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Welcome to the Wednesday Wink!
In this week's installment, we invite you to complete a quick survey, offer details on our February 19 Coffee With a Commissioner and Heart Health Month initiatives, share information about upcoming classes, and Meals on Wheels, including the February menu, remind you about our Book Worms Book Club, Learn to Play Crokinole sessions, Friday Social Bridge Club, and Tuesday Karaoke, share "News You Can Use" & more!
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February is Heart Health Month
Enjoy Our Free Heart Healthy Fitness Classes & More!
Visit our information table in the main lobby throughout February for information handouts, free items, heart healthy snacks, and more, including these FREE Heart Healthy Fitness classes:
FREE Activator Poles with a PT
Friday, Feb 13 | 9 am
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Healthy Heart Presentation with Dr. Casey
Friday, Feb 20 | 9 a.m.
| FREE Tai Chi with a PT
Friday, Feb 27 | 9 am | |
Valentine’s Day Hot Cocoa Bar & Book Sale
Friday, Feb 13 | 10 am-2 pm
You're invited to join us Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in our Main Lobby for a Valentine’s Day Hot Cocoa Bar & Book Sale!
Enjoy a FREE hot cocoa bar and shop for books priced $0.50-$1!
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Brain Games with Brain Connections, LLC
Wednesday, Feb 18 | 1-3 pm
This FREE event is an interactive session that boosts cognitive skills, helps improve memory and focus, and promote mental well-being! Registration required.
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You're invited to share coffee and conversation with Wake Forest Commissioner Faith Cross!
Commissioner Cross is now hosting "Coffee With a Commissioner" on the third Thursday of each month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the WFCAA lobby.
Coffee With a Commissioner is an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee with Commissioner Cross while sharing your thoughts and opinions about the WFCAA - and anything else that's on your mind - in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
No appointment is necessary and everyone is welcome, so we look forward to seeing you on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 9:30 a.m.
For more information, email Monica Lileton.
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Register Today for These Upcoming Classes | |
February Gentle Mat Yoga with Vivien
Tuesdays | Feb 17-March 17 | 2-3 pm
A Gentle Yoga class for Health & Well-Being. Learning traditional and classic yoga poses, strengthen your back, neck, shoulders, abdominal muscles, chest, hips and knees and improve your balance.
Gently stretch your upper and lower body, learn deep breathing techniques to support the cardiovascular system and calm the mind.
A Hatha Yoga class with a focus on intentional movement, proper alignment of the body, improving joint health, building self-awareness, a more relaxed body, and a tranquil and centered mind.
Suitable for beginners!! Students must be able to get up and down off the mat.
Residents: $25 | Non-Residents: $32
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February Stay Strong
Wednesdays | Feb 18-March 25 | 8-9 am
Although this is a total body workout, the first part of the class focuses on leg strength, which allows us to move confidently through our day. We then switch focus to upper body strength. If you are looking for muscle-strengthening exercises, this is the class for you.
Residents: $24 | Non-Residents: $30
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February Power up with Activator Poles
Mondays & Wednesdays | Feb 18-March 18 | Noon-1 pm
Activator Poles are exercise tools that allow more muscles to be "activated" during physical activity. You might think of them as walking poles, but Kristina will instruct you on how to benefit from the specialty core grip on the Activator poles so that you can burn more calories and build more strength even when you're sitting down.
The Power Up class will involve some walking and standing but will mostly be performed in a seated position. Performed to upbeat music, we will get our heart rate up and be breathing a little quicker but will have plenty of breaks.
Each class will incorporate a warmup and stretching section. This class is a great place to start if you have never tried Activator Poles, or if you have difficulty performing activity safely in standing.
For people living with Parkinson's, please consider taking this class as a follow up to the class provided in December.
Intensity Level: Low to Moderate. Elevates the heart rate and quickens breathing because it demands a noticeable yet manageable effort.
Duration: Typically 45 minutes of movement including some standing and walking but mostly seated activity.
