planting
• Streambank protection and riparian buffers 

Residents will learn what is included in an assessment, how they can obtain technical advice specific to their property and how to submit an application for an assessment.

Contact Debbie Shoffner at dshoffner@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7435 for any questions or concerns about the meeting.

Biking at the Kidical Mass Bike Event

Thanks to everyone who came out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and biked around Carrboro for this year's Kidical Mass Bike Event. 

The event, held by the Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resouces Department, had participants of all ages and experience. We look forward to biking again with you next year!

Check Out the Orange County Solid Waste App

Solid Waste has a FREE app called Orange County NC Recycles where you can:

• View the recycling collection calendar and receive reminders
• Learn about the Waste and Recycling Centers
• Use the A-Z guide to find out the right way to dispose of your materials

Available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

203 Project October 2023 Community Update

An early morning concrete pour occurred Wednesday, Oct. 18.  This was pour number 6 of 9 for the parking deck structure.  The next concrete pour (7 of 9) is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 31.

AT&T will continue working on Greensboro Street this week.

Crews remain busy with interior construction.  The first-floor library has been roughed-in and crews are working on completing the rough-in on the second and third floors.  The roof is nearly finished and the brick will start to go up soon.  

The project is on track to finish next summer.  

For more information and the latest drone videos taken by the Carrboro IT department, please visit  The 203 Project  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.