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We want to hear from you! Town seeks feedback through Age-Friendly Community survey
In July, the Town of Wake Forest joined AARP’s Network of “Age-Friendly” States and Communities. A city, town, or rural area that is “age-friendly,” is one that helps people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. That means access to affordable housing, transportation options, health care, opportunities for social engagement, the ability to walk and bike and much more.
Now, the Town is seeking public input on ways to ensure Wake Forest remains welcoming and livable for people as they age. From now through December 31, community members of all ages are invited to complete our Age-Friendly Community Survey.
The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and asks about your needs for transportation, housing, healthcare, community, and more. Your responses will help Wake Forest prioritize programs that meet the greatest needs of older adults in our community.
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Community Council seeks award nominations for exemplary volunteers through Oct 16
The Wake Forest Community Council (WFCC) is seeking award nominations of local individuals and organizations that have contributed exemplary volunteer efforts to our community.
Since 1965, the WFCC has annually presented the Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year, and the Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award. Information about each of these awards, including their respective nomination forms, is available on the Town website.
Hard copies of the nomination forms are available at the Information Desk in the lobby of the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Completed nomination forms may be dropped off at Town Hall or mailed to WFCC, PO Box 1003, Wake Forest, NC 27588.
The submission deadline is noon on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Award recipients will be honored during the annual Community Christmas Dinner on Monday, Dec. 2, at The Forks Cafeteria, 339 S. Brooks St.
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You’re invited to “Go Wake Forest” Launch Event in Centennial Plaza Oct 10
The Town of Wake Forest is inviting community members to the “Go Wake Forest” Launch Event on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. in Wake Forest’s Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St.
Introduced on October 1, “Go Wake Forest” is a new ridesharing transit service that operates similarly to Uber and Lyft by connecting riders directly from their doorstep to anywhere in Wake Forest’s jurisdiction and Raleigh’s Wakefield neighborhood.
The October 10 Launch Event will formally introduce the new and innovative microtransit option, which on Thursday, Oct. 3, averaged six riders per hour with an on-time performance of around 95%. Comparatively, the Wake Forest Loop bus service, which Go Wake Forest has replaced, saw an average of two riders per hour with an on-time performance of 56% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Thursday’s event will feature brief remarks by Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones and Tyrone Smith of Via, the Town’s transit partner, along with Go Wake Forest app demos, rides, and vehicle displays.
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Halloween Boo Bash coming to Downtown Wake Forest Oct 19
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host its annual Halloween Boo Bash Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Downtown Wake Forest.
You read that right. The Boo Bash is coming downtown!
Presented by Capital Chevrolet, the Halloween Boo Bash is a free, family-oriented festival for children ages 12 and younger. After taking place for several years at E. Carroll Joyner Park, the popular event needed room to expand. Downtown is making that possible with “Sponsors Trick or Treat” along East Owen Avenue, food trucks along South Brooks Street, and games, inflatables, a photo booth and more on the Town Hall Campus, 301 S. Brooks St.
This year’s festivities will also include a variety of ghostly games and activities. Costumes are optional, but the best outfits will be featured on the Town’s website and social media pages.
Food and dessert trucks scheduled to participate in this year's Boo Bash include Not Just a Fry Guy, Hollywood Taco Shop, Will & Pop's, Jolly's Dessert Truck, GypZea Maize Kettle Corn and Crazy Beans Coffee.
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Celebrate Public Power Week Oct 6-12
The Town of Wake Forest and Wake Forest Power (WFP) are joining more than 2,000 not-for-profit utilities in celebrating Public Power Week October 6-12. As part of this annual week-long celebration, the Town and Wake Forest Power will offer a variety of free events and activities.
Public Power Week is also Customer Appreciation Week. As our way of saying “thank you” to our valued customers, Town staff will serve popcorn each day in the lobby of Town Hall and give away a variety of special prizes.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, the Town Hall lobby will be the scene of an Energy Savings & Electric Safety Expo. Featuring hands-on demonstrations and representatives from Wake Forest Power, ElectriCities, Northern Regional Center, ChurchNet, Wake County Human Services, and more, the event is scheduled from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Area residents are invited to attend and learn how to make their homes more energy efficient, save money on their electric bills, avoid electric hazards, and be safe around electricity.
During the energy expo, participants will also have the opportunity to win special prizes donated by local merchants.
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NCFST Mobile Market returns Oct 10 & 24
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe for Revival provide a mobile grocery store in Wake Forest on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m. - rain or shine.
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. (across from the Northern Regional Center) on Thursday, Oct. 10, and Thursday, Oct. 24.
Open to everyone, the pay-what-you-can mobile grocery store makes fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget.
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NWSC to host "Pathways to Wellness" Oct 12
The Northern Wake Senior Center (NWSC) and the Wake Forest Senior Information Networking Group (SING) are hosting a series of free classes, workshops, and other events to raise awareness about aging, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias.
