Welcome to our weekly e-newsletter - What's Up in Wake Forest. Here you'll find information about Town programs, services, activities, projects, special events and more! If you haven't already, tell your friends and neighbors to visit our E-Notifier page to learn about our full array of free email offerings.
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The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is now accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of its 14th Annual Turkey Drive. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations via PayPal.
Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Police Department are also accepted. Anyone wishing to contribute cash or a check to this year’s Turkey Drive should contact Det. M.W. Sattler at 919-795-7270.
Due to COVID-19, the police department is currently accepting monetary donations only to this year’s Turkey Drive. Donations of frozen turkeys will not be accepted at this time. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.
Officials are considering several options for safely distributing the turkeys this year. Additional information will be provided once plans are finalized.
Det. Sattler organized the police department’s first Turkey Drive in 2007. Since then, the department has distributed nearly 9,000 turkeys to needy families in our area, including over 800 turkeys last year.
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Below are three announcements about projects that will impact Wake Forest motorists over the next several weeks. Please use the information to help plan your route and move safely through the affected areas.
Now through November 30
From now through November 30, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working on behalf of Wegmans, will periodically reduce to one lane portions of Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 from Galaxy Way to Siena Drive. The temporary lane closures are necessary to allow crews to widen the roadway and install turn lanes for the future Wegman’s. The store will be situated on the south side of Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass between US 1/Capital Boulevard and Siena Drive, just west of Ligon Mill Road.
September 21-25
Utility Service Contractors, a private contractor working on behalf of the Town of Wake Forest, will close one of the westbound lanes along the Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass from Traditions Grande Boulevard to South Franklin Street Monday Sept. 21 through Friday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Crews will also close one of the left turn lanes along Heritage Lake Road onto the Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass. These lane closures are necessary to allow crews to install underground conduit for the Town’s high-speed fiber network installation.
September 21-October 30
Moffat Pipe will reduce to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic the portion of North Allen Road from Brewer Circle to Best Street Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day. The temporary lane closure is necessary to install storm drain and curb and gutter.
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The Wake Forest Police Department is urging area residents to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following recently reported phone scams involving gift cards. Many times it’s hard to tell what is a scam and what isn’t. But whenever someone asks you to pay using a gift card – it’s always a scam.
Gift cards are being used as part of several different scams, including IRS, jury duty and grandparent scams. When scammers ask for money or demand that you pay them, they’ll direct you to buy a set of gift cards. These gift cards can be for a range of stores or products, including Target, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. Then, they’ll ask you to give them the gift card number and PIN information from the back of the card. Once they have that information, they can spend your money using the gift cards.
These scammers can be extremely difficult to track down, so if you are asked to buy prepaid gift cards to pay for anything, don’t make the purchase and call the Police Department at 919-554-6150.
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In recent days, Wake Forest officials have noticed large numbers of skateboarders in the downtown area. Skateboarders and their parents are reminded that Sec. 28-6 of the Town’s Code of Ordinances prohibits skateboarding on public streets and sidewalks in Wake Forest’s downtown municipal district. That district, also known as the Renaissance Area, extends roughly from south of Holding Avenue to just north of Spring Street and between South White Street and South Franklin Street.
Sec. 28-6 of the code of ordinances states: “No person shall operate, ride or use any motive device propelled or designed for propulsion by human power upon any public street, public sidewalk, or public vehicular area located in the downtown municipal service district according to the Town of Wake Forest zoning map. The term ‘motive device propelled or designed for propulsion by human power’ includes, by way of example and not limitation, tricycles, coasters, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, pedicabs and similar devices. The term does not include bicycles, (which are regulated in sections 30-14, 30-15 and 30-99), wagons or devices operated or used by handicapped or disabled persons, such as wheelchairs.”
Adopted in 2013, the ordinance is designed to protect the health and safety of both pedestrians and skateboarders and reduce the risk of damage to property.
