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Welcome to the Wednesday Wink!
In this week's installment, we celebrate our Toys for Tots Certificate of Appreciation, highlight our RecDesk "How To" videos, invite you to our March 19 Coffee With a Commissioner and Friday Open Ping-Pong, share information about upcoming classes and Meals on Wheels, including the March menu, remind you about our Book Worms Book Club, Learn to Play Crokinole sessions, Wake Forest Bridge Club, and Tuesday Karaoke, pass along "News You Can Use" & more!
| | WFCAA receives Toys for Tots Certificate of Appreciation | |
Every year, thousands of Marines, their families and local communities work together to spread holiday cheer to children in need through the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program (T4T).
For over 70 years, every Marine Corps Reserve and Detachment unit in the Marine Corps leads an annual fall Toys for Tots donation drive for their local communities.
Today, Toys for Tots is governed by a board of directors, all of whom are veteran Marines and business owners throughout the country.
Marine Corps League Detachment 1257 is proud to have the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging as one of its sponsors every year.
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| Registration continues for April-June classes! | |
Registration continues for our classes scheduled from April through June. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our new category filters to narrow down your search!
PLEASE NOTE: Programs are organized alphabetically on the RecDesk Community Portal. We encourage you to scroll through all of our program offerings or try out the search bar so you don't miss a thing!
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The Town of Wake Forest developed a series of videos that provide useful instructions on these RecDesk topics:
Click on each of the links above to view the corresponding video or click on the image above/button below to access our full library of videos on the Town website.
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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, March 19, at 9:30 a.m.
For more information, email Monica Lileton.
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Tea Party & Bouquet Making
Monday, June 15 | 2-4 pm
Celebrate the beauty of spring with a delightful Tea Party and Bouquet Making experience.
Enjoy a lovely assortment of teas and light refreshments while socializing in a charming, relaxed setting. Then, tap into your creativity as you design and take home your own fresh spring bouquet.
It’s the perfect way to welcome the season with friends, flowers, and fun!
$20 for Residents & Non-Residents
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Register Today for These Upcoming Classes | |
March Gentle Mat Yoga with Vivien
Tuesdays | March 24-April 21 | 2-2:50 pm
A Gentle Hatha Yoga Practice on the Mat. Focus will be on intentional movement, proper alignment of the body, improving joint health, releasing stress, and finding a relaxed, centered peace of mind.
Strengthen the back, neck and shoulders, hips and knees. Improve your health and well-being, gently stretch the body with classic and traditional yoga movements.
Learn deep breathing techniques to support the cardiovascular system and calm the mind.
Beginners welcome!
Students must be able to get up and down off the mat.
Residents: $25 | Non-Residents: $32
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Spring Clean the Natural Way
Tuesday, March 24 | 10-11 am
Give your home a fresh start this spring with simple, non-toxic cleaning solutions that really work. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to replace harsh chemical cleaners with safe, natural alternatives using essential oils – not only for cleaning but also for naturally freshening the air.
We’ll create a natural all-purpose cleaning spray for counters, sinks, and everyday surfaces, plus a refreshing room spray to brighten your home with uplifting, clean scents. You’ll also discover which essential oils work best for freshening the air, cutting through grime, and supporting a healthy, sparkling home.
This class is easy, fun, and perfect for anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine and enjoy a cleaner, greener spring.
Residents: $10 | Non-Residents: $13
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March Introduction to Computers
Wednesday, March 25-Tuesday March 31
Introduction to Computers is a computer instructional class for the inexperienced or novice user. This is a five-day class that meets for 2.5 hours each day, for users who have a computer or are thinking of getting one.
We begin with the basics and expand to the Internet while capturing the functions and features of Microsoft Windows 11 along the way.
Hands-on instruction is a way of learning and the pace is geared toward a comfortable learning experience.
FREE for Residents & Non-Residents
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Creations with Cupcake Liners
Friday, March 27 | 1-3 pm
Get creative and learn how to turn simple cupcake liners into a beautiful handmade butterfly!
In this fun, hands-on class, participants will be guided in creating unique butterfly designs using colorful cupcake liners and craft materials.
All supplies are included, and no experience is necessary.
Residents: $8 | Non-Residents: $10
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Brain Games
Mondays | March 30-April 20 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Strengthen your brain with fun, interactive games to increase information recall, working memory, processing speed, and daily processes.
Feel more confident in your daily life as you take charge of your mental well being and focus.
Residents: $35 | Non-Residents: $44
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April Pole Exercises in Sitting: Power UP
Wednesdays & Fridays | April 1-29 | 3-3:50 pm
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.
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 exercises will be performed in a seated position most of the class. 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 warm up and stretching section.
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.
No class on April 24.
