Our Town July /August 2013
Town of Wake Forest 301 S. Brooks Street Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-435-9400
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www.wakeforestnc.gov
Town of Wake Forest
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News highlights Adopt-A-Stream Residents interested in becoming an AdoptA-Stream volunteer are encouraged to attend the “Streams, Buffers and Floodplains” training session Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at Miller Park, 401 Elm Ave. Visit wakeforestnc. gov/adopt-a-stream.aspx for more information about the program or contact Assistant Town Engineer Holly Miller at hmiller@wakeforestnc.gov or 919-435-9443.
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Art & Games in the Park includes sack races, tug of war and pie eating contests—all free.
Fourth of July Celebration Now in its 40th year, Wake Forest’s Fourth of July Celebration serves up two days of fun including fireworks, a children’s parade and free games. The Fireworks Spectacular is set for Wednesday, July 3, at Wake Forest High School, 420 W. Stadium Dr. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the admission is $5 per person, or $20 for five people. Children ages six and under are admitted free. Advance tickets are available at: n Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce
n Wake
Forest Weekly Cream Cottage Cafe n Aloha Tan n All About Hair & Nails n Garden Market n Cellar 275 at The Factory n Town & County Hardware at Gateway Commons n NC General Stores The Band of Oz will again headline this year’s celebration. The band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available at the Fireworks Spectacular. Picnic baskets and coolers are allowed but will be inspected by the police department before being permitted inside n Ice
the stadium. No alcoholic beverages, smoking, or pets are permitted on the high school campus. See Upcoming Events on page 2 for details about the Children’s Parade and Art & Games in the Park. For further information, visit wakeforestnc.gov/ july4.aspx. The Wake Forest Fourth of July Planning Committee is an all-volunteer organization. The event is funded by gate receipts from the previous year’s celebration, along with the generous contributions of area businesses and the Town of Wake Forest.
Proud to be a Tree City Community for 34 years
Fourth of July function available on the town’s app Complete informa-
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tion about this year’s Fourth of July celebration is provided through the “July 4” function on the Town of Wake Forest app. Download the app for instant access to information about the Fireworks Spectacular, Children’s Parade and Art & Games in the Park. Search for “Town of Wake Forest” on iTunes, in the iPhone app store, or in Google Play. wakeforestnc. gov/app.aspx
Get the latest on the UDO
» The Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) public hearing was held open for three months and was officially closed June 4. The Planning Board recommended approval of the document and zoning map with some modifications. For the latest information, visit the UDO blog at wakeforestnc.gov/udo_blog.aspx.
What Do You Think, Wake Forest?
Fourth of July Holiday Schedule
New forum will serve as a virtual town hall meeting, allowing individuals to share their thoughts
Town hall and all administrative offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. No garbage or recycling will be collected July 4. The collection schedule for the rest of the week will operate one day later than normal and will extend into Saturday.
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to launch “What Do You Think, Wake Forest?”—a citizen engagement forum that invites residents to post comments on a variety of important town issues.
Town board adopts new budget
Located at wakeforestnc.gov/what-do-youthink-wake-forest.aspx, the forum gives residents the opportunity to share their opinions concerning Wake Forest, support the ideas of others, expand upon them, and know that town officials and staff will see and consider them. The insights provided will offer town leaders a sense of what the community thinks about specific topics and items of interest. We’ll notify residents whenever new topics are posted through a variety of methods, including announcements on the town’s Facebook page and push notifications through the town’s app. E-News subscribers will also receive an E-Alert informing them of new postings. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Bill Crabtree at 919-435-9421 or bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov. The Renaissance of Downtown Wake Forest
Have you seen the 8-minute promotional video about downtown? If not, go to wakeforestnc.gov and find the video in the viewer on the homepage. Or better yet, come downtown and experience it firsthand!
upcoming
EVENTS
A notable number:
150
“The ‘long harsh winter’ we have faced the past four years may be thawing,” notes Town Manager Mark Williams in the introduction to the annual budget. “Unemployment rates are dropping, the stock market is reaching new all time highs and inflation remains low. Locally, we are seeing an increase in construction, both residentially and commercially. Revenues from sales taxes are rising.” Despite the promising changes in economic conditions, the 2013-2014 budget put before the board limits new initiatives. “We must continue to focus on financial sustainability by conservative revenue projections and prudent use of resources,” says Williams. “Our emphasis must continue to be maintaining current levels of service to our citizens.”
The tax rate remains unchanged for the coming year. If you’re interested in seeing the entire budget, visit wakeforestnc.gov/
3 2 ¢ Personnel costs
43¢—Personnel
residents-finance_budget. aspx. For further questions, contact Finance Director Aileen Staples at astaples@ wakeforestnc.gov or 919435-9461.
