Our Town January/February 2018
Town of Wake Forest 301 S. Brooks Street Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-435-9400
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage PAID Raleigh, NC Permit #722
wakeforestnc.gov
TOWN of WAKE FOREST POSTAL CUSTOMER
News Highlights
Annual celebration in Wake Forest commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wake Forest community invited to honor
KING’S LEGACY “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
S
everal local churches and community organizations are coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, Jan. 18, at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road. Area residents are invited to attend the observance, beginning with a light meal at 6 p.m. followed
by the program at 7 p.m. The event’s theme will center around one of King’s messages: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Local groups that contribute to the celebration include the Wake Forest Human Relations Council, Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church, Wake Forest Baptist Church and Kingdom Family International Church. Other supporters include Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church, Corinth UCC, New Bethel Rolesville, Olive Branch Baptist Church, Wake Forest Methodist Church, the Wake Forest Optimist Club and the Kiwanis Club of Wake Forest. For more information, contact Margo Grant at Mlgtennis38@yahoo.com or 908-672-8115.
MLK Holiday Schedule: Wake Forest Town Hall and all other administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. For a complete list of Town holidays and any changes to Town services, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “holiday schedule.”
Summer camp & program registration begins Feb. 1 » The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department offers a variety of spring and summer programs. Look for the new edition of the program guide, RecConnect, scheduled to arrive in your mailbox by the end of January. Online registration for programs begins Feb. 1 at wakeforestnc. recdesk.com. n n n
Ball league registration held in February » Registrations for youth baseball, softball, T-ball, dream league baseball and men’s recreational softball will be accepted online from Feb. 1-28. Visit wakeforestnc.recdesk.com to register. Call 919-435-9560 for more information. n n n
Free showing of Black History Heroes, Soldiers & Spies » In celebration of Black History Month, Bright Star Theater will present Black History Heroes, Soldiers & Spies on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St. Admission is free. Geared for grades 3 through adult, this exciting production will captivate audiences as they are drawn into some of the most unique stories from Black History. Experience the work of the Buffalo Soldiers as they explore the American West. Join the Tuskegee Airmen as they take flight to help win World War II. Travel with spies such as Mary Elizabeth Bowser who worked for the Union during the Civil War.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police thank public for its generosity The Wake Forest Police Department wishes to thank the community for donations to the 2017 Turkey Drive and Shop With A Cop. Through your generosity, police were able to provide 850 turkeys, 194 bags of side items/groceries and 500 pounds of sweet potatoes. Starbucks gave away approximately 300 cups of coffee. In addition, Shop With A Cop provided 32 underprivileged children with a holiday shopping spree at Walmart.
Children await the start of last year’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade.
Let the good times roll at the sixth annual
MARDI GRAS n n n COMMUNICATIONS
Town relaunches Engage Wake Forest The Town of Wake Forest has relaunched “Engage Wake Forest” – a community engagement website where citizens can engage, communicate and collaborate with decision makers and other residents on the future of our community. Developed by mySidewalk, the site can be accessed at wakeforest. mindmixer.com. The goal of Engage Wake Forest is to encourage residents to participate in the planning process for a variety of Town initiatives. Along the way, the site will be used as an online tool to generate new ideas and feedback from citizens. Town officials and staff will use the feedback from the engagement website to lay out plans on a variety of projects. Check back often to comment on new topics as they are posted. wakeforest.mindmixer.com, Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree, bcrabtree@wakeforestnc. gov, ☎ 919-435-9421
oin us for a fun-filled day in downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, Feb. 10, during the Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival. This family-friendly celebration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Walking Parade. The lineup will begin at 12:45 p.m. in town hall’s Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St., and the parade gets underway at 1 p.m. The walking parade is open to both children and adults. No preregistration is required, however, all children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Children’s Activities. Free face painting, a craft activity, mini aerial rig, sidewalk chalk art, bounce houses and a hoop jam will be offered.
