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New Year’s Holiday Schedule
The Wake Forest Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s.
During the week of December 30, trash and recycling will be collected according to the normal schedule on Monday and Tuesday.
The Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will be collected one day later than normal and extend into Saturday. So, Wednesday’s route will be collected Thursday, Thursday’s route will be collected Friday, and Friday’s route will be collected Saturday.
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Christmas tree collection starts Thursday
The Town of Wake Forest is encouraging residents to make recycling a holiday tradition by recycling their live Christmas trees.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, Town crews will collect and recycle live Christmas trees from residential homes during yard waste collection. The trees will be ground into mulch and made available for free to residents upon request.
All Wake Forest residents whose yard waste is collected by the Town may participate in the “Treecycling” program. To recycle your Christmas tree, remove all decorations, tinsel, nails, stands, and bags from the tree and set it behind the curb for collection.
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Emma Linn is Town of Wake Forest 2024 Employee of the Year
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to recognize Planner II Emma Linn as its “2024 Jon Ray Employee of the Year.”
The Jon Ray Employee of the Year (EOY) Award is named after former Street Supervisor Jon Ray who passed away in November 2013. Padgett and a committee comprised of former EOY award winners select the Employee of the Year from nominations submitted by Town staff. Submissions must include a written narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.
Emma was nominated for the EOY award by several co-workers, one of whom praised her attitude, enthusiasm, and positivity.
“It all starts in the attitude that she brings to town hall on a daily basis. I have never seen her walk past me without speaking and smiling. She seems to have a limitless enthusiasm for life and work, and it truly is infectious to all the people she associates with. I can think of no kinder and more positive member of our team. Also, from a professional standpoint, Emma is always quick to answer any questions that I have. She has also, on numerous occasions, stepped in to fill other roles to assist her coworkers. She is a powerful voice for positivity in an often negative and cynical world. I can think of no one more deserving of the 2024 Employee of the year.”
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Urban Forestry Board seeks to fill youth & adult vacancies
You can make a difference in our community by applying to fill one adult and three youth vacancies on the Urban Forestry Board (UFB).
Residents of Wake Forest and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) are eligible to apply. The application deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The online advisory board application is available on the Town website. Anyone without computer access is invited to complete the application by using a computer kiosk in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Hard copies are available upon request by contacting Deputy Town Clerk Ella Dowtin at 919-435-9436.
UFB candidates will be expected to attend the Tuesday, Jan. 28, UFB meeting to introduce themselves and explain why they wish to serve. Following the interviews, the UFB will review its slate of candidates before submitting its recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.
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Register now for free “Scam Jam & Medicare Fraud Patrol” webinar Jan 15
The NC Retired Governmental Employees' Association (NCRGEA) will host a free “Scam Jam & Medicare Fraud Patrol” webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Open to everyone, the interactive webinar will be presented by Stephanie Bias, NC Senior Medicare Patrol Program Coordinator.
Stephanie's primary focus is outreach and education to NC’s 2 million+ Medicare beneficiaries. This webinar will educate you on how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud, encourage you to be good stewards of your Medicare benefits, and share information about the ever-growing amount of losses that occur each year.
The webinar will be available for viewing at the Northern Wake Senior Center. For everyone else, registration is required by Friday, Jan. 10.
Registration Tips
- You don’t need to be a member to participate
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For the question - From which group did you retire? - choose pre-retiree
- Provide the email address to which you want the Zoom link sent
- After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link on Jan 13
- The registration form includes a text box in which you can enter specific questions you’d like answered
For more information, email NCRGEA Community Liaison Deryl Davis Fulmer.
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MLK Community Celebration is Jan 23, fundraising drive continues
Several local churches and community organizations will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road.
The evening’s theme will center around one of Dr. King’s messages: “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.” In the spirit of the event theme, the Wake Forest MLK Committee will offer creative performance, writing, and art competitions for students in Wake Forest and Rolesville-area schools. Complete contest rules and information, along with the online contest entry form, are available on the Town website. The competition winners will be recognized during the January 23 program.
The Wake Forest MLK Committee is accepting monetary donations from the community to help fund the monetary prizes and scholarships awarded to the competition winners. The MLK Committee hopes to raise $10,000 by January 31, 2025. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations.
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Police Department to begin accepting Junior Cadet applications Thursday
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is seeking young men and women interested in joining the Junior Cadets. Dedicated to preparing young adults for careers and leadership in public safety, the program will begin accepting applications on Thursday, Jan. 2. The application period will remain open until all seats are filled.
To qualify as a Police Junior Cadet, a person must have completed the eighth grade, be between the ages of 14-20, and have an interest in the field of law enforcement.
Junior Cadets participate in meetings, training sessions, ride-alongs with experienced police officers (cadets 18 and older), and other activities as part of the learning process.
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Finance Director Sam Sanchez completes Civic Fellows “Leading for Results”
Finance Director Sam Sanchez recently completed the “Leading for Results” program at the UNC School of Government as a Civic Fellow.
