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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The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) will host Operation Medicine Drop Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Town Hall Ground Floor Meeting Room, 301 S. Brooks St. The room is most easily accessed via Town Hall’s Taylor Street entrance.
The WFPD offers Operation Medicine Drop as a prescription and over-the-counter medication take-back initiative that promotes proper medication disposal. By providing a safe and secure way for people to get rid of unwanted pills, tablets and other medications, OMD helps prevent accidental poisonings and drug abuse, while also protecting local rivers and streams. The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked.
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You can make a difference in our community by applying for one of the upcoming vacancies on the Town’s advisory boards. The boards were established to give residents input into what happens in the community and to advise the Board of Commissioners (BOC) on matters that affect citizens and their town government.
Applications are being accepted through Friday, Nov. 6, for appointments to the following boards and commissions: Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation, Human Relations, Planning, Public Art, Technology and Urban Forestry.
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In an ongoing effort to promote community involvement, art and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Wake Forest is inviting residents of all ages to participate in our Halloween Costume Showcase. During the week of October 26, you’re invited to share photos of your Halloween costumes through the online form on our website.
Throughout the week, we’ll post on the Town of Wake Forest Facebook page the pictures we’ve received and upload them to our online photo gallery.
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In response to state restrictions on outdoor gatherings, the Board of Commissioners (BOC) agreed Tuesday to suspend through March 2021 all Town-sponsored events that draw large crowds. As a result, the Lighting of Wake Forest will join Friday Night on White, the Fireworks Spectacular and a host of other 2020 events impacted by COVID-19. The community’s traditional holiday kick-off, which typically attracts thousands of people to downtown Wake Forest on the first Friday in December, will be offered this year as a virtual event on Friday, Dec. 4.
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Early voting has begun at the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., and at other locations throughout Wake County. Early voting will continue daily through Saturday, Oct. 31, according to the following schedule:
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
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People who live and work near Wake Forest have a convenient way to get tested for COVID-19. Wake County is contracting with clinical laboratory Radeas, located at 907 Gateway Commons Circle, to provide free, drive-thru testing Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
The service is free, and no appointment is necessary. The testing typically takes about seven minutes, and results are usually provided in seven to nine hours – but can take up to 24 hours.
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The Town of Wake Forest has updated the homepage of its website to enhance its ability to serve and engage the community. The new design offers residents and visitors more user-friendly and mobile-friendly access to content commonly searched for on the Town website.
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It wouldn’t be the holidays without sweet treats. And part of the fun of making those yummy pies, cakes, cookies and puddings is swapping recipes with neighbors and friends.
Through midnight on Friday, Oct. 23, residents are invited to share recipes for up to five of their favorite holiday treats. We’ll include the submissions in an online cookbook everyone can view and download for free. We’ll also choose a selection of recipes Mayor Vivian Jones will prepare as part of a weekly video series in December entitled “Favorite Holiday Treats with Mayor Jones.”
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The Town of Wake Forest has received numerous inquiries from residents about whether the Town plans to “cancel” Halloween this year. Not surprisingly, rumors also abound on social media that Wake Forest has “prohibited” trick-or-treating. Town officials want residents to know that Halloween has not been canceled, and trick-or-treating is at parents’ discretion.
Halloween (and trick-or-treating) is not a Town-sanctioned event, but rather a nationally recognized event that occurs on October 31. Other than announcing the recommended trick-or-treating hours (always 6-8 p.m.), the Town of Wake Forest has no further involvement.
Additionally, the Town has no legal authority or basis to cancel Halloween/trick-or-treating or to restrict the free movement of its residents. Participation in trick-or-treating is an individual/parent decision - both by those who choose to allow their children to go door-to-door and those who opt to hand out candy.
Any residents who do not want trick-or-treaters on their property should turn off their front lights and close the front door. Trick-or-treaters are asked to be respectful to those who choose not to participate.
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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.
Monday, Oct. 26, 8:30 am-3 pm
The Town of Wake Forest will close the portion of East Juniper Avenue from North White Street to North Taylor Street on Monday, Oct. 26, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The temporary closure is necessary to allow crews to perform pavement milling and resurfacing.
Although access to driveways along this portion of East Juniper will be maintained at all times, Wake Forest Loop stops will not be available.
A signed detour will be in place directing motorists around the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible and take an alternate route.
Now through mid-November
From now through mid-November, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working on the future Wheatfield Shopping Center, 1009 Forestville Road, will close daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. the portion of Rogers Branch Lane from the Harris Teeter Fuel Center to Penfield Street. The temporary road closure is necessary so crews can install a water line and storm drain.
A signed detour will be in place directing motorists around the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible.
