What's Up in WF – April 16, 2021

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.

Town schedules extra Community Plan Visioning Workshop on April 22

In an effort to achieve the highest possible level of citizen participation, the Town has added a third Community Plan Visioning Workshop to its slate of virtual public meetings. In addition to the previously announced workshops on April 13, and Saturday, April 17, from 10-11:30 a.m., the Town will offer a session on Thursday, April 22, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Designed to provide residents, business owners and stakeholders the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on the future of land use and development in Wake Forest, the sessions will have the same format and content. Each will include a short presentation on existing conditions in Wake Forest; highlights of important issues and key opportunities to include in the Community Plan; and interactive participant polling via smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Anyone wishing to participate should register for the meeting of their choice. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the virtual workshop.

Paper shredding events coming up Saturday & Monday

The Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation will host a Drive-up Shred-a-thon Fundraiser on Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot of Patterson Hall, 101 N. Wingate St., on the campus of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The drive-thru event will allow residents to shred office paper, manilla folders, hanging file folders, spiral notebooks, receipts and envelopes. Hardcover books, magazines, newspapers, cardboard, credit cards, CDs, three-ring binders and x-rays will not be accepted.

The April 17 Shred-a-thon is a fundraiser to support the mission of the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation. Participants will be charged $10 per box or $25 for three boxes. Cash is preferred but checks and credit cards will also be accepted.

The Town of Wake Forest will host its fifth annual paper-shredding event on Monday, April 19. Free and open to the public, the shred event will take place rain or shine in the parking lot of the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., from noon to 6 p.m. – or until the three paper shredding trucks are full. The occasion will offer area residents and businesses the opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and dispose of confidential documents in an environmentally responsible manner.

Learn More

Renaissance Centre to reopen May 7 with Yolanda Rabun concert

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., will re-open to the public and begin re-connecting with the community on Friday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by Yolanda Rabun.

Advance tickets are $20 each plus tax and can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card or by calling the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919-435-9458.

Yolanda Rabun is a fierce songstress and North Carolina-based recording artist who is versatile enough to handle all styles of music – but favors jazz and soul. Rabun exploded onto the jazz scene first on Stanley Baird’s 2007 Traffic Jam hit single, “I Want 2 Love You,” and, in 2011, released her debut CD project, “So Real,” on which she co-wrote several songs, including the title song. In 2012, Rabun infused Soul, R&B, Gospel, Folk, Smooth and Traditional Jazz on her sophomore solo album, “Christmastime,” and followed in 2013 with the Adult Contemporary single, “Hold on To Your Dreams.” For more information about Yolanda Rabun, visit http://yolandarabun.com/.

Stay informed about solid waste collection & recycle smarter with "Waste Wizard"

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.

Wake Forest Garden Club honored as Main Street Champion

NC Main Street recently recognized the Wake Forest Garden Club as a Main Street Champion for “enhancing the beauty of downtown Wake Forest and the entire community since 1924.

According to Downtown Development Manager Jennifer Herbert, the Garden Club’s impact is visible throughout the Renaissance Area and beyond.

“Their many efforts in our downtown include the consulting and assisting on plantings and landscaping for Front Street - a major gateway into downtown, planting bulbs in our downtown park and along our Festival Street, and planning and volunteering in our annual Dirt Day event,” said Herbert. “They were also instrumental in introducing the beautiful planters in downtown. These dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to add beauty and joy to our community and are true downtown champions.”

Still time to nominate your favorite tree for 2021 Tree of the Year

The Urban Forestry Division is accepting nominations through Friday, April 23, for the Wake Forest 2021 Tree of the Year award. Trees may be nominated for their size, species, historic significance, personal meaning, community benefit or general notoriety – but they must be located within the Wake Forest town limits.

To submit your choice, visit our website, complete the nomination form and upload a photo of your tree. Finalists will be selected by Town staff, then voted on by the community during the week of April 26. The tree that receives the most votes will be announced as the winner on Arbor Day, Friday, April 30, while the submitter will receive a certificate crowning their tree as the Wake Forest 2021 Tree of the Year.

Heritage Lake/Friendship Chapel traffic signal update

The new traffic signal at the intersection of Heritage Lake Road and Friendship Chapel Road which has been in flash mode for the past couple weeks will begin operating on Tuesday, April 20.

For more information, email Transportation Engineer Jonathan Jacobs.

Registration continues for "50-Mile Walking Challenge"

The PRCR Department will commemorate “National Physical Fitness Month” in May by offering a 50-Mile Walking Challenge for area residents ages 11 and older.

The concept is simple. The PRCR Department is challenging area residents to walk a total of 50 miles in May and use tracking cards to record their progress. Walking locations may include neighborhoods, schools, churches, parks and greenways - just to name a few.

There is no cost to participate, and online registration is open throughout April. The first 200 people to register will receive a free water bottle. Tracking cards are available for pickup at Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road.

Everyone ages 11 and over who registers, completes 50 miles, and returns their tracking cards to JPCC by Thursday, June 3, will receive a commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last) and be entered into a June 4 prize drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host an online esports gaming tournament featuring "Rocket League" on Saturday, April 24. Open to players ages 10 and older, the “Battle in the Forest” will be played online and live streamed on Twitch.tv. Registration is underway through Wednesday, April 22. The cost is $5 per player.

