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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Beginning in March, the Town of Wake Forest will no longer collect any plastic bags for disposal of yard waste, including compostable plastic yard waste bags.
Starting Monday, March 14, residents must use paper yard waste bags or reusable containers weighing no more than 50 pounds for their yard waste.
Acceptable yard waste includes small tree limbs, twigs, pine cones, leaves, grass clippings, and trimmings too small to be included as a brush pickup such as acorns, bamboo, dead plants, flower and vegetable debris, flowers, hay, ivy, leaves, shrubs, vines, weeds, wood chips, leaves and trimmings. Weeds and invasive plants are also acceptable for yard waste collection.
Why the Change?
The Town is committed to reducing the impact of plastic bags on the environment. Not only do plastic bags cause negative effects to the environment, but they also create inefficiencies when processing yard waste. When you use plastic bags for your yard waste, the bags must be separated from the yard waste before the leaves and debris can be properly shredded. When shredded plastic becomes mixed with yard waste it contaminates the load and prevents the collected materials from being reusable as compost.
Paper yard bags are also biodegradable. This means that living organisms can break down the bag—sometimes in a relatively short amount of time. Comparatively, plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. There are no harmful impacts to the soil as paper yard bags break down. Whereas, plastic can release harmful materials into the soil as it breaks down.
Paper yard waste bags are available at major discount stores, hardware, and home improvement stores. They can also be ordered online. For more information, visit our website or email Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson.
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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. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road.
The evening’s theme will spotlight one of Dr. King’s messages: “I have decided to stick to love…Hate is too great a burden to bear.” 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, will be available in November on the Town website. The competition winners will be recognized during the January 20 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, 2022. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations via PayPal. For more information, contact Margo Grant.
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The Town of Wake Forest will host a public information meeting concerning the SunTrust Redevelopment Plan on Monday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Chambers, 301 S. Brooks St.
During the session, organizers will review information and provide updates related to the redevelopment of the former SunTrust property, located at 353 S. White St. The meeting will begin with a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity for attendees to share comments and ask questions.
Residents may also watch the information session live on WFTV 10. The Town’s government access channel is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video.
In the meantime, residents are invited to share their comments and questions in advance via Engage Wake Forest.
The Town of Wake Forest purchased the former SunTrust property in 2018 with the goal of creating a catalytic mixed-use development. The Town partnered with the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative (DFI) in late 2018 to assist with attracting private investment. DFI’s scope of work includes pre-development analysis, solicitation of a private development partner(s), and assistance to the Town with the negotiation of a development agreement with the selected partner(s).
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With the number of breakthrough COVID cases on the rise due to the Omicron variant, the Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) has suspended live scan fingerprinting service and child safety seat installations until further notice.
In addition, the WFPD is prohibiting public access to the interior of the Main Station, 225 S. Taylor St. Anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to use the red phone located in the station’s vestibule.
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The Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and other administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Town offices will re-open Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 8 a.m.
Garbage and recycling collection schedules will not be affected, but bus service and yard waste collection will be suspended.
Wake Forest Bus Service, including the Wake Forest-Raleigh Express and the Wake Forest Loop, will not be provided Monday, Jan. 17, but will resume its normal schedule Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Yard waste will not be collected January 17 but will resume January 18 at 7 a.m. Crews will follow the normal collection schedule beginning with Monday’s route. Collection of the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will occur throughout the remainder of the week until all routes have been completed.
Residents without internet service can schedule their pick-up by calling 919-435-9570 by 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14. Residents who call after hours may leave a voicemail message. All voicemail requests for bulk pick-up service must include the resident’s name, physical address, and telephone number, along with a description of the bulk waste items to be collected. Any service request that does not include the required information will not be processed.
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The Wake Forest Human Relations Council (HRC) is celebrating Black History Month in 2022 by once again offering residents the chance to recognize local African Americans who have made a difference enhancing and improving the quality of life in their community, family, church, business, organization or other group.
From now through Saturday, Jan. 15, the HRC will accept nominations for Wake Forest residents to be recognized for their contributions.
Wake Forest residents, former residents, and business and community stakeholders that identify as African American are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate leadership and integrity and be respected by their peers. In addition, potential nominees may be recognized for one or more of the following actions:
- Helping neighbors and fellow Wake Forest citizens;
- Demonstrating hospitality and/or concern for others;
- Supporting local businesses and charities;
- Promoting a sense of community in their neighborhood and beyond;
- Serving the community through their school, church, business or community organization.
PLEASE NOTE: The HRC endeavors to recognize as many Wake Forest African Americans as possible. In order to achieve this goal, nominees that were highlighted in 2021 will not be considered this year. For more information and to view the full list of 2021 honorees, visit our website.
