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Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-off returns to downtown Saturday
Help us ring in the holiday season and launch our annual Holiday Donation Drive during the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 1-5 p.m. in downtown Wake Forest!
Free and open to the public, our Holiday Kick-Off will offer a slew of activities the entire family can enjoy, including The Carolina Hurricanes Storm Tour and Slapshot Booth, a Winter Wonderland with everyone's favorite Ice Queen and Snowman, community performances, children's craft activities, and more!
To view the complete schedule of events, including times and locations, click on the venue map.
Food
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at several downtown restaurants. In addition, the following food trucks will be onsite: The Naked Empanada, Warehouse BBQ, Presti Pizza, Mama Churros, and Lumpy's Ice Cream.
Donation Drive
In addition to ringing in the holiday season, the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off will signal the start of our annual Holiday Donation Drive.
As part of this effort, you're invited to support one or more of these Town-sponsored initiatives: Helping Others by Providing Electricity (HOPE), Northern Community Food Security Team, Shop with a Cop, Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation, and Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Scholarship Program.
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Kids Care Choice
During Saturday's Holiday Kick-Off, kids ages 5-17 can use a Kids Buck (shown) to vote for their favorite WF Cares initiative.
Youth can visit the WF Cares tent in front of Fidelity Bank to fill out their Kids Buck, then donate it to the "charity" of their choice. At the end of the day, the initiative that receives the most Kids Bucks will be recognized as the 2023 Kids’ Care Choice. In addition, every child that participates will be entered into a prize drawing.
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Letters for Santa mailbox now available in Jones Plaza
The Town of Wake Forest has installed the popular Letters for Santa mailbox in Jones Plaza at the intersection of South White Street and East Jones Avenue just in time for Saturday’s Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off.
Children of all ages are invited to bring their letters to Santa’s Mailbox anytime between now and Friday, Dec. 22, for immediate delivery to the North Pole. No postage is required.
A “Letter from Santa” which parents can download and personalize is available on the Town website.
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2023 Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
The Wake Forest Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Police service will not be interrupted, but other Town operations will be affected.
During the week of November 20, the collection of trash and recycling will change as follows: Thursday’s route will be collected Friday, Nov. 24, and Friday’s route will be collected Saturday, Nov. 25.
Yard waste will not be collected November 23-24. The collection of all routes, including the Thursday and Friday routes, will occur Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 20-22, until all have been completed. To ensure that all neighborhoods are serviced properly, residents are urged to leave their normal yard waste and loose leaves in separate piles behind the curb by 7 a.m. Monday for pickup by Wednesday.
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Turkey Drive Drop-Off is Saturday...
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) will accept frozen turkey donations Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m.-noon, as part of this year’s Turkey Drive. Police officers will be available at the Police Department Main Station, 225 S. Taylor St., throughout the morning to thank donors and unload the turkeys.
Officers will also accept monetary donations and gift cards throughout the morning which will be used to purchase additional turkeys. Checks should be written to the Wake Forest Police Department.
The police department is also accepting online donations through midnight Saturday, Nov. 18.
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Turkey Giveaway is Monday
The WFPD and Tri-Area Ministry will partner to distribute more than 1,200 frozen turkeys while they last on Monday, Nov. 20, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, 149 E. Holding Ave.
A drive-thru system will be implemented along portions of South Franklin Street and East Holding Avenue to help ensure a smooth experience for residents wishing to pick up a frozen turkey. Please note that there is a limit of one turkey per vehicle.
Anyone planning to pick up a turkey should remain in their vehicle and line up along westbound East Holding Avenue (heading towards South Main Street/US 1A). The lineup will extend down East Holding and along South Franklin Street (in front of Franklin Academy) and north towards Elm Avenue.
Heavy traffic is expected throughout the area but especially at the intersection of East Holding and South Main/US 1A as vehicles exiting the giveaway will proceed to the intersection to turn left or right.
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Residents urged to #RecycleRightWF
In 2021, the Town of Wake Forest launched #RecycleRightWF, a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors. Through a series of easy-to-understand messages, the initiative attempted to simplify the recycling process and improve the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.
Thanks to the invaluable cooperation and efforts of residents, Wake Forest recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the next year.
In recent months, however, officials have noticed a steady increase in the number of contaminated recyclables in recycling carts throughout Wake Forest. As a result, the Town is reintroducing #RecycleRightWF.
The effort will address contamination by providing Wake Forest households with direct mail pieces, social media messaging, and concentrated feedback. Messaging will consistently remind residents who recycle to “Stick with These 6” - plastic bottles, jugs, and jars; metal cans; paper; and cardboard, and “Never These 9” - plastic bags, food waste, cups, to-go containers, paper towels, tiny things, plastic packaging, Styrofoam, and gloves/masks.
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Register for “Calls from Santa” November 22-30
A phone call from Santa Claus is on every child’s wish list. The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is making those wishes come true by offering Calls from Santa to kids ages 3-9 on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6-8 p.m.
On Wednesday, Nov. 22, registration forms will be available online, while hard copies will be available at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, and Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.
