News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(April 8, 2025) 

Spring is in full bloom , and so returns town traditions like the Carrboro Egg Hunt. Bring your young ones out this Saturday to hunt for eggs and enjoy arts and crafts at Anderson Park.  Free local poetry events are planned throughout this April, which is Poetry Month. Another local tradition is the 25th Annual Mildred Council Community Dinner. Save the date for Sunday, April 27 to join neighbors for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and giving. How else do you know it's spring? The Carrboro Farmers' Market brings back the mid-week market  (every Wednesday 3-6 p.m.) in addition to its regular Saturday morning hours at Carrboro Town Commons. 

Carrboro Community Egg Hunt Celebration

The Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department is hosting a spring celebration for children ages 2-10 years. Free activities including a Giant Egg Hunt for three age groups, arts & crafts, and face painting. Fun for the whole family!  

• Ages: 2-10
• Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
• Time: 12 - 2 pm
• Location: Hank Anderson Park, 302 Hwy 54 West Carrboro, NC 27510
• Cost: FREE!

Carrboro Celebrates Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month in Carrboro, proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Foushee. 

Residents are encouraged to celebrate poetry and poets by reading, listening to, and sharing poems. 

Free local poetry events this April:

• ‘Writing Together’ workshop on Monday, April 7 with Carrboro Poet Laureate Liza Wolff-Francis
• Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources’ Poets’ Open Mic Night via Zoom on Wednesday, April 2
• Lanza’s Café bi-monthly “Chime In” Poetry Open Mic Night on Fridays: April 11 and April 25
• Earth Day seedling giveaway at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market on Saturday, April 19, where young people can contribute a line to this year’s community poems
• Free generative poetry workshop with renowned visiting poet Steven Leyva on Saturday, April 12
• “Set Free” poetry feature and open mic at 4 p.m. at Bow Bar on Sunday, April 27
• Poetry, Popcorn, & Pie event at the Century Center on Monday, April 28, featuring local poets, including Poet Laureate Liza Wolff-Francis and an open mic.

Learn more about Poetry Month in Carrboro.

Town Council Update

CARRBORO, NC -- The Town Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 for a budget work session in preparation for the development of the FY2026 budget. Public comment is not accepted during work sessions, and votes are not taken.

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 for this meeting will be available at https://ecs.page.link/BejdW   
• Access the livestream direct link to view the meeting at https://youtube.com/live/hogxTdzDHpA  

Past Meeting Recap 

The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, April 1 and took the following actions on the agenda available at https://ecs.page.link/NcQf1  

• Heard the Poetry Month, Earth Month, Food Waste Prevention Week, and Sexual Violence Awareness Month proclamations. Find all at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions.
• Authorized an amendment to Independent Audit Contract for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024.
• Adopted the Triangle West TPO Safe Streets for All, Vision Zero Action Plan and Supporting SS4A Demonstration Grant Application.
• Received a presentation on the Police Department Equity Report and Carrboro Cares Update.
• Made appointments to Stormwater Advisory Commission, Climate & Environmental Advisory Commission, and Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Advisory Board.

Watch the livestream at https://youtube.com/live/d8fhaEcLV40

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.
• Questions? Reach Town Clerk Lamar Joyner at 919-918-7309 or townclerk@carrboronc.gov 

Join the 2nd Friday Art Walk on April 11

 The 2nd Friday Art Walk around downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill returns on Friday, April 11.

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. 

Check out all the participating venues and their exhibitions.

Traffic Alert: Expect delays on Jones Ferry Road between Barnes and Bim streets April 7-11

Carrboro Public works will be doing work adjacent to Jones Ferry Road to remove a failing retaining wall from Monday to Friday, April 7-11. 

During the work, traffic on Jones Ferry Road will be controlled by flaggers from 9 am. to 4 p.m. with alternating one-way traffic between Barnes and Bim streets. 

There will be a dedicated pedestrian lane to detour the sidewalk traffic around the work area.

