September 29, 2023

2023 Board of Commissioners Candidates Forum now available online & on WFTV 10

The Wake Forest Area Chamber's Government Affairs Committee hosted the 2023 Board of Commissioners Candidates Forum on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

All six candidates vying for the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners (BOC) participated, including Tom Ballman, Ben Clapsaddle, Faith Cross, Joe Kimray, Jim Thompson, and Adam Wright. Each was given the opportunity to briefly explain his or her views on local issues and answer questions relevant to their professional resumes.

Wake Forest residents that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service can now watch the forum (provided above) on Wake Forest TV 10 (WFTV 10) daily through Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 7) at 7 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. Area residents may also view the forum in streaming video on demand on the homepage and Voter & Election Information page of the Town website.

Join us Monday for National Night Out

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is encouraging area residents, businesses, neighborhood groups, and homeowners’ associations to show their support for police-community crime prevention partnerships by participating in Wake Forest’s National Night Out (NNO) on Monday, Oct. 2.

This year's event will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. Please note: Part of the northernmost portion of the parking lot will be closed Monday from 1-8 p.m. The closure is necessary to accommodate National Night Out.

NNO promises something for everyone, including a DJ, games, food, special prize drawings, and fire, police, and EMS vehicle displays, along with a variety of booths highlighting crime prevention and safety.

Wake Forest Police officers will be on hand distributing information on topics such as vehicle security, home security, and personal safety. The police department will also offer a K-9 demonstration, D.A.R.E. presentation, and information on Neighborhood Watch, Special Olympics, and more.

Although NNO is offered nationally on the first Tuesday in August, the WFPD schedules its event each year on the first Monday in October to take advantage of cooler temperatures.

Police Department Turkey Drive is underway

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 18, as part of its 17th Annual Turkey Drive. Area residents can support this worthy cause by donating online.

Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Police Department are also accepted. Anyone wishing to contribute cash or check to this year’s Turkey Drive should email Officer K. Abshire. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, the Police Department will accept monetary donations and donations of frozen turkeys at the WFPD Main Station, 225 S. Taylor St., from 9 a.m. until noon.

Police officers and staff will distribute the turkeys while they last on Monday, Nov. 20, from 7:30-9:30 a.m., at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, 149 E. Holding Ave.

Bi-monthly loose leaf collection starts Monday

The Town of Wake Forest’s annual loose leaf collection program begins Monday, Oct. 2, and continues through Friday, March 8, 2024. Residents are reminded that the Town provides bi-monthly loose leaf collection service which calls for crews to service Wake Forest streets twice each month.

When preparing leaves and yard waste for collection, residents are urged to follow these guidelines:



• Rake leaves into piles behind the curb, so they do not interfere with traffic or drainage.
• Do not mix sticks, rocks, pinecones, limbs, or other debris with loose leaves. The Town’s vacuum equipment is only designed to pick up loose leaves. Your cooperation will help prevent mechanical breakdowns and collection delays.
• Place limbs and brush behind the curb in a pile separate from leaves.
• Limbs and brush larger than one inch but smaller than six inches in diameter must be no longer than six feet. Limbs and logs larger than six inches in diameter must not exceed two feet in length. Logs must not exceed 10 inches in diameter.
• Keep brush away from other objects such as, fences, walls, water meters, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, and cars.
• Keep debris free of animal waste. Animal waste should be bagged and placed in rollout garbage carts.

We want to hear from you! You're invited to complete accessibility survey as part of ADA Transition Plan Update

Furthering its commitment to accessibility, the Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan.

The ADA Transition Plan is a comprehensive approach to improving access for individuals with disabilities to Town facilities, parks, programs, services, activities, and events. Aligning with Goal 3 of the Town’s Strategic Plan, it is an important part of Wake Forest’s continued efforts to welcome and serve all members of the community.

Citizen input is a crucial part of the ADA Transition Plan process. Individuals with disabilities, along with patrons, family members, caregivers, organizations, and agencies that support individuals with disabilities, and interested individuals are invited to visit Engage Wake Forest and complete the Community Engagement Survey to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences on accessibility to Town programs, services, activities, and facilities. The survey is available through Thursday, Nov. 30, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Celebrate Public Power Week next week

The Town of Wake Forest and Wake Forest Power (WFP) are joining more than 2,000 not-for-profit utilities in celebrating Public Power Week October 1-7. As part of this annual week-long celebration, the Town and Wake Forest Power will offer the following free events and activities:

Public Power Week Trivia Contest

From now through Wednesday, Oct. 4, WFP residential customers can enter to win free electricity in October by visiting our website and participating in the Public Power Week Trivia Contest. Everyone who answers all the questions correctly will be entered in the drawing for free electricity. Three winners will be announced during the afternoon Energy Expo on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Savings for Seniors Bingo

Wake Forest-area seniors are invited to enjoy a special morning of bingo on Monday, Oct. 2, from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Ground Floor Meeting Room of the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Highlighting a variety of energy-savings ideas, “Savings for Seniors Bingo” will offer participants the chance to have fun and win Public Power merchandise, along with prizes donated by local merchants. Please note: The Ground Floor Meeting Room is most easily accessed via Town Hall’s Taylor Street entrance. For more information, contact Community Outreach Assistant Kiel Ortiz at 919-435-9479.

Customer Appreciation

Public Power Week is also Customer Appreciation Week. As our way of saying “thank you” to our valued customers, Town staff will serve popcorn each day in the lobby of Town Hall and give away a variety of special prizes. Staff will also be available to share information and answer questions about WFP’s array of customer programs and services. For more information, contact Administrative Specialist Jenna Gonzales at 919-435-9573.

Daytime & Afternoon Energy Expo

On Thursday, Oct. 5, the Town Hall lobby will be the scene of a daytime and afternoon Energy Savings & Electric Safety Expo. Featuring hands-on demonstrations and representatives from Wake Forest Power, ElectriCities, Northern Regional Center, NC811, ChurchNet, Wake County Human Services, and more, the daytime event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., while the afternoon edition is scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. Area residents are invited to attend and learn how to make their homes more energy efficient, save money on their electric bills, avoid electric hazards, and be safe around electricity. During the energy expo, participants can also register to win Public Power merchandise, as well as special prizes donated by local merchants.

Wake Forest accepting advisory board applications through October 6

You can make a difference in our community by applying for an upcoming vacancy on a Town advisory board. The boards were established to give residents input into what happens in the community and advise the Board of Commissioners (BOC) on matters that affect citizens and their town government.

Applications are being accepted through Friday, Oct. 6, for appointments to the following boards and commissions: 

• Board of Adjustment (BOA)
• Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
• Human Relations Council (HRC)
• Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Advisory Board
• Planning Board
• Public Art Commission (PAC)
• Technology Advisory Board (TAB)
• Urban Forestry Board (UFB)

Attention 11th & 12th Graders

Area 11th and 12th graders are also invited to apply to serve as representatives on every advisory board, except the Planning Board. Each has at least one seat designated for a youth representative. To qualify, the youth member must be a Wake Forest resident enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade.

The online advisory board application is available on the Town website.

51st Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony to honor Albert Taylor Moore Monday

The Town of Wake Forest and several local veterans’ organizations will conclude this year's monthly flag-raising ceremonies on Monday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m. in Town Hall's Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St.

The 51st Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor Albert Taylor Moore who served our nation in the US Marine Corps.

Friends and 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. After raising the American flag, the Honor Guard will raise the US Marine Corps service flag. Both flags will fly in Centennial Plaza throughout October.

NC Attorney General Josh Stein to headline Tuesday's “Senior Scam Jam”

NC Attorney General Josh Stein and NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall will headline a distinguished panel of presenters at the “Seniors at Risk: 21st Century Scam Threats, Preventions & Solutions” on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Also known as “Senior Scam Jam,” the event is scheduled from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

Sponsored by the Wake Forest Senior Information Networking Group (SING), Friends of the Northern Wake Senior Center, Brookdale Senior Living, and the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, this free, public workshop will feature several prominent experts discussing useful ways attendees can protect themselves, clients, and loved ones from financial, technological, and other types of fraud that typically impact senior adults.

In addition to Stein and Marshall, other featured speakers will include Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones and Wake Forest SING President Kathy Uveges, along with representatives from the NC Department of Insurance and the Wake Forest Police Department. Among the topics they will discuss are healthcare fraud, marketing schemes, sweepstakes, lottery and internet scams, and many more.

Attendees are welcome to come for all or part of the information sessions.

The “Senior Scam Jam” is free, and a light breakfast will be provided. For more information, email Renaissance Centre Specialist Debra Horton.

Renaissance Centre to host Community Celebration of the Arts October 7

The Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC), Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department, and ARTS Wake Forest are inviting residents to a special Community Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

Free and open to the public, this family-friendly event will include food, music, and a variety of arts activities for children of all ages.



The occasion will also highlight the public art murals and sculptures installed throughout Wake Forest and included in the Virtual Public Art Tour available on the Town website.