Residents: $35 | Non-Residents: $44
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April Beginning Cross Stitch
Mondays | April 6-27 | 1-3 pm
Learn how to cross stitch. Start with the basics of how to correctly stitch and then to choosing fabric, floss, patterns, and how to finish a small project.
The first week's materials and tools will be provided.
Beginners welcome. No experience needed.
FREE for Residents & Non-Residents
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Mountain Dulcimer Advanced Beginner
Tuesdays | April 7-May 26 | 9:30-10:45 am
Now that you know how to play the mountain dulcimer, this class explores folk songs, hymns, and traditional mountain music in various styles and tempos.
Emphasis is on playing melodies and harmonies smoothly by improving fingering, listening skills, changing rhythms, flat picking, and creating arpeggios.
Whether you’re playing solo or in a group, this class will help you be creative and have fun.
Must Have: Basic beginner skills for playing
Course Materials: If you have a Dulcimer, please bring it. If you do not have one, you may borrow one from the WFCAA by filling out the loaner form.
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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Virtual Lecture through OLLI: The American Presidency
Monday, March 23 | 3-4 pm
There is little doubt that the American presidency has undergone significant changes in recent years.
This lecture will examine the political, social, and institutional conditions that contributed to this evolution, as well as the potential long-term impacts on the office for future administrations.
We will also explore the historical foundations of the presidency and consider what changes might be necessary for the institution to align more closely with the vision outlined by the Founders in the U.S. Constitution.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a virtual lecture offered by Osher Life Long Learning through NC State.
$2 for Residents & Non-Residents
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Open Session Poetry Writing
Wednesdays | April 1-29 | 2-3 pm
Join us for a relaxed open writing session where participants can write and share their poetry in a supportive and creative environment.
Whether you are a seasoned writer or just getting started, this is a wonderful opportunity to express yourself and connect with others who enjoy the written word.
Drop in, no registration required. Please bring a notebook and pen/pencil. No class on April 15.
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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 | |
Caregiver Support Group
Begins Monday, March 23 | 5-6 pm
Fourth Monday/Month
Led by Cornerstone Caregiving, this group meets to support family members who are caring for an aging loved one or someone experiencing cognitive decline.
The session will provide practical tools, emotional support strategies, and guidance on navigating common challenges such as communication changes, safety concerns, daily care routines, and caregiver stress.
Participants can gain insight into understanding dementia related behaviors, preserving dignity and independence, and identifying helpful community resources.
The goal of this class is to equip local families with confidence, clarity, and compassion as they care for those they love.
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Tech Assistance Program
Monday-Friday | 3-5 pm
We've expanded our Tech Assistance Program!
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/Month | 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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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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Wake Forest Bridge Club
Fridays | Noon-3 pm
New identity … same beautiful WFCAA location. Pre-game mini lesson; intermediate level bridge experience.
Take your seat and play to win. See what good fortune the cards have in store for you! Will it be 4 Aces, a 5-card Major, a No Trump Stayman-Blackwood combo, or the elusive Grand Slam? The sky's the limit when you play bridge in the Wake Forest Bridge Club.
For more information or to reserve a seat at the table, call Jane at 919-529-4385.
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Friday Open Ping-Pong
Fridays | 1-3 pm
We invite you to unwind, connect, and enjoy a friendly game or two of ping pong at our Friday open play session.
It’s a relaxed, inclusive environment designed for players of all skill levels.
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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?
The Member Spotlight is an article in our weekly newsletter that highlights one WFCAA member and gives them the opportunity to share their favorite things about the center.
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 April through June 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 | | |
Our renovations are complete - other than frosting the door glass - and all areas are ready for staff to occupy.
We are considering spreading the exercise equipment to different corners of the facility to allow easier access.
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Saturday's SPIRIT of Inclusion Expo to feature resources available to individuals with disabilities
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host the 2026 SPIRIT of Inclusion Expo on Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
Free and open to everyone, the SPIRIT of Inclusion Expo is designed to connect individuals with disabilities and their families with valuable resources and services. Featuring a diverse range of vendors, organizations, and experts dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, the event will provide information, support, and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for attendees.
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Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremonies resume April 6 with service honoring Dave Monro
The Town of Wake Forest and several local veterans’ organizations will resume their monthly flag-raising ceremonies in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza on Monday, April 6, at 11 a.m. The 66th Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor Dave Monro, who served our nation in the US Army.
Friends and members of the Monro 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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WFPD to host Drug Take Back Event at Wegmans April 25
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2026 National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 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.
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Upcoming outdoor events easy to find on Town website & app
Beginning with the Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 28, and continuing through Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, Sept. 19. 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 and make winter but a distant memory.
To help inform community members 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.
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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. 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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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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