Each event in the 2024 Age & Dementia Education Series offers attendees the opportunity to learn about dozens of aging and dementia-related programs, services, products, and resources – all at the NWSC, 235 E. Holding Ave. These free events are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m., and no registration is required.
The series concludes Saturday, Oct. 12, with "Pathways to Wellness." Led by NWSC Director Jennie Griggs, this session will guide caregivers toward holistic well-being through a combination of personalized strategies and community support by exploring various pathways including physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and mindfulness.
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Warm Your Hearts with Coats Drive continues through October 26
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is accepting new and/or clean, gently used coats and jackets through October 26 as part of its annual “Warm Your Hearts with Coats Drive.” Coats of all shapes and sizes are welcome and may be dropped off at one of the following PRCR facilities (during normal operating hours):
- Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St. (Monday-Friday, Noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sunday)
- Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St. (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sunday)
- Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road (Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sunday)
The Warm Your Hearts with Coats Drive is an easy, yet effective way for area residents to pass along coats and jackets they no longer need.
All donated coats will be distributed to children and teens in need of a winter jacket on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC). For more information, contact AMC Supervisor James Triplette at 919-554-6189.
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Drug Take Back Event at Wegmans October 26
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is partnering with Wegmans for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2024 Fall Drug Take Back Initiative on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Wegmans, 11051 Ligon Mill Road. Weather permitting, the drop-off area will be situated just outside the Wegmans main entrance facing Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass.
The October 26 Drug Take Back is a prescription and over-the-counter medication take-back initiative that promotes proper medication disposal. By providing a safe, convenient, and responsible way for people to dispose of unwanted pills, tablets, and other medications, the event helps prevent accidental poisonings and drug abuse, while also protecting local rivers and streams. The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked.
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“Basics of Backyard Composting” Workshop October 29
The Town of Wake Forest will host a “Basics of Backyard Composting” workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 5:45-6:45 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Geared for homeowners and led by a Wake County Master Gardner, the session will describe the basics on composting and explain how to compost in your own backyard.
The cost to participate is $5, and registration is required. The nominal fee will be donated to the Wake Forest Police Department Turkey Drive which helps provide Thanksgiving turkeys to needy families in our area.
Everyone who registers and attends the workshop will be entered in a drawing to win a free compost bin.
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Fire Station #1 to close as Hurricane Helene Relief collection site Oct 9 at 5 p.m., WFFD will continue accepting monetary donations
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) announced that Wake Forest Fire Station #1, 420 Elm Ave., will stop serving as a Hurricane Helene collection site on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.
In a statement announcing the decision to close the drop-off site that has been open since September 29, the WFFD wrote: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has generously contributed to our Hurricane Helene Relief Effort, whether through donations, time, or service.
To all those who helped transport donations to Western NC, volunteered at Station 1 to sort and accept items, or supported the effort in any way - you have made a real impact. Your kindness has made a difference to those in need, and your efforts will never be forgotten.
Thank you again to our incredible community for your compassion and support. Together, we have shown that when times get tough, we rise stronger. Let’s continue to make a difference!”
Thanks to the generous contributions of community members, the WFFD delivered over 250 pallets of food and other supplies to western North Carolina, along with over 40 pallets of water.
Although Fire Station #1 will no longer serve as a collection site after 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, the WFFD will continue accepting monetary donations online. Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation are also accepted. All monetary donations will be used to support recovery efforts in western North Carolina.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 8, monetary donations, including online contributions, cash, and checks, totaled $105,840.
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Join us at Joyner Park for Wake Forest’s first Diwali Festival Nov 2
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host its first Diwali Festival on Saturday, Nov. 2. Free and open to everyone, the event is scheduled from noon-3 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
Diwali is India’s biggest and most cherished festival of the year. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, showcasing the indomitable human spirit.
Immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere with enchanting music and vibrant dance performances. Explore hands–on crafts, experience a henna tattoo, and savor a variety of Indian culinary delights.
Join us as we unite in the spirit of Diwali – a celebration for everyone to enjoy!
For more information, contact PRCR Events Coordinator Suja Jacob at 919-556-7063.
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2024 Police Department Turkey Drive is underway
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting online monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 23, as part of its 18th Annual Turkey Drive.
Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Police Department are also accepted. Anyone wishing to contribute cash or check to this year’s Turkey Drive should email Officer K. Abshire. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, the Police Department will accept monetary donations and donations of frozen turkeys at the WFPD Substation, 225 S. Taylor St., from 9 a.m. until noon.
Police officers and staff will then distribute the turkeys while they last on Monday, Nov. 25, from 8-11 a.m., at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, 149 E. Holding Ave.
