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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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.
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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.
All paper will be shredded on-site, then recycled. Participants are urged to help reduce contamination by removing all non-paper materials in advance, such as plastic binders, plastic folders and metal tabs. In addition, items that can damage the equipment will not be accepted, such as wet or moist paper, hanging file folders, books (hardback or paperback), credit cards, photographs, film, DVD’s and other metals (other than staples or paper clips), boxes, batteries, computer disks or other electronic media. Please note: Junk mail does not need to be shredded. Residents and businesses can recycle junk mail in their Town-issued recycling cart.
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Between now and Friday, April 9, the Town of Wake Forest is inviting parents of hilarious, animated and energetic children ages 5-10 to register them to participate in upcoming videos to be unveiled throughout 2021. Based on the once-popular TV series, “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” “Kids Say the Cutest Things” will feature local children responding to a series of innocent, yet thought-provoking questions about topics such as Independence Day, the Town of Wake Forest, seasons, animals, favorite things, and more!
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Although COVID-19 has pushed many events online or even canceled them altogether, it won’t stop the Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) from frying fish this year. The WFFD will host a Drive By Fish Fry on Friday, April 16, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – or until all the fish plates are sold. The drive-thru event will be offered along Elm Avenue in front of Fire Station #1, 420 Elm Ave. An illustrative map of the drive-thru system will be provided in the coming days.
Dinners are $10 each and will include generous portions of fried flounder, boiled potatoes, coleslaw, and hush puppies. No beverages will be provided.
Online orders are accepted through Thursday, April 15. Only available while supplies last, orders may also be accepted on the day of the event. Please note: Due to a limited number of meals, ordering ahead is strongly encouraged.
Fish fry proceeds will benefit the Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation. Formed in 2020 following the merger of the WFFD and the Town of Wake Forest, the foundation endeavors to support the needs of WFFD firefighters and their families while also contributing to the community.
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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.
Saturday, March 20
Raleigh Water will close the portion of South Main Street/US 1A from East Holding Avenue to Elm Avenue on Saturday, March 20, from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. The temporary road closure is necessary to allow crews to install a manhole along the 600 block of South Main. Water and sewer service in the area will not be affected. Detour signage will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists around the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible and take an alternate route.
Monday-Wednesday, March 22-24
Neal Construction, a contractor working to develop Marlowe Retail, 1628 S. Main St., will reduce to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic the portion of Forbes Road between South Main Street/US 1A and Stone Monument Drive, Monday-Wednesday, March 22-24, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. The temporary lane closures are necessary to allow crews to install and connect water and sewer lines to the new development. Flaggers and signage will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible and take an alternate route.
Now through March 31
Fred Smith Company, a contractor working at the future Devon Square Home Community, will reduce to one lane with alternating two-way traffic the portion of Harris Road between Capital Boulevard and E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, today (Thursday, March 11) through Wednesday, March 31, from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. The temporary lane closure is necessary to allow crews to widen the roadway. 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.
March 12-25
NC Roadbuilders, contractor working at the Everly Subdivision, will periodically reduce to one lane with alternating two-way traffic the portion of Youngsville Boulevard/US 1A at the intersection of Steven Taylor Road Friday, March 12-Thursday, March 25, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. The temporary lane closure is necessary to allow crews to construct a left-turn lane from Steven Taylor Road onto Youngsville Boulevard/US 1A. No detours will be posted, but signage and flaggers will be in place to safely direct traffic through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible and take an alternate route.
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.
Now through March
From now through March, 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.
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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.
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The Wake Forest Police Department recently launched a video series that highlights the "human" side of law enforcement. Each Friday over the next several weeks, we'll post a new Ask A Cop video featuring members of the WFPD discussing topics ranging from "hobbies" and "traffic stops" to "outreach programs" and "longest day on the job."
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre and ARTS Wake Forest are presenting a series of virtual concerts on Mondays at 7 p.m. you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Each program in the virtual “Neck of the Woods” performance series is different and features one or more performing acts, including singers, dancers, actors, musicians and spoken word artists.
Free and available on the Renaissance entre Facebook and YouTube pages, the remaining programs will spotlight the following local artists:
Complete information about each performer is available on the Renaissance Centre website. For more information, call 919-435-9458.
