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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Statement from
The Town of Wake Forest is concerned about the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in our community, state and nation and recognize that the surge is due largely to the infectious Delta variant. The troubling trends we are witnessing include rapid increases in new cases, higher positivity rates, increased hospitalizations, and ICU units at or near full capacity.
Although Wake County is expected to reinstate a mask mandate in the coming days (which will apply to residents living in unincorporated areas), the Town of Wake Forest has decided not to follow suit at this time due to inconsistent mask requirements across our state and no enforcement authority.
Instead, we are strongly urging everyone to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces. Furthermore, we support those merchants requiring a mask to be worn inside their business just as we require visitors and staff to wear masks inside our Town facilities.
Our decision not to issue a mask mandate at this time should not be interpreted as a refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of our current situation. Rather, we are choosing to rely on our citizens to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, practicing the three W’s, and staying home when sick.
Just as we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to monitor this ever-changing situation and make adjustments as necessary.
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“COVID-19 Vaccines: Separating Fact from Fiction,” will feature a research-based presentation by Dr. Chris DeRienzo, System Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Quality at WakeMed Health and Hospitals, and Dr. Nicole Mushonga, Wake County Government’s Associate Medical Director and Epidemiology Program Director.
The presentation will address how COVID-19 vaccines were created and work, vaccine safety and efficacy, the Delta variant, and local resources. The session will conclude with a question-and-answer period.
Community members are asked to register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Registrants will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance and during the webinar.
Residents may also watch the information webinar live on WFTV 10. The Town’s government access channel is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video.
A video of the information session will be available for viewing online the following week.
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Beginning Monday, Aug. 16, all five Wake County COVID testing sites, including the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., will operate 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
With demand for COVID-19 testing more than doubling, community spread of the virus increasing and positivity rates climbing more than 80% in the past two weeks, Wake County Public Health will expand its free drive-thru testing program beginning Monday, Aug. 16.
There is no cost, no ID required and no appointment necessary. All sites use self-administered PCR tests which are painless and require people to swab just inside their nose. Results should come back within 12-24 hours.
Accessing the Northern Regional Center
To ensure an orderly traffic flow, Town officials encourage anyone planning to visit the testing site at the Northern Regional Center to approach the facility from the Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass.
Motorists should then turn onto South Franklin Street and then onto Yellow Poplar.
From there, turn right onto South White Street and right along East Holding Avenue before turning right into the NRC lot.
Drivers are advised to plan ahead, remain patient and follow the direction of traffic control and all signage.
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The Wake Forest Area Chamber is hosting Wake Forest Works, a Job Fair presented by Wegmans, on Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., in downtown Wake Forest.
“Employers across the board are having difficulty hiring,” explained Corey Hutcherson, VP for the Chamber. “In order to help with the workforce issue, we decided to host a one-stop Job Fair. Participating businesses include everything from healthcare and construction to insurance and hospitality.”
There is no charge for job seekers to attend the Fair. Booths will be set up so applicants can learn about all the hiring opportunities. Door prizes will be given every hour, and private rooms will be available for on-the-spot interviews.
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COVID-19 forced the cancellation of Six Sundays in Spring in both 2020 and 2021. But now that NC has lifted all pandemic-related capacity restrictions, the Town of Wake Forest is pleased to partner with ARTS Wake Forest to offer Six Sundays in Fall.
Bring the kids, friends, a picnic and a blanket and settle in for some foot-tapping, finger-snapping good times! The 2021 Six Sundays in Fall concert series is scheduled on six consecutive Sundays from September 5 through October 10. Sponsored by ARTS Wake Forest, these free concerts get underway at 5 p.m. and take place rain or shine at the E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road.
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What do you get when you spend an entire afternoon free from electronic devices that often seem to control us instead of the other way around? The answer: Wake Forest Unplugged...Get Connected.
Sponsored by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board, "Wake Forest Unplugged...Get Connected" is a rare opportunity for residents to "disconnect" from cell phones, PDAs, and computers, and "re-connect" with their community, friends, and family.
The RAB will host a variety of organized games and activities, including sack and relay races, corn hole, and miniature golf, from 4-6 p.m. in the vicinity of the Walker Garden.
