News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 

(Oct. 30, 2025) 

Halloween is Friday! Put on your best costume and join us at Town Hall for the Halloween Carnival. Carrboro early voting has moved to The Drakeford Library Complex. Friendly reminder that leaves should not be piled into traffic lanes, bike lanes or sidewalks. Stay alert on the roads for trick-or-treaters this Friday -- and Happy Halloween! 

Carrboro 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.

Fun Under the Stars

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Weaver Street Lawn on Friday, Oct. 24 to enjoy Music and Stories Under the Stars. Children and adults of all ages enjoyed stories told by Mr. Brandon Kohn of the Emerson Waldorf School. music by Zoltar's Fortune, and fire dancing.

Neighborhood Meetings: Come flip through the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan

There’s still time to learn about and talk to the Town Council about the Downtown Area Plan! The public hearing for the plan has been continued to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Town Hall, 301 W. Main St.

Thanks to all the community input, a draft of the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan is up for public review on Engage Carrboro.

It expresses what the consultant team and the Town heard from community members – a desire for a vibrant, inclusive and multi-modal future for the downtown area. Over the past year, you have weighed in – at more than 30 events and public input opportunities. The plan sets goals and outlines steps to achieve affordable housing and business spaces, creative art and entertainment options, more plants and trees, and outdoor spaces where people can gather. 

This plan seeks to advance racial equity and address climate action and is a key implementation step of the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan.

Come flip through the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1120 Hillsborough Road:

• Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 4 to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 8 from noon to 2 p.m.

Community members can also stop by Town Hall and speak with a planning staff member on any business day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., can call 919-918-7335, or email pzi@carrboronc.gov.

The Town is also reaching out to Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) across Carrboro with information about the plan so that residents are familiar with the plan, can ask questions, and know about the continued public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Town Hall.

Learn more about The Downtown Area Plan.

Happy Halloween from Carrboro Town Staff

Town of Carrboro departments had some fun dressing up for the holiday on Thursday, Oct. 30! Thanks to the Manager's Office (see photo of Cowboys & Cowgirls -- Management Analyst Steven Wright, Town Manager Patrice Toney, Assistant to the Town Manager Reilly Stahl, and Assistant Town Manager Marie Parker) for hosting our CarrBOOro Halloween party. Staff enjoyed treats and laughs as they showed off their Halloween costumes.

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

Thank you to all who joined us on Friday, Oct. 24 for a special book reading and a celebration of Carrboro history with Mayor Barbara Foushee, friends and family members of longtime resident and author, Frances Shetley! We were sad to miss her presence due to a health issue, but we were enriched by the presence of community who know and love her. 

"Vignettes" 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. Find a copy of the book at the Orange County Southern Branch Library at the Drakeford Library Complex! 

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."

Daylight Saving Time is about to come to an end

We will “fall back” on Sunday, Nov. 2, turning the clocks back an hour. Of course, most folks will turn their clocks back an hour when they go to bed on Saturday night ... if they remember.

The good news is we’ll get an extra hour of sleep this weekend. The downside is it’s going to get dark much earlier.

The time change is a good reminder to change batteries in smoke and CO detectors.

We urge drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to use extra caution as everyone adjusts to the time change.  For pedestrians and cyclists, enhance your visibility at night. Walk and bike in well-lit areas. Always carry a flashlight or wear something reflective, such as stickers or armbands, and use bike lights or reflective mirrors.  For drivers, before making a turn, be sure the path is clear of any pedestrians or bicyclists. Slowdown in areas where you are likely to find pedestrians, such as near bus stops, schools, and playgrounds. Avoid distractions such as food, passengers and using mobile devices. Talking and texting while driving is both dangerous and illegal in many places.

Find more safety tips at WatchForMeNC.org.

Mental Health First Aid Class

Are you interested in building skills to support your community? Register to take a Mental Health First Aid class and help make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone.

Two sessions will be held at The Southern Branch Library located within the first floor of the Drakeford Library Complex. Attendance at both sessions is required for certification. The class is free aside from a $18.95 book fee (can be waived if needed).

• Thursday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Register and learn more about the Mental Health First Aid classes. 

Questions? Contact allsd@hotmail.com 

Carrboro Fire-Rescue's Annual Awards and Promotions Ceremony

On Friday, Oct. 24, we joined the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department in celebrating the dedication and achievements of their members at the annual Awards and Promotions Ceremony.