You still have time to participate in our Public Art Selfie Contest

The Public Art Commission is promoting the October 7 Community Celebration of the Arts and raising awareness about Wake Forest’s amazing array of public art by hosting a Public Art Selfie Contest.

Through Thursday, Oct. 5, Wake Forest residents and families are invited to take selfies in front of works of public art, then share their photos through the online form on the Town website.



Each week, we’ll post on the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre and Town of Wake Forest Facebook pages the pictures we’ve received that week and upload them to our online photo gallery. The submitted photos will also be included in a photo slideshow unveiled during the Community Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 7. Everyone who enters the contest will be entered in a prize drawing for “Downtown Dollars” during the event. Please note: You do not have to be present to win.

WFD & PAC issue Downtown Boulevard Banner “Call for Artists”

Wake Forest Downtown (WFD), Inc. and the Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC) are seeking local artists to submit vibrant original artwork for seasonal boulevard banners in downtown Wake Forest.

The banners will be displayed along South White Street from early January through late March 2024. The banners may also be displayed at other times as determined by the Downtown Development Director.

Selections will be chosen by a committee comprised of members of the PAC and WFD, Inc. and selected artists will receive a $100 honorarium.



The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31. Selected artists will be notified by Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Joyner Park Community Center earns third AIA Award

AIA Aspire, the southeast region of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), announced the Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC) project as the recipient of an Aspire Citation Award during the 2023 AIA Aspire Conference on September 10 in Asheville, NC. Hosted by the AIA state chapters of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Aspire is a regional design conference for the Southeast’s built community to inspire, collaborate, and design the future.

The Aspire Citation Award jury, led by architect Tom Chung of Leers Weinzapfel Associates, offered the following about the JPCC project:

“This is a project that is inspired by its agrarian context and explores its vernacular farm building structure, in both form and materials for design integration. It’s simple, practical organization makes best use of the volume necessary given the program and the run-around track along the perimeter, while a few well-placed openings keep the structure and the building envelope thermally efficient. The extended gable at the main entry provides human scale while recalling the porch of the historic agrarian structures on site. This consistency of form appropriate to its site is deserving of a Citation Award.”



The award was presented to JPCC architect and engineering firm Clark Nexsen. A copy of the award will be presented to the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department.

Talk With Me Tuesday - Holding Park Inclusive Playground Update

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department shared updates on the Holding Park Inclusive Playground during special “Talk With Me Tuesday” online meetings Tuesday, Sept. 26, at noon and 6 p.m. The noon session is provided above. 

Hosted by PRCR Director Ruben Wall, Specialized Programs & Inclusion Specialist Olivia Atkinson, and Parks & Recreation Maintenance Manager Randy Hoyle, the online sessions included an update on construction (now scheduled for completion in December) and an overview of the facility layout and fencing. For more information, email Olivia Atkinson.

Get you free 2023-24 Wake Forest wall calendar

The Town of Wake Forest is again making it easy for residents to keep track of popular Town events with its new 14-month wall calendar. Now available in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and online, the free calendar offers a comprehensive listing of Town events scheduled between November 2023 and December 2024, along with the various holidays the Town will observe during that period.

The calendar is filled with dozens of photos featuring area residents enjoying local festivities ranging from Friday Night on White and the annual Easter Egg Hunt to the Independence Day Celebration and Lighting of Wake Forest – plus everything in between.

Town staff will distribute the calendars while they last at upcoming community events. In addition to Town Hall, calendars are available at other Town facilities and Wake Forest locations, including Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road; the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., and Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave. – just to name a few. 

Town of Wake Forest Job Fair October 11

If you want to build a career where you make a difference every day, then the Town of Wake Forest wants you to join its team.

Wake Forest will share information with interested jobseekers during a Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

Several Town departments will be represented, including Police, Public Works, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources - just to name a few.

The job fair will focus on open full- and part-time positions, so attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume.

The Town of Wake Forest provides competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for advancement. If you’re interested in growing a career and serving your community, then consider becoming part of our team.

For more information, email Benefits & Compensation Manager Mitzi Franklin.

Mental Wellness & Self Care Fair October 21

The Town of Wake Forest and several community partners will host a Mental Wellness & Self Care Fair Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1-4 p.m., at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

Free and open to the public, the event is designed to raise awareness about mental wellness and share information about programs, services, and resources available to loved ones who may be suffering from untreated or undertreated mental illness.

