The Human Relations Council (HRC) is soliciting youth and adult nominations for the 14th Annual Good Neighbor of the Year Award. The award recognizes Wake Forest residents who work to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods without seeking recognition for their efforts.
Nominees are sought in two divisions: adult (ages 19 and older) and youth (ages 10-18). To qualify, a nominee must be a Wake Forest resident who has made a significant contribution to the community between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023. Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are not eligible.
Nominations must include the names of both the nominator and the nominee, along with a narrative of 400 words or less describing why the nominee is deserving of the Good Neighbor of the Year Award.
Mayor Vivian Jones will present a commemorative plaque to one youth and one adult winner during this year’s Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, Sept. 16. The event is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
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Designed for people of all skill levels, the classes will be offered according to the following schedule:
- 9:30-11:30 a.m. - Children, ages 6-11, paint with Wake Forest Police Officer(s)
- 1:30-3:30 p.m. - Youth/Adults, ages 12 and older, paint with Wake Forest Firefighter(s)
These painting classes will give students the opportunity to paint for fun while improving their painting skills. Participants can also take pictures and interact with members of the Wake Forest Police and Fire Departments.
Online registration is open to the first 60 people to register. The cost is $15 for children ages 6-11 and $25 for youth and adults ages 12 and older. All materials will be provided.
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Vital Theatre will present two performances of the classic tale The Wizard of Oz Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. Showtimes are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Don’t miss this incredible re-telling of an American classic that has been entertaining audiences for ages.
Rediscover the joy of following the yellow brick road with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion, and even munchkin puppetry, as they travel through a re-imagined world of Oz. Suitable for children of all ages, this scaled-down version will last approximately one hour.
Advance tickets are $20 plus tax for adults and $10 plus tax for ages 12 and younger.
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Following the move, several Android users reported problems accessing the new app. An investigation by the app builder revealed that the issue was due to an outdated version of the TOWF app for Androids still available on Google Play.
That version has been unpublished.
We apologize for the confusion and hope this effectively resolves the problems our Android users were experiencing.
Android and iPhone users can access and install the correct version of the TOWF app by scanning the appropriate QR code below.
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The PRCR Department is hosting a free, monthly outdoor movie series through August at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. The fourth and final event of this year's series of Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park will present the film “Spider-Man: No Way Home” Saturday, Aug. 5. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Anyone planning to attend is urged to arrive early as viewing space may be limited.
Family Movie Nights feature family-friendly film favorites and genres, including comedies, dramas, and thrillers, all projected on a 26-foot inflatable movie screen in the park’s amphitheater.
Family Movie Nights are free and open to the public. Each includes a movie-related pre-show activity for kids beginning at 7:30 p.m. In addition, assorted food vendors will be on site selling snacks and refreshments.
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Wake Forest’s appeal to parents and caregivers – we need your help during Friday Night on White
Since 2016, Friday Night on White (FNOW) has been one of our community’s most popular outdoor events attracting thousands of people from Wake County and beyond to our charming downtown.
From the very beginning, we have tried to provide people of all ages a fun and entertaining experience in a safe environment. Based on the incredible turnout FNOW enjoys each month from April through September, it’s safe to say we’ve been somewhat successful – even though the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms on the day of the event roughly 99.9% of the time.
Unfortunately, over the past two years, we have noticed a disturbing trend. More and more we are witnessing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior involving unattended children and teens.
So far, this year alone, Wake Forest Police have dispersed several fights and responded to numerous reports of property damage involving our downtown businesses. FNOW organizers and Town staff have also witnessed and received reports of children and teens harassing business owners and loitering in stores and parking lots after being asked to leave.
Police officials say many of the people responsible for these disturbances were unsupervised teens and pre-teens who had been dropped off at the event.
While a vast majority of the young people that attend Friday Night on White behave responsibly, there is a small percentage that are disruptive. That’s why we’re asking parents and caregivers to help us preserve the FNOW experience for our downtown merchants and visitors by supervising their children.
With your help, we can fulfill our commitment to ensure that FNOW offers a positive atmosphere where friends and family gather for a time of safe fun.
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The free outdoor concert will take place from 6-9 p.m. along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at several downtown restaurants. A variety of food and dessert trucks will also be on site in the Depot Parking Lot, 110 S. White St., and along East Owen Avenue.