Please be patient with the crew as work takes place and obey all flaggers.

For more information, contact the Carrboro Public Works Department at pworks@carrboronc.gov 

To all who are celebrating...

The Town of Carrboro recognizes our diverse community and the many observances meaningful to our residents this month.

Carrboro Celebrates Earth Month 

Mayor Barbara Foushee proclaims April to be Earth Month in Carrboro.

It was a beautiful Sunday (April 6, 2025) for celebrating -- "Earth Day Every Day"! Community members came out to enjoy the Earth Day and Open Streets Celebration on Weaver Street, which was closed to vehicular traffic but open for dancing, bike riding, rock climbing, plant gifting, and climate action idea sharing.  Watch our video recap at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w9zeiIHIq4g   Thank you to Mayor Foushee for joining in the celebration! 

Earth is our shared home and we must all work together to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The month of April is recognized as Earth Month and is a time to focus on environmental awareness and action.

All residents are encouraged learn about environmental issues and share that knowledge with their communities, make sustainable choices in their daily life, participate in community climate action initiatives and advocate for State and Federal legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate harms.

In 2025 we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day and millions of people worldwide will come together for Earth Day activities, events, and to take action. The theme of this year’s Earth Day is Our Power, Our Planet, reminding us that grassroots people-power has always been at the heart of Earth Day. When concerned individuals unite with a common purpose, their collective voice can push governments and corporations to make bold commitments and take decisive action.

Climate action is a pillar of the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan and the Town is committed to reducing community carbon emissions and to making our community more resilient to climate change.

Read the full proclamation.

CD & Record Show 

The CD & Record Show features 42 tables of new & used CDs, vinyl records and music memorabilia. Come out and search for your favorites from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. 

Learn more at www.musicalroots.net

Food Waste Prevention Week In Carrboro

Mayor Barbara Foushee proclaims April 7 -13 to be Food Waste Prevention Week, urging all citizens to commit to reducing food waste.

Food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills and municipal landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. Over one-third of the food produced in the United Stated is never eaten and North Carolina residents generated about 2.7 billion pounds of food waste in 2021. 

While North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for food insecurity, particularly among minority and low-income populations, a family of four could save an average of $1,500 a year on uneaten food.

Preventing and reducing food waste presents opportunities to increase food security for all, foster productivity and economic efficiency, preserve our natural resources, promote energy conservation, and address climate change.

Preventing food waste will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Carrboro’s Community Climate Action Plan goal for the Town and community to reduce 2010 levels of greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2030. A reduction is also integral in meeting the goals of the Carrboro Connects comprehensive plan.

Read the full proclamation.

Carrboro Mayor Proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the Town of Carrboro.

Over half of women and almost one-third of men in the United States have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetimes. Women and racial and ethnic minority groups, trans and gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, and children experience a higher burden of sexual violence.

The Orange County Rape Crisis Center, a nonprofit agency that has served this community since 1974, is working to stop sexual violence and its impact through support, education, and advocacy.

The Orange County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Committee (DVSARC) brings together members of law enforcement, the medical community, the legal system, and community advocates to improve services for survivors of sexual assault who come forward.

Resources and Information:

• The Orange County Rape Crisis Center
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• Read the full proclamation.

Join Us for the 3rd Annual Orange-Chatham African American Cultural Festival

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will sponsor the 3rd Annual Orange-Chatham African American Cultural Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The festival will take place outdoors and will be held at the Hargraves Community Center, located at 216 North Roberson Street, Chapel Hill, NC.  Come out to a day of enjoyment celebrating the culture of African Americans through expressions of dance, art, music, and poetry.  The contributions of African Americans are important to the culture of the United States, and the mission of the festival is to promote a positive image of African Americans and other minorities in our community.  This event is FREE to the public. 

