News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 

(Oct. 15, 2025) 

The Power of Poetry!! ✊ West End Poetry Festival opens on Thursday at Steel String Brewery and runs through Saturday. Marking its 20th year, the festival welcomes all poets and all people curious about or interested in poetry. There are opportunities to meet people, hang out, listen to poetry, share poetry, and celebrate poetry and those who love it.  That's because in Carrboro, poetry is a way to connect with others and to explore the beauty and complexity of the world around us. Whether you are a seasoned poet or a newcomer to the art form, the poetry community in Carrboro is welcoming and supportive. Find more news and updates in this issue!

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.

Public Works Service Alert: Temporary Waste Collection Delays

Due to unexpected equipment failures, residential household waste collection may be delayed until Friday, Oct. 17 or Monday, Oct. 20, depending on the progress of repairs. Public Works crews are working hard to safely and efficiently complete waste collection as repairs progress.

In addition, yard waste collected in roll-out carts will be delayed by one day next week. Instead of the usual Monday pickup on Oct. 20, yard waste will be collected on Tuesday, Oct. 21. This adjustment allows crews to prioritize household waste collection.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these temporary disruptions. Please keep carts curbside until collection is completed.

Carrboro In Motion at Willow Creek

Thanks to Gina Van Hook of Willow Creek Laundromat for having the Carrboro in Motion team set up outside her business to meet residents on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. 

The Town of Carrboro hosts Carrboro In Motion events to increase neighbor-to-neighbor participation and engagement with the community. These events leverage community assets and strengths from public agencies and partners, including Town of Carrboro services and our wonderful partners from Orange County Government departments, Chapel Hill Transit, El Centro Hispano, Orange County Public Library, Carrboro Police Department, Carrboro Fire-Rescue, and Carrboro Transportation Choices. 

Carrboro In Motion advances goals of the Inclusive Carrboro Communications and Community Engagement Plan by creating a method 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. 

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.

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. 

Town Council Update

CARRBORO, NC --The Carrboro Town Council will meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqX61EQi920 

Past Meeting Recap 

The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, Oct. 14, for a work session. At the work session, the Council received an update on the status of the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with CodeWright, the project consultant. Information focused on key findings from the completion of the code diagnosis and recent legislative decisions at the state level that affect land use planning.

Watch the meeting livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/cEcT1RoeKq0?si=I5Zs83QIPr9dSEcM 

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 

Greene Tract Update 

A contract for a geotechnical study and a "Phase 1 Environmental Assessment" is currently being executed with an engineering firm. A small crew of workers is expected to be present on the Greene Tract on or shortly after Oct. 20. Work should be completed approximately two weeks after it begins. You may see or hear large equipment operating on the site while the studies are being conducted. On-site work is limited to the hours of 7 a.m. - 6  p.m., Monday through Friday.

Read the newsletter at https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35194/Greene-Tract-Newsletter-October-2025 

Carrboro recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Carrboro.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average nearly 20 people per minute are abused by an intimate partner in the United States. In North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, at least 94 individuals were murdered by a current or former intimate partner in 2024 and at least 52 have been murdered so far in 2025. 

Domestic violence encompasses not only physical abuse, but also emotional, verbal, financial, sexual, or digital abuse, isolation and/or stalking.

Domestic violence disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities, undocumented people, women, trans and gender non-conforming people and disabled people.

Compass Center, the state-designated domestic violence service provider for Orange County, serves more than 1,600 survivors of domestic violence each year through its 24-hour domestic violence crisis line, support groups, court and community advocacy, Latinx programs, career and financial counseling, and other services and engages thousands more in prevention education and outreach. 

Preventing domestic violence requires the collective awareness, care and action of individuals, institutions, and systems to transform our communities through social norms, policies, and laws that reject violence and abuse and promote healthy relationships based on respect, trust, and equity.

Read the full proclamation.

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. 

Go Bananas for Baseball

The Savannah Bananas are coming to Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill on April 11-12, 2026. 

Not your typical baseball team, the Savannah Bananas will entertain fans with dancing, music and epic scoring celebrations. 

As they face off with the Texas Tailgators, fans can expect to enjoy great baseball, unique performances and plenty of laughter.

How to get tickets to Savannah Bananas in Chapel Hill

Join the Ticket Lottery List before it closes on October 31, 2025! Joining the list does not guarantee the chance to buy tickets. A random drawing will be held before the event to determine who will receive the opportunity to purchase available tickets. 

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. 

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.

To all who are celebrating...

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