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Although the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre remains closed and in-person events suspended due to COVID-19, the center continues to offer free online visual and performing arts experiences you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. On Tuesday, March 23, from 7-7:45 p.m., Bright Star Touring Theatre will present We Can Do It: American Women in History on the Renaissance Centre Facebook page.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th amendment, this program will inform and inspire audiences of girls and boys alike. An incredible adventure featuring some of the world’s most remarkable female pioneers, the program will share the stories of incredible and groundbreaking women such as Amelia Earhardt, Sacajawea, Susan B. Anthony and more.
Supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, this performance is presented as part of the Renaissance Centre’s Arts In Education programming. For more information, call the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919-435-9458.
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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.
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Wake Forest Power earns national recognition for reliable electric operations
The American Public Power Association (APPA) has awarded its Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3®)Diamond Award to Wake Forest Power (WFP) for providing customers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service.
The RP3 award recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. Criteria within each category are based on sound business practices and represent a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.
The highest of the three recognition levels, “Diamond Level” designation means WFP met 98-100 percent of the criteria for providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service. One of 274 of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities to earn the designation, WFP has attained RP3 status continuously since 2007. The designation is active for three years, after which time a utility must reapply.
Wake Forest Power earned an additional reliability recognition for minimizing the amount of time the average customer spent without power in 2020. The average WFP customer spent only 57 minutes without power last year. By comparison, the national average is approximately 112 minutes.
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March is National Reading Month and the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is celebrating by offering StoryWalk in the Park at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
StoryWalk in the Park is an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors at the same time. Pages from “Brave Enough for Two” by local author Jonathan Voss are displayed on posts along the trail that runs through Joyner Park’s pecan grove. As you stroll along the path, you are directed to the next page in the story. StoryWalk engages young readers and is an effective way to practice active reading skills.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
The PRCR Department is partnering with Page 158 Books throughout March to celebrate National Reading Month. As part of the effort, the PRCR Department and Page 158 Books will offer books from local authors at Joyner Park for families to enjoy. For more information, contact Recreation Specialist Kelly Schurtz.
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The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is accepting team registrations for Men’s Church Softball through Wednesday, March 31. Online registration is available.
The entry fee is $550 per team, and the league is limited to participants ages 18 and older. Beginning in mid-April, league games will be played primarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Anyone interested in participating who does not have a team can sign up as a free agent, then assigned to a team in need of players. To register as a free agent, visit wakeforestnc.gov, search “Free Agent” and complete the online registration form.
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The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) will kick off a year-long centennial celebration on August 4 – the date the department was created 100 years ago. Planning is underway for a series of events and activities over the following 12 months to honor the past, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future. The complete schedule will be announced no later than early July.
In the meantime, the WFFD is inviting residents and businesses to participate in the commemoration by sharing photos, documents, stories, equipment and other memorabilia that can be used to celebrate the centennial and recognize the service and commitment of Wake Forest firefighters since 1921.
Anyone wishing to share photos, documents, stories or even compliments and best wishes is encouraged to complete and submit the online submission form.
For more information about the WFFD Centennial Celebration, contact Captain Ben Davis.
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RJS Construction, a contractor working on the Ledge Rock Green development, has closed a 400-foot section of the Dunn Creek Greenway north of the Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass. Extending from Ledgerock Road to the wooden bridge (which remains accessible), the closure is necessary to allow crews to install utilities for the new subdivision. The work is expected to be completed in late spring.
Signage and barricades have been posted to inform the public of the closure.
For more information, email Construction Inspections Supervisor James Mapp.
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The Wake Forest Police Department is again urging residents to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following a reported phone scam involving a plea for a donation to the police department. Many times, it’s hard to tell what’s a scam and what isn’t, but any time someone asks you to donate money over the phone to the police department or other law enforcement agency – it’s a scam.
Gift cards are often used as part of this type of scam and others, including IRS, jury duty and grandparent scams. In such instances, when scammers ask for money or demand that you pay them, they’ll direct you to buy a set of gift cards. These gift cards can be for a range of stores or products, including Target, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. Then, they’ll ask you to give them the gift card number and PIN information from the back of the card. Once they have that information, they can spend your money using the gift cards.
In recent instances, scammers called residents claiming to be associated with an official government entity, such as the Social Security Administration, a federal law enforcement agency, or a local law enforcement agency. As part of the scam, the caller explained why the person needed to purchase a gift card and provide them with the gift card numbers. The scammers will generally ask you to stay on the phone and not tell anyone what’s happening. They often know basic public information about the person they are calling, such as their name and address. They can even spoof the number of a legitimate government agency, so your caller ID shows the call coming from that agency.
