Our Town November/December 2017
Town of Wake Forest 301 S. Brooks Street Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-435-9400
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News Highlights
The Wake Forest Christmas Parade and the Lighting of Wake Forest (below) are two of the many ways to enjoy the festive spirit in our community.
’TIS THE SEASON A flurry of holiday events is in store!
Election Day is Nov. 7 » On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Wake Forest voters will elect a mayor and two commissioners. The mayoral candidates are incumbent Mayor Vivian Jones and first-term Commissioner Jim Thompson. The five candidates running for two open seats on the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners are Ned Jones, Thad Juszczak, Liz Simpers, John Van Ness and Bridget Wall-Lennon. Rebroadcasts of the Candidates Forum held on Oct. 24 can be viewed daily at noon and 6 p.m. on WFTV 10 or on the Town’s website at wakeforestnc.gov/wftv-10.aspx. For voter information, visit the Board of Election website at wakegov.com/elections. n n n
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o help you keep track of holiday events, the Town has created a “Christmas in Wake Forest” portal on its website. Located at wakeforestnc.gov (search “Christmas”) the web page provides detailed information about our area’s most popular holiday events. Offering dates, times, locations, event descriptions and more, ’tis the season to mark your calendars, so you don’t miss a thing. Also, be sure to download the
Town’s app to access the “Christmas in Wake Forest” function. The function is designed to offer smartphone users instant access to all the Town’s holiday happenings. IPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android users can download the Town’s free app by searching for “Town of Wake Forest” on iTunes, in the iPhone app store or in Google Play. See the next two pages for a complete overview of the Town of Wake Forest’s holiday events and activities.
Holiday Schedule: Wake Forest Town Hall and all other administrative offices will be closed Nov. 10 for Veteran’s Day, Nov. 23-24 for Thanksgiving and Dec. 25-27 for Christmas. For a complete list of Town holidays and any changes to Town services, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “holiday schedule.”
Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 5 » Remember to set your clocks back one hour and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. n n n
Pick up your free 2017-18 Wake Forest wall calendar » The Town of Wake Forest is again making it easy for area residents to keep track of popular Town events with its 14-month wall calendar. The free calendars are available at Lowe’s Foods, Northern Regional Center, Northern Wake Senior Center, Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, Wake Forest Coffee Company, Wake Forest Historical Museum, Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts and Wake Forest Town Hall.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Shop With A Cop brings joy to kids For the 19th year, the Wake Forest Police Department will host a holiday shopping spree for Wake Forest children in need. Approximately 30 children will be paired with a police officer and together they will shop for items of their choice at Walmart on Tuesday, Dec. 19. A winter coat is also provided to each underprivileged child. Donations accepted. The Wake Forest Police Department can now accept online donations for Shop With a Cop through PayPal, a secure online banking website. To make a donation visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “shop with a cop.” Officer K.C. Warren, kwarren@ wakeforestnc.gov, ☎ 919-554-6150
The sights and sounds of the holiday season will be on display in downtown Wake Forest.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS There’s no better place to celebrate the season!
Lighting of Wake Forest n n n
Pictures With Santa
Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. offers three opportunities for pictures with Santa (look for the Santa icon on these pages). There is no charge for having your photo taken by our photographer. You may take your own pictures, too! Photos can be viewed and purchased at the Wake Forest CVS, 245 E. Roosevelt Ave., on the Monday after the picture is taken. Wait times are shortest during the Downtown Holiday Open House.
TIP:
Friday, Dec. 1 6-8:30 p.m. Wake Forest Town Hall
The holiday season officially begins with the Lighting of Wake Forest. The mayor will lead a countdown to light the town’s Christmas tree followed by the eagerly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck. The event will include performances by local choirs, free cookies and a children’s craft activity. Pictures With Santa will be offered from 6:45-8:30 p.m. Guests wishing to have a picture taken with Santa during the Lighting of Wake Forest must pick up a time ticket in the town hall lobby beginning at 5:30 p.m. Designed to reduce wait times, each time ticket will indicate the time your group should arrive at the line-up to have your picture taken. There are a limited number of time tickets available and a ticket is required to visit with Santa on Friday evening. Sponsored by Traditions at Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. 919-435-9427.
Downtown Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 2 10 a.m.-5 p.m. South White Street
Discover historic downtown Wake Forest’s unique array of shops and restaurants. Enjoy special offers and complimentary refreshments at participating shops and restaurants and fun filled activities for kids and families. Pictures With Santa will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cotton Company Event Gallery (second floor), 306 S. White St. Sponsored by the Downtown Business Alliance. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. 919-435-9415.
