Wake Forest Center for Active Aging

October 7, 2026

Welcome

 

Welcome to the Wednesday Wink!


This week's installment includes information about our Remembering 9/11 & Honoring our First Responders event, memberships renewals, our NC State Fair Senior Day Trip, Transportation 101, upcoming classes, Meals on Wheels - including the October menu, our Clubs & Recurring Events web page, several special events, "News You Can Use" & more!

Help Us Share Important Messages with You

 

As a WFCAA member, you can now receive time-sensitive push notifications about WFCAA programs, services, and events - along with breaking news - on your smartphone or other device via the Town app.


To download the Town app, search for "Town of Wake Forest" on iTunes, in the iPhone app store, or in Google Play or scan the appropriate QR code below:

 

Once you've downloaded the app, simply click on the bell icon from the navigation bar, then check the appropriate box. 


If you need assistance, please contact Jacob Phipps.

Membership Renewal Time is Here!

 

Keep your WFCAA membership active for another year!


Renewal is based on your WFCAA membership expiration date. Not everyone will renew at the same time. Please visit the front desk at the WFCAA to check your expiration date.


Residents Renewal

Renewal must be completed in person. Please bring proof of Wake Forest residency and staff will assist you with the process.


Non-Residents Renewals

Renew can be either online or in person. Please see front desk for further assistance.


Important information for Non-Residents: Received a free membership during last years promotion? That promotion was for one year only. Non-Residents will need to pay the current membership fee of $25 to renew this year.


NOTE: PRCR memberships must be renewed separately at Joyner Park Community Center or online.

Special Events

 

Genealogy Club

Wednesday, Oct 14 | 9 am-Noon

Wednesday, Oct 28 | Noon-3 pm


October is Family History Month! Come discover your roots and family

history with our Genealogy Club.


Learn about family trees, the club, and what you can discover about

your family's past!


Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m.-Noon, or Wednesday, Oct. 28, from noon-3 p.m.


Drop-ins or one-on-one appointments are available to help start your family tree. Each session is 30 minutes.


Please contact Metaleen Thomas at 828-896-6511 for information or to schedule an appointment.

NC State Fair Senior Day Trip

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 8 am-4 pm


Join us for a fun-filled day at the NC State Fair! Enjoy time exploring the exhibits, entertainment, food, vendors, and all the excitement the Fair has to offer at your own pace.


Transportation will be provided from the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging to the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.


Participants will meet at the WFCAA at 8 a.m., depart at 8:30 a.m., and return around 3:30-4 p.m.


Participants should be prepared for extensive walking and are responsible for any food, purchases, or additional expenses while at the Fair.


NOTE: This trip is transportation only.


ADA registration option is specifically for participants who require a wheelchair-accessible space on the motorcoach and will remain in their wheelchair during transportation. A maximum of TWO wheelchair-accessible spaces are available.


Residents: $25 | Non-Residents: $31

Transportation 101

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 11 am-Noon


Learn about transportation resources available to older adults in our community! This session will feature information about GoTriangle ACCESS, a shared-ride transportation service designed to help eligible individuals travel throughout the Triangle region.


Representatives from CAMPO and the Town of Wake Forest Planning Department will also be in attendance as part of a panel discussion to answer questions and share information about current and future transportation planning in the area. Topics may include local transportation projects, road improvements, public transit, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and other transportation-related resources.


Whether you're exploring transportation options for yourself or helping a loved one, this session will provide valuable information and an opportunity to get your questions answered by local transportation professionals.


FREE for Residents & Non-Residents

Sound Bath

Thursday, Oct 22 | 5-6 pm


Join us for an inward meditative journey while you're enveloped in ambient sound. The harmonic notes at varying frequencies and vibrations wash over your body calming your nervous system and restoring emotional balance.


This journey will take place laying on the floor with a mat, pillow, and blanket, or in a chair.


NOTE: Please bring a pillow and a small blanket! Mats will be provided. 


Residents: $10 | Non-Residents: $13

OLLI: Inside the State Department: US Diplomacy

Monday, Oct 26 | 1-2:30 pm


This lecture will highlight the tenures of three recent Secretaries of State, through the lenses of historical events.


We will first consider the effort to renew diplomatic relations with Cuba, beginning during the tenure of Secretary Hillary Clinton.


Next, we will take up efforts to address environmental issues, which first became a central feature of U.S. diplomacy under Secretary John Kerry.


Last, we will examine the role that Secretary Rex Tillerson played in bringing to fruition an ambitious two-year period in which the United States led the Arctic Council.


NOTE: This is a virtual presentation streamed at the WFCAA.


Residents: $10 | Non-Residents: $13

Remembering 9/11 & Honoring our First Responders

Wednesday, Oct 28 | 10 am-3 pm


Join us for a meaningful time of remembrance and gratitude as we honor the lives impacted by September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage and dedication of first responders.


Together, we will reflect, remember, and pay tribute to those who answered the call to serve and protect our communities.


NOTE: This will be a fluid event, members can come and go as they please. The room will be set up for “looking and touring” at your own pace. 

Fitness Class Attendance Notice

 

If you are not on the roster for a fitness class, please do not attend a fitness class unless you are preregistered.


All participants should appear on the class attendance roster, and instructors will be taking attendance each day to ensure that everyone attending is properly registered.


If you have any questions about the fitness classes you are currently registered for, please stop by the front desk for assistance.

Register Now for These Upcoming Classes

 

Beginner Mahjong | 10

Mondays| Oct 26-Nov 17 | 1-2:30 pm


Learn the fundamentals of Mahjong in this beginner class! You'll become familiar with the tiles and their meanings while learning basic rules, strategies, and gameplay.


This class is designed specifically for beginners and provides a fun, supportive environment to build your confidence before joining regular games.