Now through November 30
From now through November 30, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working on behalf of Wegmans, will periodically reduce to one lane portions of Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 from Galaxy Way to Siena Drive. The temporary lane closures are necessary to allow crews to widen the roadway and install turn lanes for the future Wegman’s. The store will be situated on the south side of Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass between US 1/Capital Boulevard and Siena Drive, just west of Ligon Mill Road.
September 21-October 30
Moffat Pipe will reduce to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic the portion of North Allen Road from Brewer Circle to Best Street Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day. The temporary lane closure is necessary to install storm drain and curb and gutter.
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Tickets are now on sale for the Virtual Murder Mystery Motivation for Murder on Friday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 p.m.
If you enjoy the theater intertwined with a good murder mystery, then you'll love this interactive Zoom murder mystery performed by the Triangle-based theater troupe “It’s A Mystery.” It's A Mystery’s interactive comedy mysteries offer fresh, creative and fun entertainment. The group’s original scripts, played out by talented actors, will challenge your brain and tickle your funny bone!
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The Wake Forest Fire Department recently introduced a program that provides firefighters with the safe and efficient entry they need into the homes of vulnerable residents during fires or medical emergencies.
The Knox Homebox program involves homeowners buying a steel lock box and firefighters locking their house key in it. Fire crews have a master key that opens the box in the event of a medical emergency, fire or other urgent need.
The initiative saves precious time for first responders and the potential expense of costly repairs for the homeowner due to forced entry.
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Whether spending a day meandering through myriad shops, sampling our delicious dining options or stopping in to see your favorite merchant for that one-of-a-kind service, shopping in downtown Wake Forest is always a great idea!
With unique products and personal attention only independents can provide, downtown Wake Forest truly is where quaint meets cool. Shopping locally also contributes to the community in ways that make buying downtown an economically-responsible decision as well!
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The Town of Wake Forest has started the process of updating the Community Plan and creating a Future Land Use Map, and we need your input. Between now and the end of November, Wake Forest residents, business owners and community stakeholders are invited to complete an online survey on current conditions within the town. Citizen feedback will be used to formulate an understanding of key issues, community desires, weaknesses and strengths of the Town that will help create the foundation for the Wake Forest Community Plan Update and Future Land Use Map. Available here, the survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
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Wake County has approved the Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) as a Community Food Hub in the Northern Human Services Region and awarded the partner agency over $65,000 to support ongoing food relief efforts in our area.
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Everyone loves the holidays – especially kids. So, we thought it would be interesting, and hopefully entertaining, to watch Wake Forest-area children share their thoughts and perspectives on what is commonly referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year.”
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The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of its 14th 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 a check to this year’s Turkey Drive should contact Det. M.W. Sattler at 919-795-7270.
Due to COVID-19, the police department is currently accepting monetary donations only to this year’s Turkey Drive. Donations of frozen turkeys will not be accepted at this time. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.
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The Town of Wake Forest has launched a new web-based dashboard that allows residents to view zoning enforcement violations by address. The platform also allows residents to track the type of violation, the current number of open and closed cases, and the Town’s response.
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Every child loves a good bedtime story. That’s why the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is partnering with Page 158 Books to offer a 12-week bedtime story reading series on the Renaissance Centre Facebook page for children 10 and under. On Mondays at 7 p.m., through December 28, Storytime Online will feature the reading of 12 popular bedtime stories by actors from Forest Moon Theater (FMT) and the Wake Forest mayor and board of commissioners.
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The holiday season is just around the corner. With that in mind, the Downtown Development Department is selling limited edition Christmas ornaments depicting South White Street in downtown Wake Forest.
The ornaments are $22 plus tax and available for purchase at Southern Suds & Gifts, 213 S. White St., and Page 158 Books, 415-B S. Brooks St.
They may also be purchased online for $30. This price includes tax, shipping and handling.
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The Triangle commuter rail line included in the transit plans of Wake and Durham counties has entered its last preliminary study phase and planners will be asking the public throughout the next 12 to 18 months what they think about the emerging project details.
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In June, the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners voted to change how the Town charges for solid waste collection. Since 2008 Wake Forest property owners have paid for solid waste service as part of their annual property tax bill. Beginning January 1, 2021, the service will no longer be covered solely by annual tax revenues, but instead by a $21 monthly solid waste fee included on residents’ water bill. The monthly fee includes weekly trash, recycling and yard waste collection, along with seasonal collections for loose leaves, Christmas trees, bulk waste pickup and large brush collection.
Several improvements to the Town's yard waste and bulk waste collection programs will begin in January. The Town has created a portal on its website that provides a complete overview of program improvements, including answers to several frequently asked questions.