Where does the money go?
If you imagine the entire town budget as $1, this is how 100 cents is spent.
28 ¢ Operating costs
26 ¢ purchase for Power
8 ¢ debt service
Debt service is the repayment of money thatʼs been borrowed. Capital outlay is money spent on general assets that cost more than $5,000 and last three years or more.
6 ¢ capital outlay
children signed up for swimming lessons during the first four hours of registration at town hall.
Art & Games in the Park
Fireworks Spectacular
Wednesday, July 3 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wake Forest High School, 420 W. Stadium Dr. (see front page for details)
Children’s Parade
Thursday, July 4 10:30 a.m. The line-up for the parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and West Juniper
Avenue. No registration is required. Participation in the Children’s Parade is free, but bicyclists must wear their helmets. The parade route extends from North Main Street to Holding Park, 133 W. Owen Ave.
Thursday, July 4 11 a.m. Holding Park, 133 W. Owen Ave. Free Fourth of July craft activities and games for children including sack races, a watermelon seed spitting contest and a pie eating contest. Wake Forest police will offer a K9 unit demonstration, while the Wake Forest Fire Department will have a fire truck on display.
Volunteers planted trees near the Smith Creek Soccer Center to help restore the riparian buffer.
Safe Routes to School
In 2009, the Town of Wake Forest received $300,000 from the Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School program. Thanks to these funds, work is underway on paths and sidewalks that will make it easier for children to walk and bike to school. Some of the improvements will include: n bike racks at Wake Forest Elementary and Wake Forest Middle School n radar speed detection signs on S. Main Street and S. Wingate Street n a pedestrian signal at the corner of S. Main Street and Elm Avenue n a multi-use path with pedestrian lights that connects the Wake Forest Middle School campus with the sidewalk on S. Main Street n walkways that connect the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club, Forrest Field and the elementary school n new sidewalks to connect gaps on S. Wingate Street and Durham Road
G l a d You A s ke d Guide to Wake Forest to be published this fall
Q: How does the town plan to use the newly purchased Tuxedo Junction property?
Advertising opportunities are available
A: In June the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the former Tuxedo Junction and Rejoice Community School. The adjoining properties are located in Renaissance Place at the corner of Brooks Street and Elm Avenue. Tuxedo Junction, purchased for $831,000, currently includes 10,000 square feet of commercial space, while Rejoice Community School, purchased for $350,000, encompasses approximately 3,000 square feet. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Wake Forest will assume control of Tuxedo Junction in late July.
The Town of Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce will publish the new Guide to Wake Forest this fall. The 112page full-color guidebook will include important contact information, maps, descriptions of town services, community events, photos and much more. Every home and business in the 27587 zip code will receive a copy in the mail.
A limited amount of advertising space is available in the Guide to Wake Forest. You do not need to be a chamber member to run an ad. For advertising rates, visit wakeforestnc.gov/guideto-wake-forest.aspx. The deadline to reserve ad space is July 15. For more information, contact Gail Bardaxis-Craft, gail@wakeforestchamber. org or 919-556-1519.
T o w n o f Wa k e F o r e st Q & A
Rejoice Community School will continue to operate at its current location through June 30, 2014. Town officials say the properties will be converted into a cultural center that hosts a variety of events and activities, with a special emphasis on the arts. “This is an exciting opportunity for the town,” said Mayor Vivian Jones. “These facilities will offer us an effective way to begin highlighting cultural arts events in the community which may lead later to a full-fledged performing arts center.” The board of commissioners is expected to decide on a new name for the facility in the coming weeks, and a grand opening celebration is being planned for later this year.
wakeforestnc.gov/communitycalendar.aspx
Concert in the Park featuring Craicdown
Art After Hours
Second Friday of each month 6-9 p.m. Downtown Wake Forest Enjoy live music, art, children’s activities and free horse & carriage rides on historic South White Street.
Sunday, Aug. 4 5-7 p.m. E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Rd. Craicdown describes its music as world
acousticana—blending influences and styles from all over the world. The trio’s high energy music includes reggae, traditional Americana, sounds of Argentina and Celtic influenced reels. Concert in the Park is presented by PineCone: the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music and co-sponsored by the Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department, Wake Forest Arts and United Arts of Raleigh and Wake County. Free.
National Night Out
Tuesday, Aug. 6 5-9 p.m. Wake Forest SuperTarget, 12000 Retail Dr. Residents are invited to join the Wake Forest Police Department, Target and thousands of communities across the country for the 30th Annual National Night Out parking lot party. The event features emergency vehicle displays, music, food and presentations about crime prevention.
