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MLK Community Celebration rescheduled for Jan 30
Due to last week’s wintry weather, Wake Forest’s Martin Luther King Community Celebration, originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m. All community members are invited to attend the free observance at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road.
The evening’s theme will center around one of Dr. King’s messages: “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.” In the spirit of the event theme, the Wake Forest MLK Committee will offer creative performance, writing, and art competitions for students in Wake Forest and Rolesville-area schools. Complete contest rules and information, along with the online contest entry form, are available on the Town website. The competition winners will be recognized during the January 30 program.
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Wake Forest announces band lineup for 2025 Friday Night on White
Friday Night on White (FNOW) returns to downtown Wake Forest on April 11 and continues the second Friday night of each month through September 12.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025, FNOW promises to be bigger and better than ever this year thanks to a power-packed lineup featuring several of our area’s most popular and energetic bands.
Our 2025 concert series will feature Love Tribe (April 11); Sleeping Booty (May 9); Bounce! Party Band (June 13); The Punch Band (July 11); The Brickhouse Band (August 8); and Liquid Pleasure (September 12). Each concert is scheduled from 6-9 p.m.
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Meet Jennifer Currin, Wake Forest’s new Planning Director
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce Jennifer Currin as its new Planning Director. She assumes the role after serving as the Town’s Assistant Planning Director since January 2020.
As Planning Director, Currin will direct and review the activities of the Planning Department, including current and long-range planning initiatives and code enforcement programs. She will also play a leading role in the implementation of the Town's Community Plan which was adopted in 2022 and updated in 2024.
In fact, Currin says one of her proudest accomplishments was serving as staff project manager for the Community Plan update.
“Our updated Community Plan incorporated significant community engagement to create a cohesive and long-term vision for Wake Forest,” she says. “I’m proud that our efforts were acknowledged when Wake Forest was named a recipient of the 2024 NC Chapter of the American Planning Association's Marvin Collins Award in the category of Comprehensive Plan."
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Erica Shingleton earns Youth Sports Administrator Certification
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is pleased to announce that the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) has awarded the Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) credential to Athletics Specialist Erica Shingleton (photo attached). Shingleton earned the certification by successfully completing the Academy for Youth Sports Administrators.
As a CYSA, Shingleton joins an elite group of professionals that have earned certification in the field of youth sports and demonstrated that professional development is essential to the delivery of quality sports programs.
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Traffic Alert – Wait Avenue
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 30, and continuing through Friday, Feb. 7, Crowder Construction Company, a contractor working on Dunn Creek Greenway Phase 3, will reduce to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic the portion of Wait Avenue between Traditions Grande Boulevard and Havisham Court weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The temporary lane closure is necessary to allow crews to remove trees along the roadway to prepare for the relocation of the water main.
Signage and flaggers will be in place managing traffic flow and safely directing motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area and take an alternate route.
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Public drop-in reception to honor retiring Police Chief Jeff Leonard Jan 29
The Town of Wake Forest is inviting community members to a public drop-in reception to honor retiring Police Chief Jeff Leonard on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 3-7 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
A formal program will begin at 6 p.m. featuring brief remarks by Mayor Vivian Jones, Town Manager Kip Padgett, former Police Chiefs Greg Harrington and Joel Keith, and others. Light refreshments will be served.
Leonard is retiring after a 32-year career in public service, the last 15 as Wake Forest Police Chief. His last day will be February 1.
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Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and the Town of Wake Forest will celebrate by offering a series of events and initiatives throughout the month that are free and open to everyone.
Offerings will include Black History Month Walking Tours, "Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History," Black History Expo, Black History Month Honor Roll, and Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo.
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Registration continues for February’s Black History Month Walking Tours
The Town of Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Historical Museum are partnering to offer free Black History Month Walking Tours of the Northeast Community every Friday in February at 1 p.m.
Pre-registration is required by completing the online sign-up form. Space is limited to the first 15 participants to sign up for each tour.
Led by staff from Historic Preservation Planning and the Wake Forest Historical Museum, the tours will include Olive Branch Baptist Church, Alston-Massenburg Center, the newly restored Ailey Young House, the African American Cemetery, and more.
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Great Women of Black History Feb 8
Bright Star Touring Theatre will offer a free performance of “Empowered, Brilliant, and Brave: Great Women of Black History” Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St.
In honor of Black History Month, the program will introduce audience members to some of Black history’s most inspiring women.
Free and suitable for all ages, program seating is on a first come, first served basis. This program is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County.