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Wake Forest residents can now go online and use the Town of Wake Forest app to request assistance and report issues related to solid waste service:
- Request trash and recycling service;
- Upgrade from a 48-gallon to a 96-gallon recycling cart;
- Report damaged and/or missing carts;
- Report a missed trash or recycling collection;
- Request a bulk pickup;
- Sign up for Waste Wizard.
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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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The Town of Wake Forest recently introduced a new video series entitled Wake Forest Perspectives. Each program in the series features a 15-20 minute conversation with a Town of Wake Forest staff member, official or Wake Forest personality. Our goal is to engage a range of local guests in one-on-one discussions to provide a variety of “perspectives” on Wake Forest events, activities and initiatives.
This week's guest is Northern Wake Senior Center Director Jennie Griggs. Next week's guest will be Wake Forest Transportation Engineer Jonathan Jacobs.
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The Wake Forest Planning Board typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., while the Board of Commissioners typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
These meetings can be viewed both live and on demand through the Public Meetings Portal on the Town’s website.
Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings are also broadcast live on Wake Forest TV 10—the Town’s government access channel—then re-broadcast daily throughout the next two weeks at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
WFTV 10 is available only to Wake Forest residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. However, WFTV 10 can be viewed online in real-time streaming video by anyone who has internet access. To stream WFTV 10 online, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “wftv 10.”
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Wake Forest Power (WFP) offers residential customers a simple, yet effective way they can help neighbors struggling to pay electric bills due to COVID-19 or other financial hardships.
Helping Others by Providing Electricity or H.O.P.E. is an initiative offered by the Town of Wake Forest designed to help financially disadvantaged electric customers pay their utility bills. The program is funded by the generous donations of WFP customers and administered through a partnership between the Town and ChurchNet, a local non-profit organization assisting area people in need.
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About six out of 10 people living with dementia will wander away from their homes. As the development of the disease continues, it can become increasingly difficult and potentially impossible for the person to find their way home. Many children with autism may also wander. That’s why the Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) has introduced the Take Me Home initiative to help officers find and safely return home people with disabilities as quickly as possible when they wander away from their families or caregivers.
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The Wake Forest Police Department is urging area residents to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following recently reported phone scams involving gift cards. Many times it’s hard to tell what is a scam and what isn’t. But whenever someone asks you to pay using a gift card – it’s always a scam.
Gift cards are being used as part of several different scams, including IRS, jury duty and grandparent scams.
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The Wake Forest Loop (WFL), a fare-free bus service for residents traveling within Wake Forest and a portion of Wakefield, has expanded its route to include six new all-day stops along Heritage Lake Road. The first pair of stops are located near Gateway Commons, while the next two are situated at opposite corners of the Heritage Lake Road/Heritage Club Avenue intersection. The final two stops are located at the intersection of Heritage Lake Road and Rogers Road.
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is offering a series of free online visual and performing arts experiences you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.
One of the Renaissance Centre’s favorite performers, Happy Dan The Magic Man, is performing his one-of-a-kind magic show on the third Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. These performances can be streamed via the Renaissance Centre Facebook page. They will also be available on the Renaissance Centre website.
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A mandatory mask requirement is in effect for all of North Carolina. As a result, every North Carolinian in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others, is required to wear a face covering.
Exceptions to the mask requirement apply to children under 11, those with certain medical conditions and people exercising outdoors away from other people. Other exceptions allow for people to remove masks while communicating with someone who is hearing impaired, while receiving medical treatment, or while giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience. You are also not required to wear a mask while riding in a personal vehicle.
In accordance with Executive Order (EO) 147, all visitors to the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and other Town facilities must wear a face mask or face covering. For more information, call Town Hall at 919-435-9400.
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Recycling Refresher
It's time to take a fresh look at recycling and change how we think about it! It's less important to fill the bin with a mix of things we think MAY be recyclable as it is to put in things we KNOW are recyclable. Click on the video above. It's designed to help you "get the right things in the bin - for the win!"
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The Waste Wizard makes it easier than ever for residents to stay informed about Town of Wake Forest trash, recycling and yard waste collection programs. The Waste Wizard also helps residents know which disposable household materials can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away.
Available on the Town’s website, the “Waste Wizard” is an interactive tool that allows users to sign up for waste collection reminders and download collection schedules.
You can also 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 bags, the search tool helps residents effectively sort their recyclables from their trash.
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Please...don't...litter!
The Town of Wake Forest often receives reports about trash of all kinds along our roads. It's a shame we're forced to constantly reinforce this message - but please don’t litter! We need everyone to help keep Wake Forest and North Carolina beautiful and safe, and it starts with each of us doing our part.
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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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