At Your Own Risk: By registering and/or participating in this class, you accept full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damage, known or unknown, that you might incur due to participation. If you do not want to accept full responsibility, do not register or participate.
Residents: $45 | Non-Residents: $57
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February Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Monday-Friday | Feb 23-27 | 1-3 pm
Introduction to Microsoft Excel teaches the student the fundamental features in creating a worksheet. Students learn and understand cell structures using sample templates. During Excel guided practice, introducing worksheet design changes enforce learning new functions.
Microsoft Excel (full name Microsoft Office Excel) is a spreadsheet application written and distributed by Microsoft for Microsoft Windows to allow you to create professional spreadsheets and charts. It features calculation, formulas, graphing tools, pivot tables and a macro programming language called VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). It is overwhelmingly the dominant spreadsheet application available for this platform.
Excel was the first spreadsheet that allowed the user to define the appearance of spreadsheets (fonts, character attributes and cell appearance). It also introduced intelligent cell re-computation, where only cells dependent on another cell being updated.
Course Objectives:
- Gain knowledge of spreadsheet layout
- Understand the ribbon functions
- Know how to interact with cells
- Be able to complete the assigned practice lab exercises
FREE for residents and non-residents
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The Magic of Homemade Bread: Beginner Baking
Tuesday, March 3 | 1-2:30 pm
Learn the basics of bread baking in this free, beginner-friendly class. The instructor will demonstrate each step of the process and share helpful tips for success at home. This is a demonstration-only class. Participants will not be making bread.
FREE for residents & non-residents
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Discovering NC Mountains to Sea Trail
Monday, March 23 | 10-11 am
Jerry Barker is a lifelong outdoorsman and hiker, and first director of Camp Oak Hill & Retreat Center north of Oxford. He retired as an administrator from NC State University, as Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Emeritus.
Jerry maintains a section of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) at Falls Lake, and in 2025 was named Falls Lake section volunteer of the year.
He served on the board of Friends of MST for nine years with three years as Board President. He completed the entire trail in 2017 at age 71, as a three-year “section hiker,” which inspired him to write a book with UNC Press focused on history and culture along the MST. It is not a guidebook but a companion for hikers and armchair explorers.
The MST is the longest NC state hiking trail and stretches approximately 1,175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. Along the trail, you will see mountain vistas, rolling Piedmont farms, rivers and streams, miles of seashore, and more, as Barker offers a new way to understand and appreciate not only the natural beauty of North Carolina but also its people and history – the stories that live on each segment.
Join us for this hour-long presentation and Q&A to learn more about the MST and Jerry’s in-depth book. Following the presentation, you can purchase your own copy of the book for $28 via cash, credit card, or check (made out to Friends of MST).
*All book proceeds directly benefit the non-profit Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail.
FREE for residents & non-residents
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WakeMed: BEFAST Stop Stroke in its Tracks
Wednesday, May 27 | 2-3 pm
Join WakeMed to learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of a stroke using the easy-to-remember acronym BEFAST. Knowing what to look for, and how to respond, could help save a life.
FREE for residents & non-residents
| Recurring Events & Initiatives | |
Tech Assistance Program
Monday-Friday | 3-5 pm
We're expanding our Tech Assistance Program in 2026!
Our free technology assistance program has been a huge success in helping our members get the help they need with phones, computers, tablets and more!
Now, the WFCAA is offering technology assistance Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m.
Act now to book an hour-long appointment with one of our student volunteers and obtain invaluable assistance with your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
To make an appointment, call 919-554-4111.
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Learn to Play Crokinole
Second & Fourth Mondays | 3-5 pm
Third Wednesdays | 2-4 pm
Crokinole is commonly referred to as "the most fun game you've never heard of."
Crokinole is a disk-flicking dexterity board game, possibly of Canadian origin, similar to the games of pitchnut and carrum, with elements of shuffleboard and curling reduced to table-top size.
Players take turns shooting discs across the circular playing surface, trying to land their discs in the higher-scoring regions of the board, particularly the recessed center hole of 20 points, while also attempting to knock opposing discs off the board, and into the 'ditch.