Registration opens Mon, Oct 12 for Residents and Thursday, October 15 for Non-Residents.


NOTE: Students need to purchase the 2026 National Mahjong Card

Residents: $75 | Non-Residents: $94 

Chunky Knit Scarves | 10

Monday, Oct 26 | 2-4 pm


In search of something that will keep you warm while keeping you stylish? Look no further! All you need are your hands and one ball of chunky knit yarn and you will leave with a cozy creation to get you through the cold weather! No knitting experience needed.


NOTE: All supplies and materials needed during class are included in the registration fee. Participants who would like to continue working on projects outside of class will need to purchase their own materials and tools.


This is a one-day session.


Residents: $15 | Non-Residents: $19

Mark Your Calendar

 

Carolina Steppers Performances at WFCAA

Thursday, Dec 3 | 10 am

    

Please join us at the Meals on Wheels Friendship Café, located at WFCAA, for special performances by our very own Carolina Steppers line dance troupe!


We look forward to sharing some fun, music, and dancing with you!

Recurring Events & Initiatives

 

We've made it easier than ever for you to stay current on recurring events and initiatives at the WFCAA by creating a Clubs & Recurring Events page on our website.


The new web page highlights the dates and times of your favorite clubs and recurring events, including Open Studio - Scrapbooking & Cardmaking, Open Studio - Cross Stitch & Embroidery, Tech Assistance Program, The Real Truth Series, Learn to Play Crokinole, Book Worms Club, Shag Club, Acoustic Jam, Wake Forest Bridge Club & more!


We'll use the space below to announce new events and initiatives, so be sure to keep an eye out for recently added offerings of interest.


For more information, email Jacob Phipps.

The Real Truth Series

Second Wednesday | 10-11:30 am


Hosted by Karena Stipp MA, CSHP, SRES.

Certified Senior Housing Professional/Senior Real Estate Specialist.


The Real Truth Series are lectures on important topics for today's aging population.


Series Topics

Nov 4 - Savvy Retirement Planning

Dec 9 - Building Brain Health: Avoiding Cognitive Decline

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 WFCAA at 919-554-4111.

Coffee Cafe

Wednesdays & Thursdays | 10 am-Noon


Coffee Café has expanded and is now offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-Noon in the main lobby!


Join us for coffee and get information from local business and professionals!


Upcoming guests

Oct 8 Kimberly Moore, Heartland Hospice

Oct 14 Kevin Peach, NC Wills and Trusts

Oct 15 Patrick Ignacio, Heart to Home Meals

Wake Forest Bridge Club

Fridays | Noon-3 pm


Fall is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf!


If your goal is to play better bridge, join us and see how quickly your game improves.


  • Come for a day, stay for the journey.
  • Pre-game mini lessons focus on modern strategies and conventions.
  • Boost your confidence and make playing bridge more fun than ever.


For more information or to reserve a seat at the table, call Jane at 919-529-4385.

Meals on Wheels

 

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.

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.

News You Can Use

 

Go Wake Forest now offering Sunday service


In 2024, the Town of Wake Forest introduced “Go Wake Forest,” a ridesharing microtransit service that connects riders directly from their doorstep to anywhere in Wake Forest’s jurisdiction and portions of Raleigh’s Wakefield neighborhood. Since its inception, Go Wake Forest has operated six days a week - Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fridays from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

 

Now, riders can take advantage of Sunday service hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday service will initially launch with limited capacity to gauge rider demand. If demand is strong, the Town will increase capacity to levels typically available during standard weekday service.

 

Riders can schedule rides through the official Go Wake Forest smartphone app available for download on the Town website or by calling 984-342-2319

Go Wake Forest to offer fare-free rides to Joyner Park Community Center early voting site Oct 15-31


Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road, will serve as one of 18 early voting sites in Wake County October 15-31.


During the early voting period, Go Wake Forest will offer fare-free rides to and from JPCC to encourage the participation of eligible Wake Forest-area voters.


All residents and visitors within the Wake Forest town limits and a portion of Wakefield are eligible to use the Go Wake Forest on-demand transit service.

Residents & businesses invited to complete Downtown Traffic Study survey, attend Oct 28 open house


The Town of Wake Forest is conducting a study to recommend strategies that improve downtown mobility for people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving. The Board of Commissioners authorized the Downtown Traffic Study (DTS) earlier this year in anticipation of downtown redevelopment and major infrastructure changes, including the NCDOT S-Line rail corridor project.

 

The DTS will examine traffic volumes, intersection performance, impacts to historic districts, and the effects of upcoming S-Line infrastructure, including a Downtown Mobility Hub, road closures, and grade separations.

 

The DTS will offer two engagement opportunities in October:



  1. Downtown Traffic Study Open House - Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m., in the Town Hall lobby, 301 S. Brooks St. The session will have an informal, open house-style format, so you may drop in anytime from 6-8 p.m. to view displays, ask questions, and share comments.
  2. Downtown Traffic Study Survey – The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will be available until Friday, Nov. 6.

WFPD to host Drug Take Back Event at Wegmans Oct 24


The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2026 National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, 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.


National Drug Take Back Day is a prescription 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.


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.

NCFST Mobile Market returns on October 8 & 22


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., (typically) on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m. – rain or shine.


NOTE: Ripe for Revival is adjusting its Wake Forest schedule on November and December due to the holiday season. Instead of coming to town on the second and fourth Thursday (per usual), the Mobile Market will return to 350 E. Holding Ave. on the first and third Thursdays

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, medical emergencies, and welfare checks.


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 an emergency or other urgent need.


The lock box starts at $227, but as a value-added incentive, the Wake Forest Fire Department will install the box at no charge.

Wake Forest Fire Department offering CPR classes for Wake Forest residents

 

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.


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.

Stay Informed

 
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