The Town of Wake Forest will host a public hearing to gather citizen input for inclusion in the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Update during the Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Chambers, 301 S. Brooks St.
Wake Forest residents are invited to attend the session and provide input in this important process.
Town staff are currently in the process of considering projects to include in the CIP Update which covers the five fiscal years from 2023-24 through 2027-28. Residents are invited to visit Engage Wake Forest to share their thoughts and opinions on the specific areas in which the Town should focus over the next five years. All comments received will be shared with the BOC for consideration and will become part of the public record.
|
|
On Sunday, Oct. 9, the PRCR Department unveiled a new mural inside the gymnasium at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
Created by local artist Sara Roberts, the mural depicts a meadow of wildflowers each highlighting a local park or popular Wake Forest landmark. Entitled “Poppin Over Joyner,” the original artwork panels are currently on display in the lobby of the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre Arts Annex.
|
|
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host the 2022 Halloween Boo Bash Friday, Oct. 28, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
The Halloween Boo Bash is a free, family-oriented festival for children ages 12 and younger. This year's festivities will include a variety of ghostly games and activities, and free pumpkin giveaways - while supplies last. Costumes are optional, but best costumes may be featured on the Town website and social media pages.
Halloween is (always) October 31
On a related note, the Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries concerning when families should go trick-or-treating. Since Halloween is always October 31, that’s the day the Town encourages families to go door-to-door in costumes for candy and fun – regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Wake Forest Police Department also recommends that little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.
|
|
Disclaimer: We know it's only October! If you prefer not to think about the holidays until after Halloween, please proceed to the next article. If - on the other hand - you like to plan ahead, please continue reading.
You can stay current on all our holiday events by visiting and bookmarking the Christmas in Wake Forest portal on the Town website. It provides easy access to event dates, times, locations, and more, so “tis the season” to mark your calendars, so you don’t miss a thing.
|
|
Free and open to the public, our Holiday Kick-off will offer a slew of activities the entire family can enjoy, including award-winning ice carvers, roaming street performers, community performances, a children's craft activity, and more!
You will also have the chance to learn more about several Wake Forest Cares initiatives and how they are making a positive difference in our community.
|
|
The Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Wake Forest Woman's Club will present their biennial Historic Home Tour on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1-7 p.m. – rain or shine.
Offered only in even-numbered years, the Historic Home Tour is a self-guided tour featuring several Wake Forest properties decorated for the holidays and open for viewing. This year’s event will also offer wonderful Christmas music and more.
Tickets are $25 each (plus taxes and fees) and available online and at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St. The box office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.
|
|
The Northern Wake Senior Center will host a special Veterans Day Celebration for residents ages 55 and older on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. The event is free, including lunch, but seating is limited. Registration is required by calling 919-554-4111.
Designed to honor local military veterans, the Veterans Day Celebration will feature vendors and guest speakers addressing a variety of topics, including PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), affordable housing options for veterans, and more.
|
|
Town staff often receive complaints from residents about dogs running at large – particularly at Town parks and along local greenways. Although Wake Forest does not have an ordinance pertaining to dogs, Wake County Animal Control has jurisdiction to enforce animal control laws within the town and its park system.
Wake County Animal Control Ordinance Section 91.07 (A) (1) states “It shall be unlawful for any owner to permit an animal to be at large.” Section (C) further states “It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any dog to take the dog into or allow the dog to enter any public park without being at all times under the restraint of a leash unless the park is designated as a dog park.”
To report an animal control problem, including dogs running at large, call Wake County Animal Control at 919-212-PETS (7387).
|
|
The Wake Forest Community Council (WFCC) is seeking award nominations of local individuals and organizations that have contributed exemplary volunteer efforts to our community. The submission deadline is noon on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Since 1965, the WFCC has annually presented the Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year, and the Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award. Information about each of these awards, including their respective online nomination forms, is available on the Town website.
Award recipients will be honored during the annual Community Christmas Dinner on Monday, Dec. 5, at The Forks Cafeteria, 339 S. Brooks St.
|
|
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 19, as part of its 16th 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 check to this year’s Turkey Drive should contact Officer K. Abshire.
|
|
Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., and 14 other locations throughout Wake County ahead of the November 8 General Election. Early voting will continue daily through Saturday, Nov. 5, according to the following schedule:
Weekdays, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sundays, 1-6 p.m.
|
|
Award-winning storyteller Donna Washington will offer a free performance at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., on Friday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m.
Families and children of all ages are invited to attend what promises to be a highly animated performance, but seating is limited.
|
|
The PRCR Department is inviting local families to participate in the third annual Family Gobblequest on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
The event is $5 per child, and space is limited to the first 25 families to register via RecDesk (search “gobble”).
|
|
The Town of Wake Forest and the Local Government Federal Credit Union will co-sponsor a drive-thru paper shredding event on Monday, Nov. 14, from noon-4 p.m. – or until the two paper shredding trucks are full. Free and open to the public, the shred event will take place rain or shine in the parking lot of the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
The occasion will offer area residents and businesses the opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and dispose of confidential documents in an environmentally responsible manner.