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You’re invited to join Mayor Vivian Jones for the 2022 State of the Town Address & Dinner on Monday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. Presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the event will take place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
During her remarks, Mayor Jones will reflect on the successes and challenges of the Wake Forest community over the past year. She will also outline the goals the town will strive towards in 2022.
Advance tickets are $15 per person and include a catered meal and dinner music by the Heritage High School Jazz Ensemble. Tickets can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card. Tickets may also be purchased at the Renaissance Centre Box Office with cash, check or credit card. A processing fee will be added to the cost of any ticket purchased with a credit card. Please note: A limited number of tickets are available, so the event is expected to sell out. Dress for the occasion is business casual.
Anyone wishing to attend the program portion of the event only - without eating dinner - is not required to purchase a ticket. Non-ticket buyers are invited to arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. at the conclusion of the dinner portion of the program. The mayor's address typically begins between 6:45 and 7 p.m.
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This is an example of a QR ("Quick Response") code. QR codes are like the barcodes you see on retail products, but they can contain a lot more information than a simple item number.
QR codes can also be used to display other text, such as contact information or menu options. QR codes can be placed on anything from signs and flyers to A-frame signs/sandwich boards and business cards. They provide an easy way for you to get more information about a subject, without having to remember or type anything.
To use QR codes, you simply need a phone that has a camera and a QR reader app. Many modern smartphones come with a reader app (such as “Barcode Scanner” for Android or “BlackBerry Messenger” for BlackBerry), or you can install a free reader app by searching for “QR” in your phone’s online app store.
Wake Forest uses QR codes in a variety of ways. For example, codes on A-frame signs help you find info about our Christmas events, complete event surveys, and sign up to receive notifications about Town programs and services. If you have any feedback about our use of QR codes, please be sure to let us know!
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Low-income families in Wake Forest can now apply for help paying their water bills. The new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program that helps eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services. The initiative provides a one-time payment for eligible households paid directly to the utility company.
To qualify, applying households must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and:
- Income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level;
- Household services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill;
- Responsibility for the water bill.
If your water has been turned off, or if you have received a notice that your water is going to be turned off, you can apply online at epass.nc.gov.
You can also apply by printing a paper application from epass.nc.gov and dropping it off at or faxing it to your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) or by calling your local county DSS to apply by phone.
LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds run out.
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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.
Ongoing
Fred Smith Company, a contractor working at the future Legacy at Heritage, will periodically reduce to one lane with alternating two-way traffic the portion of Heritage Lake Road from Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass to Friendship Chapel Road from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. The periodic lane closures are necessary to allow crews to widen the road and install a storm drain and curb and gutter.
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.
Ongoing
From now through early December, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working on the Holding Village subdivision, will initiate lane reductions along eastbound and westbound Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass in the vicinity of the South Franklin Street intersection daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The lane reductions are necessary to allow crews to extend South Franklin Street and convert the intersection to a Reduced Conflict Intersection, also known as a superstreet.
Signage and cones will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work areas. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid these areas if possible and take an alternate route.
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Bright Star Touring Theatre, a national professional touring theatre company based in Asheville, NC, will offer a free performance of Jackie Robinson on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St.
Jackie Robinson’s number “42” has come to symbolize the triumph of the human spirit over incredible odds. This biographical tale follows the life of Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player to cross the color lines in the Major Leagues. A real-life hero and a tribute to the power of persistence and determination in the face of adversity, see why Jackie Robinson has inspired so many people both in and out of sports!
This production is part of the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre’s "Arts For All" free community performance series, which is supported by United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will host the 2022 Shades of Gospel music concert featuring award-winning gospel singer Pastor John P. Kee on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 plus tax and may be purchased online or at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St.
Known for his soulful, husky voice, Pastor Kee will be backed by a talented six-piece band and a host of back-up singers. The pastor of Charlotte’s New Life Fellowship Center, Kee is a widely acclaimed gospel musician with six solo albums to his credit, plus 20 more with his choir. A 2007 Christian Hall of Fame inductee, he has garnered several awards and honors for his singing and songwriting, including 27 Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence awards.
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The Wake Forest Film Festival (WFFF) has announced its 2022 program lineup scheduled for Friday-Saturday, March 4-5, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Entitled “A Light in the Forest,” the two-day festival will engage film enthusiasts with more than 30 films of all lengths and genres, including short and full-length, documentary, horror, animation, and student. Intended for both the general public and film professionals, the film festival is an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their films in a unique location to a discerning audience.
To view the complete two-day schedule, including movie titles and times, visit our website.