There will also be a juggler, roaming acrobats and a living statue on South White Street who will provide plenty of entertainment during the afternoon. Contests. Anyone wishing to participate in the King, Queen, Prince & Princess costume contest should gather at the Centennial Plaza flagpoles at 12 p.m. prior to the start of the walking parade. Contests for Best Baby, Best Decorated Vehicle (wagon, cart, bicycle or stroller) and Most Festive Family will follow at 12:30 p.m. The Bubblegum Blowing Contest will be held at 2 p.m. in Jones Plaza at the corner of South White Street and Jones Avenue. wakeforestnc.gov, search “mardi gras”, ☎ 919-435-9427
2018 band lineup for the Friday Night on White concert series APRIL 13 MAY 11 Magic Love Tribe Pipers
JUNE 8 JULY 13 Bull City Sleeping Syndicate Booty
AUG. 10 Big Love
SEPT. 14 Crush
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Public invited to State of the Town Address The 2018 State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. at the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, 12605 Capital Blvd. Hosted by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the occasion offers Wake Forest citizens the opportunity to reflect on the Town’s accomplishments during the previous year and learn about its goals in the coming months. In addition to Mayor Vivian Jones’ State of the Town address, the evening will include a catered meal and dinner music by a local high school ensemble. Tickets are $15 per person (including dinner) and can be purchased online at wakeforestnc.gov (search for “state of the
town”) or at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St. Anyone not interested in eating dinner is welcome to attend the State of the Town address without purchasing a ticket. Non-ticket buyers should arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. at the conclusion of the dinner portion of the program. Mayor Jones’ address is expected to begin between 6:45 and 7 p.m. Watch the State of the Town Address
The State of the Town Address will be recorded and replayed on Wake Forest TV 10 throughout March. It will also be available in streaming video on the Town’s website, wakeforestnc.gov.
PowerSecure to sponsor Independence Day Celebration The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce PowerSecure as the presenting sponsor of the 2018 Independence Day Celebration. The two-day event will include the Fireworks Spectacular at Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road, on Tuesday, July 3, followed by the Children’s Parade and Art & Games in the Park on Wednesday, July 4. The popular Raleigh-based band, Crush, will headline the 2018 Fireworks Spectacular and take the stage at 6:30 p.m. Admission to all Independence Day Celebration events (including the fireworks) is free. wakeforestnc.gov, search “independence day”
Wake Forest Board of Commissioners
For contact information visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “board members”
Commissioner Greg Harrington
Commissioner Brian Pate
Commissioner Anne Reeve
Commissioner Liz Simpers
Commissioner Bridget Wall-Lennon
n n n
Sign up to receive Board of Commissioners meeting summaries
Dispose of medications safely
The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meeting summaries are issued from the Communications & Public Affairs Department following the Board’s monthly meetings. To receive each month’s meeting summary via email, sign up for E-Notifier at wakeforestnc.gov (search “enotifier”). The brief meeting summaries should not be viewed as official minutes. To request the official meeting minutes, contact Town Clerk Deeda Harris at dharris@ wakeforestnc.gov.
Residents are encouraged to drop off unwanted prescription and over-thecounter medications in the drop-off box at the Wake Forest Police Department’s Brooks Street Substation, 221 S. Brooks St. The facility is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Items that will be accepted include prescription pills or patches, ointments, vitamins and over-the-counter medications. Items not accepted include liquids of any kind, aerosol cans, inhalers, needles and thermometers.
n n n
Watch meetings live & on demand
Board of Commissioners meetings can be viewed both live and on demand by visiting
the Town’s online streaming media archive. Meetings are available in streaming video for one year after their original air date. Board of Commissioners meetings are also shown live on Wake Forest TV 10 – the Town of Wake Forest’s government access channel – then re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m. WFTV 10 is available only to Wake Forest residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. However, WFTV 10 is also provided online in real-time streaming video. wakeforestnc.gov, search “wftv 10”, Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree, bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov, ☎ 919-435-9421
wakeforestnc.gov, search “drug drop off”, ☎ 919-554-6150
Updates on major Town initiatives The following major projects are underway: Northern Wake Senior Center Expansion. Located at 235 E. Holding
Ave., the senior center offers adults age 55 and older a full schedule of recreational activities. To meet growing needs, the center will be expanded to include a new multi-purpose room and exercise room. The roof will be replaced and a new HVAC system installed. Design is nearing completion and construction is expected to begin in 2018 with completion in 2019.