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The Wake Forest Human Relations Council (HRC) is soliciting youth and adult nominations for the annual Good Neighbor of the Year Award. The award recognizes Wake Forest residents who work to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods without seeking recognition for their efforts.
Nominees are sought in two divisions: adult (ages 19 and older) and youth (ages 10-18). To qualify, a nominee must be a Wake Forest resident who has made a significant contribution to the community between Sept. 1, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2021. Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are not eligible.
Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31. Nominations must include the names of both the nominator and the nominee, along with a narrative of 400 words or less describing why the nominee is deserving of the Good Neighbor of the Year Award.
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The Town of Wake Forest is inviting local companies interested in learning more about “doing business” with the Town and its community partners to a How to Do Business Networking, Reception & Table Expo on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Designed to connect attendees with purchasing directors and project managers from several state and local agencies and organizations, the event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Over 15 community partners have been invited to attend and share information about the types of contracts they award, their bidding and award processes, and details about upcoming projects. Among the community partners invited to participate are the NC Department of Transportation, NC Department of Administration’s Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake County, Wake Tech, the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, Town of Youngsville and Town of Rolesville.
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Provided below are 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.
Through Saturday, Aug. 14
From now through Saturday, Aug. 14, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working at the future Legacy at Heritage, will periodically reduce to one lane with alternating two-way traffic the portion of Heritage Lake Road from Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass to Friendship Chapel daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The periodic lane closures are necessary to allow crews to perform grading and pavement operations as part of the Heritage Lake Road improvements.
Signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area and take an alternate route.
Through Mid-September
From now through mid-September, Moffat Pipe, Inc., a contractor working to widen a section of Burlington Mills Road in the vicinity of Endeavor Charter School, will reduce to one lane with alternating two-way traffic the portion of Burlington Mills Road from Urial Drive to just beyond 1 World Way daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area and take an alternate route.
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Through the end of September, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working on the Holding Village subdivision, will initiate lane reductions and other restrictions at various times along portions of South Main Street/US 1A, Friendship Chapel Road, South Franklin Street and Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass. An overview of the roadwork is provided below:
South Main Street/US 1A from Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass to The Lodge at Wake Forest
The contractor will install an additional westbound left turn lane onto Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass and a receiving lane along South Main/US 1A.
Friendship Chapel Road/South Main Street/US 1A
Crews will install an additional turn lane at the intersection of Friendship Chapel Road and South Main.
Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass/South Franklin Street
Crews will extend South Franklin Street and convert the intersection to a Reduced Conflict Intersection, also known as a superstreet.
Signage and cones will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work areas. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid these areas if possible and take an alternate route.
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Political signs will soon be going up around the community in advance of the November 2 local election.
The Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries from area residents and candidates concerning rules for political signs. While temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues are permitted, a combination of state law and municipal code regulates how political signs may be displayed within Wake Forest. To ensure these purpose statements are met, adherence to regulations establishing the duration, size, placement, and illumination of political signs is required.
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Popular party band Crush will headline the long awaited, highly anticipated return of Friday Night on White on Friday, Sept. 10. The free outdoor concert will take place from 6-9 p.m. along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at several downtown restaurants. Plus, the following food and dessert trucks will be on site: Bo's Kitchen, Charlie's on Wheels, Cousins Maine Lobster, Crumbstruction, Goodberry's Frozen Custard, Hale Yeah Kitchen, Kona Ice, Lawrence & Perry Barbeque, Lumpy's Ice Cream, Southern Fried Lumpia Co., Stavi's Sandwiches, The Naked Empanada, the VFW Chuck Wagon, and Virgil's Jamaica.
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The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host a country western-themed Father-Daughter Dance on Friday, Sept. 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave. Fathers and daughters (ages 3-12) throughout Wake Forest are invited to celebrate their special bond during an unforgettable evening that will include music, dancing and refreshments.
The cost is $30 per couple (Wake Forest residents) and $38/couple (non-Wake Forest residents), plus $8 for each additional daughter.
A limited number of seats are available, so anyone interested in attending is encouraged to register now.
For more information, email PRCR Events Coordinator Suja Jacob.
