December 14, 2023

NC to receive $1.09 billion grant to design & build first segment of S-Line connecting Raleigh to Wake Forest

North Carolina has been awarded $1.09 billion in grant funding for the S-Line Rail Project, marking the largest transportation grant ever received by the state. On Monday, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Raleigh’s Union Station to officially make the announcement. Gov. Roy Cooper, Mayor Vivian Jones, and several other state and local officials were on hand for the occasion.

The S-Line is an integral segment of the federally designated Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. In cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation, the NCDOT plans to refurbish this corridor to reduce passenger rail travel time from Raleigh to Richmond, add regional commuter rail, and implement high-speed train service.

This latest $1.09 billion grant will focus on the section of rail line between Raleigh and Wake Forest. Specifically, funds will be used towards final engineering design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction costs for upgraded track and replacement of at-grade crossings with highway/rail overpasses. Most notably, these funds will allow passenger rail service to return to Downtown Wake Forest, which hasn’t seen a passenger train stop since the late 1960s.

Tis the Season to make holiday meal shopping easy, NCFST Mobile Market returns to Wake Forest

The holiday season is upon us, and the NCFST’s mobile grocery store is returning to Wake Forest just in time to make your holiday meal shopping easy. Offering fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the NCFST Mobile Market returns to 350 E. Holding Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 3-5 p.m.

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 their budget.



When shopping, there are some limits on the amount of protein, dairy, and eggs a consumer can purchase, but no limits on produce.



At checkout, shoppers will be given a suggested total. Shoppers can then pay the full amount, a portion of that amount, or nothing at all. Both cash and card payments are accepted, along with Android/Apple Pay.

2023 Christmas & 2024 New Year’s Holiday Schedules

The Wake Forest Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 25-27, for the Christmas holiday and Monday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s.

Neither the Wake Forest Loop (WFL) nor the Wake Forest-Raleigh Express (WRX) will operate on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1. Both will resume normal operations the following day.

During the weeks of December 25 and January 1, trash and recycling will be collected one day later than normal and extend into Saturday. So, for example, Monday’s route will be collected Tuesday and Friday’s route will be collected Saturday.

Christmas tree recycling starts January 2

The Town of Wake Forest is encouraging residents to make recycling a holiday tradition by recycling their live Christmas trees.

Beginning Tuesday, 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.

Residents are reminded that artificial trees cannot be recycled.

MLK Community Celebration is January 18, 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. 18, 2024, 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: “Be the peace you wish to see in the world.” 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 18 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, 2024. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations.

Tickets selling fast for Renaissance Centre’s “Mesmerizing Magic” featuring Jason Hudy

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., will present “Mesmerizing Magic” featuring Jason Hudy on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m.

Mystery. Intrigue. Comedy. Bewilderment. These are only a fraction of the qualities Jason Hudy delivers in every performance.

Guaranteed to amaze and amuse the entire family, “Mesmerizing Magic” will transport you into the intricate world of magic and illusion. Promising to leave you breathless, this spellbinding one-of-a-kind performance will redefine your idea of what a magic show is!



Advance tickets are $25 plus tax and can be purchased online, in person at the RC Box Office, or by calling 919-435-9458.

Police Department accepting donations for Shop with a Cop

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting online donations from area residents and businesses for the 25th Annual Shop with a Cop. Checks and cash may also be mailed or delivered to the Wake Forest Police Department, 225 S. Taylor St.

This year’s Shop with a Cop holiday shopping spree will be Thursday, Dec. 14. On that day approximately 25 area children will visit the WFPD where they will be paired with their police officer “partners.” The kids and their partners will then be transported by bus to the Wake Forest Walmart, where each child will be given $175 to spend on a winter coat and other items of their choice. Please note: Parents are encouraged not to accompany their children. Following the shopping spree, the children and their partners will be treated to a pizza party.

Shop with a Cop was created to help less fortunate boys and girls in the Wake Forest area experience a joyous Christmas. Since its inception in 1999, the program has helped nearly 600 local children. For more information, contact Lt. C. Johnson-Perry at 919-435-9610.

Police remind residents to “call us” before posting on social media

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is reminding residents to report crime and suspicious activity to law enforcement before posting the information on social media.

Due to the popularity of Facebook and other social media, many people use those platforms to discuss suspicious activity and crime. The problem is that not all who describe such activity online also report it to the police. Simply put – tagging the WFPD on a social media post is not reporting a crime. Not even close.

By calling 9-1-1 or 919-556-9111 and reporting the proper way, WFPD can establish credible, official records of what's going on or what’s happened, along with the sources of the information. It's also easier than chasing down what are sometimes dubious or fake social media posts.

Portion of Dunn Creek Greenway closed

Wellons Construction, Inc., a contractor working on the Friendship Chapel Road (FCR) Eastern Extension on behalf of JPM South, has temporarily closed a portion of the Dunn Creek Greenway in the vicinity of Wilts Dairy Point (see map). The closure is necessary to allow crews to extend Friendship Chapel Road from Heritage Hills Way to Remey Avenue effectively connecting FCR from South Main Street/US 1A to Jones Dairy Road.