As greater numbers of visitors discover and experience Downtown Wake Forest, the potential for serious injury caused by collisions with skateboarders increases. In fact, the 2013 skateboarding ban was enacted as a result of several close calls between pedestrians and skateboarders. In addition, many merchants expressed concerns about the safety of skateboarders, especially what might happen if a skateboarder lost control and crashed through a storefront window – most of which are not tempered.
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If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall season, then don’t miss the inaugural Spirits of Wake Forest ghost walk coming to downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown (WFD), Inc., these tours will be offered throughout October at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 6 p.m. only on Sundays.
Downtown Wake Forest’s buildings and sidewalks have seen well over 100 years of history, and they have some spooky stories to tell! Join WFD, Inc. and their incredible cast of storytellers to learn about the tragic train wrecks, murderous mamas and “borrowed” corpses that make up just a small piece of downtown’s haunted history.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children 10 and under and must be purchased in advance. Please note: Tickets are non-refundable/non-transferable. Tours will take place rain or shine. Any attendees under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
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The Wake Forest Community Council is seeking award nominations of local individuals and organizations that have contributed exemplary volunteer efforts to our community.
Nominations are due by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, and may be completed and submitted online. Those submitting the online form will receive a confirmation upon receipt.
Those choosing not to complete/submit the online form, may pick up a hard copy at the entrance of The Forks Cafeteria & Catering, 339 S. Brooks Street in downtown Wake Forest.
Completed forms must be dropped off before the October 21 deadline at the Wake Forest Town Hall front desk, 301 S. Brooks St., or mailed to WFCC, PO Box 1003, Wake Forest, NC 27588. Face coverings are required, and visitors are asked to check the Town website for lobby hours as they may vary.
Award recipients will be honored regardless of the pandemic, either during a virtual community presentation or the annual Community Christmas Dinner traditionally held the first Monday in December.
Since 1965, the Wake Forest Community Council has annually presented the Citizen of the Year award to an individual or team demonstrating exemplary volunteer effort and the Organization of the Year award to a group that has contributed significantly to life in Wake Forest.
The Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual or team who has contributed at least 10 years of volunteer service to the Wake Forest community. It was first presented to Peggy Garren Allen for her lifetime of service to the Wake Forest Community and is named in her memory. Peggy and her husband Bob were long-time owners/publishers of The Wake Weekly newspaper. Peggy died in 2005 and Bob in September 2020.
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The Wake Forest Loop (WFL), a fare-free bus service for residents traveling within Wake Forest and a portion of Wakefield, has expanded its route to include six new all-day stops along Heritage Lake Road. The first pair of stops are located near Gateway Commons, while the next two are situated at opposite corners of the Heritage Lake Road/Heritage Club Avenue intersection. The final two stops are located at the intersection of Heritage Lake Road and Rogers Road.
The expanded service into Heritage is now part of the WFL’s permanent route effectively introducing all-day service into an area that had previously enjoyed mid-day service only.
As a result of the expanded route, current stops along South Main Street/US 1A in front of The Lodge and near Forbes Road have been removed.
The new all-day stops in Heritage, along with other enhancements introduced over the past several months, are designed to make public transportation more accessible to larger numbers of residents.
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Wake Forest residents can now go online and use the Town of Wake Forest app to request assistance and report issues related to solid waste service that once required a telephone call to the Public Works Department.
Now, instead of calling Public Works, residents can visit the Town website, then complete and submit the appropriate online form to accomplish the following:
- Request trash and recycling service;
- Upgrade from a 48-gallon to a 96-gallon recycling cart;
- Report damaged and/or missing carts;
- Report a missed trash or recycling collection;
- Request a bulk pickup;
- Sign up for Waste Wizard.
The online forms are also available on the Town app under the “Waste Wizard & Other Solid Waste Resources” function.
After completing and submitting the appropriate form, residents will receive an email confirming their submission has been received.
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While we miss seeing you on a daily basis, it is our goal to bring resources right to you and your families with the hope of making it easier for you to prioritize your health and well-being.