PUBLIC WORKS
Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market
Wake Forest Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 2 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
Saturday, Dec. 9 1 p.m. South White Street & South Brooks Street
An expansion of the annual Wake Forest Farmers Market holiday craft show, the market will feature handmade items in a wide range of prices. The farmers market winter booths will be open as usual in front of the Renaissance Centre. Presented by the Wake Forest Farmers Market and Wake Forest ARTS.
The Wake Forest Christmas Parade is the place to experience community spirit at its best! Check wakeforestnc.gov or the town’s app for parking information. Pictures With Santa will be offered before the Christmas Parade from 10 a.m. to noon at Fidelity Bank, 231 S. White St. Sponsored by PowerSecure. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. 919-435-9416.
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Calls from Santa Thursday, Dec. 7 6-8 p.m.
2 gift ideas for those who love Wake Forest
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Holiday Pajama Night Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth presents The Snow Queen
Throw on your PJs and bring your favorite cuddly blanket to watch this popular bedtime story come to life on stage! Hans Christian Andersen’s adapted tale of The Snow Queen introduces the audience to Gerda who must save her friend from the mysterious Snow Queen. Admission is free. Sponsored by the United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County.
Beginning Thursday, 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 live tree, please remove all decorations, tinsel, nails, stands and bags from the tree and set it behind the curb for collection. To request mulch, contact Betty Pearce at 919-435-9570 or bpearce@wakeforestnc.gov. n n n
Children ages 3-9 can receive a personal phone call from Santa this Christmas! Registration forms will be available at wakeforestnc.gov (search “calls from santa”) and at Wake Forest Town Hall beginning Dec. 1. Completed forms must be received by 5 p.m., Dec. 7. Telephone registrations will not be accepted. There is no charge for the event, but all calls must be local. Sponsored by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. 919-435-9560.
Friday, Dec. 8 6:30 p.m. Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
Recycle your Christmas tree
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Wake Forest Children’s Choir Holiday Concert Tuesday, Dec. 12 6 p.m. Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
The Wake Forest Children’s Choir will present an evening of holiday favorites under the direction of Kasie Brooks. Admission is free.
Letters for Santa » Children of all ages are invited to bring their letters to Santa’s mailbox at South White Street and East Jones Avenue anytime between Nov. 25 and Dec. 24 for immediate delivery to the North Pole. Letters received by Thursday, Dec. 14, will receive a personal response from Santa Claus himself. No postage is required, but all letters should include a return address.
Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History. This hardcover book is filled with pictures, artwork and stories recording the people, places and events of the past 100 years in Wake Forest. $20. Commemorative Brick Paver. Be a part of history by purchasing an engraved brick paver which will become a permanent part of Centennial Plaza in front of Wake Forest Town Hall. $125. To purchase either item, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “marketplace.” n n n
Snowball Dance for those with special needs Enjoy a magical evening at the Wake Forest Community House on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 6-8 p.m. This event is geared for residents with special needs, ages 10 and up. A DJ will mix music that is sure to get everyone moving. Refreshments will be served. Come with friends or come make new ones! Chaperones will be available for supervision but participants can bring additional support if needed. Tickets are $15. Pre-registration is required at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com. ☎ 919-435-9560
HUMAN REL ATIONS COUNCIL
Good Neighbor of the Year award winners The Wake Forest Human Relations Council announced Trent Taylor and Andy Barrett as the respective youth and adult Good Neighbor of the Year award winners for 2017. Mayor Jones made the announcements during the Good Neighbor Day celebration in September. Trent Taylor – Trent (pictured with Mayor Vivian Jones) was nominated by his mother, Pam, who emphasized his passion for children in foster care. “Trent is a 16-year-old resident who spends each and every day working on behalf of the children in our local foster care system. Trent knows firsthand how they feel since he spent nearly five years in foster care until he was adopted by his forever family at the age of nine. “(Trent) has devoted hundreds of hours to the development of the Kids Division within a Wake Forest-based non-profit called ‘Mercy for America’s Children.’ Trent’s efforts led to the development of monthly support groups for children being fostered or adopted through the foster care system. More than 60 children attend these monthly sessions where they can be mentored by Trent.” Andy Barrett – Andy Barrett’s neighbor, Mark Fekaris, nominated him for the adult Good Neighbor of the Year. “Daily, Andy Barrett demonstrates a fantastic spirit of generosity and is the consummate neighbor. His many examples (lending a hand, sharing advice, grief counseling, organizing community service, helping those in need, volunteer work) demonstrate an exemplary mindset to see a need and take action, making our community a better place.” As a member at Hope Lutheran Church, Andy serves as a leader of the Stephen Ministry, coordinating activities of more than a dozen counselors. He and his wife also lead the annual “Angel Tree” initiative and volunteers to support various church services. wakeforestnc.gov, search “good neighbor”
A matching grant from Wake County will help pay for enhancements to the Renaissance Centre’s Grand Hall that will accommodate a wider variety of large-scale performances. Big puppets filled the centre during the Paperhand Puppet Intervention show in March 2017.
