Divan Center Event
Monday afternoon I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson, and council members Bush, Kohn-Johnson, Craig, and Bansal at the Divan Center in Cary. While their members are mostly Turkish, they are open to anyone. Here is how they describe themselves:
“Divan is a 501 (c) (3) charitable, cultural non-profit non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the social, spiritual, cultural, and educational needs of the people living in North Carolina.
Through dialogue Divan enables people of diverse cultures to create a foundation of understanding which nurtures friendship, respect, and charity.
Divan was founded in 2003 and supported by individuals who are affiliated with Hizmet social movement.
At Divan, we consider dialogue as a key philosophy to settle differences and move forward as a community. To achieve this ideal, Divan Center organizes and promotes activities including diversity awareness seminars, cultural festivals, dialogue dinners, community service, art performances, and cultural trips where people from different backgrounds can meet and find common ground.
Everyone is welcome at Divan!”
Organizations that promote togetherness rather than divisiveness are what makes Cary one of the greatest places to live in the US. It is only through recognition, respect, and mutual understanding that a community can reach its full potential.
Wake County Mayors Association
Monday evening I joined mayors from Garner, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Zebulon for a Wake County Mayors Association meeting on Dix campus in Raleigh. We met and had dinner in All Faiths Chapel. Then we toured the new Gipson Play Plaza. Since opening in June, this is the second most visited destination in North Carolina behind Wrightsville beach. The park cost close to $75 million and was partly funded with over $20 million from Raleigh philanthropists. According to their staff, this 18-acre park has seen over 10,000 visitors in just one weekend day.
Wake County is blessed with municipalities with great parks. BTW, Raleigh Gipson Play Plaza staff collaborates with Cary Downtown Park staff on several issues.
CAMPO
Wednesday afternoon I attended a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board. The agenda included a joint public hearing with GoTriangle Board of Trustees, 3 consent agenda items, 1 public hearing, and 2 discussion items.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved and included minutes; the recommended performance measures and targets for TAM and State of Good Repair and sign the resolution; and authorizing the Executive Director to sign and execute the Mobility Management Program Funding Agreement.
The public hearing was on the SPOT (Strategic Transportation Prioritization) 8 draft project submittal list. After the public hearing the board unanimously approved the project lists for submittal to NCDOT’s prioritization process and direct staff to maximize coordination with Division Engineers which may result in alternate projects being submitted with Chair approval. One interesting note was that our division (Division 5), which covers 7 counties, only had $73 million available for selected projects.
The discussion items were for information only and included an update on the 2055 MTP/CTP (Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Comprehensive Transportation Plan), and the Federal Functional Classification Changes which began in February as a statewide review and update of the Federal Functional Classifications.
Dragon Boat Practice
Friday night I joined the Cary Sister Cities team in practicing for the Dragon Boat races held Saturday. In the practice we learned commands, how to position your body, how to hold the paddle, and how to row as a team. This was the second time I have participated Dragon Boat races.
Asia Fest
Saturday I participated in the opening events of Asia Fest by reading a proclamation. To make it more fun I had the audience do the “whereas” parts. The following was the proclamation:
“CELEBRATING ASIA FEST 2025 IN CARY, NC
WHEREAS, the cultural tapestry of North Carolina is enriched by the vibrant and
diverse contributions of the Asian community, who bring a rich array of traditions, languages, and innovation that invigorate our society and enhance our communities; and
WHEREAS, Asian Focus NC has exemplified dedication to fostering an inclusive
environment by celebrating and promoting appreciation for the unique heritage and accomplishments of Asian individuals and communities across North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the mission of Asian Focus NC is to build bridges among diverse
communities, encourage collaboration, and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and talents that lead to mutual understanding and shared prosperity for all residents of Cary and of our state; and
WHEREAS, through initiatives such as educational programs, cultural events, and
advocacy, Asian Focus NC empowers individuals and organizations within our community, enriching lives through the promotion of unity, equality, and respect for all cultures; and
WHEREAS, our commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion is stronger
and more meaningful through the collaborative endeavors and contributions of Asian Focus NC, exemplifying the spirit of togetherness and progress that defines Cary and the great State of North Carolina;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold Weinbrecht, Jr., Mayor of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Council, do hereby celebrate the ongoing support and recognition of Asian Focus NC as a vital partner in advancing cultural understanding and community enrichment in Cary, North Carolina.
PROCLAIMED this 20th day of September 2025.”
After the opening ceremony, many pictures, and meet-n-greets I changed clothes to participate in the Dragon Boat VIP dragon boat race. Cary police and fire department members were divided into two teams with VIPs on each boat. I was joined by Morrisville mayor Cawley in my boat. The race was fun and competitive, and we were lucky to finish ahead of the other boat. It was a lot of fun, and I committed to participating again next year.
