Our Town: Jan/Feb 2017

Our Town Jan/Feb 2017

Town of Wake Forest 301 S. Brooks Street Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-435-9400

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News highlights New Year’s Day Holiday Schedule » Wake Forest Town Hall and all other administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, for New Year’s Day. Garbage, recycling, yard waste collection and bus service will be suspended for the day.

To view the town’s 2017 holiday schedule visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “holiday schedule.” n n n

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message is at core of annual celebration in Wake Forest.

Wake Forest community invited to honor

KING’S LEGACY “The time is always right to do what is right.”

by a program honoring King’s legacy beginning at 7 p.m.

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Student Contests

his inspirational message from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the theme for the 22nd Annual MLK Day Celebration. The free public event will be held at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road, on Thursday, Jan. 19.

The community is invited to attend a light supper beginning at 6 p.m. followed

Police Department thanks community for generosity » Because of the tremendous outpouring from the community, the Wake Forest Police Department was able to provide 911 free turkeys to families in need during the 2016 Annual Turkey Drive. n n n

The MLK Committee is offering a slate of contests for students in the Wake Forest and Rolesville area schools. Contests are for creative performance, writing and art based on the theme, “The time is always right to do what is right.” Schools have received contest entry forms.

For more information or to request a contest entry form, contact Margo Grant at 919-435-7101 or mlgtennis38@yahoo.com. The deadline for contest submissions is Saturday, Jan. 14.

MLK Holiday Schedule: Wake Forest Town Hall and all other administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Garbage and recycling will be collected as usual. Wake Forest bus service and yard waste collection will be suspended for the day.

Ball league registration held in February

» The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will accept registrations for youth baseball, softball, T-ball, dream league baseball and men’s spring recreational softball from Feb. 1-28. Registrations are accepted online at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com. Call 919-4359560 for information.

PARKS & RECREATION

Programs offered for special needs children Special Needs Family Game Night Jan 27  6:30-8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a fun-filled evening playing board games with the entire family at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave. Games will be provided or you can bring your own. Concessions will be available for purchase or you can bring your favorite snack. The event is free but pre-registration is required. To register, contact Kelly Schurtz, kschurtz@wakeforestnc.gov, 919-556-7093.

Special Needs Valentine Party Feb 11  2-4 p.m.

The Town of Wake Forest invites our youth with special needs and their siblings to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The party will be Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave. There will be music, crafts, games and refreshments. Drop in for a game of BINGO! The event is $5 and pre-registration is required by Feb. 8. To register, contact Kelly Schurtz, kschurtz@ wakeforestnc.gov, 919-556-7093. n n n

PROJECT RENDERING PL ANNING

Major greenway project underway The Smith & Sanford Creek Greenway project in the vicinity of Heritage Elementary, Middle and High Schools is scheduled for completion in 2017. This initiative is part of the voterapproved 2014 bond referendum.

The project includes nearly four miles of greenway trail, just under one mile of sidewalk, and a multi-use path.

For more details, visit wakeforestnc. gov and search “Smith & Sanford Creek Greenway Project.”

A variety of awards are presented before the start of the Mardi Gras walking parade.

Let the good times roll at the fifth annual

MARDI GRAS

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he fifth annual Mardi Gras celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in downtown Wake Forest.

The family-friendly festival offers music, street performances and a walking parade for children and adults. Line-up for the parade begins at 12:45 p.m. in front of town hall.

Awards will be given for Parade Prince & Princess, Best Float (bike, wagon or scooter), Best Baby, Most Festive Family and Best Mask.

The Bubblegum Blowing Contest returns again this year with recognition given to those that can blow the best bubble.

Children’s Activities

Free face painting will be offered in the town hall lobby from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and in the Depot Parking Lot, 100 S. White St., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Feeling creative? Children can make a necklace in town hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The activity is offered by Wake Forest ARTS. Then, make sure to leave your mark by participating in sidewalk chart art in front of the Depot Parking Lot, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Got some energy to burn? A free bounce house will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Depot Parking Lot. Kids (and kids at heart) can learn how to hula-hoop at the Hoop Jam in Centennial Plaza prior to the start of the parade.

Just want to see the sights?

Roaming acrobats, a juggler, a balloon twister, a magician and other street entertainers will provide plenty of entertainment throughout the day.

For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov (search for “mardi gras”) or call Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., at 919-435-9415.

Planning a Wedding?

