Cary Spotlight | Issue #593

Final Call for Public Input, Cary’s No-Fare Transit Experiment Enters Final Month, Swimming Safety


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Question: Who is credited with inventing the World Wide Web?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

🎙️SPOTLIGHT MOMENT: What does it really take to build a place where every child belongs?

We sat down with Marla Dorrel on Cary Spotlight Connect to talk about how a dream from two 7-year-olds became one of Cary’s most beloved parks — and what’s next for Kids Together. 🐉🌳 

This 90-second clip captures a powerful insight on Visual Storytelling for Brands.
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Know someone who should be featured next? Send them to apply.caryspotlight.com

Final Call for Public Input on Cary’s Budget Plan

Cary residents will have a final opportunity to share their thoughts on the town’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 at a public hearing on Thursday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at 316 N. Academy Street. The proposed budget was unveiled on May 1 and has been open for public inspection since May 2.

Citizens can provide input in writing through the town’s 311 Portal, via email at [email protected], or by mailing comments to the Town Clerk’s Office. To be included in the hearing record, comments must be submitted before noon on the day of the meeting. Verbal comments are also welcome, with sign-ups required before noon on June 13 for both in-person and call-in speakers. FY2026 Budget Hearing

Town staff will contact call-in participants by 5 p.m. with details on how to join the meeting remotely. All comments become part of the public record and help inform Cary’s budget priorities, including infrastructure, transportation, and public services.

For meeting details and instructions on how to provide input, visit carync.gov.

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…Cary Spotlight Issue #256

Cary’s No-Fare Transit
Experiment Enters Final Month

Nearly a year after Cary’s Town Council approved the extension of its fare-free transit policy, GoCary riders continue to enjoy free rides across the system’s fixed routes and Tier 1 Door to Door service. First passed in the 2025 budget vote on June 27, 2024, the measure was part of the town’s broader commitment to equitable and affordable public transportation.

The initiative is primarily supported by state and federal transit funding, contributions from municipal partners, and a share of Wake County’s transit tax. Riders are encouraged to use the GoCary app to plan and track their routes across nine bus lines, including the Downtown Loop added in 2024.

While Tier 2 and 3 Door to Door services still charge fares, the continuation of fare-free access for most riders has helped connect residents to work, school, and essential services.

For more information on local transit options, visit GoCary.org.

How do you feel about the Cary Town Council's decision to extend GoCary's fare-free service until June 30, 2025, for Tier 1?

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🩱 🩳Swimming Safety and The Impact of Swimwear Colors

Credit: Praire Lakes Healthcare System

Concerns about the visibility of children's swimwear in aquatic environments have prompted renewed attention to swimming safety. Research has shown that certain colors of bathing suits can either enhance or diminish the visibility of swimmers, particularly children, making it crucial to select appropriate swimwear for safety.

In lakes, swimwear in green, various shades of blue, purple, grey, black, and white tends to blend with the natural surroundings, making it difficult to spot children in the water. Similarly, in swimming pools, blue and white bathing suits are less visible, which can pose a significant risk.

The importance of constant adult supervision is underscored by these findings. Ensuring children are easily seen while swimming can prevent potential accidents and enhance overall safety in aquatic settings.

Were you aware that certain swimwear colors can affect visibility in lakes and pools?

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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Today: Kids Together 25th Birthday Celebration 2PM-4PM
• Today: Disco Fever - (Koka Booth) 8PM
• Sunday: Film Class: Basic Feature Writing 10AM-1PM
• Sunday: The Soccer Tournament (TST) 1:30PM-9PM
• Monday: The Soccer Tournament (TST) 5:30PM-10PM
• Monday: Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet 2PM-9PM

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Tim Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web in 1989 while working at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. His revolutionary idea was to link information across computers using hypertext, creating a system that evolved into the modern internet we use today. Berners-Lee also developed the first web browser and web server, laying the groundwork for the digital age. He later founded the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to guide web standards and ensure it remains free and open.