Teams comprised of three players each will compete in what is scheduled to be a single-day tournament to be run in conjunction with "Bull City Gaming." In the event more than 32 teams register, the tournament will expand to two days with the qualifying rounds taking place on April 24 and the top eight teams battling it out in the finals on Sunday, April 25.

As an added incentive, the winning team may represent the Town of Wake Forest in the BODYARMOR State Games esports tournament. For more information, email Community Center Supervisor Grayson Pridgen.

Renaissance Centre to present free streaming of "Jack and the Beanstalk" April 27

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (WFRC) will re-open for in-person events with Yolanda Rabun in concert on Friday, May 7. Until then, the WFRC continues to offer free online visual and performing arts experiences you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.

On Tuesday, April 27, from 7-7:45 p.m., Virginia Repertory Theatre will present Jack and the Beanstalk on the Renaissance Centre Facebook page.

Geared for children in grades K-5, Virginia Repertory Theatre's musical adaptation is a rollicking retelling of the classic fairy tale with book and lyrics by Douglas Jones and music by Ron Barnett. Join our modern-day young hero as he uses his imagination to become the famous Jack from the book he is reading. As he spins the tale of trading the family cow for three magic beans, we watch the giant beanstalk grow and let our imaginations soar as our hero climbs through the clouds to meet an ill-tempered giant, find fabulous treasures and more adventures than you can "shake a stalk at."

Still time to register for Virtual Bass Fishing Tournament May 10-23

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host a Virtual Bass Fishing Tournament for ages 13 and older and a Virtual Youth Fishing Tournament for ages 12 and under May 10-23.

Over this two-week period, local anglers are encouraged to visit any public fishery in Wake or Franklin County to try and catch the biggest fish. Participants in the Youth Fishing Tournament may catch any species of fish, while anglers in the Bass Fishing Tournament will be limited to bass only.

Online registration for both tournaments is available through Thursday, April 22. The cost to participate is $10 for the bass tournament and $5 for the youth tourney.

Participants in the bass tourney will receive a fishing scale to be used in the competition, while contestants in the youth tournament will receive an “Early Fisherman” packet.

Girls' Youth Volleyball registration continues, volunteer coaches needed

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will accept youth volleyball applications for girls ages 9-16 from Thursday, April 1, through Friday, April 23. Late registration will be offered April 23-April 30. Register online

A participant’s eligibility is determined by her age on Sept. 1, 2021. A birth certificate is required for new participants. Age divisions include 9-10, 11-12 and 13-16. The fee is $60 for Wake Forest residents and $100 for non-Wake Forest residents.

Team placement, skills training and practices will begin in May. From early June through mid-July teams will likely play two games per week, Monday through Saturday, at the Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St., and local school gymnasiums.

Volunteer coaches are needed. For more information, email Athletics Specialist KP Kilpatrick.

Wake Forest Traffic Alerts

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.

Traffic Alert - Millers Mark Avenue/Ligon Mill Road Intersection

Now through early April

Fred Smith Company, a private contractor working on the Forbes Planned Unit Development, will close Millers Mark Avenue at the intersection of Ligon Mill Road on Monday, Feb. 8. The closure is necessary to complete the widening of Ligon Mill Road and install the future median. The intersection is expected to remain closed until early April when traffic is shifted to a new traffic pattern. Until then, residents are advised to use Reynolds Mill Road or Forbes Road as an alternate route.

Traffic Alert - Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass

Now through April

Fred Smith Company, a contractor working on behalf of Wegmans, continues to 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.

Traffic Alerts Map

The Town of Wake Forest has launched an interactive map that 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 new Traffic Alerts 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.

2021 State of the Town

Mayor Vivian Jones recently recorded a virtual State of the Town address that includes colorful video and photo highlights from the past year.

In her message, Mayor Jones provides a comprehensive update on the Town's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, accomplishments over the last 12 months, and what’s to come in 2021. She also shares details on infrastructure projects, communications initiatives, parks and recreation programs, town finances, how to support local businesses and more.

Mayor Jones' 2021 State of the Town address is available on the Town website and airs on WFTV 10 daily at 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.

COVID update

On March 23 Governor Roy Cooper announced lifting some restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Executive Order 204, which will take effect Friday, March 26, at 5 p.m.

Executive Order 204 has three general categories of occupancy restrictions: up to 100 percent capacity, 75 percent capacity, and 50 percent capacity. All businesses must continue to maintain the six feet of distance requirement between patrons and implement other safety protocols as they expand their capacity.

The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 25 to 50 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 50 to 100. This EO also fully lifts the restriction on the late-night sale and service of alcoholic beverages on bars, restaurants, and other establishments.

What stays the same?

The statewide mask mandate remains in effect, and masks are still required in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Social distancing is still required even as restrictions for capacity are lifted.

What changes?

Low Risk Settings

Can open up to full capacity
Includes childcare, camps, outdoor playgrounds, museums, retail and personal care businesses.

Medium Risk Settings

Can open up to 75% capacity indoors
Includes restaurants, breweries, wineries, gyms, pools and amusement parks.

Higher Risk Settings

Can open up to 50% capacity
Includes arenas, conference and reception spaces, movie theaters, gaming and bars.

The decision is based on North Carolina’s COVID-19 key metrics, including a reduction in cases, percent of positive tests, hospitalizations, and number of people visiting the emergency room for COVID-19 symptoms. As vaccine production and distribution is increasing, many North Carolinians are being vaccinated which is contributing to the positive trend in data as well.