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Welcome to the Senior Center Dispatch!
Senior Center Dispatch is a monthly e-newsletter offering the latest news and information on important issues facing seniors and their families.
Each edition includes articles on topics of interest, while also highlighting special events, classes, resources, and services offered at the Northern Wake Senior Center.
We are pleased to offer the Senior Dispatch via E-Notifier - the Town of Wake Forest's free email subscription service - as the most recent addition to our menu of information categories. So, please be sure to tell your friends and family that they too can receive the Senior Center Dispatch by signing up for E-Notifier.
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Celebrate Older Americans Month
By Jennie Griggs
Let's celebrate Older Americans Month with the 2025 theme "Flip the Script on Aging" by joining us at the Northern Wake Senior Center from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, for National Senior Health and Fitness Day, as proclaimed by Mayor Vivian Jones.
This event is a significant opportunity to engage in activities that promote health and well-being. The day will feature programs and classes featuring fitness, art, education, and activities as we "Move today for a Better Tomorrow."
The 2025 Older Americans theme focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
Since 1963, every May has been observed nationally as Older Americans Month. Established by President John F. Kennedy and led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this day was first recognized as a time to acknowledge contributions, highlight the importance of community engagement as a connection for older adults, and ensure that the aging have the resources for everything they need. Your participation is vital.
This day was created because of a pressing concern for older Americans. In 1963, there were only about 17 million Americans who had reached their 65th birthday, with one-third living in poverty and very few programs and services to meet their needs.
Fast forward to today when the senior population has grown significantly, with over 73 million Baby Boomers, equaling one-fifth of the population, and growing. Roughly 1 in 3 older adults aged 65+ are economically insecure, with incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This growth underscores the urgency of the issue.
This year, join us in honoring older adults' contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging. Let's focus on the positive aspects of aging and remember, we're all moving today for a better tomorrow. See you on May 28!
References
Get the facts on economic security for seniors, including information about income levels, social security, and other financial support systems.
Toscano, M., & Rubin, E. (2025). Population over 65 by State.
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National Senior Health & Fitness Day
Wednesday, May 28 | 10 am-3:30 pm
Northern Wake Senior Center
Moving can be defined within all Domains of Wellness. We mustn't limit the meaning of "Move" to the physical.
For a balanced approach to aging well, we need to move through the intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental domains of wellness because if we neglect one, we can affect others.
Join us for National Senior Health and Fitness day to partake in a variety of activities that encompass all of these domains.
For more information, call 919-554-4111.
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Beginning July 1, 2025, the Town of Wake Forest will assume operational and programming responsibilities for the Northern Wake Senior Center (NWSC).
To help ensure a smooth transition, the Town has assembled a Senior Center Operations Transition Team chaired by Assistant Town Manager Candace Davis. The transition team is comprised of staff from Risk Management, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, IT, Budget, Finance, Facilities, Human Resources, and Communications
Since mid-2024, the team has been working with Resources for Seniors, NWSC Director Jennie Griggs and her staff on a plan that will – as seamlessly as possible - add the NWSC to the Town’s municipal structure as its own department.
2025 Transition Web Page
As part of the effort to ensure a smooth transition, the Town has created a 2025 Transition web page as a resource you can reference to stay informed on the status of the transition and up to date on transition-related news.
In addition to a transition overview and the December 2024 message from Mayor Vivian Jones, the web page features our Transition Tenets which highlight the benefits of our future arrangement and emphasize the Town's commitment to the Senior Center's continued success.
Also, to help separate "fact" from "fiction," we provide answers to several Frequently Asked Questions.
Finally, there's a link to an online form that allows you to submit questions and comments.
We invite you to visit and bookmark our 2025 Transition web page to learn more about the Senior Center's upcoming transition. The web page will be updated as developments occur.
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SHIIP Counseling
The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, unbiased information about Medicare and can assist with enrollment and subsidy applications that could save you money.
For more information or to make an appointment, call the Northern Wake Senior Center at 919-554-4111.