Wake Forest Police want residents to know that no government entity would ever call you and request payment by gift card or any other means over the phone. Again, whenever someone uses this approach – it’s a scam.
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The Town of Wake Forest offers SeeClickFix as a simple, yet effective way for residents to report quality of life, non-emergency issues. Through the platform, the Town can address a range of citizens’ concerns, including damaged sidewalks, potholes, storm drain blockages, and malfunctioning traffic signals.
SeeClickFix is available on the Town website, while the mobile platform is offered as a function on the Town app.
By utilizing the online or mobile reporting platform, residents can report non-emergency issues through a variety of service request categories. When submitting such issues, residents can provide locational, descriptive and photographic information as they see the issue in real time.
Once the resident submits an issue, the reporter, the Town, and anyone “watching” the area receives an alert. The Town then acknowledges the service request, routes it to the proper department, and updates the request – along with residents following the issue - once it’s been resolved.
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You asked for it, and you got it! Wake Forest residents can now pick up their very own yard sign to help support and promote our Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean campaign!
Stop by Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., Monday-Friday between 8 am and 3 pm to pick up your yard sign and guidelines on proper sign placement. When you enter the Town Hall lobby, the signs are along the wall to your left. Simply select the one you want!
Thanks to everyone for your incredible support of this important community campaign! We're off to an amazing start in our fight against litter!
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Police officials are reminding Wake Forest motorists to park in the direction of traffic flow or risk a $25 fine. Wording in Sec. 30-251 of the Town's Code of Ordinances addresses "Parking in direction of traffic flow."
"Parking shall be established in the direction of traffic flow on all streets within corporate limits of the Town of Wake Forest with passenger side (right) tires to the curb on two-way streets."
In summary, on a two-way road, you must park with the right-hand wheels next to the right-side curb. Otherwise, you are parked illegally.
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The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals and families to join the Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean campaign by picking up trash in their neighborhoods and along local streets and roadways. Designed to encourage maximum public participation, 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 one or more litter kits at no charge by completing the online 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.
Due to COVID-19 and out of concern for public safety, the Town is currently limiting participation in the roadside cleanup program to individuals and families. Once state restrictions are lifted, the invitation to participate will be extended to schools, churches, civic groups and community organizations. For more information, contact Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson at 919-435-9585.
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Our Town is Wake Forest's free bi-monthly newsletter. Published every other month, Our Town is mailed to every home in the 27587 zip code and residents of Wakefield. If you live in one of these areas, you should have already received the latest edition in your mailbox. The cover of the current issue is shown.
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The March-August 2021 issue of RecConnect, the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department's program brochure, is now available. Click on the image above to view the latest edition in digital format. RecConnect is also available in Adobe Acrobat Format (PDF).
Free printed copies of RecConnect are available at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., and Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St.
RecConnect includes information about all programs, classes, special events, sports programs and registrations offered by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. To learn more, call 919-435-9560 or visit us online.
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The Town of Wake Forest is making it easier for Northeast Community residents to pay their utility bills thanks to a new payment drop box installed in front of the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St.
Designed to provide easier payment access and reduce trips to Town Hall, the drop box offers a convenient payment option for residents wishing to pay their Wake Forest Power bill and/or Raleigh Water bill. Payments deposited in the drop box after 8 a.m. Monday through Friday will be processed the next business day. The Town will mail receipts upon request.
Please note: The Town of Wake Forest does not accept Wake County property tax payments. Residents are encouraged to make those disbursements at the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave.
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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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Governor ends curfew, eases COVID restrictions
On February 24, Gov. Roy Cooper eased several statewide coronavirus restrictions as the state’s new cases have dropped significantly since the start of the year.
EO195 lifted the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The number of people who may gather indoors increased from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors.
The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption moved from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Some businesses, including bars and amusement parks, are now open for patrons indoors with new occupancy restrictions. Many businesses, venues and arenas have increased occupancy both indoors and outdoors.
EO195 has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30% capacity and 50% capacity. Because indoor spaces have a higher risk of spread for COVID-19, indoor facilities in the 30%-occupancy category may not exceed 250 people per indoor room or space.
30% Capacity Limit (may not exceed 250 people in indoor spaces)
- Bars
- Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
- Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
- Indoor areas of Amusement Parks
- Movie Theatres
- Entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo parlors, gaming establishments)
- Sports Arenas and Fields
Venues
Indoor event venues with more than 5,000 seats are exempt from the 250-person limit if they follow additional safety measures. They can open at 15% capacity.