Our team has been hard at work putting together an exciting line-up of virtual classes for you and your family to enjoy while at home due to COVID-19. Here's a schedule of our virtual offerings, including special events, music, culinary and education classes, and athletics. You will note that many also offer in-person options.
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- Adams Ridge
- Bowling Green
- Cardinal Hills
- Crenshaw Hall
- Crenshaw Manor
- Deacons Ridge
- Downtown Wake Forest
- Edgeford Parks
- Everly
- Forest Mill
- Green Acres
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- Heath Ridge Village
- Heritage
- Holding Village
- Home Garden
- Homestead at Heritage
- Mangum
- Northhampton
- Oakwood Estates
- Retreat at Renaissance
- Richland Hills
- Stonegate
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Not every street in these neighborhoods will be impacted. Affected residents will receive a postcard in the mail (see sample above) and decal on their rollout trash cart that reads “Your Solid Waste Service Day is Changing.” The information pieces will identify the resident’s new trash, recycling and yard waste collection days.
The revised collection schedule is in response to the significant growth experienced throughout much of Wake Forest over the past several years. Republic Services officials say adjusting the routes will help balance the number of homes that must be serviced each day.
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Experience this timeless classic re-told with Latin American flavor! An original musical score by Charlotte composer John Alexander will have you fighting the urge to mambo in your living room. A dazzling array of rod puppets and shadow puppets all join in the quest to find the foot that fits a simple sandal. This show is sure to delight the salsa fan in everyone!
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The Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., offers adults age 55 and older a full schedule of recreational activities, such as aerobics, line dancing, ballroom dancing, wood carving, painting, craft making and more.
Programming at the center is provided by Resources for Seniors, Inc. The organization serves senior and disabled adults in Wake County by providing home- and community-based services and information, thereby allowing them to maximize their choices for independence, comfort, safety, security and well-being.
Check out Jennie's Weekly Jots, the senior center's weekly newsletter, for information on current programming and initiatives.
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The Town of Wake Forest recently introduced a new video series entitled Wake Forest Perspectives. Each program in the series features a 15-20 minute conversation with a Town of Wake Forest staff member, official or Wake Forest personality. Our goal is to engage a range of local guests in one-on-one discussions to provide a variety of “perspectives” on Wake Forest events, activities and initiatives.
This week's guest was Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Director Ruben Wall. Other recent guests have included Wake Forest Customer Service Manager Drew Brown, Renaissance Centre Manager Debbie Dunn, Wake Forest High School Football Coach Reggie Lucas and Senior Historic Planner Michelle Michael.
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The Wake Forest Planning Board typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., while the Board of Commissioners typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
These meetings can be viewed both live and on demand through the Public Meeting Portal on the Town’s website.
Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings are also broadcast live on Wake Forest TV 10—the Town’s government access channel—then re-broadcast daily throughout the next two weeks at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
WFTV 10 is available only to Wake Forest residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. However, WFTV 10 can be viewed online in real-time streaming video by anyone who has internet access. To stream WFTV 10 online, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “wftv 10.”
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In June, the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners voted to change how the Town charges for solid waste collection. Since 2008 Wake Forest property owners have paid for solid waste service as part of their annual property tax bill. Beginning January 1, 2021, the service will no longer be covered solely by annual tax revenues, but instead by a $21 monthly solid waste fee included on residents’ water bill. The monthly fee includes weekly trash, recycling and yard waste collection, along with seasonal collections for loose leaves, Christmas trees, bulk waste pickup and large brush collection.
Several improvements to the Town's yard waste and bulk waste collection programs (described below) will begin in January. The Town has created a portal on its website that provides a complete overview of program improvements, including answers to several frequently asked questions.
Yard Waste Collection
We heard repeatedly how working in your yard provides a tremendous stress relief (especially during a pandemic). The following improvements aim to keep up with your needs. Again, all will begin in January 2021:
- The weekly bag limit of yard waste will increase from 10 bags to 20 bags.
- The limit of large brush will increase from four to eight cubic yards (that’s about two pickup truck loads).