Signage and barricades have been posted to inform the public of the closure, as well as the signed detour directing trail users around the closure via Wilts Dairy Point, Friendship Chapel Road, and Heritage Lake Road.

Construction is expected to be completed in early summer 2024. For more information, visit our website or contact Assistant Stormwater Engineer Nick Nolte at 919-435-9449.

Wake Forest Disc Golf Course

Wake Forest's new disc golf course is open year-round for free use to the public Monday-Friday from 4 p.m.-dusk, and Saturdays and Sundays from dawn to dusk.

The rules for disc golf are similar to traditional golf by way of scoring and etiquette. Standing on what is generally a five-foot by 12-foot concrete tee pad, a player aims their disc towards a disc golf basket that’s placed from distances between 150 to 570 feet from the tee pads.

These discs differ from non-competitive discs in that they have a thinner profile and a sharper outer edge to increase aerodynamics and distance. Different discs are used for different parts of the course.

Just like with mainstream golf, the idea is to complete the course in the fewest throws.

Wake Forest earns another favorable audit report

The Board of Commissioners (BOC) recently received the results of an independent audit report from Cherry Bekaert LLP for the period July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. In addition to not revealing any problems, the report acknowledged that the Town is “in compliance” with all its financial policies and operating with strong internal controls in place.



The report also included several financial performance highlights for Wake Forest which enjoys a triple A bond rating by all three national rating agencies:



• Net change in the Town’s fund balance resulted in an increase of $5.2 million in the general fund.
• Cash balances totaled $61.5 million, significantly higher than the $49.9 million in 2022. Along with above mentioned increase, this also includes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by the Town.
• Wake Forest collected 99.82% of its property taxes - higher than the statewide average rate of 99.13%.
• The Town’s property tax base was $7.5 billion on June 30, 2023, compared to $7.1 billion at the same time last year.
• Property tax collections were $36.9 million - $1.5 million more than last year.

Check out WAFO GO - the latest addition to the Town of Wake Forest App!

WAFO GO is a family-friendly, fun, educational, and recreational scavenger hunt game featuring 10 locations in downtown Wake Forest. Guided by Toby, the happy and good-natured dog, WAFO GO takes participants on an exciting journey through our “quaint but cool” downtown, combining entertainment, exercise, and learning in a unique and engaging way.

To embark on this tail-wagging adventure, fetch (download) the Town of Wake Forest app, proceed to the second screen by clicking on the three lines along the top right corner of the home screen, and select WAFO GO (see screenshots below)!

Once you're all set up, unleash your inner detective and use the clues to track down the answers to the riddles. Follow your nose to 10 amazing locations, starting at the Wake Forest Library and ending the journey with a victory dance at the end of White Street!

And here's the secret sauce – numbers hold the key to unlocking the mysteries! Worried about making a wrong guess? No need! We've got a multiple-choice extravaganza with zero penalties – just pure, tail-wagging fun! So, are you ready to sniff out knowledge and have a blast on this paw-some scavenger hunt? Let the games begin!

Letters for Santa mailbox available in Jones Plaza

The Town of Wake Forest has installed the popular Letters for Santa mailbox in Jones Plaza at the intersection of South White Street and East Jones Avenue just in time for Saturday’s Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off.

Children of all ages are invited to bring their letters to Santa’s Mailbox anytime between now and Friday, Dec. 22, for immediate delivery to the North Pole. No postage is required.

A “Letter from Santa” which parents can download and personalize is available on the Town website.

Take your picture in our Town Hall ornament & sleigh

Check out the Wake Forest Town Hall holiday ornament and sleigh on the lawn between Centennial Plaza and the Town Hall visitor parking lot.

Be sure to stop by to snap your photo and share it with us using hashtags #TownofWakeForest and #TisTheSeasonTOWF.

Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History on sale

Just in time for the holidays, The Town of Wake Forest is again 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.

A treasure trove of pictures, original artwork, and stories recording the people, places, and events of Wake Forest’s first 100 years, the photo-filled hardcover book chronicles the town’s rich history and details its growth from a small college town to a thriving community of more than 50,000 residents.

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.

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.

Police urge residents to prevent porch pirates, report suspicious activity

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is encouraging residents to “be a good neighbor” by reporting suspicious activity this holiday season and throughout the year.

Police officials say crimes are often prevented when citizens report suspected illegal activity. That’s especially true when it comes to combatting porch pirates. With only a few weeks until Christmas, deliveries are already arriving on doorsteps. The WFPD is enlisting the public’s help to ensure the rightful owners receive those packages.

As the popularity of online shopping and home delivery continues to increase, so does the threat posed by porch pirates. Police say these offenders may not intend to target a particular home but may walk or drive by an area and see an easy target where something of perceived value can be taken quickly without notice. In other instances, these criminals follow delivery drivers around and wait until a package or packages are dropped off. Once the courier is out of sight, the packages are stolen.

Police encourage residents to stay alert and report all crime and suspicious activity. If you see a package being stolen from a neighbor’s home, call police and report a “crime in progress.”

Greenway & trail users urged to respect private property

Growing numbers of residents throughout Wake Forest and beyond enjoy the Town’s 50-plus miles of trails and greenways. Some users enjoy walking and biking for exercise, while others do so for their mental well-being.

Regardless of your reason, it is important for everyone to respect private property and remain within the confines of the marked paths. Anyone who ventures off the trails onto adjacent land may be guilty of trespassing.

In North Carolina, such trespassing is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor under NCGS 14-159.13 and punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a $200 fine.

The Wake Forest Police Department urges greenway and trail users to remain on the marked trails and off adjacent property. Anyone witnessing suspicious activity is urged to call the Police Department at 919-554-6150.

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive continues through December

Our 2023 Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive is underway. Each year, the initiative raises money for several programs addressing specific needs in our community, including hunger, home lighting and heating, youth health and fitness, and providing joy and hope during the holiday season and beyond.

Area residents and businesses can show their support for these efforts by contributing online to one or more of these initiatives:

• Helping Others by Providing Electricity (HOPE)
• Northern Community Food Security Team
• Shop With a Cop
• Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation
• Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Scholarship Program

In addition to online donations, checks are accepted and should be made payable to Town of Wake Forest (include “WF Cares” in the memo line), then mailed to Town of Wake Forest, 301 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Donations will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 31, and may be designated to more than one initiative. Donations to more than one cause will be distributed evenly unless otherwise noted on the online donation form. So, for example, a $50 donation to two causes would result in each receiving $25. One hundred percent of all contributions will be directed to the designated organization(s)/initiative(s). 

#RecycleRightWF

In 2021, the Town of Wake Forest launched #RecycleRightWF, a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors. Through a series of easy-to-understand messages, the initiative attempted to simplify the recycling process and improve the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.

Thanks to the invaluable cooperation and efforts of residents, Wake Forest recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the next year.



In recent months, however, officials have noticed a steady increase in the number of contaminated recyclables in recycling carts throughout Wake Forest. As a result, the Town is reintroducing #RecycleRightWF.

The effort will address contamination by providing Wake Forest households with direct mail pieces, social media messaging, and concentrated feedback. Messaging will consistently remind residents who recycle to “Stick with These 6” - plastic bottles, jugs, and jars; metal cans; paper; and cardboard, and “Never These 9” - plastic bags, food waste, cups, to-go containers, paper towels, tiny things, plastic packaging, Styrofoam, and gloves/masks.

Residents & downtown merchants invited to complete Downtown Plan Update survey, host DIY workshops

The Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating its Downtown Plan (formerly known as the Renaissance Plan for Downtown Wake Forest).

Online Survey

As part of the process of updating the plan, residents and businesses are invited to complete an online survey. Available through Sunday, Dec. 31, the questionnaire takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Survey results will be used in preparing the plan and for other community decision-making purposes.

Do-It-Yourself Workshops

HOAs, book clubs, youth groups, and other community organizations are invited to host Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Workshops as a way of encouraging even greater public participation in the planning for the future of Downtown Wake Forest.

As part of the initiative, the Planning Department will provide participating groups with the tools and information necessary to conduct their very own community workshop, including facilitator instructions, workshop discussion questionnaires, workshop agenda and ground rules, and more. To learn more or request a DIY Workshop kit, email Jennifer Currin.

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 5,000 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.

Tickets on sale for Renaissance Centre's 10th Anniversary Celebration Series

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre opened in November 2013 by encouraging visitors to “Imagine the Possibilities.” Now, the Renaissance Centre (RC) is commemorating its 10-year anniversary with a series of concerts, performances, and special events designed to highlight its impact as “the place” our community gathers to celebrate and enjoy the arts.

Realizing the Possibilities

Our Realizing the Possibilities Celebration Series continues with four performances of the Celtic Angels December 15-17 (Sold Out). The series extends into 2024 with Mesmerizing Magic featuring Jason Hudy on January 27, Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart on February 24, the Wake Forest Film Festival March 1-2, and two concerts featuring The Drifters on April 13 (Sold Out).

Tickets for all these concerts, shows, and performances are on sale now and going fast.

PRCR's RecConnect available, program registration underway

The September 2023-February 2024 edition of RecConnect is now available. Hard copies of the PRCR Program Guide are available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road; Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St.; and Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC), 416 N. Taylor St.

Check out RecConnect for complete details on recreational programs, events, and activities for all age groups, including preschool, youth, and adult, scheduled from September 2023 through February 2024.

Wake Forest Farmers Market

The Wake Forest Farmers Market is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our community about the value of local farms and the importance of local food systems.

From October-March, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon along South Taylor Street behind the Wake Forest Town Hall.