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts is one of several excellent venues available in Wake Forest. Primarily used as a cultural arts facility, the centre also offers an elegant and sophisticated backdrop for special events.

For rates and floorplans, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

ADMINISTRATION

Public invited to State of the Town Address The 2017 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St. Hosted by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the occasion offers Wake Forest citizens the opportunity to reflect on the town’s list of accomplishments during the previous year and learn about its goals in the coming months.

Tickets are $15 per person and include a buffet dinner. Purchase tickets online at wakeforestnc.gov (search for “state of the town”) or in person at the Renaissance Centre.

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. The mayor’s 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. n n n

Friday Night on White sponsorships available

Friday Night on White returns this spring to downtown Wake Forest. With nightly crowds averaging between 8,000-10,000 during its first year, event planners are inviting businesses to share in the event’s success.

Presented by White Street Brewing Co., the concerts are typically offered on the second Friday of each month from April through September. Bands perform on South White Street.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Marketing & Business Relations Specialist Anna Bolton, abolton@ wakeforestnc.gov, 919-435-9422. Securing your sponsorship before Jan. 31 guarantees your business will be included in all promotional materials.

Look for more information and details at wakeforestnc.gov (search for “friday night on white”).

Please note: due to the Easter holiday, April’s Friday Night on White will take place on the third Friday, April 21, instead of the second Friday.

Taylor Street Park Sprayground The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will open its first sprayground at Taylor Street Park, 416 N. Taylor St., in May.

CONCEPTUAL DRAWING

New Assistant to the Town Manager Wake Forest Town Manager Kip Padgett announced in December that Transportation Planning Manager Candace Davis has been selected as the town’s first Assistant to the Town Manager.

In her new role Davis will be responsible for assisting Padgett with a variety of town priorities, organizational initiatives, and special projects. She will also serve as program manager of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the bond referendum projects approved by voters in 2014.

“Over the past eight years Candace has been an incredible asset to Wake Forest – particularly in regard to securing grants and advocating on behalf of the town’s greenways and transportation system,” said Padgett.

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Davis and her family have lived in Wake Forest for the past 10 years. Prior to coming to work for the town as a Senior Transportation Planner in May 2008, she served as a Transportation Planner for the Town of Apex. n n n PUBLIC WORKS

Recycle your Christmas tree Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 28, the town will collect and recycle live Christmas trees from residential homes according to its normal yard waste collection schedule. The trees will be ground into mulch and made available to residents upon request.

All Wake Forest residents whose yard waste is collected by the town may participate in the “treecycling” program.

To recycle your tree, please remove all decorations, tinsel, nails, stands and bags from the tree and set it behind the curb for collection. Residents are reminded that artificial trees cannot be recycled.

Orders for mulch are currently being accepted. For more information about Christmas tree recycling or to request mulch, contact Betty Pearce at 919-4359570 or bpearce@wakeforestnc.gov.

RENAISSANCE CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Arts for All: Tired Souls Feb 4  3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Mike Wiley will perform Tired Souls, a recount of Rosa Parks’ decisive bus ride and the notable black citizens who laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment in history. The performance is geared for grades 3 to adult. Free.

Children (and adults!) are quickly drawn into Happy Dan’s tales of magical fantasy.

MAGIC IN THE HOUSE

Renaissance Centre welcomes Happy Dan the Magic Man n n n

Agnes of God Feb 10-12, 18-19

Presented by Forest Moon Theater. When a newborn child is found dead in a convent, a court psychiatrist must determine whether the nun accused of the crime is mentally fit to stand trial, with the question of the father’s identity hanging in the balance. Advance Tickets: $15 adult, $13 student/senior; Day Of: $18 adult, $16 student/senior.

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veryone laughs louder when Happy Dan the Magic Man is in the house! Happy Dan has traveled the world entertaining families for more than 30 years and now he’s bringing his show to Wake Forest.

Happy Dan is more than an entertainer.

He’s that slightly silly, can’t-wait-to-see-him loving uncle that every child loves.

Children are quickly drawn into his tale of magical fantasy as they perform various feats of magic and more. The laughter never stops as Happy Dan struggles with his

misbehaving props and the children fly to his rescue.

Happy Dan weaves Mister Rogers style lessons into magic bits throughout the show.

Children walk away feeling better about themselves and their vibrant imaginations.

He is fully at ease with preschool and middle school aged children as he is with golden age adults.