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Warm Your Hearts with Coats Drive continues through February
In response to our area’s unseasonably cold weather, the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is hosting another “Warm Your Hearts with Coats Drive” to help families stay warm.
From now through the end of February, the PRCR Department will accept new and/or clean, gently used coats and jackets. Coats of all shapes and sizes are welcome and may be dropped off at one of the following 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)
- Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
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.
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SCAM ALERT! WFPD will never contact you by phone & request payment for missing a jury summons
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is again urging residents to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following several recently reported phone scams involving Venmo and Apple Pay by callers impersonating Wake Forest Police officers.
Several community members have reported receiving calls from someone posing as a Wake Forest Police officer who claims they owe money for missing a jury summons. In a common scenario, the caller, who may use the names of actual WFPD officers, says a warrant has been issued for their arrest, or soon will be, but they can pay a fine now via Apple Pay, Venmo, or some other form of electronic payment and avoid being arrested.
Many times, it’s hard to tell what’s a scam and what isn’t - but this is a scam.
Neither the WFPD nor any other government agency make such calls, nor would they ever ask anyone to make a payment via Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, Green Dot cards, store gift cards, Playstation/Xbox cards, Apple iTunes gift cards, Bitcoins, or any other electronic payment app.
These types of scams are designed to exploit fear and pressure victims into making payments to scammers.
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PRCR Spring & Summer Program Guide now available, registration opens Feb 1 for WF residents, Feb 8 for out-of-town residents
The 2025 Spring & Summer edition of RecConnect, the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) program guide, is now available online.
Hard copies are also available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 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 March through August 2025.
Program registration begins for in-town Wake Forest residents Saturday, Feb. 1, and out-of-town residents on Saturday, Feb. 8. Register online and in-person at JPCC, FPCC, and AMC during normal business hours. Online registration closes two business days before the start of a program. For more information, call the PRCR Department at 919-435-9560.
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Youth Baseball, Softball & T-Ball registration begins Feb 1 for WF residents, Feb 8 for out-of-town residents
The PRCR Department will accept online and in-person registrations throughout February for youth baseball, softball, and T-ball for boys ages 5-17 and girls ages 5-15 according to the following schedule:
- Feb 1-7 – in-town Wake Forest residents only
- Feb 8-29 - Wake Forest residents & out-of-town residents
- March 1-8 – Late registration, including a $15 late fee.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 1, online registration will be available, along with team placement and draft information and league rules. In-person registrations will be accepted at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
The fee is $60 for Wake Forest residents and $100 for non-Wake Forest residents. A participant’s eligibility is determined by his or her age on April 30, 2025, and a birth certificate is required for new participants.
Please note
Some age groups will fill before the registration period ends. In such instances, a wait list will be created and available to those who register for an age group that is filled. While a wait list does not guarantee team placement, it provides a way to reserve a spot in our first-in/first-out registration process. Wait list registrants are the first to be contacted, in the event availability does occur.
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You’re invited to “Coffee with a Cop” Feb 4
Wake Forest Police will host Coffee with a Cop Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, from 9-11 a.m. at Courtney's NY Bagels & Deli, 929 Heritage Lake Road, Suite 100.
“Coffee with a Cop” provides a unique opportunity for law enforcement and community members to come together in an informal, neutral setting to discuss community issues and build relationships - one cup of coffee at a time.
Most of the contact law enforcement officers have with the public tends to occur during emergencies or emotional situations, which are often not the best times to build relationships. “Coffee with a Cop” aims to breaks down barriers and allow for relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
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Wake Forest Renaissance Centre kicks off 2025 Partners Circle Membership Drive
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (WFRC) for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., is inviting area businesses to show their support for the arts in our community by joining its Partners Circle Donor Program.
The Renaissance Centre Partners Circle is comprised of dedicated business donors who share a passion for the arts in our community. Through an annual gift of $500 (Ruby), $1,000 (Sapphire), $2,000 (Gold), or $3,500 (Magenta), these local businesses offer invaluable support for Renaissance Centre programming and performances, while enjoying an array of benefits assigned to each membership level, including complimentary tickets to popular shows, various forms of public recognition, and more.
The deadline to join the 2025 Partners Circle is Monday, March 31.
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Friday Night on White food truck vendor applications accepted through Feb 14
The Town of Wake Forest is accepting online applications from food truck vendors interested in participating in Friday Night on White (FNOW) through Friday, Feb. 14.
FNOW takes place along South White Street on the second Friday night of each month from April through September. The 2025 series gets underway on April 11 and continues May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, and September 12. Each concert begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m., but food truck vendors are required to arrive and set up between 2:15 and 3 p.m.
The event fee for food truck vendors is $150 per event. Each concert includes space for 10 food trucks and four dessert trucks. The Town will assign trucks to specific concert dates based on a lottery system.
Participating food trucks are required to obtain all necessary Wake County permits. Each truck must also provide a copy of its Certificate of Insurance designating the Town of Wake Forest as an additional insured for the event date. A minimum of $1 million in insurance is required.
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Wake Forest Downtown seeking 2025 Forest Fest vendors & nonprofits
Forest Fest returns to downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to champion the economic health, growth, and vitality of downtown Wake Forest, Forest Fest is a family friendly event celebrating nature and outdoors in the heart of Wake Forest.
WFD is now accepting applications from vendors and nonprofit organizations that wish to participate in this year’s Forest Fest. The online application is available on the Town website. Application and payment are due no later than Sunday, Feb. 9.
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2024 Year in Review
We got a lot done last year in Wake Forest! Check out our latest video to see just a few of the things we accomplished.
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2025 State of the Town Address & Dinner
You’re invited to join Mayor Vivian Jones for the 2025 State of the Town Address & Dinner on Monday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. Presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the event will take place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
During her remarks, Mayor Jones will reflect on the successes and challenges of the Wake Forest community over the past year. She will also outline the goals the Town will strive towards in 2025.
Tickets are sold out, but anyone wishing to attend the program portion of the event only - without eating dinner - is not required to purchase a ticket. Non-ticket holders are invited to arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. at the conclusion of the dinner portion of the program. The mayor's address typically begins between 6:45 and 7 p.m.
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Renaissance Centre inviting artists to participate in “Land That I Love – A Tribute to Western NC” Art Exhibit
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., is inviting artists of all ages to submit up to three works of art for its March exhibition entitled: “Land That I Love – A Tribute to Western NC.” Artists are encouraged to consider the title of the exhibition as inspiration for their submission.
To learn more and/or apply, visit the Renaissance Centre website. The submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 10.
Selected works of art will be displayed in the Renaissance Centre Arts Annex from Thursday, March 6, through Friday, April 4.
The Renaissance Centre will honor the artists and their works during a special reception on Friday, March 14, from 6-8 p.m. in the Renaissance Centre Arts Annex. The reception is free and open to the public, and works will be available for purchase through the artists.
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Register now for “Battle in the Forest” Esports gaming tournament Feb 22
The PRCR Department will host an online Esports gaming tournament featuring the game "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Presented by Brightspeed Fiber Internet, Battle in the Forest is open to players ages 10 and older, free to play, and will be live streamed on Twitch.tv.
Registration is open through Wednesday, Feb. 19. Please note: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is rated e10+.
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Adult Spring Softball registration begins Feb 1
Adult Spring Softball registration begins Saturday, Feb. 1, and continues throughout the month. Team registrations will be accepted online and at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
Two or three Spring Softball League divisions will be offered - depending on the number of teams. All will be limited to Class E teams and lower, and you must be at least 18 years old to participate. League play is scheduled from mid-March through late May, and games will be played on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. The entry fee is $550 per team.
Free Agency
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, complete our online registration form. For more information, email Athletics Specialist Mikkel Patterson.
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Adult Co-Rec Kickball registration starts Feb 1
The PRCR Department will accept team registrations for Adult Co-Rec Kickball throughout February.
Online registration begins Saturday, Feb. 1. The entry fee is $325 per team, and the league is limited to participants ages 18 and older. Teams will play on Sunday afternoons from late March through late May.
Free Agency
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, complete our online registration form. For more information, email Athletics Specialist Mikkel Patterson.
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Tickets on sale for 2025 Wake Forest Film Festival
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will host the 2025 Wake Forest Film Festival on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online, in person at the RC Box Office, or by calling 919-435-9458.
Earlier this year, the Renaissance Centre invited filmmakers from our community and around the world to submit their vibrant, diverse, and original works and become a part of the 2025 film festival. Altogether, 106 films were submitted for consideration and 14 were selected to be featured during this year’s event.
The complete schedule, including movie titles and times, will be announced in the coming days and provided on the Renaissance Centre website. For more information, call the Renaissance Centre at 919-435-9458 or email the box office.
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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:
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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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Wake Forest Farmers Market open Saturdays from 10 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.
Located along South Taylor Street, behind the Wake Forest Town Hall, 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.
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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 12,000 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 J. Roberson HVAC 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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