Joyner Park Community Center. E. Carroll Joyner Park is Wake Forest’s largest park. Offering an abundance of gorgeous scenery, including picturesque rolling hills and a majestic pecan grove, the park consists of 117 acres – 84 of which are currently being used. Plans are underway for a new community center to be constructed on a portion of the park’s 33 remaining acres. Town officials insist the facility will be constructed in a manner consistent with the park’s natural beauty and rustic feel. Following public meetings to solicit input from residents, the design of the new community center is expected to be finalized by early 2018. Construction is expected to begin in May 2018. Holding Park Pool. Located at 133 W.
Owen Ave., Holding Park Pool is open during the summer months and offers swimming to the general public. Due to the discovery of significant structural issues, Holding Park Pool did not open in 2016. Faced with the decision of either permanently closing the pool or rebuilding the pool, the Town asked residents to voice their opinions in a Swimming Pool Community Interest Survey. Based on the results of the survey, the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners voted to replace Holding Park Pool. Construction of the new and improved Holding Park Pool has begun and the pool is scheduled to open for the 2018 summer season.
The Drifters performed a sold-out show at the Renaissance Centre in December 2017. A matching grant from Wake County will help pay for enhancements to the centre’s Grand Hall that will accommodate a wider variety of large-scale performances.
IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY
Phase 2 of Renaissance Centre renovations have begun
T
he second phase of a nearly $1 million renovation project at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., is now underway. Due to the work being performed, the Renaissance Centre’s Grand Hall will be closed through early spring. The Arts Annex, which includes a new art studio and business suite, will remain open and will continue to conduct cultural education classes, workshops and exhibits. Phase two enhancements include a raised ceiling, extended stage, and upgraded sound system in the Grand Hall, along with the installation of theater lighting, upstairs
dressing rooms, family room with baby changing table and a lighted marquee. Phase one improvements, completed in February 2017, entailed connecting the Arts Annex to the Grand Hall, installing movable walls in Arts Annex classrooms, purchasing a snap-lock dance floor, releveling the sidewalk in front of the Arts Annex, and adding assistive listening devices in the Grand Hall. The Renaissance Centre renovation project was made possible due in large measure to a $348,530 matching grant the Town of Wake Forest received in November 2016 from the Wake County Board of Commissioners. The total cost of the project is expected to be $848,500. As part of a grand re-opening celebration, the Renaissance Centre will host Beach Music & BBQ with the Band of Oz on Saturday, June 2. Renaissance Centre Manager Cathy Gouge, ☎ 919-435-9567, cgouge@wakeforestnc.gov
HOLDING PARK POOL: The newstyle pool will be comprised of three bodies of water, including a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, two water slides with plunge pool and a children’s pool with water play.
Full Service Grooming & Self-Serve Dog Wash 2012-2017
February is Dental Health Month Most experts agree that daily brushing is ideal, but if that's unrealistic, aim for three to four times per week.
Come in to Dirty Dogs Spa with this ad to pick up a FREE pet toothbrush. Offer good through February 28, 2018
919.453.0765 dirtydogsspa.com
Chris Leith Automotive has been your friend in the automotive business here in Wake Forest for nearly 30 years. Like you, I know how special our community really is and I feel blessed to both live and work in such an exceptional place. My dad built our company off of one simple idea, “Everyone wants a friend in the automobile business and we must work hard every day to be that friend.”
Exclusive
OUR TOWN
SERVICE COUPON
$19.95 Oil Change
Chris Leith Dodge
10936 Star Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 www.ChrisLeithDodge.com
Must present at time of service. Limit one per person. Synthetic and diesel extra. Offer may not be combined with any other coupons, discounts, or promotions.
