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Welcome to the Wednesday Wink!
In this week's installment, we provide an HVAC update, share information about Meals on Wheels, including the January 2026 menu, remind you to get your RecCard, invite you to Bingo & Info, share "News You Can Use" & more!
Happy New Year!
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On December 18, technicians replaced faulty HVAC sensors which were responsible for recent indoor heating issues.
Since then, our HVAC system has been fully operational, and no further issues have been reported.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.
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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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Free WFCAA RecCards available through December
Earlier this month we began issuing free Wake Forest Center for Active Aging (WFCAA) RecCards to all our members, including both Wake Forest residents and non-Wake Forest residents.
A RecCard allows you to access amenities offered at the WFCAA, while allowing us to track member participation in our programs and classes.
We will continue issuing free WFCAA RecCards to Wake Forest residents and non-residents through Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, non-Wake Forest residents will be required to pay $25 for their WFCAA RecCards, while Wake Forest residents will continue receiving theirs for free.
Our decision to charge non-Wake Forest residents for their RecCards (beginning January 1) is modeled after the policy adopted by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department. This approach offers an appropriate benefit to Wake Forest taxpayers whose tax dollars help pay for our building and maintenance without imposing an unfair burden on people who enjoy the WFCAA but happen to live outside Wake Forest.
RecCards are valid for one year from the date of purchase and must be renewed annually.
At the time of renewal, both Wake Forest residents and non-residents will be required to return to the WFCAA with proof of residency documents, such as utility bills, rental or lease agreements, mortgage statements, or tax returns.
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We’re moving to a new registration system, RecDesk!
RecDesk makes it easier to browse programs, sign up online, and manage your account all in one place.
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January-March 2026 programs are available on RecDesk.
- Registration for January-March 2026 programs opened Monday, Dec. 1, at 8 a.m. for Wake Forest residents (must reside within Town limits and pay Town taxes).
- Registration for Non-Wake Forest residents started Thursday, Dec. 4, at 8 a.m.
Create a FREE RecDesk Account at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com/
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AND
For those of you that already have a RecDesk account, be sure to add the WFCAA FREE membership.
Use our Address Look Up Map to determine if you live in Wake Forest or it's ETJ.
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RecDesk Steps to Success
Step 1
Create a FREE RecDesk Account at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com/
OR
Add the WFCAA FREE membership onto your pre-existing RecDesk Account
Step 2
Visit the front desk at the WFCAA to pick up your FREE physical RecCard. This will replace your current PRCR Rec RecCard - if you have one. You can use the WFCAA card to check in at all Town facilities, including Joyner Park Community Center.
Step 3
Beginning Monday, Nov. 24, you can "view only" programs for January-March 2026 on your RecDesk Account.
Step 4
Beginning Monday, Dec. 1, at 8 a.m., Wake Forest residents will be able to register for programs scheduled between January-March 2026 via your RecDesk Account.
OR
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 8 a.m. non-Wake Forest residents will be able to register for programs for January-March 2026 via your RecDesk Account.
Step 5
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, you will come into the WFCAA, scan your WFCAA key tag, and check in for programs!
RecDesk Reminder
Be sure to pick up your RecCard before January 1, 2026, to get your first year of membership FREE!
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Join us for Wednesday Bingo!
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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Join us for Tuesday Karaoke!
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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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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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!
Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, the WFCAA will offer 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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Bingo & Info
Mondays | 10 -11:30 am
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. Afterward, stick around for FREE bingo and a chance to win some great prizes!
Jan 5 Host - Kylie Fuller with Comfort Keepers Wake Forest
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Jan. Yarnsplosure Knit-a-thon
Monday, Jan 12 | 10 am-noon
Help the Town make Yarnsplosure 2026 come to life in this free community class offered by the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre! We will be knitting and crocheting flowers for this year's spring art installation on Owen Avenue in partnership with Wake Forest Downtown. All supplies provided as well as guided instruction for those who want learn.
Cost: Residents: Free | Non Residents: Free (Registration opens on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 8 a.m.
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Jan. Winter Wellness Workshop (Tues)
Tuesday, Jan 20 | 10-11 am
Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to support your wellness during the winter months. In this class, you’ll learn simple natural ways to keep your respiratory system clear and your immune system strong using essential oils.
We’ll make two easy, take-home DIYs:
- Better Breathing Aroma Inhaler – a personal inhaler you can use anytime you need clearer airways or seasonal support.
- Immunity Roller Blend – a ready-to-use roller to help support your body’s natural defenses throughout the season.