Sam was among 22 individuals from across North Carolina identified as a critical leader in their local government. She was selected in a competitive process from over 180 applicants to the program.
“Leading for Results” focuses on personal and organizational leadership. As part of the program, participants were introduced to models of leadership as well as management and leadership tools and strategies. Civic Fellows also gained insight into their individual leadership styles and strengths and practiced ways to increase their effectiveness within their respective organizations.
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Budget & Performance Manager Michelle Daniels earns Certified Local Government Budget Officers designation
Wake Forest Budget & Performance Manager Michelle Daniels recently completed the Certified Local Government Budget Officers (CLGBO) Program.
Sponsored by the NC Local Government Budget Association (NCLGBA) in partnership with the UNC School of Government (SOG), the CLGBO Program is designed to enhance the local government budget profession in North Carolina. Since 2009, the program has recognized individual achievement for an established level of knowledge on the topics of budgeting, performance, and evaluation.
Certification is achieved through a combination of professional experience and/or education, continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, and successful completion of three exams in the public budgeting field:
- Local Government Budgeting
- Capital Financing
- Performance Measurement & Management
Michelle completed the necessary coursework and exceeded the professional experience, education, and exam score components to earn the CLGBO designation.
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You’re invited to “Coffee with a Cop” Jan 7
Wake Forest Police will host Coffee with a Cop Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, from 9-11 a.m. at Summer Moon Coffee, 3600 Rogers Branch Road, Suite 104.
“Coffee with a Cop” provides a unique opportunity for law enforcement and community members to come together in an informal, neutral setting to discuss community issues and build relationships - one cup of coffee at a time.
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Dunn Creek Greenway Phase 3 construction continues
Crowder Construction, a contractor working on behalf of the Town of Wake Forest, began construction on Phase 3 of the Dunn Creek Greenway on December 16.
Funded by the 2022 Bond Referendum, Phase 3 will add 1.8 miles of greenway to the Dunn Creek network. Starting at the current end of the Dunn Creek Greenway north of Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass, Phase 3 will connect with the existing greenway alignment to Ailey Young Park and the existing greenway network constructed in the Traditions neighborhood.
Scheduled for completion in late spring 2026, Phase 3 will require the greenway to cross over Wait Avenue and three streams. The footbridges that span these streams will be constructed with precast concrete boardwalk systems, known as Permatrak, to reduce slipping conditions when wet and aid long-term maintenance and structural integrity.
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NCFST Mobile Market returns Jan 9 & Jan 23
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe for Revival are pleased to provide a mobile grocery store across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m. – rain or shine.
Offering fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the NCFST Mobile Market returns to Wake Forest on Thursday, Jan. 9, and Thursday, Jan. 23.
Open to everyone, the pay-what-you-can mobile grocery store makes fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of your budget.
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Registration continues for Historic Tax Credit Workshop Jan 16
The Wake Forest Historic Preservation Program will host a Historic Tax Credit Workshop on Thursday, Jan. 16, for owners of properties listed as contributing in a historic district or individually in the National Register of Historic Places. The session is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. in the Wake Forest Town Hall Ground Floor Meeting Room, 301 S. Brooks St. The room is most easily accessed via Town Hall’s Taylor Street entrance.
The workshop will provide comprehensive information about the Historic Tax Credit Program and qualifying home projects. The session will also highlight several successful home projects and address how to get started.
Featured presenters will include Restoration Specialist and Homeowner Tax Credit Program Coordinator Meghan Sullivan, Preservation Consultant Sara Lachenman, Senior Planner for Historic Preservation Michelle Michael, and Planner I for Historic Preservation Paige Regna.
The workshop is free, but registration is required by Friday, Jan. 10.
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PRCR to host additional Taylor Street Park public meetings on Jan 16 & Jan 25
The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is hosting a series of public meetings to solicit input from residents concerning the future of Taylor Street Park, 416 N. Taylor St. The first three meetings occurred on November 21, December 7, and December 10.
The PRCR Department has scheduled additional public input meetings at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m.
Each session will include a brief presentation, followed by an open discussion where attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share suggestions. Town staff will be on hand to answer questions and gather public input.
From now through the end of December, community members are invited to provide their input via an online survey. The survey consists of 12 questions and takes less than five minutes to complete.
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WFPD & Heritage Station McDonalds to raise money for Special Olympics Jan 15
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) and Heritage Station McDonald’s, 1001 Forestville Road, are joining forces to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) during Safety Day on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Community members are invited to support the cause by dining at McDonald’s between 4 and 7 p.m. McDonald’s will donate 25 percent of their food and beverage sales during those three hours to support SONC.
As part of the event, several public safety agencies will display police cars, fire trucks, EMS vehicles and other specialized vehicles for attendees to view and step inside.
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Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and the Town of Wake Forest will celebrate by offering a series of events and initiatives throughout the month that are free and open to everyone.
Offerings will include Black History Month Walking Tours, "Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History," Black History Expo, Black History Month Honor Roll, and Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo.
For dates, times, and locations, visit Celebrate Black History Month.