- Large brush collections must be scheduled in advance via an online form on the Town’s website similar to the scheduling of bulk waste collections. Any yard waste that does not fit into bags or yard waste containers is considered “large brush” and must be scheduled in advance.
Residents in single-family and townhome communities not previously receiving yard waste service will receive service beginning in January.
Residents that contract with a landscaping company are responsible for coordinating with their contractor to ensure that any yard waste is placed in clear plastic bags, Town-provided carts or biodegradable paper bags for collection. Yard waste must be placed in front of individual homes, not in front of common areas or open space.
Bulk Waste Collection
Beginning in January, bulk waste items of any weight will be collected — so items no longer need to meet a 75 lb. minimum requirement. Bulk waste is simply any acceptable trash that does not fit into your rollout cart, such as furniture, appliances, rugs and lawn mowers.
Bulk waste pickups must be scheduled online. Residents can schedule up to two free bulk waste collections per year. After that, collections are billed at $50 each.
Stay tuned because you'll be hearing much more about these improvements over the next several months.
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Wake Forest Power (WFP) offers residential customers a simple, yet effective way they can help neighbors struggling to pay electric bills due to COVID-19 or other financial hardships.
Helping Others by Providing Electricity or H.O.P.E. is an initiative offered by the Town of Wake Forest designed to help financially disadvantaged electric customers pay their utility bills. The program is funded by the generous donations of WFP customers and administered through a partnership between the Town and ChurchNet, a local non-profit organization assisting area people in need.
WFP now offers three ways for customers to contribute to H.O.P.E. online:
- Round up your bill to the next dollar. For example, a bill of $73.46 would become $74.00. Individually, this is pretty small change; on average, participants will contribute around six dollars annually to the program.
- Make a recurring contribution with your monthly utility payment. For your convenience, the Town of Wake Forest is happy to set up a recurring donation of as little as $1/month or whatever dollar amount you choose.
- Make a one-time contribution via PayPal. This option is available to everyone - not just WFP customers.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about six out of 10 people living with dementia will wander away from their homes. As the development of the disease continues, it can become increasingly difficult and potentially impossible for the person to find their way home. Many children with autism may also wander. That’s why the Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) has introduced a new program designed to help officers find and safely return home people with disabilities as quickly as possible when they wander away from their families or caregivers.
The Take Me Home initiative is designed to protect Wake Forest children, adults and the elderly with disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome or Alzheimer’s and other dementia disorders, who go missing and may be unable to communicate who they are and where they live.
The program is a free, voluntary and confidential database offered, managed and maintained by Wake Forest police for Wake Forest residents. It is only accessible to law enforcement via the WFPD.
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Although the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is closed and in-person events canceled, “the show must go on-line.” As we continue adjusting to life in the midst of COVID-19, the Renaissance Centre is now offering a series of free online visual and performing arts experiences you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.
One of the Renaissance Centre’s favorite performers, Happy Dan The Magic Man, is now performing his one-of-a-kind magic show on the third Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. These performances can be streamed via the Renaissance Centre Facebook page. They will also be available on the Renaissance Centre website.
Everyone laughs louder when Happy Dan the Magic Man is in the house. Happy Dan has traveled the world entertaining families for more than 30 years. His hilarious family shows are regular features at Southeastern festivals, comedy clubs, banquets, trade shows, schools, and family living rooms. He is more than an entertainer. He's that slightly silly, can't-wait-to-see-him, loving uncle that every child loves.
Happy Dan's zany character recalls the fun of live television hosts from years gone by. He blends the gentleness and homespun comfort of Mister Rogers with the silly antics and storytelling of Captain Kangaroo. His talents stretch to thoroughly holding the attention of children as young as three years to golden age adults. Wherever laughter and a caring heart is needed, Happy Dan delivers!
To learn more about the Renaissance Centre, including our virtual programming, like us on Facebook and sign up for free updates via E-Notifier.