Chris Leith Kia
10956 Star Road Wake Forest, NC 27587 www.ChrisLeithKia.com
Save up to 18¢ off per gallon when you purchase a wash at the pump! Brought to you by
2900 ROGERS ROAD SAMSXPRESS.COM
Our Market Our Community
Local Farmers Live Music Kids Activities Winter Hours, Jan thru Mar, 10am to noon Full Season Hours, April thru Oct, 8am to noon 405 S. Brooks St, Wake Forest www.wakeforestmarket.org
Find us on Facebook
Sign up for weekly availability newsletter
Please no Pets (State Law Prohibits Pets at Farmers)
Now offering URGENT CARE Call 919.556.1121 NEW, EXPANDED HOURS:
Monday–Saturday: 8 am–7 pm • Sunday: 10 am–6 pm 2160 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587 northwakeanimalhospital.com
FINANCE
Town earns favorable audit report The Board of Commissioners received the results of an independent audit report from Cherry Bekaert LLP for the period July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017. In addition to not revealing any audit findings or problems, the report acknowledged that the Town is in compliance with all of its financial policies and operating with strong internal controls in place. The report also included several financial performance highlights: n Net change in the Town’s fund balance resulted in an increase of $1.6 million in the general fund. n Wake Forest collected 99.86% of its property taxes – its highest rate over the past 10 years and higher than the average rate of 98.25 percent for towns of similar size. n Property tax collections were $24.5 million – $1 million more than last year. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Aileen Staples said the favorable audit report is the result of a “team approach” and the Town’s “conservative fiscal philosophy.” wakeforestnc.gov, search “CAFR”, CFO Aileen Staples, astaples@ wakeforestnc.gov, ☎ 919-435-9461 HUMAN RESOURCES
Wake Forest introduces new employment application process The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce Jobvite as its new electronic applicant tracking system. Featuring a paperless application process, the new initiative also allows individuals to sign up for Job Alerts for specific job categories and locations, while maintaining current employment opportunities on the Town’s website. Jobvite makes it possible for the Town to continue reducing its overall paper usage by eliminating the use of paper employment applications. All employment applications must now be submitted electronically. Anyone interested in applying for an open position with the Town can simply visit the Employment Opportunities page on the Town’s website, click on the job of interest and follow the prompts. wakeforestnc.gov, search “jobs”, Human Resources Director Virginia Jones, ☎ 919-435-9491, vjones@wakeforestnc.gov COMMUNICATIONS
How to stay informed 10560 Ligon Mill Road Wake Forest
919.556.4678
www.orthoPTassociates.com
Quality, Locally-Owned Care: • Neck & Back Pain • Post-Surgery Rehab • Vertigo Treatment • Sports Injuries • Dry Needling • Joint Pain & Arthritis
VOTED #1 PHYSICAL THERAPY 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2017
Stay up to date on Town news and connect with the community through these communication tools: n App: Download the Town of Wake Forest app to access information at your fingertips. n Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: Find (and like!) the Town of Wake Forest on social media. n Nextdoor: Has your neighborhood joined Nextdoor? Connect with us there. n E-Notifier: Subscribe to one or more categories to receive traffic alerts, police advisories, The Week Ahead and more. n Phone Notifications: Add your cell phone number to the Town’s phone notification system to receive time sensitive messages. wakeforestnc.gov, search “communications”
PUBLIC WORKS
Guide focuses on waste pickup In December, the updated Resident’s Guide to Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste Pickup was mailed to all Wake Forest residents. This eight-page handbook provides useful information about all things related to Town of Wake Forest sanitation service, including weekly curbside garbage and recycling collection, yard waste and bulk pickup, loose leaf collection and much more. The booklet can be viewed on the Town’s website and printed copies are available at Wake Forest Town Hall. A word about leaf collection delays
The Town of Wake Forest is asking residents to be patient as crews work to collect large amounts of leaves along local streets and in neighborhoods throughout our community. Recently, leaf collection ran approximately two weeks behind schedule due largely to recurring equipment issues caused by sticks, rocks and other debris mixed in with leaf piles. When placing leaves out for collection, please do not mix sticks, rocks, pine cones, limbs or other debris with loose leaves. The Town’s vacuum equipment is only designed to pick up leaves. Your cooperation is needed to prevent mechanical breakdowns and collection delays that affect our entire community. Also, Town officials are reminding homeowners associations that contracted work performed by tree service companies or independent contractors will not be collected by Town crews. Instead, it is the responsibility of the contractor to remove