Speech about Jack Smith
Jack Smith is serving his 36th and final year as a council member. He was honored last week at the Cary Chamber Awards Ceremony. Town manager Sean Stegall gave the following speech about Jack:
“Good evening.
This evening, we gather to recognize a remarkable individual, a man whose name has become synonymous with service, integrity, and community here in Cary. For 36 years, Jack Smith has represented our town on the Cary Town Council. To serve in elected office for more than three decades is, by itself, a rare achievement. But what makes Jack’s career truly exceptional is not just its length—it is the way in which he carried out his duties, always with the people of Cary at the center of his work.
One of the foremost scholars of local government, John Nalbandian, once wrote: “Bridging is what local officials do. They bring together competing values, competing interests, and competing visions—and in doing so, they build community.” That is precisely what Jack Smith has done for 36 years. He has been a bridge-builder—between long-time residents and newcomers, between neighborhoods and businesses, and between Cary’s proud traditions and its future as one of the dynamic, most vibrant communities in the country.
Think for a moment about the Cary of 36 years ago. Our town was much smaller, quieter, still more rural in many places, with fewer neighborhoods and less traffic. Since then, Cary has grown into one of the most desirable places to live in America—recognized for its excellent schools, safe streets, thriving businesses, and remarkable quality of life. That transformation did not happen by chance. It happened because leaders like Jack Smith worked tirelessly to guide growth while preserving the character and values that make Cary unique.
Jack was there to wrestle with the difficult questions—how do we welcome new families and businesses while protecting our neighborhoods? How do we expand infrastructure while keeping Cary’s charm intact? How do we preserve green spaces while embracing progress? These are the challenges that defined Cary’s evolution, and Jack helped us navigate them with wisdom, patience, and balance.
Public service is demanding. It asks for time, for sacrifice, and for a willingness to place the needs of others above one’s own. Jack met that challenge with tireless energy. He was the council member who returned calls late at night, who met with residents on weekends, and who wore out more than one pair of shoes walking Cary’s neighborhoods to better understand the needs of his constituents.
If you ever called him about an issue—whether it was as large as a rezoning or as small as a pothole—you knew two things would happen. First, he would follow through. And second, you would hear a story. Because Jack understood that local government is about people, not just policies. He used stories to connect, to teach, and to remind us that even the most routine matters affect the lives of neighbors and friends.
That gift for storytelling became one of his hallmarks. A resident could ask about road repairs, and before long they would be hearing about how that same street once connected to a farm, or how a neighbor organized a block party there years ago. What might have been a dry, technical answer instead became a glimpse into Cary’s living history—offered with humor, perspective, and heart.
Jack’s storytelling was more than entertainment. It was a way of helping us remember where we’ve come from, and why the choices we make matter for Cary’s future. He reminded us that behind every road project, every development, every ordinance—there are people, families, and neighborhoods that give Cary its character. Through his words, Jack helped us see not just issues, but stories of community.
Jack’s influence was not confined to council chambers. For years, he was a constant presence with the Cary Chamber of Commerce events.
But his involvement went deeper than attendance. Jack believed that Cary’s business community and its neighborhoods were inseparable—that the prosperity of one supported the vitality of the other. He worked with the Chamber to ensure that growth in Cary was balanced, thoughtful, and community-minded.
At Chamber events, Jack was more than a council member—he was an ambassador. And, true to form, he used stories to make people feel at home. A new business owner might have expected a polite handshake, but instead they received a history lesson about downtown revitalization, or a story about the importance of diversity and his beloved Sister Cities. He made every entrepreneur, resident and Town staff member feel they were part of something larger—the ongoing story of Cary, always growing, always striving, always connected. That is leadership rooted in both vision and humanity and vulnerability.
And now, there is a park in Cary that bears his name. Few honors are as fitting. A park is where families gather, where children play, and where a community comes to life. To have his name permanently associated with such a place is not just a tribute—it is a reflection of his life’s work. Just as a park strengthens bonds and creates belonging, Jack devoted his career to building bridges, nurturing relationships, and ensuring that Cary would always feel like home.
When children play there, when families gather for picnics, when neighbors meet for a walk—they will see his name. They may not know every policy he debated or every vote he cast, but they will know this: Jack Smith gave his life’s work to Cary, and the park will stand as a lasting reminder of that devotion.