Performances are at 11 a.m. on Feb. 15, March 15, April 19 and May 17. Tickets are $5 plus tax and can be purchased at the door or in advance at wakeforestrencen.org.

For information, contact the Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., at 919-435-9458.

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Neck of the Woods Feb 17  7:30 p.m.

Presented by Wake Forest ARTS. Neck of the Woods is a variety performance series that features emerging local artists. Each show is different and may include actors, dancers, musicians, comedians, writers and spoken word artists. The bar will be open for wine, beer and other refreshment purchases. Tickets: $5.

For more information visit wakeforestrencen. org or call the Renaissance Centre box office at 919-435-9458.

Sarah Shook will be Rockin’ the Forest Assembling some of the top musical acts in the area, the Rockin’ the Forest music series features an incredible variety of genres, including rock, Americana and power pop.

On Friday, Feb. 24, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers will take the stage at the Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

“With Sarah Shook in the mix, hard core country is alive and well, and dangerous as all get out,” writes Grant Britt on the No Depression

website. She performs with “a sneer, a bite and no apologies.”

The band’s album Sidelong was ranked #2 in the Triangle’s best albums of 2015 by The Independent Weekly.

Tickets for the concert are $10. Admission is first-come, first-served and seating is limited. Beer, wine and other refreshments will be available for purchase.

For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org or call the Renaissance Centre at 919-435-9458.

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ADMINISTRATION

Application required for special events Special events held on public property require the coordination of multiple town resources. To facilitate the planning process, the town requires that you fill out a special events application before planning an event. Applications are available at wakeforestnc.gov (search “special events application”).

For more information, contact Community Events Coordinator Cathi Roberson at communityeventscoordinator@wakeforestnc.gov or 919-435-9467.

NCDOT

DMV’s Mobile Driver’s License Unit resumes schedule in February

Our Market Our Community Local Farmers Live Music Kids Activities Winter Markets, Every Saturday, 10 to Noon 405 S. Brooks St, Wake Forest

www.wakeforestmarket.org

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Please nono Pets (State LawLaw Prohibits Pets Pets at Farmers Markets) Please Pets (State Prohibits at Farmers)

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles offers a mobile driver’s license unit at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre Arts Annex, 407 S. Brooks St., on the first and third Mondays of each month. Due to renovations at the centre, the mobile unit will not operate during the month of January. The unit’s regular schedule will resume in February with service dates on Feb. 6 and Feb. 20.

Featuring two driver license examiner stations, the mobile office offers all the driver license services provided in brick-and-mortar offices, including driving tests.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Technology Advisory Board promotes STEM initiatives In a recent edition of “TAB Bytes,” the Technology Advisory Board shares how it promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives for local students. The blog is accessible through the TAB page on the town’s website or directly via wakeforestnc.gov/tab-bytes.aspx.

What is STEM?

STEM is the acronym for the combined disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM events are normally hands-on style learning and mentoring environments where participants are encouraged to be innovative, be creative, and push knowledge boundaries. The ultimate goal is to inspire participants to become future STEM professionals.

How is the TAB involved?

Last October, TAB members volunteered at a STEM event sponsored by the Research Triangle Foundation. The US2020 RTP Arts n’ STEM expo had 17 presenters from organizations around the Triangle, as well as 123 speed mentors from over 46 organizations.

How can you get involved?

One way individuals can get involved is through the STEM Mentor Matching Platform. This program matches STEM mentors with students in our community to “ignite moments of discovery.” Once mentors sign up, they will be assigned a volunteer liaison and will be provided a training program and ongoing support. Organizations wishing to host mentors can also sign up.

ELECTRIC UTILITIES

Wake Forest Power launches new automated reporting system Wake Forest Power is making it easier for its customers to report electric outages and stay informed about power interruptions in their area through a new Outage Management System (OMS).

The highlight of the initiative is the new automated outage reporting telephone number: 919-761-7899.

When a customer calls the outage reporting number, the OMS attempts to identify the telephone number from which the customer is calling and match that number to their account. As long as Wake Forest Power has the number in its system, the OMS will recognize the customer. If Wake Forest Power does not have the number, or if the number on file is wrong, information pertaining to the customer’s account will not be found.

That’s why Wake Forest Power is asking customers to make sure they have provided accurate contact information.

