Veteran's Day Events 

On November 9, the Town honored 355 military service members at its annual Veterans Luncheon. The success of this event was possible thanks to help from over 180 volunteers and staff. New components this year included flag presentations that honored each branch of the service and the labeling of mini toy soldiers for the Veterans Observance Day event at Veterans Freedom Park.

Approximately 200 citizens attended the Town’s Veteran’s Day Observance, which took place at Veterans Freedom Park at 11 a.m. on November 11. Council Member Jack Smith presided over the ceremony with Council Members Don Frantz and Ken George also attending. Many participated in the Cary Special Forces project, which allowed military families to place small figures representing the service of their loved ones at each service seal. The Old North State Brass Band provided patriotic music before and after ceremonies. The Carolina Veterans Support Group placed over 700 flags along walkways as well as around and inside the Freedom Tower.

Disc Golf Tournament

The DUO (Downtown Urban Open) Disc Golf Tournament was held on Town Hall campus over Thanksgiving weekend.  The event, in its sixth sellout year, is organized in partnership with the Capital Area Disc League. With its first title sponsor, the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, the tournament was able to raise over $3,100 for the Town’s Relief for Recreation scholarship fund. Over 200 disc golfers participated in the two day event, which has now raised $10,000 for scholarships.

Hometown Spirit Winner

Congratulations to Town icons Ralph and Daphne Ashworth for being named the 2017 Hometown Spirit  Award winners. The Ashworths have been outstanding figures in Cary’s community for over 60 years, beginning with the establishment of Ashworth Drugs in downtown. Nominated by peers for their contributions, the Ashworths are active in both the business and philanthropic community.

Nine nominees were recognized at a reception in November, with the winner announced at the Council meeting. The Hometown  Spirit Award is bestowed annually on a Cary resident who enhances the quality of life in Cary by preserving, promoting, and carrying out positive and quantifiable traditional small-town community values and traits. Inspired by a suggestion from a Cary resident, the award has recognized over 20 outstanding nominees and named ten winners since 2009.

Park Renaming for Kay Struffolino

In November, Council approved renaming Meeting Place Park, located near downtown Cary, after Kay Struffolino, a citizen who has dedicated over 40 years of her life to the improvement of Cary. This 0.3-acre park  features the Meeting Place sculpture. Since Council’s approval, staff has been putting the finishing touches on the park. This includes up lighting on the  sculpture at night, a fence separating the park from adjacent properties, and additional soon-to-be installed landscaping. A winter dedication is planned, at which time the updated park sign will be installed.