Learn to play Crokinole in 15 minutes, then enjoy it forever!
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Tuesday Karaoke
Tuesdays | 1-2 pm
Join us for Tuesday Karaoke every Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. This FREE program is first come, first serve, members only, no registration required.
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Wednesday Bingo
Wednesdays | Noon-1:30 pm
Join us for FREE drop-in bingo games every Wednesday from noon-1:30 p.m.!
This program is first come, first serve, members only, no registration required.
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Book Worms Book Club
Second Wednesday/Month | 1-2 pm
Meetings are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month from 1-2 pm in the WFCAA Library. No registration needed. All members are welcome, regardless of whether they've read the book.
At each session, we share lively discussions about that month's selected book, exchange recommendations for future reads, and enjoy connecting over our shared love of literature. Whether you're a devoted reader or just curious, our club is a great place to meet new friends and discover interesting stories together. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and hope you'll join us in exploring our 2026 Reading List.
Remaining 2026 Reading List
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Feb 11: The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
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Mar 11: James by James Percival Everett
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Apr 8: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
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May 13: Homecoming by Kate Morton
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Jun 10: The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
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Jul 8: The Second Home by Christina Clancy
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Aug 12: The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer
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Sep 9: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
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Oct 14: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
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Nov 4: The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson (November we meet on the first Wednesday)
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Dec 10: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
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Acoustic Jam
Second & Fourth Thursday/Month | 2-4 pm
Hosted by Steve Pfanenstiel, Acoustic Jam is open to all ages and skill levels.
Traditional, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Rock and Pop music welcome.
All musical instruments are also welcome (guitar, ukulele, voice, banjo, violin, mandolin etc.)
Bring your own instruments, sing along, or just listen!
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Friday Social Bridge Club
Fridays | Noon-3 pm
Who doesn't love a good game of bridge?
February is the perfect time to gather around the table and melt some hearts – the Ace, King, Queen and Jack of hearts that you hold in your hand! Sweet deals, thoughtful bidding, and the right partner could be your box of chocolates! Come see the love that's in the cards for you.”
For more information or to reserve a seat at the table, call Jane at 919-529-4385.
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Bingo & Info Date & Time Change
Second & Fourth Fridays | 10-11 am
Bingo & Info will now occur on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 10-11 a.m. in 21A/B.
Try your luck at “Bingo & Info!”
Local businesses and professionals host bingo here at WFCAA to share helpful information about the services they offer and how they can support you. Afterwards, stick around for FREE bingo and a chance to win some great prizes!
Feb 13 Host - Aaron Witty with Cornerstone Caregiving
Feb 27 Host - Marquita Singleton with Comfort Class Transportation
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Meals on Wheels of Wake County strives to nourish and enrich the lives of its clients through the services it provides, including Home-Delivered Meals and Friendship Cafes.
The Home-Delivered Meals program helps clients maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain living independently by providing nutritious meals, a weekly safety check, and friendly interaction.
To be eligible for a home-delivered meal, you must be:
- 60 years of age or older
- Living in Wake County
Additional factors contributing to eligibility may include:
- Being homebound or needing help leaving your home
- Unable to prepare meals or shop for yourself
- Recent hospital stay or ongoing health problems
- Primarily living alone or with a caregiver
To apply for home-delivered meals, complete the Application for Services. For more information, call Meals on Wheels of Wake County at 919-833-1749.
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Meanwhile, Meals on Wheels also offers a Friendship Café at several locations throughout Wake County, including the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging.
The Friendship Cafe is a space for seniors to eat with their peers and enjoy experiences together. Friendship Cafe provides the much-needed social connections that are proven to improve both health and wellness in seniors.
Meeting Room E at the WFCAA serves as the Friendship Café Monday-Friday according to the following schedule:
- 9-10 a.m. - Social hour
- 10-11 a.m. - Activity hour, including mentally and physically stimulating activities
- 11-11:20 a.m. - Meals served
- 11:20 a.m.-Noon - Lunch and fellowship
The Friendship Cafe serves anyone who is 60 or older and registers to participate. To register, please visit the Friendship Café Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and noon and ask to speak with Site Managers Ann Casey or Cynthia Wooten. For more information, email Ann Casey or call her at 480-612-1767.