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The Town of Wake Forest is inviting residents who live in Wake Forest and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to apply for two vacancies on the Planning Board. One seat must be filled by a Wake Forest resident, while the other is reserved for someone who lives in the ETJ.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, July 28. Anyone without computer access is invited to complete the application by using a computer kiosk in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Hard copies are available upon request by contacting Deputy Town Clerk Ella Dowtin at 919-435-9436.
Planning Board candidates will be introduced to the Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Appointments to the Planning Board will also be announced during this meeting.
The new terms will commence immediately following the August 15 meeting.
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You can make a difference in our community by applying to fill one of two vacancies on the Human Relations Council (HRC).
The online advisory board application is available through Monday, July 31. Anyone without computer access is invited to complete the application by using a computer kiosk in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Hard copies are available upon request by contacting Deputy Town Clerk Ella Dowtin at 919-435-9436.
The purpose of the HRC is to encourage understanding and goodwill between all Wake Forest citizens regardless of race, sex, religion, creed, nationality, or economic status, and thus promote the general welfare of the Town.
The HRC meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. Candidates will be expected to attend the August 24 HRC meeting to introduce themselves to current members and explain why they wish to serve. Following the interviews, the HRC will review its slate of candidates before submitting its recommendation to the BOC. Selected applicants will volunteer for three-year terms.
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During the week of July 31, the Town of Wake Forest will periodically reduce to one lane portions of South Main Street/US 1A daily from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The temporary closures are necessary to allow tree crews to safely trim tree limbs and branches around overhead power lines.
Lane closures will occur along the northbound lane of South Main from Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass to Elm Avenue, then along the southbound lane of South Main from Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass to Selsey Drive.
Signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so drivers are encouraged to take an alternate route if possible.
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The PRCR Department will celebrate three years of hosting Battle in the Forest online esports gaming tournaments with a special tournament on Saturday, Aug. 26, featuring "Street Fighter 6.”
Open to players ages 13 and older, the online tournament is free to play on the PS5 platform only and will be live streamed on Twitch.tv. Registration is open through Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Participants will compete in a one-on-one, single-day, double-elimination tournament to be run in conjunction with "Bull City Gaming." Matches will be best of three the championship match being best of five.
In the event more than 32 people register, the tournament will expand to two days with the qualifying rounds taking place on August 26 and the top eight participants battling it out in the finals on Sunday, Aug. 27.
As an added incentive, the first 30 people to register will have their name entered into a special prize drawing. Only tournament participants are eligible to win.
The tournament’s first place winner will choose between the HORI PS5 Street Fighter Edition Fight Stick or a Qanba Drone 2 Fight Stick. The fight stick not selected by the first-place winner will be presented to the incentive drawing winner.
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Spend a couple Sunday evenings in September with family and friends at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, while enjoying some foot-tapping, finger-snapping good times during the 2023 Concerts in the Park. “SNAP” will headline the first concert on Sunday, Sept. 3, followed by “The Soul Psychedlique Orchestra” on Sunday, Sept. 10.
As full-time musicians, SNAP can transition seamlessly from crooning classic R&B, to banging out bombastic pop-punk, and throw in some house-thumping hip-hop and classic rock to top it off. They are masters of mash-up, rulers of remix, and monarchs of medleys.
The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra has an extensive music library than spans style from the 1940’s Big Band sounds to Beach Music, R&B, to Rock, Reggae, Latin and the best of today’s music.
Free and open to everyone, these performances are scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park amphitheater. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic, leashed pets, a blanket, or lawn chair and enjoy the music. However, alcoholic beverages, smoking, and unleashed pets are prohibited at Joyner Park.
Wake Forest Unplugged
As a bonus, on September 3 from 5-7 p.m., the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board will provide an array of organized games and activities as part of the 12th annual Wake Forest Unplugged. This free, family-friendly event offers area residents a unique opportunity to “disconnect” from their cell phones, computers and other electronic devices and “reconnect” with their community, friends, and family by engaging in healthier, more active pursuits.
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The PRCR Department and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) have partnered to offer a new 18-hole Disc Golf Course. The course was unveiled during a special dedication ceremony on July 20.
Hole No. 1 is located behind SEBTS's Carson Hall, 101 N. Wingate St.
In addition to concrete pads at each hole, new signage, and a course kiosk featuring an informational map, the course will soon be included on the UDisc app, so players can log their scores, obtain course information, and rank the ones they play.