Joining us this year as MC will be one of North Carolina’s top radio personalities and host of “The Culture” on Hot 97.9, Coco Filipina.  Clean DJ Ajax, whose musical focus is a concentration of Gospel, Jazz, Top 100, Urban, Caribbean, and Afrobeats will serve as DJ for the occasion.  Other featured performances will include Ebony Readers Onyx Theater (EROT), a collection of poets with the simple mission of uplifting minority voices; Blue Lightning Stomp and Shake, UNC-Chapel Hill’s school spirit and cheerleading group; North Carolina native Lynette Barber, an award-winning vocalist; and The Magic of Rhythm, a Durham-based ensemble of performers who use traditional and original songs, dance, and storytelling to explore African history and culture.  A highlight of the day will be face painting by Magic Ballard, owner of the Glam Bar, who specializes in glittery face paint.  

25th Annual Mildred Council Community Dinner

Each year, we come together to honor the legacy of Mildred Council--affectionately known as "Mama Dip"--by sharing a meal and strengthening our community. This event, sponsored by the Town of Carrboro with other local jurisdictions, brings together neighbors, friends, and families for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and giving.

The Community Dinner is scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at McDougle Middle School, 900 Old Fayetteville Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

Your generosity makes this event possible! Donations help provide meals, support local vendors, and ensure that everyone in our community can participate.

Click Here Donate Today

For sponsorship opportunities or general inquiries, visit www.communitydinner.org or contact Nerys Levy at rilevy@mindspring.com or (919) 932-1533.

Superintendent Search Underway

News from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is searching for its next superintendent. The Board of Education is looking for the qualities and characteristics that our community believes will be most important in the next leader of CHCCS. The best way to gather that is by completing a survey that should take only five minutes or less. Note: the survey closes Tuesday, April 8. 

• To go directly to the survey, use this link (SurveyMonkey)
• Read additional information about the Superintendent search process.

Carrboro Police Host Medication Drop

Bring your used or expired medications to Carrboro Harris Teeter, 200 N. Greensboro St, on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help keep  our community safer and healthier. Disposing of used or expired medications properly can help reduce overdoses, overdose deaths, and drug-related violence.

Message from Orange County Board of Elections 

Not sure if your voter registration has your North Carolina driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number (if you don't have a driver’s license)? Visit this page to learn how to update your information: https://www.orangecountync.gov/1102/Voter-Registration

If you have any questions, feel free to call the Orange County Board of Elections at 919-245-2350. They're happy to help!

More information: https://orangecountync.gov/1720/Elections

Freight Train Blues is coming! 

Friday evenings on May 16, 23, 20; and June 6, 13 

Join the Music Maker Foundation at the Carrboro Town Commons on Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the 11thannual celebration of Carrboro blues legend Elizabeth Cotten. The series honors her contributions to the American roots genre by highlighting the cultural significance of the Carolina Piedmont style and its connections to current artists like Diana Tuffin bringing Blues & Jazz, to Conjunto Breve bringing in the Salsa night.

Get the schedule at  https://www.musicmaker.org/freight-train-blues/ 

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

Please note that our Summer Brochure will be released in mid-April. Registration for our Summer programs begins on May 7 for Carrboro residents, and May 8 for all others. 

2025 Winter-Spring Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Program Guide 

The 2025 Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Winter-Spring Program Guide is now available!  This guide covers programs and events from January through April, including Spring Athletic Leagues, and registration for 2025 Summer Camps.

Register at the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 S. Greensboro St. during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.) and online via RecConnect at www.carrbororec.org  

If you are a new participant who wishes to register online, please be sure to set up via our online registration site (linked below).  Please allow at least 3 business days for account review and approval.

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department at 919-918-7364.

Learn more about the Program Guide and How to Register.

Public parking available in downtown Carrboro

It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at 11 public lots all over town.

Please remember that the Carr Mill Mall parking area is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing. When in doubt, always park in public lots, and enjoy a hassle-free and relaxed shopping and dining experience.

Find more information including an interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking webpage.