NEXT STAGE
Phase 2 of Renaissance Centre renovations to begin
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he second phase of a nearly $1 million renovation project at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., will get underway in mid-December. Due to the work being performed, the Renaissance Centre’s Grand Hall will be closed until 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, re-leveling 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. “By awarding us this grant, the Wake County Commissioners have not only acknowledged the Renaissance Centre as a viable cultural and performing arts venue, but also as an important economic driver for our community,” said Mayor Vivian Jones. Renaissance Centre Manager Cathy Gouge, ☎ 919-435-9567, cgouge@wakeforestnc.gov
COMING UP AT THE RENAISSANCE CENTRE
Carolina Puppet Theater
Babe, the Sheep-Pig
Nov 1 & Dec 6 n 11 a.m. Storytelling, music and puppetry are used to make a delightful experience for young children. Tickets: $5.
Nov 16-19 Presented by Forest Moon Theater. When Farmer Hogget wins Babe at the county fair and brings him home to fatten up (for reasons we will not discuss), the farm is never again the same. By David Wood. Based on the book by Dick KingSmith. Advance Tickets: $15 adult; $13 student/ senior; Day Of: $18 adult, $16 student/senior.
Matt Phillips & The Back Pocket Nov 11 n 8 p.m. Rockin’ the Forest welcomes Matt Phillips & The Back Pocket (pictured above), a funkadelic band that adds a jazzy edge to soulful pop music. Tickets: $10.
wakeforestrencen.org ☎ Renaissance Centre Box Office, 919-435-9458
DECEMBER 2, 2017
9 to 4 NWFD STATION 2 7045 STONY HILL RD. W.F. Come support our Fire Fighters
FACEBOOK: NORTHERN WAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT HOLLY JOLLY MARKET
Local Holiday Crafts, Holiday Décor, and Gift items.
The REAL SANTA will be at the Dirty Dogs Spa!
December 10th 1 pm – 3 pm
pictures by Nancy Jo Photography
929 Heritage Lake Rd, Ste 500, WF
2012-2017
919.453.0765 / dirtydogsspa.com
Any combination of pets, children and adults.
Package prices vary and the photos make great holiday cards and gifts! No appointment is necessary and there will be refreshments for pets and their humans.
It’s the perfect gift for the holidays!
COMMUNICATIONS
Several ways to watch Planning Board & Board of Commissioners meetings The Town of Wake Forest offers several ways to watch Board of Commissioners and Planning Board meetings – both live and on-demand.
2900 ROGERS ROAD SAMSXPRESS.COM wakeforestarts.org
wakeforestmarket.org
Saturday, December 2, 9am-3pm
Inside the Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest
FEATURING OVER 40 AREA ARTISTS
View on TV. Spectrum Cable TV subscribers can tune in to Wake Forest TV 10 (WFTV 10) on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. for live broadcasts of Joint Public Hearings and Planning Board meetings. These meetings are then re-broadcast daily on WFTV 10 the following two weeks at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m. Board of Commissioners meetings are broadcast live on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. and re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m. WFTV 10 is the Town’s government access channel serving the residents of Wake Forest. Produced by the Town of Wake Forest Communications Department, Channel 10 is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. View online. WFTV 10 is also provided online in real-time streaming video. So, if you’re not a Spectrum Cable TV subscriber, you can still watch Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings (both live and rebroadcast) in streaming video on the WFTV 10 page of the Town’s website, wakeforestnc.gov. You can also watch these meetings on-demand via the Town’s Streaming Media Archive. wakeforestnc.gov, search “wftv 10,” Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree, bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov, ☎ 919-435-9421 POLICE DEPARTMENT
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
One-on-One Care: • Back Pain • Sports Injuries • Post-Surgical 919.556.4678 orthoPTassociates.com • Pelvic Health • Vestibular & 10560 Ligon Mill Road Balance Suite 109 Wake Forest • Massage
Operation Safe Sale offers a safe zone for transactions Wake Forest residents who are selling or purchasing items advertised online may come to the Wake Forest Police Department Main Station at 225 S. Taylor St. to complete their transaction. Transactions may be made in the police department parking lot or inside the lobby, either with or without an officer present. At the request of either party, a police officer will be available to check the serial number to determine whether the item has been entered through state or national databases as stolen property. Anyone wishing to have an officer present will be required to schedule an appointment by calling 919-554-6150. wakeforestnc.gov, search “operation safe sale” ☎ 919-554-6150 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL RESOURCES