The course is open year-round for free use to the public Monday-Friday from 4 p.m.-dusk, and Saturdays and Sundays from dawn to dusk.
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Good Neighbor Day (GND) returns to E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Saturday, Sept. 16, from 1-4 p.m. Hosted by the Human Relations Council (HRC), GND is an annual celebration that assembles Wake Forest residents from all walks of life for a day of free food, fun, and family entertainment. By bringing together a mix of cultures, music, ages and ethnicities, the event celebrates diversity and promotes goodwill among all Wake Forest citizens.
Volunteers are critical to the success of the event and needed at various times between noon and 5 p.m. Volunteer duties will be general in nature and may include setting up, cleaning up, answering questions, and assisting attendees.
Local civic groups and community organizations are especially encouraged to participate, along with local students interested in earning community service hours. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, email Human Resources Director Angela McCray.
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The Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries from residents and candidates concerning rules for political signs. Although temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues are permitted, a combination of state law and municipal code regulates how political signs may be displayed within Wake Forest. To ensure these conditions are met, adherence is required to the following regulations establishing the duration, size, placement, and illumination of political signs:
Duration
- Private Property – can be installed now with prior permission of the owner.
- State Roads – can be installed no earlier than 30 days before the November 7 election (Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023).
- Political signs must be removed by Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 - within 10 days after the election.
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The Public Art Commission is inviting residents to help shape the future of public art in Wake Forest by completing a brief online survey. Residents can complete the survey by visiting Engage Wake Forest and clicking on “Wake Forest Public Art.”
Designed to gauge community interest in public art, assess preferred types of art, and more, the questionnaire takes less than five minutes to complete.
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The Town of Wake Forest and several local veterans’ organizations will continue their monthly flag-raising ceremonies in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza Monday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m.
The 49th Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor George W. Nichols-Pulley and his son, George W. Nichols, Jr., both of whom served in the US Army.
Friends and family have been invited to participate in the ceremony, which will include patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying and the ceremonial flag-raising. After raising the American flag, the Wake Forest Fire Department Honor Guard will raise the US Army service flag. Both flags will fly in Centennial Plaza throughout August.
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre opened in November 2013 by encouraging visitors to “Imagine the Possibilities.” Now, the Renaissance Centre (RC) is commemorating its 10-year anniversary with a series of concerts, performances, and special events designed to highlight its impact as “the place” our community gathers to celebrate and enjoy the arts.
Our Realizing the Possibilities Celebration Series gets underway with The Malpass Brothers concert on July 22 and continues with two Murder Mystery Dinners on August 12 (Sold Out), Vital Theatre's Wizard of Oz on September 16, the Celebration of the Arts on October 7, Marcus Anderson in concert on November 18 (Sold Out), and four performances of the Celtic Angels December 15-17.
The series then extends into 2024 with Mesmerizing Magic featuring Jason Hudy on January 27, Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart on February 24, the Wake Forest Film Festival March 1-2, and two concerts featuring The Drifters on April 13.
Tickets for all these concerts, shows, and performances are on sale now and going fast.
Don't Be Scammed
While these events are opportunities to experience and enjoy top quality artists and performances, they also present openings for scammers to sell fake and/or higher-priced tickets. That’s why the Renaissance Centre (RC) is encouraging patrons to be diligent and exercise safe ticket-buying practices by always buying tickets from the source. To be certain that online tickets for RC shows are valid and that the price paid is the face-value price, purchases should always be made through the RC website.
The RC utilizes Etix as its exclusive online ticket seller. It is not affiliated with and does not cooperate with any resellers and cannot confirm the validity or stand behind tickets purchased from broker/resale sites.
Finally, anyone who purchases tickets, then wishes to sell them (for whatever reason) should contact the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919-435-9458. The RC maintains a waitlist of people interested in purchasing tickets should they become available.
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Registration is underway for Men’s Fall Softball and Co-Recreational Fall Softball.
Registration information is available online and at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. The registration period for these leagues ends Monday, July 31.
Men’s Fall Recreational Softball is comprised of two leagues – one competitive and one recreational. League play is scheduled to begin in mid-August, and games will be played on Monday and Wednesday. The entry fee is $550 per team.
The Open Co-Recreational Softball League will also begin in mid-August, with games on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The entry fee is $550 per team.
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.