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Acoustic Music Jam second & fourth Thursday of each month
You're invited to join us at the Senior Center from 2-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month for Acoustic Music Jam. Hosted by Steve Pfanenstiel, the bi-monthly event features all music genres, including traditional, folk, bluegrass, country, rock, and pop.
Open to all ages and skill levels, the event welcomes players of all musical instruments, including guitar, ukulele, voice, banjo, violin, mandolin, and more! For more information, call Steve Pfanestiel at 315-743-1121.
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Mark your calendar!
Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming sessions at the Northern Wake Senior Center.
The Real Truth Series
Wednesday, May 14 | 10 am
Topic: Growing Older & Staying Stronger
The Real Truth Series of lectures on important topics for today's aging population.
Series runs the second Wednesday of each month.
A Coffee Conversation on the Constitution
Monday, May 19 | 10 am
Have you ever wondered why, and how, our Constitution came into being?
This was not the obvious next step after our first government under the Articles of Confederation failed. Why did the men who wrote our Constitution place strict limits on the powers of the new government they were creating?
What did the people of those times understand terms like " regulate Commerce" and "general Welfare" to mean?
The answers to such questions are critical to understanding our Constitution.
Come discuss the Constitution and enjoy a cup of coffee.
The Downsizers Club
Wednesday, May 21 | 10 am
Downsizing should leave you overjoyed...Not Overwhelmed!
Our Certified Senior Housing Professionals and Downsizing Coaches provide guidance and best practices for simplifying the relocation process. Members add equal value as they share stories, wisdom, experience, and resources learned along the way.
Friday Night Social Dance
Friday, May 23 | 7 pm
Dancing and Dance Lessons from Gaylord Picard.
Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Country Dancing.
Music from Frank Battagalia.
All proceeds benefit the Northern Wake Senior Center.
No registration needed.
Come and have fun on a Friday!
| | Upcoming Programs, Classes & More | | We offer something for EVERYONE! Click on the icons below to view a complete listing of offerings in each category. | | In Case You're Interested | | |
Knox Homebox program gives Fire Department quicker access during emergencies
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) offers a life-saving initiative that provides firefighters with the safe and efficient entry they need into the homes of vulnerable residents during fires or medical emergencies.
The Knox Homebox program involves homeowners buying a steel lock box and firefighters locking their house key inside it. Fire crews have a master key that opens the box in the event of a medical emergency, fire, or other urgent need.
According to Fire Chief Ron Early, the initiative saves precious time for first responders and the potential expense of costly repairs for the homeowner due to forced entry.
“Our number one concern is getting inside the house to provide aid to someone who may be in trouble,” said Early. “This program allows us to gain entry quickly without breaking down the door or breaking windows.”
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Wake Forest Fire Department Fish Fry April 25
Mark your calendar for this year's Wake Forest Fire Department Fish Fry on Friday, April 25, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – or until all the fish plates are sold - at Fire Station #1, 420 Elm Ave.
Plates are $10 each and will include generous portions of fried flounder, boiled potatoes, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Cash, check, and credit card accepted. Fish fry proceeds will benefit the Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation.
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Forest Fest, Tree Seedling Giveaway, Paper Shredding Event & more coming to Downtown Wake Forest April 26
You're invited to Forest Fest on Saturday, April 26, in downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. in association with the Town of Wake Forest and several community partners, this free family-friendly event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – rain or shine – in several areas throughout the downtown area.
Celebrating nature and outdoors in the heart of Wake Forest, Forest Fest will include extended hours by the Wake Forest Farmers Market (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) along South Taylor Street, and a variety of local vendors, non-profit booths, and children’s activities along East Owen Avenue, Brooks Street, and the Town Hall parking lot. Centennial Plaza will feature live music with Loos Change from 10 a.m.-noon, a DJ from noon-2 p.m., and Blooming in the Forest – a local floral arrangement competition.
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Free Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event April 26
Wake Forest will host a Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave.
Sponsored by Civic Federal Credit Union, the paper shredding portion of the event will offer area residents and businesses the opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and dispose of confidential documents in an environmentally responsible manner.