Congratulations to all who were recognized!

Thank you for your service, commitment and continued care for our Carrboro community.

Join us for Coffee with a Cop

Join the Carrboro Police Department at Even Dough, 203 W. Weaver St., on Wednesday, November 12 from 9 - 11 a.m. for Coffee with a Cop. Enjoy a free coffee or pastry on us!

A Headline

The 37th  Biannual Carrboro CD and Record Show will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 in the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. in downtown Carrboro. Admission is free. 

The event will feature over 40 tables of new and used CDs, vinyl records, and music memorabilia. 

eel free to stop by and browse through what the vendors have to offer.  You never know what you may find!   

For more information, contact Gerry Williams at 919-260-0661 or gerrycw51@gmail.com or visit www.musicalroots.net

Leaf Collection in Carrboro

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.  

Read more about Leaf Collection in Carrboro.

New Carrboro Early Voting Location

News from Orange County Board of Elections

The Carrboro early voting location has moved! The Drakeford Library Complex, 203 S. Greensboro St. will be an early voting site from Thursday, Oct. 23 - Saturday, Nov. 1.

• Early voting is now open in Hillsborough at Orange Works, located in Hillsborough Commons at 113 Mayo St.  All Orange County residents can vote early at this location now until Saturday, Nov. 1
• Early voting is also at the Chapel Hill Public Library, Seymour Center, Chapel of the Cross beginning on Thursday, Oct. 23. 

Remember to bring your photo ID when you go to vote.

Early voting ends Saturday, Nov. 1, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Voters may request an absentee ballot by mail through Oct. 21. Don’t wait—submit your request today to ensure plenty of time to vote by mail!

For more information:  https://orangecountync.gov/1116/Early-Voting&

Leave the Leaves

Fallen leaves are more than just seasonal color — they are shelter. 

Leaving your leaves is one of the easiest ways to help insects and soil health in your yard. Piles of fallen leaves create homes for all sorts of beneficial critters, from butterflies and beetles to worms and fireflies. It’s also a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of using a gas-powered leaf blower, leave those leaves where they fall.  

How to Leave Your Leaves:  

• Leave them where they fall - Fallen leaves offer shelter for creatures like fireflies, beetles, and butterflies, and save you time on yard maintenance! 
• Rake leaves under trees, around shrubs, and into perennial beds – Leaves can act as a natural mulch that suppresses weeds and retains moisture 
• Compost your leaves – Add valuable nutrients to your soil for even more beautiful plants in the Spring  

Read more about leaving your leaves.

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. 

Apply online here. All application materials must be received by 11 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2025.

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/

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

Coffee and commuting!

GoPerks & Carrboro Coffee Roasters have partnered to make your commute a little more exciting. Log your sustainable trips in Share the Ride NC (STRNC) for a chance to win a bag of locally roasted coffee!

Here’s how it works:

• Create a free account at ShareTheRideNC.org
• Log your sustainable commutes — whether you take the bus, bike, carpool, or walk
• Each trip earns points you can use to enter prize drawings through GoPerks
• Choose a smarter, greener commute and you might just win your next cup of coffee.

Property tax assistance available to eligible Carrboro residents

In response to the steep rise of Orange County property tax valuations, the Town of Carrboro has allocated $45,000 to provide property tax assistance to eligible Carrboro residents facing difficulty paying their tax bill.  

The Town had partnered with Orange County to provide this assistance through the County’s Longtime Homeowners Assistance (LHA) program. Carrboro residents must meet the following eligibility requirements:

•  Own home for five (5) or more years
•  Require financial assistance to pay the property tax 
• Meet income and other eligibility requirements. 

For more information, visit Orange County’s LHA webpage: Longtime Homeowners Assistance (LHA) Program | Orange County, NC . The application closes on Nov. 3, 2025. If you have questions about the program, please contact Tyler Haugle at (919) 918-7438 or thaugle@carrboronc.gov. 

Orange County Trails Plan

Are you interested in the future of trails and trail connections in Orange County? A draft Trails Plan is underway!

Learn about the ongoing draft plan here:  https://www.orangecountync.gov/3625/Orange-County-Trails-Plan

Did you miss the September community vision workshops? Take a survey version of them here: https://gensler.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pJqqPB8DQqCr1I

Town Council Update

The Carrboro Town Council will meet next for a work session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 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 YouTube livestream  OR on Legistar. 