All-access screening passes are on sale for $15 each and will allow unlimited access to the schedule of films throughout the two-day festival, along with question-and-answer sessions with industry professionals on Friday, March 4, at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 5, at 3:30 p.m.
Advance tickets may be purchased online and at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St.
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will welcome the Sons of Mystro on Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. These incredibly talented brothers play over 10 different genres of popular music, using the violin instead of their voices to express a song's lyrics.
Reflecting their Caribbean roots, the Sons of Mystro have graced the same stage with reggae and dancehall veterans such as Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Dobby Dobson, Freddie McGregor, Frankie Paul, Barrington Levy, and artists from the now generation such as Mr. Vegas, Beenie Man, Romain Virgo, Etana. Many of these artists have expressed amazement at the depth and variety of their musical selections and their innovative and artistic arrangements.
Tickets are now on sale for $12 each.
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Open Play Basketball is back
Upon arrival, please be prepared to present your Recreation Card (Rec Card) or pay a $5 drop-in fee. Please Note: Advance registration is encouraged.
Every Sunday, online registration will open for the following weeks' open play basketball time slots. Three different registration times are offered:
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Ages 18 and older - Reserved for pick-up games of participants ages 18 and older. Participants wanting to play games will take precedence over participants that only wish to shoot around.
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Youth - Reserved for games of participants ages 17 and under. Half the court will be designated for games and the other half for participants 10 and under and 17 and under that wish to shoot around. Please note: Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Open Shoot - Shooting around will take precedence over game play.
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The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce the relaunch of Engage Wake Forest - a comprehensive community engagement platform where citizens can engage, collaborate, and provide feedback on Town programs and initiatives.
The goal of Engage Wake Forest is to encourage area residents to learn about Town initiatives, ask questions, and participate in the planning process for a variety of projects. Along the way, the Town will post surveys, polls, and forums to generate new ideas and solicit feedback.
Developed by Bang the Table, the interactive platform allows Wake Forest to communicate important messages without the distraction of off-topic or uncivil comments.
The first online discussion invites residents to share their thoughts and opinions concerning parks and recreation facilities needed most in Wake Forest. Future parks and recreation facilities are included in the Town’s annual Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), but Town officials want to hear from residents concerning the ones they believe are needed most.
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The Town of Wake Forest is again making it easy for area residents to keep track of popular Town events with its 14-month wall calendar. Available in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and online, the free calendar offers a comprehensive listing of Town events scheduled between November 2021 and December 2022, along with the various holidays the Town will observe during that period.
The calendar is filled with dozens of photos featuring area residents enjoying local festivities ranging from Friday Night on White and the annual Easter Egg Hunt to the Independence Day Celebration and Lighting of Wake Forest – plus everything in between.
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The Town of Wake Forest is bolstering its communications outreach efforts by offering residents the opportunity to receive text messages about time-sensitive issues and matters of community interest, including police advisories, traffic alerts, holiday operations and special events.
Since 2015 Wake Forest has utilized Blackboard Connect to communicate with residents via telephone, email and text message. Although the system has been used primarily to deliver personalized telephone messages, surveys suggest that phone calls are many residents’ least preferred means of receiving information. In response, the Communications Department is refocusing its efforts on utilizing Blackboard Connect to share information via cell phone text messages.
For anyone interested in receiving occasional text messages from the Town, opting in is easy. Simply visit our website, click on the “Sign Up Now” Blackboard Connect logo, and enter your contact information, including your cell phone numbers and email addresses.
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Fall is here and so are the cooler temperatures! The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals, families, churches and civic clubs to embrace autumn and 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.
Once reserved, litter kits may be picked up at the Public Works Operations Center, 234 Friendship Chapel Road, Monday-Friday, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and must be returned within one week, unless otherwise requested. For complete details, email Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson.
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UPDATE - Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean
In late January, we launched our Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean anti-litter campaign. Since then, volunteers have checked out 89 litter kits; logged 216 hours; collected over 5,000 lbs. of trash and 1,280 lbs. of recyclables; and cleaned 30 miles of streets, eight sections of roadway and 13 sections of waterway.
We developed the infographic below to highlight our progress and express our thanks to YOU - our awesome community volunteers!
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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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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 - 7:30 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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View Town meetings live & on demand
Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings can be viewed both live and on demand by visiting our Public Meetings Portal. Meetings are available in streaming video for several years after their original air date and featured in a convenient scroll-down menu.
These meetings are also shown live on Wake Forest TV 10 - the Town of Wake Forest’s government access channel - then re-broadcast daily for two weeks at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Although WFTV 10 is available only to Wake Forest residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service, WFTV 10 is also provided online in real-time streaming video.
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The Town of Wake Forest has launched 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.
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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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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.
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