As part of the electronics recycling effort, residents can properly dispose of items that may otherwise end up in landfills. Accepted items include, but are not limited to, laptops, servers, cell phones, mainframes, circuit boards, keyboards, VCRs, electric typewriters, and radios.
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Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway offered as part of Forest Fest on April 26
The Urban Forestry Board (UFB) is offering residents added incentive to attend this year’s Forest Fest in downtown Wake Forest. The UFB will host the popular Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway as part of the April 26 festivities.
During the tree seedling giveaway, UFB members, Town staff and volunteers will distribute 2,700 oak, river birch, and redbud seedlings - while they last. Forest Fest begins at 10 a.m., so anyone interested in obtaining free tree seedlings is encouraged to arrive at the start of the event.
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WF Police to host Drug Take Back Event at Wegmans April 26
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2025 National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 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.
Participants can help onsite personnel properly identify and sort the medications by disposing expired, unused, or unwanted medicine in their original containers with the drug labels intact. All the medications collected during the event will be secured by law enforcement and destroyed by incineration.
The following items are not accepted: creams, lotions, vitamins, over-the-counter medications, vapes, inhalers, liquids, and needles.
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British Invaders Band to open 2025 Six Sundays in Spring April 27
You’re invited to experience a foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time during this year's Six Sundays in Spring. Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest, the free outdoor concert series will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on consecutive Sundays from April 27 through June 1 at the Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road.
From big band and R&B to beach and jazz, there’s something for all music lovers at this year’s Six Sundays in Spring. The British Invaders Band will kick off this year’s performances on Sunday, April 27, followed by The Tams (May 4), Eduardo and the Paco Band (May 11), The Legacy Motown Revue (May 18), Blackwater Band (May 25), and Miss Mini & the Sandman Band (June 1).
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Wake Forest Fire Department now offering monthly CPR classes for Wake Forest residents
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) now offers monthly American Heart Association CPR Certification classes for Wake Forest residents at the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave. Classes begin at 9 a.m. and are scheduled on the following Saturdays through December: May 24, June 7, July 26, August 16, September 27, October 18, November 22, and December 20.
Attendees have the option to enroll in a four-hour or seven-hour class. In the four-hour session (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), participants learn CPR and how to correctly use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, a medical device that can help restore a normal heartbeat in certain situations. In the seven-hour class (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), participants learn CPR, how to use an AED, and basic first aid. Students who complete either session earn American Heart Association CPR Certification.
The cost for either class is $35 per person and preregistration is required.
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Meet in the Street returns to Downtown Wake Forest May 3, volunteers needed
Meet in the Street returns to downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hosted by the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Southern Lux Living, Meet in the Street will feature more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, live music throughout the day, dozens of food trucks, and a variety of children’s activities.
Volunteers are critical to the success of the event and needed at various times throughout the day. Volunteer duties will be general in nature and may include setting up, checking in vendors, helping vendors unload, serving in the welcome booth, cleaning up, answering questions, and more. Local civic groups and community organizations are especially encouraged to volunteer, along with local students interested in earning community service hours. To sign up to volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/MITS25.
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US 1 Tolling Options Public Information Sessions April 30 & May 5
US 1 is known for excessive road congestion and driving along it takes up substantial amount of time for residents and workers in the region. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), along with state and local partners, has pursued upgrading the corridor to a freeway for several decades. The project has been repeatedly delayed, and costs have escalated exponentially. To try to stabilize both the timeline and costs, CAMPO partnered with the NC Turnpike Authority to investigate alternative and innovative methods to deliver this project.
The study conducted by the NC Turnpike Authority developed four different scenarios for tolling that could be used to preserve the project’s schedule and feasibility. All four scenarios envision the upgrades as previously planned (NCDOT’s U-5307), but two options explored converting the corridor to an expressway (similar to NC 540 in Wake County) and the other two options present tolling as an express lane/s project (similar to I-77 in Mecklenburg County). Another variation among the scenarios is with the financial analysis which explores tolling along the US 1 Corridor North as either a standalone project or incorporates it into the Triangle Expressway System as a single network. The combination of those lead to different overall project costs, delivery dates, and legislative needs.