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The Wake Forest Fire Department is asking for the community’s help renovating and restoring a Fire Safety Trailer used to teach children important lessons about the dangers of fires, how to prevent them, and ways to escape a burning home.
Donations of money, labor, and materials are needed to renovate and up fit the trailer, so it functions as a mobile classroom.
Once the renovations are completed, the Fire Safety Trailer will be used at schools, camps, and community events to teach kids what to do if a fire breaks out at home. The unit will be specially equipped with appliances, smoke machines, and heaters that can create conditions mimicking the signs of danger.
“Fire education and prevention are cornerstones of our operations,” said Firefighter Glenn Ebron. “We’re excited to partner with our community to renovate the Smoke Trailer and make our mobile classroom a reality.”
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Whoever said "nothing in life is free" didn't know about the Wake Forest Loop (WFL).
If you’re not familiar with the WFL, here are the top three reasons you should give it a try:
- It’s free
- It serves Wake Forest and part of Wakefield every day but Sunday
- It offers major stops in downtown Wake Forest, the Northern Regional Center, Heritage, Wakefield Commons, and Wake Forest Crossing.
Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? For more information about Wake Forest Bus Service, visit our website.
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Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) Victim Advocate Carly Simonton is hosting a weekly podcast on Next Door Radio Fridays at 10:15 a.m.
Victims Vibe – Tales of Trials & Triumphs explores the domestic violence, sexual assault, and other family-related issues Simonton encounters in support of victims and witnesses in her role as Victim Advocate. Her podcast is intended to give the community greater insight into the issues and challenges facing victims and witnesses of crime, as well as the resources available to them.
Simonton interviews a different guest during each week’s 30-minute podcast, including experts in public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice issues. She also devotes time to answering questions submitted by area residents. Questions and topics for future episodes may be submitted online.
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WFTV 10 is the Town of Wake Forest's government access channel serving the residents of Wake Forest. Produced by the Town's Communications Department, WFTV 10 is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. For those who don't subscribe to Spectrum Cable, WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video and as a function of the Town App.
WFTV 10 Schedule
Board of Commissioners work sessions are broadcast live on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Regular meetings are broadcast live on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., then re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Planning Board meetings are broadcast live on the second Tuesday of each month, then re-broadcast daily the following week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
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The September 2023-February 2024 edition of RecConnect is now available. Hard copies of the PRCR Program Guide are available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road; Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St.; and Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC), 416 N. Taylor St.
Check out RecConnect for complete details on recreational programs, events, and activities for all age groups, including preschool, youth, and adult, scheduled from September 2023 through February 2024.
Program registration begins August 1 for Wake Forest residents and August 8 for non-Wake Forest residents.
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The Wake Forest Farmers Market is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our community about the value of local farms and the importance of local food systems.
From April-September, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon along South Taylor Street behind the Wake Forest Town Hall.
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Transportation Planning 101
The Town of Wake Forest Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) addresses regional traffic issues from the surrounding areas as well as alternative transportation methods, such as buses, greenways, and trains.
Check out the video above on our Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) to learn more about how transportation projects are selected and funded. For more information, visit our Transportation Planning web page.
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The following monthly meeting schedule is now in effect:
Board of Commissioners Work Session
First Tuesday/month - 6 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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The UDO combines into a single document the Town's zoning, subdivision, land use, grading, storm water management, and historic preservation regulations. It outlines the requirements for all development activity.
The UDO was first adopted in 2013, along with the Manual of Specifications, Standards and Design (MSSD). With the update and adoption of several comprehensive plans, including the 2022 Community Plan and 2021 Northeast Community Plan, as well as several other comprehensive plans that are underway, the UDO and MSSD must be updated to implement the policies and recommendations of the plans.
In addition to reflecting the goals and actions of the comprehensive plans, the UDO needs to maintain compliance with state, federal and case law, which are constantly evolving. Finally, the update will exam best practices and trending topics.
The update process will involve multiple steps and take approximately two years. The updated UDO and MSSD will set the development rules for Wake Forest.
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In 2021 the Town of Wake Forest launched a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors.
#RecycleRightWF introduced and emphasized 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.
Thanks to the cooperation and efforts of our residents, we have recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the past year. Great job!
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Despite our best efforts, there are still some who complain about not knowing what is happening in our community. That's why we thought it might be useful for Talbot the Town Crier to again offer his "olde school" overview of all the ways you can stay informed.
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The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals, families, churches and civic clubs to 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.
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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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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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