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A contractor working to extend Ledgerock Road in the Deacons Ridge Subdivision has closed a portion of the Dunn Creek Greenway. The closure is necessary to allow crews to realign the trail. The work is expected to be completed by early November.
Signage and barricades have been posted to inform the public of the closure.
The Dunn Creek Greenway begins at the Smith Creek Soccer Center, 690 Heritage Lake Road, and runs north to the pedestrian culvert under NC-98 Bypass/Dr. Calvin Jones Highway. Measuring one mile, the 10' wide paved and boardwalk trail is designed for biking, hiking or simply enjoying nature.
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A mandatory mask requirement is in effect for all of North Carolina. As a result, every North Carolinian in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others, is required to wear a face covering.
Exceptions to the mask requirement apply to children under 11, those with certain medical conditions and people exercising outdoors away from other people. Other exceptions allow for people to remove masks while communicating with someone who is hearing impaired, while receiving medical treatment, or while giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience. You are also not required to wear a mask while riding in a personal vehicle.
In accordance with Executive Order (EO) 147, all visitors to the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and other Town facilities must wear a face mask or face covering. For more information, call Town Hall at 919-435-9400.
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The Town of Wake Forest is embarking on a major update to the Wake Forest Community Plan. The updated Community Plan will shape the Town’s vision and guide development for the next 10 to 20 years. The renewed plan will also help Town leaders make substantive and thoughtful decisions on behalf of the community.
The two-year process will start this summer and include various ways for
residents to participate and offer input.
In addition, the Town of Wake Forest is also updating the Northeast Community Plan. The plan provides short and long-term recommendations for the Northeast Neighborhood. The Town has contracted with Rhodeside Harwell, Inc. to update the Northeast Neighborhood plan. The project will kick off later this summer and is expected to take 12 months to complete.
Residents will have various opportunities to provide input for the new Northeast Neighborhood Plan. Topics of considerable interest include
food security, improved public and affordable housing, workforce training,
transportation, connectivity and building partnerships.
More information on both plan updates will be announced soon.
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Recycling Refresher
It's time to take a fresh look at recycling and change how we think about it! It's less important to fill the bin with a mix of things we think MAY be recyclable as it is to put in things we KNOW are recyclable. Click on the video above. It's designed to help you "get the right things in the bin - for the win!"
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The Waste Wizard makes it easier than ever for residents to stay informed about Town of Wake Forest trash, recycling and yard waste collection programs. The Waste Wizard also helps residents know which disposable household materials can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away.
Available on the Town’s website, the “Waste Wizard” is an interactive tool that allows users to sign up for waste collection reminders and download collection schedules.
You can also type in key words related to disposable household materials and receive valuable disposal tips. From aluminum cans and phone books to popcorn bags and plastic bags, the search tool helps residents effectively sort their recyclables from their trash.
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Please...don't...litter!
The Town of Wake Forest often receives reports about trash of all kinds along our roads. It's a shame we're forced to constantly reinforce this message - but please don’t litter! We need everyone to help keep Wake Forest and North Carolina beautiful and safe, and it starts with each of us doing our part.
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Parks and greenways users are urged to remember the following:
- Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
- While on trails, warn other users of your presence as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
- Always observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals. If this is not possible, find an alternate location or depart that space.
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Police officials are reminding Wake Forest motorists to park in the direction of traffic flow or risk a $25 fine. Wording in Sec. 30-251 of the Town's Code of Ordinances addresses "Parking in direction of traffic flow."
"Parking shall be established in the direction of traffic flow on all streets within corporate limits of the Town of Wake Forest with passenger side (right) tires to the curb on two-way streets."
In summary, on a two-way road, you must park with the right-hand wheels next to the right-side curb. Otherwise, you are parked illegally. More>>
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You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to E-News – part of the Town of Wake Forest’s e-mail subscription service. E-News keeps you up-to-date on Town of Wake Forest news, information, events and services. If you believe you have been subscribed in error, or would like to cancel your subscription to The Week Ahead, you may unsubscribe below.
If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-News, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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