For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/ nationalnightout.aspx or contact Officer S. Graham at 919-435-9599, sgraham@ wakeforestnc.gov.
wftv
Your Government
Children’s science programs scheduled for August-December
July/Aug Schedule Focus on Wake Forest daily, top of the hour
Wake Forest: The Most Rewarding Things daily, 7 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 10:30 pm
The Renaissance of Downtown Wake Forest
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and the Town of Wake Forest will offer a series of science programs for children this fall. The programs are free but space is limited. You must sign up in advance by contacting Assistant Town Engineer Holly Miller at hmiller@wakeforestnc.gov or 919-435-9443.
This Place Matters daily, 7:30 am, 12:30 pm, 8:30 pm
Board of Commissioners Meeting live, 3rd Tuesdays, 7 pm; rebroadcast daily 9 am, 3 pm, 9 pm
Board of Commissioners Work Session live, 1st Tuesday, 5:30 pm
Planning Board Meeting live, 1st Tuesday, 7:30 pm; rebroadcast for 2 weeks daily 9 am, 3 pm, 9 pm
.Bcu.edu
11:30 am, 5:30 pm, 11:30 pm
“Reptiles & Amphibians” Saturday, Aug. 3 9 am–noon Wake Forest Town Hall
Check out the distinguishing characteristics of these two fascinating animal groups. Many live examples will be on hand. The program will include a stream walk at Miller Park. For ages 4 and up, maximum of 20 participants.
Honor a Good Neighbor
Good Neighbor Day celebrates our common bond: a love for our town.
Do you know someone who helps to enhance your neighborhood without seeking recognition? You can honor them with a nomination for the “Good Neighbor of the Year” Award. Nominees are sought in two divisions: adult
jd wilLson | herpsofnc.org
Explore the fascinating world of our streams— up close!
7:40 am, 8:40 am, 12:40 pm, 2:40 pm, 6:40 pm, 8:40 pm
Wake Forest History Museum’s Women’s Oral History
Third Tuesday | 7 pm Town Hall Board Room
Board of Commissioners Work Session
Watch it live online Anyone with internet access can watch WFTV 10 at www.wakeforestnc. gov/channel10.aspx. Residents that subscribe to Time-Warner Cable TV service receive the channel.
Board of Commissioners Meetings
“Sensational Snakes” Saturday, Sept. 7 9 am–noon Wake Forest Town Hall
Learn all about these slithery sensations upclose. Examine a number of living non-venomous snakes and discover how to study snakes safely. The program will include a stream walk at Miller Park. For ages 6-12, maximum of 20 participants. “Birds of a Feather”
Saturday, Oct. 5 9 am–noon Wake Forest Town Hall
Discover the diversity of lifestyles in the bird world by investigating their characteristics and adaptations. This program does not include live animals. Stream walk afterwards in Miller Park. For ages 4 and up, maximum of 20 participants.
“Wading Through Wetlands”
Saturday, Nov. 2 9 am–noon Wake Forest Town Hall
Discover why these fragile wetland areas need our protection and meet the animals that live there. We will be checking out the constructed wetland behind town hall. Please bring appropriate footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. For ages 6-12, maximum of 20 participants. “Animal Tracks & Signs” Saturday, Dec. 7 9 am–11 am Smith Creek Soccer Center, 690 Heritage Lake Rd.
Learn how to use your senses to uncover the different clues left behind by animals. Meet some of the live animals you might encounter in your own backyard. We’ll be checking out signs for tracks at Smith Creek. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hot beverages and snacks to be provided. For ages 4 and up, maximum of 20 participants.
Nominations sought for Good Neighbor award
and youth (ages 13-18). The nominee must be a resident of Wake Forest and have made a contribution to their community between Sept. 1, 2012 and Aug. 15, 2013. Nominations must be received no later than Aug. 16. The Wake Forest Human Relations Council will select the winners.
Mayor Vivian Jones will present a plaque to the winners during this year’s Good Neighbor Day on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Holding Park. For a nomination form, visit wakeforestnc.gov/ goodneighborday.aspx or contact Virginia Jones at 919-435-9491 or vjones@ wakeforestnc.gov.
First Tuesday | 5:30 pm Town Hall Board Room
Planning Board Meetings First Tuesday | 7:30 pm Town Hall Board Room Have agendas delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up at: www.wakeforestnc. gov/enotifier.aspx. n
Watch meetings live on WFTV 10. n Watch meetings live or on-demand in streaming video: www.wakeforestnc. gov/Government/boardof commissioners.aspx. n Watch re-broadcasts of meetings on WFTV 10 at 9 am, 3 pm and 9 pm. daily for up to two weeks after the meeting.
staying informed Sign
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Our Town is published bi-monthly by the Town of Wake Forest Communications Department. Public Information Officer Bill Crabtree 919-435-9421 bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov