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.
|
|
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."
|
|
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) announced in March that its members would wear custom “Autism Awareness” T-shirts throughout April in support of “Autism Awareness Month.” In response to strong public interest in Wake Forest and beyond, the WFFD agreed to sell the T-shirts in a variety of youth and adult sizes for $20 each.
Due to the incredible demand, the fire department placed three different orders and sold a total of 972 shirts – some to people as far away at Mattydale, NY; Tampa, FL; and Wahiawa, HI. For every T-shirt sold, the WFFD donated just over $5 to the Autism Society of NC for a total contribution of $5,121.79.
“We are very proud of this accomplishment which would not have been possible without the wonderful support of our community and others across the United States,” said Fire Chief Ron Early. “The Wake Forest Fire Department members would like to thank everyone for helping us support such a great foundation and for their continued efforts to raise awareness of autism.”
The WFFD extends a special thanks to the following: B-Shift Station 1 Personnel (Capt. Justin Brown, Capt. Ben Davis, Lt. Christopher Wilkins, Lt. Justin Alderman; Firefighters Lee Blackwell, Scott Knowles, Sam Scales and Brice Strickland); Wake Forest Communications Staff; Steve’s T’s & Uniforms Inc., especially Steve Davis, Brian Apple, and staff); Town and Country Hardware, especially Wyatt and Gretchen; and Tammy Early, mother of Kyle Early, for whom the donation to the Autism Society of NC will be in memory.
|
|
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department commemorated “National Physical Fitness Month” in May by hosting a 50-Mile Walking Challenge for area residents ages 11 and older. Altogether, 435 people walked a total of 14,454 miles. That’s over five times the distance from Wake Forest to San Francisco, CA. Of the 435 participants, 170 walked at least 50 miles, while 35 exceeded 100 miles.
Everyone who walked at least 50 miles and returned their tracking cards was entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card. The winner was Carson Sweeny of Raleigh.
In addition, everyone 11 and over that registered received a commemorative T-shirt and water bottle while supplies lasted.
The PRCR Department wishes to thank everyone that participated in this year’s 50-Mile Walking Challenge and looks forward to offering the initiative again next year. For more information, email Acting Center Manager Shawn Monday.
|
|
The Town of Wake Forest is launching 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.
“Recycling is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson. “#RecycleRightWF represents a major step forward for recycling in our community. We know our residents want to recycle the right way. Through this campaign, we plan to help them do just that.”
Over the past few years, Town officials have witnessed a steady increase in the amount of contaminated recyclables in recycling carts throughout Wake Forest. To some degree, the surge is the result of confusing guidelines which can lead to mistakes, apathy, and skepticism about recycling. While the national contamination rate is just under 20 percent, Wake Forest is joining a growing number of municipalities working to combat the problem through its new public education campaign.
#RecycleRightWF will provide Wake Forest households with direct mail pieces and social media messaging, as well as concentrated feedback efforts that address contamination. 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
This year’s festivities get underway with the Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 3. Free and open to the public, our community’s most popular summertime event will take place inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Due to limited planning time, the Town will not offer concessions or live entertainment as part of this year’s fireworks show. Instead, at 9 p.m. the Town will share on its Facebook page an Independence Day video hosted by Talbot the Town Crier. Featuring Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and the Board of Commissioners, the video will include a pre-recorded performance by the Band of Oz and an installment of “Kids Say the Cutest Things about America.” The Town will then livestream the fireworks show via Facebook before sharing the full Band of Oz concert.
The revelry continues Sunday, July 4, with the popular Children’s Parade. Hosted by the Wake Forest Optimist Club, the event offers area youngsters the opportunity to hop on their bicycles and be a part of their very own “walking parade.” The lineup begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and West Juniper Avenue, near the Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St. The procession will get underway at 1:30 p.m.
The parade route will extend from North Main Street, south through the campus of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and west onto South Avenue, before turning south on South College Street and ending at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave.
Participation in the Children’s Parade is free, but bicyclists are encouraged to wear their helmets. Please note: Wake Forest Police will be on hand to manage traffic and help ensure the safety of the parade participants. Volunteers are needed to help ensure the safety of the parade participants. For more information about the Children’s Parade, email Dawn Nakash.
The Independence Day festivities will conclude with Art in the Park. Sponsored by the Wake Forest Woman’s Club, free arts and crafts activities will take place from 2-4 p.m. inside the Community House, including the creation of various patriotic-themed crafts for all ages, cupcake decorating and more. Participants are also invited to experience and enjoy Holding Park and Holding Park Aquatic Center, both of which are located adjacent to the Community House. For more information about Art in the Park, email Tracy Mahl.
|
|
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with Resources for Seniors to offer residents 55 and older free blood pressure checks and medication management classes on the second Wednesday of each month.
Dr. Casey Baldwin of Resources for Seniors will conduct the blood pressure checks from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St. Then, from 12:15-1 p.m., she will lead a free medication management class.
Dr. Baldwin will also offer the blood pressure checks and medication management class at the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following days each month:
- First Monday and Thursday
- Third Friday
- Fourth Tuesday
Again, the blood pressure checks and medication management classes are free, and no registration is required. For more information, email Dr. Casey Baldwin.
|
|
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is now offering expanded access by registration only to 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.
These community centers now operate according to the following schedule:
Joyner Park Community Center
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-Noon
Sunday, Closed
Flaherty Park Community Center
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-Noon
Sunday, Closed
Alston-Massenburg Center
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-Noon
Sunday, Closed
Please note: Face coverings are strongly encouraged for unvaccinated patrons and required of patrons ages 5-12 at all times while inside park facilities.
|
|
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) recently celebrated the six-year anniversary of Operation Safe Sale. Introduced in May 2015, the initiative encourages Wake Forest residents who are selling or purchasing items advertised online to come to the Police Department, 225 S. Taylor St., to safely complete their transaction. Transactions may be made in the police department parking lot or inside the lobby, either with or without an officer present.
At the request of either party, a police officer will be available to check the serial number to determine whether the item has been entered through state or national databases as stolen property. Anyone wishing to have an officer present is required to schedule an appointment by calling 919-554-6150.
|
|
The Wake Forest Optimist Club will coordinate and manage this year’s Children’s Parade on Sunday, July 4. The lineup will begin at 1 p.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and West Juniper Avenue, near the Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St. The procession will get underway at 1:30 p.m. and conclude at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave.
Volunteers are critical to the success of the Children’s Parade and needed to help ensure the safety of the parade participants. Local civic groups and community organizations are especially encouraged to participate as are local students looking to earn community service hours.
Volunteer positions will require both standing and walking, all volunteers must be at least 14-years-old, and a volunteer training session will be offered prior to the event. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Children’s Parade Manager Dawn Nakash.
|
|
Holding Park Aquatic Center (HPAC) is now open for the 2021 season. Located at 133 W. Owen Ave., the HPAC features a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, two water slides with plunge pool and children’s pool with water play. Open during the summer months, the facility offers swimming to the public, as well as swim lessons.
Daily admission fees for Wake Forest residents are $1 for children ages 2 and under; $4 for children ages 3-13; and $5 for patrons ages 13-59; and $4 for ages 60 and over. Daily admission fees for non-Wake Forest residents are $2 for children ages 2 and under; $6 for children ages 3-13; and $7 for patrons ages 13-59; and $6 for ages 60 and over.
Due to COVID-19, the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department has implemented a series of safety procedures at HPAC similar to those introduced last year. For example, open swim times are scheduled in three-hour blocks, with one hour in between to allow staff to clean and sanitize the facility, including deck chairs, door handles, hand rails and other high-touch areas.
In addition, a maximum of 160 patrons are allowed inside the facility during each session. Patrons must register and pay for each session in advance online, and no walk-ins will be allowed.
Online registration is underway. Patrons may register for a particular swim session up to 10 days but no less than two hours in advance. When a session is full, registration for that session is closed. Again, the window to register for a particular session closes two hours before the session begins. To register and pay in advance and view the full list of safety procedures, visit our website.
|
|
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.
Week of June 15
Weather permitting, during the week of June 15, Town crews will reduce to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic the portion of South Main Street/US 1A from Elm Avenue to West Owen Avenue daily from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The temporary lane closure is necessary to allow crews to repair the sidewalk.
Signage and cones 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 if possible and take an alternate route.
Through June
From now through the end of June, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working at the future Regency at Heritage, will periodically reduce to one lane with alternating two-way traffic the portion of Forestville Road from Foxwild Lane to Song Sparrow Drive daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The periodic lane closures are necessary to allow crews to perform roadway widening and frontage 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.
|
|
The Town of Wake Forest's interactive Traffic Alerts Map gives residents a user-friendly and convenient way to view local road closures and restrictions. Accessible under “Common Resources” on the homepage of the Town website, the map allows visitors to point and click on current road and lane closures throughout Wake Forest.
When clicking on an individual project, the user will see a short summary of the exact location of the project, along with a schedule for its anticipated beginning and completion. In addition, the user will be provided with the name and contact information for the project manager should anyone have questions about a given initiative. The information is updated in real-time as the project moves forward.
|
|
Thirty Day Closure Set for Moores Pond Road at U.S. 401 near Wake Forest
N.C. Department of Transportation contractors closed a segment of Moores Pond Road on June 2. The roadway is expected to remain closed for 30 days.
About 500 feet of Moores Pond Road just north of the U.S. 401 intersection has been closed to allow crews to construct the new intersection.
Northbound drivers on Barham Siding Road (the road name changes to Moores Pond Road north of U.S. 401) will be detoured south on U.S. 401, north on N.C. 96 and east on N.C. 98 to get to Moores Pond Road. Southbound drivers will follow the same route but in reverse.
Traffic on U.S. 401 will not be impacted.
Drivers should allow extra time for the detour and pay extra attention while driving near the work zone.
This work is part of a project to widen and improve six miles of U.S. 401 between N.C. 96 and Flat Rock Church Road/Clifton Pond Road. This project is near its halfway point and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.
100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Earlier this month, the 100 deadliest days of summer began, when the number of crash fatalities involving teenage drivers rises. More people, including teens, travel between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and with COVID restrictions easing, more people are expected to be on the roads than last year.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Program reminds parents, teachers and caretakers to talk to young people about being safe on the road. Speeding, distractions and drinking while driving are leading contributors to crashes involving teenage drivers – and all are preventable.
Enjoy $5 Kids Fare on NC By Train
If you’re making plans to travel with your children this summer, take the train. The North Carolina Amtrak Service is offering $5 one-way fare for children ages 2 to 12, with the purchase of a regularly priced adult ticket.
To book, go to ncbytrain.org and use discount code V256 at checkout.
For passenger safety:
- Masks are required;
- Social distancing is being enforced; and
- Enhanced cleaning is taking place regularly.
For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on NCDOT.gov.
|
|
During this time of COVID-19, we understand that, like millions of others in the nation, you may be having trouble making housing and utility payments. We hope we can help you with our latest program.
The House Wake! COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program focuses specifically on eviction prevention and utility assistance. This program provides financial assistance to tenants, landlords and utility companies to cover rent and utility shortfalls resulting from a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19. Qualifying households must have income that does not exceed 80% area median income with priority given to households with incomes below 50% AMI. If you are interested in applying for the House Wake! COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program, click here to access the application.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