The true measure of a leader is not found in titles or accolades, but in the trust they earn and the lives they touch. For 36 years, Jack embodied integrity. He approached decisions with honesty, he met disagreement with respect, and he placed the interests of Cary’s residents above all else. His courage was not only in standing firm when necessary, but also in listening deeply, seeking compromise, and valuing every perspective. Much more than a Councilmember, Jack has been one of Cary’s Trustees.
And while Cary has transformed dramatically over his years of service, Jack ensured that what makes Cary special—our sense of community—remained strong. He was a steady presence through growth and change, always reminding us that progress means little if it comes at the expense of connection.
Closing with Nalbandian’s Wisdom and Award Presentation
On behalf of the Town of Cary, we express our profound gratitude. Thank you, Jack, for 36 years of tireless service. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Cary’s residents. Thank you for your presence at the Cary Chamber of Commerce, where you reminded us that progress is a shared effort. Thank you for your stories, which gave meaning to our work and reminded us that government, at its best, is personal.And finally, thank you for your legacy—one that will live on in the park that bears your name, in the businesses you supported, in the neighborhoods you walked, and in the countless lives you touched.
Let me return to John Nalbandian’s words: “Bridging is what local officials do… and in doing so, they build community.” For 36 years, Jack Smith has been that bridge for Cary. His example will continue to guide us, not only as leaders, but as neighbors who care for one another.
It is therefore my great honor, on behalf of the Cary Chamber of Commerce and this entire community, to present to Jack Smith the Legacy of Service Award. This award represents our highest gratitude—not only for the length of his service, but for the values he brought to that service: integrity, compassion, vision, and the ability to bridge differences for the common good.
Jack, this Legacy of Service Award is a symbol of all you have given to Cary, and all you will continue to inspire in us. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank you for your extraordinary service.”
We are so very blessed to have had Jack serve Cary for all these years. Thank you, Jack!
Council Out and About
Message From Mayor and Council
Hello Cary! I moved to Cary a decade ago with my family, and there is truly no other place I can call home. While I love District D, I also believe every part of Cary is equally special, and I encourage everyone to explore and enjoy the unique places that make our Town so beautiful.
With 25 percent of Cary residents born outside the United States, our community is wonderfully diverse — and it’s this diversity that makes us strong.
One truly magical moment for me this season was meeting the members of Cary’s Woman’s Club as they celebrated their 90th anniversary — a wonderful milestone for a group that has contributed so much to our community.
Be sure to check out our Town calendar to stay up to date and make plans to join in the fun.
Two celebrations I want to highlight:
- 10th Asian Fest and Dragon Boat Festival — September 20 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Diwali Celebration — September 29 at Downtown Cary Park with vibrant performances, a live DJ, and delicious food
Join me in enjoying the newsletter below to see where your Town Council has been out and about in the community — and I hope to see you at one of our events soon!
Sarika Bansal
District D Council Member
Meridian East Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmember Lori Bush attended the ribbon cutting for Meridian East Chatham. This multi-family residential and mixed-use commercial development is located at the corner of Chatham Street and the future Hunter Street extension in Downtown Cary.
District C Community Meeting
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Lori Bush, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith participated in the District C Community Meeting at Middle Creek Community Center. Councilmember Jack Smith welcomed attendees, followed by Mayor Weinbrecht who shared an updated State of Cary. Staff provided updates on public safety, senior services, and finances. The evening concluded with a Q&A session with Council.
BikeWalk NC Summit
Councilmember Lori Bush attended the annual BikeWalk NC Summit in Hickory, NC, the state’s premier forum for advancing sustainable transportation and active mobility. Bringing together policymakers, planners, engineers, and advocates, the summit provides a unique opportunity to examine best practices, explore pressing policy issues, and collaborate on strategies that enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity, while working to shape the future of transportation and community development in our state.
Fenton Hotel Brand Reveal
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht spoke at the reveal of The Pagemore Hotel at Fenton, a seven-story, 186-room property set to open in fall 2027. Council members Jack Smith, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal joined the celebration, marking this exciting new addition to Fenton.
Chamber Annual Banquet
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht provided welcome remarks at the Cary Chamber’s Annual Banquet, an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce to recognize board members and celebrate community accomplishments. Councilmember Jack Smith was presented with the Legacy of Service Award in honor of his lasting contributions to Cary. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson were also in attendance.
Sister Cities Students Presentation
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented letters of recognition to two Cary students selected for the 2025 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit. The students visited Town Hall to share their experiences at the summit. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship from the Cary Sister Cities Association and the Cary Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program.
Troop 200
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson had a great conversation with Troop 200, who are working toward their Communication Badge.
Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe Show
Councilmember Michelle Craig presented a letter on behalf of the Mayor and Council to organizers of the NC Taiwanese Cultural Arts event celebrating Taiwan’s National Day. The program featured a performance by the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe.
Cary Woman’s Club 90th Anniversary
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented a proclamation recognizing the Cary Woman’s Club during its 90th Anniversary celebration. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Sarika Bansal also attended. The program featured reflections on the club’s history and its many contributions to Cary’s civic life.
Town Manager’s Report
Russ’ Message
Council,
It was good seeing many of you at the annual Triangle Community Coalition (TCC) meeting. I thought we had a productive meeting this week. I always love when Council, staff, and the development community of Cary get together, listen, and chat about ideas. Thank you to the TCC for hosting this event.
Enjoy your weekend.
Russ Overton
Deputy Town Manager
Walnut Street Gravel Lot Closing
The gravel lot on Walnut Street next to the Library Parking Deck will be temporarily closed Sept. 22 until Sept. 24 for necessary maintenance in preparation for an upgrade in January. The lot will be closed for several weeks in January as it gets refreshed per a development agreement adopted by Council in June.
Southern Water Utility Roundtable
Last week, Utilities staff attended the Southern Water Utility Roundtable in Charlotte. The event, held by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), brought together utility leaders from across the southeast to discuss key challenges like PFAS, regulatory changes, compliance, and disaster response. The discussions were an opportunity to build relationships and share innovative ideas, solutions, and strategies to strengthen the region’s water sector.
BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival
The 8th annual BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival was held last weekend at The Cary Theater, drawing nearly 1,400 attendees and filmmakers from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This year’s event featured 24 short films in competition, two independent features, and a live screenplay reading. Attendees enjoyed in-depth Q&As with filmmakers, industry workshops, and networking at the Opening Night Film & Party and Filmmaker Happy Hours. The festival concluded with an Awards Brunch recognizing five filmmakers and one screenwriter, followed by screenings of the award-winning films.
Electric Fire Truck at Cary Rotary Club Meeting
The Cary Central Rotary Club welcomed Assistant Town Manager Danna Widmar, Fire Chief Mike Cooper, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Parker, and Engineer Justin Chamblee for a presentation on the first electric fire truck on the East Coast. The Pierce Volterra electric pumper, housed at Fire Station 9 on Walnut Street, combines reliability, performance, and environmental benefits. The near-zero-emissions dual powertrain seamlessly transitions between battery-powered operation and diesel backup when needed and is significantly quieter, allowing firefighters to communicate on scene without shouting over an engine. Rotary Club members enjoyed learning about and experiencing this public safety investment.
Community Connections at the Cary Senior Center
As part of the new Community Connections educational series at the Senior Center, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett led a first of its kind class The Changing Landscape of Aging: Trends, Growth, and Community Services on Wednesday. This kickoff session explored the shifting demographics of aging, highlighting the rapid growth of the senior population and their evolving needs. Participants learned how Cary is responding with innovative programs, partnerships, and age-friendly initiatives. Future sessions in the Community Connections series will feature educational presentations from other departments, including Fire, Police, 911, and 311, offering older adults direct access to the information and services that matter most to them.
Scam Jam Equips Seniors with Tools to Fight Fraud
This morning, the Senior Center hosted Scam Jam, an educational event focused on helping older adults recognize and protect themselves from scams and fraud. Councilmember Lori Bush opened the program by introducing North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who shared valuable insights into current scam trends and how seniors can safeguard their personal information. The event also featured presentations from representatives of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Insurance. Each speaker offered clear, actionable advice on avoiding common scams and highlighted resources available to victims.
Important Dates
Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, September 25
6:30 p.m.
Cary Candidate Filing
Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18th. Here are the candidates for Cary Council (Incumbents are denoted with I):
- At-Large: Carissa Johnson (I), Marjorie Eastman
- District A: Jennifer Robinson (I), Brittany Richards
- District C: Renee Miller, Bella Huang
Elections are on November 4th.
To find out more about the Candidates view the Cary Candidate Forum here.
Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027
Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.
As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.
In the coming months, I encourage all citizens to focus on the important Cary Council election ahead, where three seats are up for decision. Once those choices are made by our community, we can then look ahead to November 2027.
Until then, I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A complaint that Cary should be more about “the Carying Place Gala” rather than the Pagemore Hotel unveiling.
- A question about a future sidewalk in MacGregor Downs.
- A complaint about solicitation going into the Cary Regional Library.
- A complaint about a neighbors yards having rats and snakes.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the Cary Chamber Candidate Forum, a Council meeting, a mystery reader at an elementary school, and the dunk tank at Public Safety Day.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
Harold's Blog 