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Wake Forest Woman’s Club to present Historic Home Tour Dec 7
The Wake Forest Woman’s Club will offer tours of two homes in the Wake Forest National Register Historic District on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1-4 p.m. – rain or shine.
As part of the event, the Wake Forest Historical Museum and the HPC will host an Open House at the Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St., featuring tours of the Calvin Jones House and a Woman’s Club bake and craft sale. Parking will be available at the Historical Museum and along area side streets.
The Wake Forest Woman’s Club is now selling 500 tickets to this year’s Historic Home Tour.
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“Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walks return to downtown Wake Forest Sept 26-Oct 31, tickets still available
If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall, then don’t miss the Spirits of Wake Forest ghost walk in downtown Wake Forest. Now in its fifth year, Spirits of Wake Forest is presented by Wake Forest Downtown (WFD), Inc., in partnership with Firebox Theatre Company.
These tours will be offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, from September 26 through October 31, according to the following schedule:
- Thursdays & Fridays - 6:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Saturdays – 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 each.
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Tickets on sale for Renaissance Centre's 2024-25 Main Stage Performances
Tickets are now sale for the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre's 2024-25 Main Stage Performance Series. Scheduled performances will include:
- Legacy of Jazz - The First Time Ever I Heard Your Voice - Saturday, Oct. 26; 7:30 p.m.
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SOLD OUT - Forever Motown – Friday-Saturday, Nov. 15-16; 7:30 p.m.
- The Four C Notes: Seasons Greetings – Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Comedian Cathy Ladman - Saturday, Jan. 25; 7:30 p.m.
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SOLD OUT - Broadway in Love Dinner Show - Friday, Feb. 14; 6:30 p.m.
- 2025 Wake Forest Film Festival - Saturday, March 1
- Pete the Cat - Saturday, April 26; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Don't miss your chance to see these shows live and in person as many are expected to sell out fast. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the RC Box Office, or by calling 919-435-9458.
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Rules for political signs explained
The 2024 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 17, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., and 21 other locations throughout Wake County.
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 regulations establishing the duration, size, placement, and illumination of political signs.
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Wake Forest Farmers Market open Saturdays from 8 am-Noon
Over the years, the Wake Forest Farmers Market has grown into a lively community event on Saturday mornings.
From April through September, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. From October through March, it is open 10 a.m.-noon.
Now located behind the Wake Forest Town Hall, along South Taylor Street, the Farmers Market offers fresh-off-the-farm produce; pasture-raised beef, poultry, and pork; free-range eggs; fresh and dried herbs; honey, jams, and preserves; fresh-cut flowers and delicious baked goods.
A majority of the market's farm products are raised using environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, which are healthy for the soil, water, air, animals, and you!
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Wake Forest Film Festival seeks entries, volunteers needed to judge films
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (WFRC) is inviting filmmakers to submit their films for the Sixth Annual Wake Forest Film Festival (WFFF). The WFFF seeks feature and short films in these categories: student, narrative feature, narrative short, and documentary.
Films may be submitted via FilmFreeway. The website includes film screening fees and submission requirements.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, the WFFF will spotlight passionate, creative, and thought-provoking movies by some of today's most promising and accomplished local, national, and international filmmakers.
Volunteer judges needed
The WFRC is also seeking volunteers with filmmaking experience to judge film submissions for the film festival. Selected judges will receive a link to view a selection of films, then provide feedback and scores. To learn more, contact Technical Operations Specialist Isaac Duque at 919-435-9569.
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Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History on sale
The Town of Wake Forest is offering Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History for $30 each.
Authored by Wake Forest resident and “Wake Forest Gazette” Publisher Carol Pelosi, “Connections... 100 Years of Wake Forest History” was written and released in 2009 to commemorate Wake Forest's Centennial Celebration.
Connections may be purchased online with credit card or debit card or in person at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., with cash, check, credit card or debit card. After ordering your copy, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall at your convenience to pick it up.
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Engraved bricks make great gifts!
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick paver.
The 4" x 8" engraved brick pavers cost just $125 each and once ordered become a permanent part of the Wake Forest Town Hall Centennial Plaza - to be viewed and enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.
Located along South Brooks Street, Centennial Plaza is the focal point of Wake Forest's municipal campus and a gateway to town hall.
Here's your chance to join over 100 local businesses, civic clubs, residents and former residents that have already purchased a personalized brick. Engraved bricks are a unique way to honor loved ones, commemorate special events and recognize civic clubs and social groups, youth athletic teams, businesses and not-for-profit groups.
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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.
Over 10,000 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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Check out WFTV 10
WFTV 10 is on the air on Spectrum Cable Channel 10 and streaming online.
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. Work sessions are then re-broadcast over the next week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 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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Monthly meeting schedule
The following monthly meeting schedule is in effect for the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board:
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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“Show Some Love” by picking up litter along streets & roadways
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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Secure your load!
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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