All paper will be shredded on-site, then recycled.
|
|
You're invited to enjoy the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn while also learning about native trees during a series of Fall Foliage Tours in early November at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
Urban Forestry Coordinator Luke Devores will offer the free, one-hour tours “rain or shine” on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 12, at noon and 2 p.m.
Parents and children of all ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to assemble at the kiosk adjacent to the entrance to the Joyner Park parking lot.
|
|
Coats of all shapes and sizes are welcome and may be dropped off at one of the following PRCR facilities (during normal operating hours):
Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St.
Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
All donated coats will be distributed to children and teens in need of a winter jacket on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center.
|
|
Mark your calendars for a cinematic tour de force! The Fourth Annual Wake Forest Film Festival is scheduled for Friday-Saturday, March 3-4, 2023, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. Tickets are $20 and go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 1.
The Renaissance Centre is accepting film submissions via FilmFreeway through Wednesday, Oct. 12. The website includes film screening fees and submission requirements.
In addition, the Renaissance Centre is seeking volunteers to judge submitted films. Selected judges will be given a link to view the films, then asked to provide feedback and scores. To learn more, email Renaissance Centre Director Debbie Dunn.
|
|
Responding to FAQs
Over the next several weeks, we will continue sharing important information about the 2022 Bond Referendum. The Town of Wake Forest cannot advocate for a vote one way or the other on the referendum questions. Instead, all we can do is present the facts for voters to consider as they determine how they will vote.
One way we will present the facts is by providing answers to a series of Frequently Asked Questions. This week’s question is:
If voters don't approve the bonds, does this mean that the Board of Commissioners will be prevented from raising property tax rates in the future?
No. The bond vote is a vote on whether the town may specifically use general obligation (G.O.) bond financing; it is not a vote on the property tax rate.
The Board of Commissioners may raise or lower the property tax rates each year depending on the amount of revenues it believes is necessary to meet the operational and capital needs of the town.
|
|
Tickets for these performances may be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card. Advance tickets may also be purchased with cash, check, or credit card at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St.
These shows are expected to sell out, so anyone interested in attending is encouraged to purchase their tickets now.
|
|
From November 21-December 4, the PRCR Department will host a Virtual Bass Fishing Tournament for ages 13 and older and a Virtual Youth Fishing Tournament for ages 12 and under (non-competitive). Over this two-week period, local anglers can visit any public fishery in Wake or Franklin County to try and catch the biggest fish. Participants in the Youth Fishing Tournament may catch any species of fish, while anglers in the Bass Fishing Tournament will be limited to bass only.
Online registration for both tournaments is available through Thursday, Nov. 3 (search “fishing”). The cost to participate is $10 for the bass tournament and $5 for the youth tourney.
|
|
The PRCR Department will host an online esports gaming tournament featuring "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" Saturday, Oct. 22.
Open to players ages 10 and older, the online tournament is free to play and will be live streamed on Twitch.tv. Registration is open through Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Participants will compete in a one-on-one, single-day, double-elimination tournament to be run in conjunction with "Bull City Gaming." Matches will be best of three the championship match being best of five.
|
|
WFTV 10 is off the air - except during live meeting broadcasts
WFTV 10 is off the air (except during live meeting broadcasts) due to malfunctioning equipment that controls scheduled video playback.
We have ordered a replacement but continue to experience delays due to supply chain issues.
Until the new equipment is delivered and installed, Channel 10 broadcasts will continue to be limited to live meetings.
|
|
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 (as needed) - 7:30 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting
Second Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Third Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
|
|
The UDO combines into a single document the Town's zoning, subdivision, land use, grading, storm water management, and historic preservation regulations. It outlines the requirements for all development activity.
The UDO was first adopted in 2013, along with the Manual of Specifications, Standards and Design (MSSD). With the update and adoption of several comprehensive plans, including the 2022 Community Plan and 2021 Northeast Community Plan, as well as several other comprehensive plans that are underway, the UDO and MSSD must be updated to implement the policies and recommendations of the plans.
In addition to reflecting the goals and actions of the comprehensive plans, the UDO needs to maintain compliance with state, federal and case law, which are constantly evolving. Finally, the update will exam best practices and trending topics.
The update process will involve multiple steps and take approximately two years. The updated UDO and MSSD will set the development rules for Wake Forest.
|
|
In 2021 the Town of Wake Forest launched a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors.
#RecycleRightWF introduced and emphasized 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.
Thanks to the cooperation and efforts of our residents, we have recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the past year. Great job!
|
|
Despite our best efforts, there are still some who complain about not knowing what is happening in our community. That's why we thought it might be useful for Talbot the Town Crier to again offer his "olde school" overview of all the ways you can stay informed.
|
|
The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals, families, churches and civic clubs to join the “Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean” campaign by picking up trash in their neighborhoods and along local streets and roadways. The initiative allows volunteers to pick up litter on a one-time or ongoing basis. Participants may also choose the area they wish to clean or request direction to high need areas around town.
To aid the effort, volunteers may reserve litter kits at no charge by completing the online reservation form. Each litter kit includes reflective vests, gloves, buckets, grabbers, trash bags, data collection sheets, hand sanitizer and litter education materials. A special thanks to B&W Hardware for donating the litter kits.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