and properly dispose of debris. wakeforestnc.gov, search “guide to garbage”, ☎ 919-435-9570 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Area residents urged to guard against fraud The Wake Forest Police Department is urging area residents to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following a number of recently reported phone scams. In these incidents, potential victims receive phone calls from scammers alleging they have kidnapped a relative, or a family member has been assaulted or injured. The scammers then demand the victim send a ransom or payment immediately via wire transfer or pre-paid gift card. They sometimes threaten violence or even death to the alleged kidnapping victim unless the ransom is paid. The scammers fabricate such tales hoping the potential victims will pay the money without verifying whether the story is real. If you receive a call you believe may be a scam, never wire money or pay by prepaid card. Instead, hang up the phone and call the person about whom the threats have been made to ensure they are safe. If you are unable to reach him or her, contact the police immediately. If you believe that you are a victim of this type of crime, report it to the Wake Forest Police Department at 919-554-6150. wakeforestnc.gov, search “crime prevention”, ☎ 919-554-6150
YOUR GOVERNMENT
FINANCE
Citizens’ Financial Report now available
Are winter bills giving you the chills? Warm up to these easy, money-saving tips provided by NC Public Power: n Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Every degree above 68 increases your energy use by 3-5 percent. n Install a programmable thermostat and set it to turn down your heat at night. n Traditional fireplaces lose more heat than they produce, so only use them on mild days. n Avoid using space heaters for long periods of time. Use of one small heater in your home could add more than $100 to your monthly electric bill.
Sponsorship opportunities Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are now available for 2018. Interested businesses should contact Marketing & Business Relations Specialist Anna Bolton at abolton@wakeforestnc. gov or 919-435-9422.
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to present the 2017 Citizens’ Financial Report. The document is an abbreviated summary of the Town’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
wakeforestnc.gov, search “citizens financial report”, Finance Director Aileen Staples, ☎ 919-435-9461, astaples@wakeforestnc.gov
Wake Forest to host the 2018 Public Power
LINEWORKERS RODEO
T
he Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is the nation’s foremost showcase of public power lineworker skill and knowledge – and it’s coming to Wake Forest on Saturday, April 28. At the rodeo, apprentice and journeyman lineworkers from across the United States will compete for professional recognition and display essential job skills – 30 feet above ground! The Lineworkers Rodeo will take place in Wake Forest’s Holding Village, located off South Franklin Street via Rogers Road.
March 24
Save these
DATES
Friday Night on White
The annual rodeo is presented by the American Public Power Association. The public is welcome to attend.Admission is free.
Arbor Day Celebration
Board of Commissioners Work Session First Tuesday | 5:30 p.m . Town Hall Board Room
Planning Board Meetings First Tuesday | 7:30 p.m. Town Hall Board Room View meetings : on WFTV 10 and re-broadcast at 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily for up to two weeks after the meeting
n live
at wakeforestnc.gov/ wftv-10.aspx and on-demand in streaming video
n live
WFTV WFTV 10 is the Town’s government access channel available to Spectrum TV subscribers. Watch WFTV 10 live online at wakeforestnc.gov/ wftv-10.aspx.
STAYING INFORMED E-NOTIFIER Sign up for the Town’s free email subscription service at wakeforestnc.gov (search for “e-notifier”)
301 S. Brooks St. Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-435-9400 wakeforestnc.gov
Our Town is published bi-monthly by the Town of Wake Forest Communications Department Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree 919-435-9421 bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov
Dirt Day
April 21
Third Tuesday | 7 p.m. Town Hall Board Room
wakeforestnc.gov, search “2018 lineworkers rodeo”
April 7
Easter Egg Hunt
April 13
Offering financial and operational information in a summarized format, the 12-page report provides an overview of the Town’s financial results in a manner that is easy to understand by those without a background in public finance or accounting. In addition to providing financial data, the Citizens’ Financial Report highlights information about Wake Forest’s demographics, ongoing initiatives, and the Town’s strategic plan. The report is available for viewing on the Town’s website. A digital version is also provided on the Town’s Open Data Portal. Hard copies are available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.
Board of Commissioners Meetings
April 29
Six Sundays in Spring
Advertising Rates & Information: Anna Bolton 919-435-9422 abolton@wakeforestnc.gov wakeforestnc.gov/our-town.aspx Read a digital version of Our Town at wakeforestnc.gov, search for “Our Town”