50% Capacity Limit
- Restaurants
- Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
- Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, bowling alleys, rock climbing facilities)
- Pools
- Museums and Aquariums
- Retailers
- Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks
- Salons, Personal Care, Tattoo Parlors
The statewide mask mandate remains in place.
Related Links
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Have you ever wondered which household waste items belong in your trash receptacle and which can be recycled? Have you ever been unsure about how to properly prepare your yard waste or position your rollout carts? Do you know where to go on the Town website to schedule a bulk waste pickup or find out about solid waste service during holidays?
If you are a Wake Forest solid waste customer and you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then the Town of Wake Forest has a special gift just for you.
In January, every Wake Forest solid waste customer was mailed a copy of the Guide to Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste Service. This full-color, 12-page handbook provides useful information about all things related to the Town’s solid waste service, including curbside trash and recycling collection, yard waste and bulk pick-up, loose leaf collection and more.
Wake Forest solid waste customers should have already received their copy of the guide in the mail. A digital version of the booklet is also available on the Town website.
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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;
- Request a large brush pickup;
- Sign up for Waste Wizard.
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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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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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Everyone has an important role to play in keeping Wake Forest beautiful and safe. Let's all show some love to our community by properly disposing of trash and pet waste. #KeepWFClean
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The Town of Wake Forest encourages local pet owners to be good neighbors and great pet owners by obeying Wake County’s leash law.
The Town regularly receives complaints from local residents about dogs running at large – particularly at Town parks. Although Wake Forest does not have an ordinance pertaining to dogs, Wake County Animal Control has jurisdiction to enforce animal control laws within the town and its park system.
Wake County Animal Control Ordinance Section 2-3-7 (A) states “It shall be unlawful for any owner to permit an animal to be at large.” Section 2-3-7 (C) further states “It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any dog to take the dog into or allow the dog to enter any public park without being at all times under the restraint of a leash unless said park is designated as a dog park.”
Any owner permitting an animal to be at large shall pay a civil penalty of $100 for the first violation.
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Find what you're looking for on Town website
At wakeforestnc.gov, everything you'd ever like to know about Wake Forest, its programs and services, is always at your fingertips. Many of the common resources you're looking for are conveniently located below the search bar on the homepage. For all other questions, just click in the search bar and start to type.
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The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) regularly implores residents to help reduce motor vehicle break-ins by locking their car doors. A vast majority of the reported car break-ins in Wake Forest involve unlocked vehicles.
Those pleas are taking on an even greater sense of urgency after another rash of break-ins involving unlocked vehicles. Once again, thieves engaged in what is known as “car-hopping” in several Wake Forest subdivisions. Car-hopping occurs when criminals roam neighborhoods at night, pulling on car door handles, hoping to find an open vehicle. Police officials say it’s a numbers game. For every 10 cars a criminal checks, they expect to find at least a couple open, so there is no need to physically break a window or door lock to get in.
Simply put, the best way to avoid becoming a victim is by simply locking your unoccupied vehicles at all times, removing your valuable items and any extra set of keys from the vehicle, and double-checking to make sure your car is locked before going to bed at night. If an item can’t be removed, then it’s best to make sure it is out of sight to potential crooks looking for an easy target.
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The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is urging every resident to “be a good neighbor” by reporting suspicious activity.
Police Chief Jeff Leonard says crimes are often prevented when citizens report suspected illegal activity.
“Wake Forest is a growing community, and unfortunately, crime can sometimes be a byproduct of growth,” said Leonard. “But that’s why it’s so important for residents and business owners to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. When you see something that looks suspicious, call the police department. If we investigate and no crime has occurred, that’s okay. But we would rather you call and it turn out to be nothing, than not call. It’s a proven fact that reporting suspicious activity helps prevent crime.”
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The Town of Wake Forest has partnered with Paymentus to offer Wake Forest Power (WFP) customers faster, easier and more convenient ways to pay their electric bills. WFP customers can now pay their bills and review usage history online via a new and improved customer portal. Customers also have the option of paying via a new automated phone system.
The new online platform allows customers to:
- pay electric bills with credit cards, debit cards, or bank account and routing number;
- make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments;
- receive email reminders and emailed receipts of payment;
- view consumption and account information;
- view and download current and past utility bills;
- opt out of mailed paper bills; and
- manage multiple utility accounts with one user profile.
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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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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 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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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.-2 p.m. (note the new time).
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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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.
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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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.
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