• The agenda will be available online.
• Access the livestream on YouTube.

Past Meeting Recap 

The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, Oct. 21, and took the following actions: 

• Received proclamations for the Mayor's Monarch Pledge and Operation Green Light for Veterans; and approved the Veterans Day and Reproductive Rights are Human Rights resolutions
• Held a Public Hearing on the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan
• Held a Second Public Hearing on CDBG-NR Grant Application for Emergency Housing Repairs and Park Improvements
• Received the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, as presented by Maudlin & Jenkins, PLLC.

Watch the meeting livestream on YouTube.

Read more about the Town Council Update

Celebrating Carrboro's Veterans

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, as a day to remember the invaluable contribution of Carrboro's veterans and urges all residents to take every opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of individuals in uniform transitioning from active service. 

Please read the entire proclamation at  https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions

Town of Carrboro Employee Veterans

Police Department

• Retired Captain Tony Frye (Army)
• Lieutenant Joe Thomas (Marine Corps)

Fire-Rescue Department

• Deputy Chief David LaPlante (Air Force)
• Edwin Renegar (Marine Corps)

Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Resources Department

• Svetlana Decker (Army Reserves) 
• Steve Harward (Navy)
• Felton Page (Army)
• Clarence Potter (Army) 
• Anthony Stout (Army)

Public Works Department

• John Garland (Army)

Orange County Veterans Memorial Ceremony

If you are looking to honor the veterans in your life, a special ceremony commemorating Veterans Day will be held at the Orange County Veterans Memorial on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Orange County Veterans Memorial at 2501 Homestead Drive, Chapel Hill, NC. This year's ceremony will feature Brigadier General Vivek Kshetrapal, Deputy Commanding General of 81st Readiness Division of the US Army Reserve., as the distinguished guest speaker. Mayor Foushee will provide the invocation for the event. 

General Kshetrapal brings decades of leadership experience in logistics, readiness, and operational sustainment. He has served in multiple overseas deployments and has been instrumental in leading Army Reserve forces that support global missions. His remarks will reflect on the evolving role of the Armed Forces in defending freedom while highlighting the enduring sacrifices of America’s veterans and their families.

The Orange County Veterans Day Celebration is free and open to the public. Families, friends, and all members of the community are encouraged to attend as a way to show support and gratitude to our veterans. This annual ceremony aims to celebrate the contributions of veterans from all branches of the armed services and to pay tribute to the values they represent.

Learn more about the Veterans Memorial at ocveteransmemorial.com

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on those who have courageously served our nation in the armed forces. Thank you to our veterans, past and present, for your service and sacrifice. 

Carrboro Town Council passes resolution in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans

The Carrboro Town Council has passed a resolution for Nov. 4-12 to be a time to honor the service and sacrifice of individuals in uniform transitioning from active service.

In observance of Operation Green Light, the Town of Carrboro, will display green lights on Carrboro Town Hall. The Town Council encourages residents to participate by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence from Nov. 4-12.

Learn more about Operation Green Light for Veterans.

Save the Date: Abolition Day 2025 Events

The Fire of Freedom, Performed by Mike Wiley

• Dec. 5, 2025
• 6 p.m. at Kenan Theatre, UNC
• Registration Required

Gather at Carrboro’s Century Center for a symposium featuring a multiracial lineup of distinguished professors of law and history. Through varying perspectives, they will emphasize the generations of work and sacrifice that enslaved Black people endured in fighting for freedom.

Beyond the Thirteenth Amendment: Reclaiming the Promise of Freedom

• Dec. 6, 2025
• 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Carrboro Century Center
• Registration Encouraged

2025 Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade Participant Application Now Open

Walk, dance, bike, and scoot your way through the 2025 Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.!

We’re looking for local organizations with diverse cultural, faith, and community traditions to participate. We hope you’ll consider joining. A few things to keep in mind:

• Get festive. Decorate your parade unit with a winter theme and add entertainment value. Be a spectacle!
• Get creative. Describe how your unit will entertain/engage spectators. Show us what you got!
• Get ready. This year’s parade will be non-vehicular. Stay on foot, bike, or scooter.
• Please, no ads. No entries for strictly advertising, fundraising, or recruitment activities. No political campaigning or electioneering.

Apply online today to participate in the 2025 Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade. 

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.