This class is fun, simple, and perfect for anyone who wants to feel healthier and more supported all winter long.
Cost: Residents: $20 | Non Residents: $25
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Sun Style Tai Chi with a PT: Mind Body Connection
Mondays & Wednesdays | Jan 5-28 | 2-3 pm
Group practice of tai chi is a great way to improve your skills and enjoy community with others who perform tai chi. With an emphasis on posture, balance, and improving the mind-body connection, Kristina provides instruction in Sun style tai chi based on the style of Dr. Paul Lam. She provides her unique twist on it as she teaches through the lens of a physical therapist and fall prevention specialist.
During this class you will continue to perform the forms you already know from Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and we will also explore the movements in Tai Chi 2 by Dr. Paul Lam. Weekly attendance is recommended.
Practicing tai chi has many researched health benefits including improved balance, better situational awareness, lower stress, and improved overall health. It also has been proven to reduce the risk for falls when practiced regularly.
Join me to improve your balance and learn grounding posture, breath work, weight transference, and dual tasking through the meditative practice of tai chi.
Intensity-Level: Low.
Requirements to participate safely include:
- recent practice and understanding of Sun style tai chi, specifically the forms in Dr. Paul Lam's arthritis and fall prevention set.
- ability to stand for ~45 minutes independently
- flat, well-fitting shoes and loose comfortable clothing
- low risk for falls or no recent fall incidents.
Duration: Typically 45 minutes of movement (e.g., standing, walking, balance, turning) Includes a warm up and cool down.
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.
Note: Participants must be familiar with Sun style tai chi and have practiced it regularly in the last six months.
Cost: Residents: $35 | Non-Residents: $44
No class on January 19 (MLK Holiday)
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Dear Members,
We have some exciting news to share about important upgrades underway at the WFCAA.
In August, our Facilities team initiated a renovation project that upon completion will – among other things - add workspace for our employees and volunteers and introduce more comfortable furniture in the SHIIP and pharmacist consultation room.
Scheduled for completion in December, the initiative will also convert the former body shop to private offices, rearrange our workout equipment throughout the facility to encourage greater use, and install mobile partitions as a means of offering privacy to members who wish to utilize the equipment.
As our renovations continue, these and other improvements will become more noticeable, including quieter hand dryers in our restrooms.
Our Facilities team has been performing most of the disruptive (loud) work on weekends, so as not to disturb our programs and classes. Such efforts will continue, but you may notice some painting work performed during normal operating hours.
We will provide updates on the progress of our renovation in each week’s edition of Wednesday Wink.
In the meantime, thank you for your patience and please email Monica if you have any questions.
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We want to hear from you! Town seeks feedback on efforts to develop Sustainability Plan
The Town of Wake Forest is developing a Sustainability Plan to serve as a guide for both Town operations and community-wide sustainability initiatives. Community input is the cornerstone of the initiative aimed at reducing Wake Forest’s environmental impact, preparing for the effects of climate change and extreme weather, and embracing cost-saving opportunities.
Community members are invited to share their perspectives and experiences to help guide our efforts to make Wake Forest more sustainable for generations to come by completing an online survey.
Available through Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, the survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. After gathering input and assessing data, more specific strategies and actions will be developed and shared for feedback.
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MLK Community Celebration is Jan 22, fundraising drive continues
Several local churches and community organizations will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road.
The evening’s theme will center around one of Dr. King’s messages: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” In the spirit of the event theme, the Wake Forest MLK Committee will offer creative performance, writing, and art competitions for students in Wake Forest and Rolesville-area schools. Complete contest rules and information, along with the online contest entry form, are available on the Town website. The competition winners will be recognized during the January 22 program.
The Wake Forest MLK Committee is accepting monetary donations from the community to help fund the monetary prizes and scholarships awarded to the competition winners. The MLK Committee hopes to raise $10,000 by January 31, 2026. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations.
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SCAM ALERT! Wake Forest warning community about fraudulent email scam
The Town of Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Police Department are again urging community members to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following new reports of a fraudulent email scam targeting Wake Forest residents and applicants. Using a bogus email address (planning-wakeforestn@usa.com), the emails claim to be from the “Planning Commission Town of Wake Forest” and falsely claim to seek payment for applications requesting the designation of property as a Local Historic Landmark and a rezoning request.
The emails include official-sounding language and the names of actual Town staff to seem authentic – but they are not. Many times, it’s hard to tell what’s a scam and what isn’t - but this is a scam designed to pressure victims into making payments to scammers.
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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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