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The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is again urging residents to guard against fraud and financial scams following a reported incident involving a phone request for a donation to a local law enforcement agency. Many times, it’s hard to tell what’s a scam and what isn’t, but any time someone asks you to donate money over the phone to law enforcement – play it safe and hang up because it’s likely a scam.
Wake Forest Police officials say no one associated with WFPD would ever call you and request a donation over the phone. In addition, to help you keep your hard-earned money, the WFPD is sharing the following tips on how you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
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Never give out your personal information like a Social Security Number, credit card or bank account number, or other personal information to anyone you don’t know who contacts you.
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When in doubt, pay with a credit card. Credit cards give you protection if your order doesn’t arrive or the work isn’t completed.
- More Tips
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Loose trash in trucks creates litter along Wake Forest roadways.
Help keep Wake Forest roadways clean by securing any trash in your truck bed. When you throw trash in the back of your truck, it inevitably blows out and becomes litter on the roadside. In fact, half of all litter is blown, not thrown! Roadside litter costs millions of dollars to remove, decreases property values and has a negative impact on tourism.
The NC Department of Public Safety reports that an even bigger problem is unsecured loads in the back of trucks. At high speeds, even large items can fly out and hurt or startle other drivers causing accidents. Put trash into built-in containers. Use tarps, cargo nets and tie-downs to secure any loads. #KeepWFclean
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The Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating the Community Plan and Future Land Use Map, and we need your input - again. As a follow-up to the Visioning Workshops in April, Wake Forest residents, business owners and community stakeholders are invited to share their recommendations for residential, commercial and industrial development by completing an online visioning survey. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete.
Citizen feedback is the key ingredient officials will use to create the foundation for the Community Plan Update and Future Land Use Map. Whether you attended one of the visioning workshops or not, don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and opinions on the future of Wake Forest.
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The Wake Forest Fire Department's Centennial Celebration is underway. The video above is designed to commemorate the occasion and highlight the fire department's longstanding commitment to our community.
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UPDATE - Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean
In late January, we launched our Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean anti-litter campaign. Since then, volunteers have checked out 56 litter kits; logged 91 hours; collected over 4,400 lbs. of trash and 1,200 lbs. of recyclables; and cleaned 25 miles of streets, eight sections of roadway and 12 sections of waterway.
We developed the infographic above to highlight our progress and express our thanks to our awesome community volunteers!
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The following monthly meeting schedule is now in effect:
Board of Commissioners Work Session
First Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Joint Public Hearings
First Tuesday/month - 7:30 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting
Second Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Third Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
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The July/August 2021 edition of Our Town is now available. Click on the cover image on the right to view the latest issue in digital format.
Our Town is Wake Forest's free bi-monthly newsletter. Published every other month, Our Town is mailed to every home in the 27587 zip code and residents of Wakefield. If you live in one of these areas, you should have already received the latest edition in your mailbox. The cover of the current issue is shown.
PLEASE NOTE: The November/December 2021 edition of Our Town will mark the end of a 12-year run for the official Town newsletter. Beginning in 2022, Our Town will no longer be produced or published in any format. Residents can stay informed about Wake Forest programs, services and events in a variety of ways, including email and Facebook. To view a complete listing of all the ways you can stay informed about what's happening in and around Wake Forest, visit us online.
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The Town of Wake Forest has launched a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors. Over the next year, #RecycleRightWF will introduce and emphasize a series of easy-to-understand messages aimed at simplifying the recycling process and improving the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.
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The Town of Wake Forest is encouraging residents to stay informed about trash, recycling and yard waste collection by signing up for the “Waste Wizard.” The Waste Wizard is a free interactive tool that allows users to sign up for personalized trash and recycling collection reminders, download collection schedules and access online service request forms for bulk waste pickup, brush pickup and missed collections.
But that’s not all. The Waste Wizard also allows users to 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 beverage bottles, the search tool helps residents determine which items can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away.
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What makes Wake Forest such a wonderful place to live, work and play? Check out our new video for just a few of the reasons so many people love calling Wake Forest "home."
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Kids Say the Cutest Things is back, and this time they're talking about the harmful effects of litter. Please join these kids and the Town of Wake Forest in the fight against litter by properly disposing of your trash and encouraging others to do the same!
In the words of one of these kids, "Be a good citizen," and #KeepWFClean.
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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. 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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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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