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Registration continues for February’s Black History Month Walking Tours
The Town of Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Historical Museum are partnering to offer free Black History Month Walking Tours of the Northeast Community every Friday in February at 1 p.m.
Pre-registration is required by completing the online sign-up form. Space is limited to the first 15 participants to sign up for each tour.
Led by staff from Historic Preservation Planning and the Wake Forest Historical Museum, the tours will include Olive Branch Baptist Church, Alston-Massenburg Center, the newly restored Ailey Young House, the African American Cemetery, and more.
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Tickets on sale for 2025 Wake Forest Film Festival
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will host the 2025 Wake Forest Film Festival on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online, in person at the RC Box Office, or by calling 919-435-9458.
Earlier this year, the Renaissance Centre invited filmmakers from our community and around the world to submit their vibrant, diverse, and original works and become a part of the 2025 film festival. Altogether, 106 films were submitted for consideration and 14 were selected to be featured during this year’s event.
The complete schedule, including movie titles and times, will be announced in the coming days and provided on the Renaissance Centre website. For more information, call the Renaissance Centre at 919-435-9458 or email the box office.
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Tickets on sale for Renaissance Centre's 2024-25 Main Stage Performances
Tickets are now sale for the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre's 2024-25 Main Stage Performance Series. Scheduled performances will include:
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SOLD OUT - Comedian Cathy Ladman - Saturday, Jan. 25; 7:30 p.m.
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SOLD OUT - Broadway in Love Dinner Show - Friday, Feb. 14; 6:30 p.m.
- 2025 Wake Forest Film Festival - Saturday, March 1
- Pete the Cat - Saturday, April 26; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Don't miss your chance to see these shows live and in person as many are expected to sell out fast. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the RC Box Office, or by calling 919-435-9458.
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Wake Forest Farmers Market open Saturdays from 10 am-Noon
Over the years, the Wake Forest Farmers Market has grown into a lively community event on Saturday mornings.
From April through September, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. From October through March, it is open 10 a.m.-noon.
Located along South Taylor Street, behind the Wake Forest Town Hall, the Farmers Market offers fresh-off-the-farm produce; pasture-raised beef, poultry, and pork; free-range eggs; fresh and dried herbs; honey, jams, and preserves; fresh-cut flowers and delicious baked goods.
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Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History on sale
The Town of Wake Forest is offering Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History for $30 each.
Authored by Wake Forest resident and “Wake Forest Gazette” Publisher Carol Pelosi, “Connections... 100 Years of Wake Forest History” was written and released in 2009 to commemorate Wake Forest's Centennial Celebration.
Connections may be purchased online with credit card or debit card or in person at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., with cash, check, credit card or debit card. After ordering your copy, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall at your convenience to pick it up.
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Engraved bricks make great gifts!
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick paver.
The 4" x 8" engraved brick pavers cost just $125 each and once ordered become a permanent part of the Wake Forest Town Hall Centennial Plaza - to be viewed and enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.
Located along South Brooks Street, Centennial Plaza is the focal point of Wake Forest's municipal campus and a gateway to town hall.
Here's your chance to join over 100 local businesses, civic clubs, residents and former residents that have already purchased a personalized brick. Engraved bricks are a unique way to honor loved ones, commemorate special events and recognize civic clubs and social groups, youth athletic teams, businesses and not-for-profit groups.
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Town of Wake Forest app
The Town of Wake Forest (TOWF) offers a free smartphone app that provides direct access to useful information about Wake Forest and encourages two-way communication between the Town and its residents.
Over 11,000 Android and iPhone users have downloaded the app allowing them instant access to important information about Town programs, services and events.
Among its many functions, the TOWF app allows iPhone and Android users to:
- Receive breaking news messages;
- Utilize “SeeClickFix” for prompt action on street maintenance, lights, potholes and graffiti, using the app to send a photo and exact location of the problem;
- Access information about Town-sponsored events and events at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre;
- View Town job openings;
- Utilize the “Waste Wizard;”
- Access contact information for every Town department.
Android and iPhone users can access and install the correct version of the TOWF app by scanning the appropriate QR code below.
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Check out WFTV 10
WFTV 10 is on the air on Spectrum Cable Channel 10 and streaming online.
WFTV 10 is the Town of Wake Forest's government access channel serving the residents of Wake Forest. Produced by the Town's Communications Department, WFTV 10 is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. For those who don't subscribe to Spectrum Cable, WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video and as a function of the Town App.
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WFTV 10 Schedule
Board of Commissioners work sessions are broadcast live on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Work sessions are then re-broadcast over the next week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Regular meetings are broadcast live on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., then re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Planning Board meetings are broadcast live on the second Tuesday of each month, then re-broadcast daily the following week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
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Monthly meeting schedule
The following monthly meeting schedule is in effect for the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board:
Board of Commissioners Work Session
First Tuesday/month - 6 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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“Show Some Love” by picking up litter along streets & roadways
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 J. Roberson HVAC for donating the litter kits.
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Secure your load!
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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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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