Led by Commissioner Nick Sliwinski, the fair will feature presentations on a variety of topics by experts from several local mental health organizations. Several vendors will also be onsite from organizations, agencies, and non-profits that provide services in the areas of mental health, health care, social services, and more.



This event is open to all – whether you need help or want to know how to support those who do.

NCFST's pay-what-you-can mobile market returns October 12

The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) is partnering with Ripe for Revival to offer a monthly mobile grocery store on the second Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m. across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave. Offering fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the NCFST Mobile Market made its inaugural debut Thursday, Sept. 14.

The mobile market will return to 350 E. Holding Ave. Thursday, Oct. 12 and also be onsite at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre during the Mental Wellness & Self Care Fair on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1-4 p.m.

Ripe for Revival utilizes its network of farmer and food industry relationships to narrow the gap between farm excess and food access. The company purchases “retired” city or school buses, renovates them to include refrigerators and freezers, and transforms them into Mobile Markets that can drive into communities impacted by food insecurity.

The pay-what-you-can mobile market aims to make fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget. When shopping, there are some limits on the amount of protein, dairy and eggs a consumer can purchase, but no limits on produce. Shoppers can pay any portion of the suggested total at the checkout. Both cash and card payments are accepted - but no checks.

Suggested prices for the food featured on the mobile market are subsidized by donations and community partners, and average about 25 percent less than retail grocery store retail prices.

Youth Basketball registration continues through September

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is offering Youth Basketball League registration for boys and girls ages 5-17 according to the following schedule:

• September 1-7 - Wake Forest residents only
• September 8-21 - Wake Forest residents & non-Wake Forest residents
• September 22-30 - Late registration, including a $15 late fee

Online registration is now available. Anyone without computer access is invited to register by using the computer kiosks in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.

The registration fee is $60 for residents who live within the Wake Forest corporate limits and $100 for anyone who lives outside the town’s corporate limits. Again, late registration will be offered September 22-30 but includes an additional $15 fee.

New participants will be required to provide a birth certificate. A participant’s eligibility is determined by his or her age on December 31, 2023.

Team practices will begin in late October and games will be played from December through February. For more information, contact Recreation Specialist KP Kilpatrick at 919-435-9457.

Halloween Boo Bash October 26 at Joyner Park

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host the 2023 Halloween Boo Bash Thursday, Oct. 26, from 4:30-7 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.

The Halloween Boo Bash is a free, family-oriented festival for children ages 12 and younger. This year's festivities will include a variety of ghostly games and activities, and free pumpkin giveaways - while supplies last. Costumes are optional, but best costumes may be featured on the Town website and social media pages.

Halloween is (always) October 31

On a related note, the Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries concerning when families should go trick-or-treating. Since Halloween is always October 31, that’s the day the Town encourages families to go door-to-door in costumes for candy and fun – regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Wake Forest Police Department also recommends that little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.

Free Paper Shredding Event November 13

The Town of Wake Forest and Skylift Garage Doors will co-sponsor a drive-thru paper shredding event on Monday, Nov. 13, from noon-4 p.m. – or until the two paper shredding trucks are full. Free and open to the public, the shred event will take place rain or shine in the parking lot of Flaherty Park, 1226 N. White St.

The occasion will offer area residents and businesses the opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and dispose of confidential documents in an environmentally responsible manner.

All paper will be shredded on-site, then recycled. Participants are urged to help reduce contamination by removing all non-paper materials in advance, such as plastic binders, plastic folders, and metal tabs. In addition, items that can damage the equipment will not be accepted, such as wet or moist paper, hanging file folders, books (hardback or paperback), credit cards, photographs, film, DVDs, and other metals (other than staples or paper clips), boxes, batteries, computer disks or other electronic media. Please note: Junk mail does not need to be shredded. Residents and businesses can recycle junk mail in their Town-issued recycling cart. 

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.

Since the app's introduction in 2012, thousands of 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.

Rules for political signs explained

The Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries from residents and candidates concerning rules for political signs. Although temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues are permitted, a combination of state law and municipal code regulates how political signs may be displayed within Wake Forest. To ensure these conditions are met, adherence is required to the following regulations establishing the duration, size, placement, and illumination of political signs:

Duration 

• Private Property – can be installed now with prior permission of the owner.
• State Roads – can be installed no earlier than 30 days before the November 7 election (Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023).
• Political signs must be removed by Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 - within 10 days after the election. 

PRCR's RecConnect available, program registration underway

The September 2023-February 2024 edition of RecConnect is now available. Hard copies of the PRCR Program Guide are available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 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 September 2023 through February 2024.