December 2024

Event Highlight

Snowball Dance

Friday, Dec. 13 | 6:30-8:30 pm

Joyner Park Community Center

Join us Friday, Dec. 13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road, for a heartwarming Winter Wonderland-themed dance, designed to celebrate the joy of movement and connection in a welcoming atmosphere.

Step into the JPCC transformed into a snowy paradise, complete with twinkling lights, shimmering decorations, and festive wintery vibes.

Our Snowball Dance will feature:

Inclusive Dance Floor Enjoy a variety of music that caters to all tastes, from classic holiday tunes to upbeat favorites, ensuring everyone can dance to their heart's content.

Sensory-Friendly Spaces Relax in designated areas with soft lighting and calming sounds for those who may need a break from the excitement.

Photo Booth Capture the magic of the night with festive props and backdrops, ensuring memories to cherish.

Caregiver Respite Area We understand that parents and caregivers also need a moment to recharge. Our dedicated Respite Area will provide a peaceful retreat during the Winter Wonderland Dance, allowing you to relax and connect with others.

Delicious desserts by Sweet Traditions With regular and gluten-free options.

Chaperones will be made available for supervision but participants can bring additional support if necessary.

Come with friends or come make new ones as we enjoy an evening of music, refreshments, dancing, and fun!

The cost is $15 per person. Register today!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Triangle Family Dentistry!

SPIRIT WF News

Share your input on the future of Taylor Street Park

The PRCR Department will host a series of public meetings over the next several weeks to solicit input from residents concerning the future of Taylor Street Park, 416 N. Taylor St.

The first of two meetings was offered on November 21. The second is scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. in the Board Chambers at Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.

Community members may attend the session in person or join via Zoom from their computer or smartphone.

A third public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St. 

Each session will include a brief presentation, followed by an open discussion where attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share suggestions. Town staff will be on hand to answer questions and gather public input.

From now through the end of December, community members are invited to provide their input via an online survey. The survey consists of 12 questions and takes less than five minutes to complete.

You're invited to to join our new SPIRIT Wake Forest Facebook group! 

Current and future SPIRIT program participants and their family members are invited to join our new “SPIRIT Wake Forest” group on Facebook!  

Within this group, we'll share useful information on upcoming SPIRIT Wake Forest programs, services, and special events.

Our group will also serve as a forum for members to support one another, ask questions, and share insights on how we can best serve you as a member of the SPIRIT Wake Forest community. 

To join, simply click on the button below!

Participant Spotlight

Say Hello to Lauren

Lauren attends our Aspire Respite Day and Cooking with Friends programs.

She enjoys being in the kitchen and wants to improve her cooking skills. The evening cooking class helped her improve her skills in addition to providing a socialization opportunity.

What she loves most about Aspire class is the socialization during the classes. She has made new friends.

The structure and predictability of the class are also important to her. She knows they will walk, make a craft, and prepare a snack each time she attends Aspire.

Lauren enjoys painting and other creative outlets. She enjoys trips to the Life and Science Museum to see the animals and butterflies.

If you get the chance to meet Lauren, be sure to say hello!

December Programs

Club Connect - Snow Globes

Embrace the holiday season during our December Club Connect!

We'll be making snow globes on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.

Join us for this fun-filled experience with great company and lively conversations.

Be sure to mark your calendars and bring your creativity because we can’t wait to make snow globes with you! For ages 15 and older.

ASPIRE Respite Day Program

Aspire is our adult day program for individuals with disabilities in the Wake Forest community.

At Aspire, we come together as a supportive and inclusive community to help each individual achieve their personal goals in life. Our program embraces a holistic approach, focusing on a wide range of objectives, whether they be recreational, communication, or essential life skills.

Under the guidance of our instructors, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the program, they’ll have the opportunity to explore new interests, try out exciting activities, and discover fresh passions that will bring them closer to their goals.

Join us in this enriching experience, where we nurture dreams, build skills, and foster a sense of belonging.

Designed for people ages 18 and over, this program meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.

Cooking with Friends

Cooking with Friends is a specialized cooking program for individuals with disabilities. This class will focus on simple cooking and baking recipes that can be prepared as independently as possible.

An instructor will help students concentrate on safety in the kitchen, learn basic cooking skills, follow recipe directions and work on communication. The students will be able to take the cooking skills that they learned and use it at home to impress family and friends.

Come join us as it’s a fun time to socialize with new and old friends. Students will have the opportunity to taste and bring home leftovers to share with the family.

We offer sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.

December Awareness

• Persons with Disabilities Awareness Month
• World AIDS Month
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month

SPIRIT Wake Forest

What is SPIRIT Wake Forest?

SPIRIT Wake Forest is our way of identifying the initiatives, activities and events offered by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department's Specialized Programs & Inclusion. It stands for Specialized Programs and Inclusion Resources for Individuals Throughout Wake Forest. 

Our staff has a wide variety of experience working with people of all physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.

We offer fun, adaptive, and inclusive recreation opportunities in our community including adaptive sports, social and fitness programs, and after school activities - with more on the way. 

Stay Informed

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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.