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Want to be featured in the Wednesday Wink?
Complete and submit our Member Spotlight Form and share a bit about yourself with our fellow members!
| Calling All 2D Visual Artists | | |
The WFCAA, in partnership with the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, is accepting art submissions for the WFCAA's hallway gallery.
Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis, but the WFCAA is currently accepting artists' submissions for January through March 2026.
To submit your work, please complete our Gallery Submission Form.
Please note the following:
- Submitting artists must be members of the WFCAA to be eligible for consideration.
- Artwork must be original work, created solely by the artist.
- A committee comprised of WFCAA and Renaissance Centre representatives will select up to 10 submissions each quarter to be displayed in the WFCAA hallway gallery.
- Selected artwork must be framed and/or wired and ready to hang.
- All artworks will be available for purchase directly through each artist. Once a piece of artwork sells, the artist will replace the sold artwork with a new artwork. This practice will continue until the quarter is complete.
For more information, contact Renaissance Centre Arts Coordinator April Cannon at 919-435-9568.
| | WFCAA Renovation Project Update | | |
The carpet for the renovated offices is scheduled to arrive during the last week of February and should be installed by the first or second week of March.
Thank you for your patience! Please email Monica if you have any questions.
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Renaissance Centre to host Open House Feb 15
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., will host a special “Open House” on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 2-4 p.m.
The occasion will showcase the array of classes and programs scheduled to be offered over the spring and summer at the Renaissance Centre, including Alcohol Inks, Art for Youth, Stained Glass, Pottery, Mixed Media, Summer Stage Camp, and Visual Arts Camps – among many others.
Community members are invited to drop in any time between 2 and 4 p.m. to meet Renaissance Centre staff and class instructors who will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on cultural arts programming for children and adults.
For more information, contact Renaissance Centre Arts Coordinator April Cannon at 919-435-9568.
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Wake Forest Planning 101 applications accepted through Feb 23
The Town of Wake Forest is accepting applications for the 2026 session of Wake Forest Planning 101 through 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23.
Wake Forest Planning 101 educates residents of Wake Forest and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) on fundamental topics in planning and development in Wake Forest, with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Participants will explore a variety of topics pertaining to planning and zoning, including the framework for local regulations established by state law, trends in growth and land development in Wake Forest, adopted Town plans, land development considerations and processes, the Town’s development regulations, public hearings, and more.
Participants will be expected to attend four sessions on consecutive Wednesdays from May 6-27 (May 6, May 13, May 20, and May 27). Each session is scheduled from 5:45-8:30 p.m. at Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and will include dinner starting at 5:15 p.m. All sessions will be taught by Planning Department staff.
Participation in Wake Forest Planning 101 is limited to residents within the corporate limits or the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the Town of Wake Forest. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required.
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Wake Forest Fire Department offering CPR class for Wake Forest residents Feb 21
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) offers monthly American Heart Association CPR Certification classes for Wake Forest residents at the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging, 235 E. Holding Ave. The next class is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, at 9 a.m. Future classes are scheduled on the following Saturdays: March 21, April 18, May 16, and June 20.
Attendees can 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. Please note: Only community members with a Wake Forest address are eligible to enroll in these classes.
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Tickets on sale for 2026 Wake Forest Film Festival
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will host the 2026 Wake Forest Film Festival on Friday and Saturday, March 6-7. Tickets are $25 (plus tax) 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 2026 film festival. Altogether, over 150 films were submitted for consideration and 22 were selected to be featured during this year’s event.
The complete schedule, including movie titles and times, is now available in the playbill and 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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You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to E-Notifier – part of the Town of Wake Forest’s e-mail subscription service. E-Notifier keeps you up-to-date on Town of Wake Forest news, information, and special events. If you believe you have been subscribed in error, or would like to cancel your subscription, you may unsubscribe below.
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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