CAMPO will host the following Public Information Sessions (drop-in style open house) where attendees can share their thoughts and opinions on the US 1 North Project and the four tolling scenarios with CAMPO, NCDOT, and NC Turnpike Authority representatives:
Wednesday, April 30, 5-7 p.m.
Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC
Monday, May 5, 5-7 p.m.
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC
Both sessions will have an informal, open house-style format, along with the same content, so community members may drop in anytime to view displays, ask questions, and share comments. No formal presentation will be given.
Online Survey
Community members are also invited to complete an online survey. The deadline to complete the survey and submit comments is Wednesday, May 14.
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Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremonies continue May 5
The Town of Wake Forest and several local veterans’ organizations will continue their monthly flag-raising ceremonies in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza on Monday, May 5, at 11 a.m.
The 60th Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor George Evans, Jr., who served our nation in the US Army. Members of Evans' 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.
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Summer at the Centre tickets go on sale to the public May 7
For the second year in a row, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (RC), 405 S. Brooks St., will offer a series of concerts and events in June, July, and August featuring nationally renowned acts and performers.
The 2025 Summer at the Centre Performance Series will begin with The Embers: Featuring Craig Woolard on Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m., continue with Chairmen of the Board on Saturday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m., and conclude with Murder Mystery Dinners on Saturday, Aug. 23, at noon and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets go on sale to the public May 7 at 10 a.m.
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Friday Night on White continues May 9
Sleeping Booty will headline the May 9 Friday Night on White. The free outdoor concert will take place from 6-9 p.m. along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest.
The remaining concerts will feature Bounce! Party Band (June 13), The Band Punch (July 11), The Brickhouse Band (August 8), and Liquid Pleasure (September 12).
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Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park begin May 24 with “Monsters, Inc.”
The PRCR Department will host a free, monthly outdoor movie series from May through August at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. The first in the series of Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park will feature "Monsters, Inc." on Saturday, May 24, at 8:30 p.m.
Family Movie Nights will feature a variety of family-friendly film favorites and genres, including comedies, dramas, and action, all projected on a 26-foot inflatable movie screen in the park’s amphitheater. Future film screenings are scheduled on the following Saturdays: June 14 (Moana 2), July 19 (Mufassa), and August 2 (Transformers One). Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Anyone planning to attend is urged to arrive early as viewing space may be limited.
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NCFST Mobile Market
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe for Revival are pleased to provide a mobile grocery store across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-4:30 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 is 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 your budget.
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Upcoming outdoor events easy to find on Town website & app
Beginning with the Easter Eggstravaganza on April 5 and continuing through Good Neighbor Day on September 20, the Town of Wake Forest offers an incredible array of free outdoor events and activities for the entire family. From Friday Night on White and Six Sundays in Spring to Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park and Concerts in the Park, spring and summer in Wake Forest are jam-packed with fun-filled events guaranteed to get you out of the house.
To help inform area residents about all these events, the Town offers the Wake Forest Outdoors portal on its website. The webpage provides detailed information about our area’s most popular spring and summer happenings, including the Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremonies, Forest Fest, Meet in the Street, Independence Day Celebration, National Trails Day, and Good Neighbor Day - just to name a few. Offering dates, times, locations, event descriptions and more, the portal is a useful reference for anyone anxious to get outside and take advantage of Wake Forest’s array of warm weather activities.
In addition, Android and iPhone users can have a handy pocket guide to this year’s spring and summer events in the palm of their hands by downloading the Town of Wake Forest app and using the app’s "Wake Forest Outdoors" function.
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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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Download the Town of Wake Forest App
Android and iPhone users can have a handy pocket guide to all things related to Wake Forest by downloading the Town of Wake Forest app. Designed to provide smartphone users with useful information about Wake Forest, the app offers instant access to downtown Wake Forest, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, upcoming popular events, plus so much more! The app also provides contact information for every Town department, allows you to report non-emergency issues through SeeClickFix and delivers breaking news.
IPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android users can download the Town’s free app by searching for “Town of Wake Forest” on iTunes, in the iPhone app store, or in Google Play - or be scanning the appropriate QR code below.
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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.
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