Completed forms must be submitted online or received at the Joyner Park Community Center or Town Hall by 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30. Telephone registrations will not be accepted.
There is no cost to participate, but all calls must be local. For more information, email Special Events Specialist Suja Jacob.
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NCFST's pay-what-you-can mobile market returns December 14
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) is partnering with Ripe for Revival to offer a monthly mobile grocery store on the second Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m. across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave.
Offering fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the NCFST Mobile Market will return to 350 E. Holding Ave. Thursday, Dec. 14.
The pay-what-you-can mobile market makes fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget. When shopping, there are some limits on the amount of protein, dairy and eggs a consumer can purchase, but no limits on produce. Shoppers can pay any portion of the suggested total at the checkout. Both cash and card payments are accepted - but no checks.
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Residents & downtown merchants invited to complete Downtown Plan Update survey, host DIY workshops
The Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating its Downtown Plan (formerly known as the Renaissance Plan for Downtown Wake Forest).
Online Survey
As part of the process of updating the plan, residents and businesses are invited to complete an online survey. Available through Sunday, Nov. 12, the questionnaire takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Survey results will be used in preparing the plan and for other community decision-making purposes.
Do-It-Yourself Workshops
HOAs, book clubs, youth groups, and other community organizations are invited to host Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Workshops as a way of encouraging even greater public participation in the planning for the future of Downtown Wake Forest.
As part of the initiative, the Planning Department will provide participating groups with the tools and information necessary to conduct their very own community workshop, including facilitator instructions, workshop discussion questionnaires, workshop agenda and ground rules, and more. To learn more or request a DIY Workshop kit, email Jennifer Currin.
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Wake Forest accepting applications for Guest Services Volunteers
The Town of Wake Forest is recruiting friendly, outgoing volunteers to greet and help direct visitors to Town Hall as part of its Guest Services Volunteer Program.
Responsibilities include greeting visitors in person and on the telephone, helping direct them to their destination, and performing other tasks as needed.
Approximately 12 area residents currently participate in the program. Most are recent retirees and senior adults looking for opportunities to give back to their community.
Located in the Town Hall lobby, the Guest Services Counter is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Guest Services Volunteers are expected to manage the desk at least two shifts per month. Volunteers must also participate in mandatory training where they will learn about Guest Services Desk responsibilities, participate in a brief tour of town hall, and complete and submit a background check form.
Guest Services Volunteer application forms are available online and at the first floor Customer Information Desk at Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.
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Only a few tickets left for Renaissance Centre’s “Celtic Angels Christmas”
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts will present four performances of “Celtic Angels Christmas” Friday-Sunday, Dec. 15-17. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. (sold out); Saturday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m.
Captivating audiences of all ages with the magic of the season, Celtics Angels Christmas is a joyous celebration from start to finish, encompassing vocal and instrumental holiday and Irish favorites. Paired with show-stopping world class champion Irish dancing and a fully live band, this show is sure to awe and entertain.
Stadium Seating
The Renaissance Centre will provide stadium seating for all four performances.
Tickets
Tickets ranging from $35-45 (plus tax) can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card. Advance tickets may also be purchased with cash, check, or credit card at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St. These performances are expected to sell out, so anyone interested in attending is encouraged to purchase their tickets now.
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Still time to complete accessibility survey as part of ADA Transition Plan Update
Furthering its commitment to accessibility, the Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan.
Citizen input is a crucial part of this process. Individuals with disabilities, along with patrons, family members, caregivers, organizations, and agencies that support individuals with disabilities, and interested individuals are invited to visit Engage Wake Forest and complete the Community Engagement Survey to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences on accessibility to Town programs, services, activities, and facilities. The survey is available through Thursday, Nov. 30, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
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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, such as aerobics, line dancing, ballroom dancing, wood carving, painting, and craft making.
The center also provides several social events each month, as well as educational classes on subjects including computers, ceramics, and clay.
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Town of Wake Forest app
The Town of Wake Forest (TOWF) offers a free smartphone app that provides direct access to useful information about Wake Forest and encourages two-way communication between the Town and its residents.
Since its update earlier this year, over 5,000 Android and iPhone users have downloaded the app allowing them instant access to important information about Town programs, services and events.
Among its many functions, the TOWF app allows iPhone and Android users to:
- Receive breaking news messages;
- Utilize “SeeClickFix” for prompt action on street maintenance, lights, potholes and graffiti, using the app to send a photo and exact location of the problem;
- Access information about Town-sponsored events and events at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre;
- View Town job openings;
- Utilize the “Waste Wizard;”
- Access contact information for every Town department.
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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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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Tickets on sale for Renaissance Centre's 10th Anniversary Celebration Series
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.
Realizing the Possibilities
Our Realizing the Possibilities Celebration Series is underway and continues with Marcus Anderson in concert on November 18 (Sold Out), and four performances of the Celtic Angels December 15-17.
The series 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 (sold out).
Tickets for all these concerts, shows, and performances are on sale now and going fast.
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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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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.
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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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PRCR's RecConnect available, program registration underway
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.
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Wake Forest Farmers Market
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 October-March, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 10 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 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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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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