Wake Forest Power customers can update their outage phone numbers by calling customer service at 919-435-9478 during normal office hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Who to call if your power goes out To report a power outage, residents should call the automated outage reporting number for their electric company. Those phone numbers are: n Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356 n Wake Electric: 919-863-6499 n Wake Forest Power: 919-761-7899 PARKS & RECREATION

Tree Care 101 offered at town hall Urban Forestry Coordinator Jennifer Rall will lead an introductory class on proper tree care practices. Geared to the homeowner, the one-day class covers proper tree selection, planting, pruning (including proper pruning of crape myrtles) and mulching.

The class is offered Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. The cost is $15. Preregistration is required at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com. For information, contact Jennifer Rall, jrall@wakeforestnc.gov, 919-435-9565.

The Wake Forest ADHD Clinic combines state of the art diagnostic and treatment services for children and adults with ADHD. Our clinicians and staff specialize in all aspects of ADHD testing, counseling, coaching, and groups.

We also help parents understand their ADHD child and work together for the success of the child.

919-263-9592 info@perkinscps.com 10580 Ligon Mill Road, Suite 210, Wake Forest, NC 27587

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Get to know North Wake Compassionate animal care

Call 919.556.1121 2160 South Main Street Wake Forest, NC 27587 northwakeanimalhospital.com

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Beware of IRS-related scams The Wake Forest Police Department is warning area residents not to be fooled by scammers impersonating IRS investigators. Scammers claim to be from the IRS telling the intended victims they owe taxes and must pay using a credit card, bank account draft, pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.

It is important to know that the IRS: n Never asks for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the phone n Never insists that taxpayers use a specific payment method n Never requests immediate payment over the phone and will not take enforcement action following a phone conversation.

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YOUR GOVERNMENT

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 (1500 watt) heater in your home could add more than $100 to your monthly electric bill. n Clean and replace your air filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use.

Save the Dates April 1 Dirt Day

April 1-June 17 Wake Forest Outdoors April 8 Easter Egg Hunt April 21-Sept 8 Friday Night on White April 22 Arbor Day & Tree Seedling Giveaway April 30-June 4 Six Sundays in Spring

Monica Lileton honored as 2016 Employee of the Year

Board of Commissioners Meetings

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Board of Commissioners Work Session

ecreation Program Superintendent Monica Lileton is the Town of Wake Forest’s “2016 Jon Ray Employee of the Year.” Town Manager Kip Padgett made the announcement during the town’s annual employee Christmas luncheon.

A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Lileton has worked for Wake Forest since 2014. A 2005 graduate of Gardner-Webb University, she was nominated for the award by several co-workers who praised her “innovation,” “outgoing personality,” and “passion for her job.”

Among her accomplishments, Lileton is credited with enhancing the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department’s special needs programming which has experienced a 78 percent increase in participation over the past two years.

For her part, Lileton says she was humbled to hear her name announced as this year’s winner.

“It makes me feel good that others chose to recognize me for the accomplishments I’ve made while working here. I’m surrounded by

Third Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Town Hall Board Room

First Tuesday | 5:30 p.m .

Town Hall Board Room

Planning Board Meetings First Tuesday | 7:30 p.m.

Town Hall Board Room n

Town Manager Kip Padgett presented the award to Monica Lileton at the town’s annual employee luncheon.

such a great team of co-workers.

I look forward to coming to work each day.”

The Jon Ray Employee of the Year Award is named after former Street Supervisor Jon Ray who passed away in November 2013.

Padgett selects the Employee of the Year from nominations submitted by town staff. Submissions must include a narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.

Watch meetings live on WFTV 10. n Watch meetings live or on-demand in streaming video: wakeforestnc.gov/ government-boardof commissioners.aspx. n Watch re-broadcasts of meetings on WFTV 10 at 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily for up to two weeks after the meeting.

WFTV WFTV 10 can be found at digital channel 97.5. Watch it 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”)

Waste Wizard helps you recycle wisely The “Waste Wizard” is a handy online tool designed to help you sort your household waste properly. Simply type in the name of an item (such as “wrapping paper”) and the wizard will tell you whether it should go in your recycling cart or garbage can.

Some items such as motor oil or flourescent bulbs are not

accepted in either cart and must be dropped off at a county facility. If in doubt, check with the Waste Wizard and it will tell you if an item is considered hazardous and where the item can be dropped off for safe handling.

To visit the Waste Wizard, go to wakeforestnc.gov and search “waste wizard.”

Dispose of medication safely A medicine drop-off box is located in the lobby of the Wake Forest Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division headquarters at 221 S. Brooks St. Unwanted medication may be dropped off Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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 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”