Empowerment workshops for teens focus on relevant topics Designed for young men and women ages 11-18, two free upcoming workshops focus on a variety of important topics for youth. R.I.S.E. (Rise, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) for young women is offered Saturday, Nov. 4. D.R.I.V.E. (Dedication, Reach, Innovation, Vision) for young men is offered Saturday, Nov. 11. Both workshops are held at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., from 9 a.m.-noon. A free continental breakfast is served. Pre-registration is required at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com. ☎ 919-435-9560
COMMUNICATIONS
How to stay informed 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
Loose leaf collection is underway The Town of Wake Forest’s annual loose leaf collection program is underway and will continue through early March. When preparing leaves for collections, residents are urged to adhere to the following guidelines: n Rake leaves into piles behind the curb, so they do not interfere with traffic or drainage. n 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 loose leaves. Your cooperation will help prevent mechanical breakdowns and collection delays. n Place limbs and brush behind the curb in a pile separate from leaves and away from other objects such as, fences, walls, water meters, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants and cars. Wake Forest residents can track the progress of leaf collection crews by calling the Leaf Collection Hotline at 919-435-9582. The hotline is updated each weekday morning by 8 a.m. with information concerning where crews will be working that day. wakeforestnc.gov, search “leaf collection” ☎ 919-435-9570 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police offer tips to avoid holiday package thefts The Wake Forest Police Department is warning homeowners to be vigilant when they have parcels delivered to their homes. Police say thieves often follow courier trucks and immediately steal items after they are dropped off. They suggest not allowing packages to sit around and offer these tips: n Require a signature upon receipt. n Schedule deliveries for days you will be home. n If possible, have packages delivered to your work address, to a courier pickup station, or to a local retail location for in-store pickup. n Don’t advertise new gifts or purchases. Break up cartons before leaving them at the curb or dispose of them another way the morning of trash pickup. Anyone witnessing or experiencing suspicious activity is urged to call the police department at 919-554-6150. You may remain anonymous. wakeforestnc.gov, search “crime prevention” ☎ 919-554-6150
YOUR GOVERNMENT
URBAN FORESTRY
Joyner Park pecan tree gets new life
Police Department’s Turkey Drive is underway » The Wake
Forest Police Department is now accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 18, as part of its 11th Annual Turkey Drive. Online donations may be made via PayPal on the Town’s website. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “donate turkey drive.” Anyone wishing to contribute cash or a check to this year’s Turkey Drive should contact Officer M.W. Sattler at 919-795-7270. On Saturday, Nov. 18, the police department will accept donations of frozen turkeys at the main station, located at 225 S. Taylor St., from 9 a.m. until noon. Turkeys will be distributed while they last on Monday, Nov. 20, from 9-11 a.m., at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave. wakeforestnc.gov, search “turkey drive”
Save these
DATES:
An 80-year-old pecan tree that had to be removed from E. Carroll Joyner Park in 2015 has found new life in part as a beautifully crafted bowl created by a North Carolina artisan. The pecan tree had sustained significant damage from a lightning strike – several large branches showed signs of potential failure and a large crack ran down the center of the trunk. With the public’s safety in mind, the Town removed the tree from the park. In an effort to preserve the legacy of this tree, Urban Forestry Coordinator Jennifer Rall contacted
Guiding Hand Woodturning in Pittsboro. Owner Michael Thompson selected several logs and transformed one into a beautiful work of art that showcases the unique characteristics of the wood. The bowl will eventually be displayed in the future Joyner Park Community Center.
Board of Commissioners Meetings Third Tuesday | 7 p.m. Town Hall Board Room
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
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at wakeforestnc.gov/ wftv-10.aspx and on-demand in streaming video
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WFTV
Wake Forest to host the 2018 Public Power
LINEWORKERS RODEO
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he Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is the nation’s foremost showcase of public power lineworker skill and knowledge – and its coming to Wake Forest on April 28, 2018! 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. Competitive events include the Hurtman Rescue, Insulator Change Out, Obstacle Course, Crossarm Change Out and more. The annual rodeo is presented Jan. 18
MLK Jr. Community Celebration
by the American Public Power Association. The public is welcome to attend. Admission is free. wakeforestnc.gov, search “2018 lineworkers rodeo”
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”)
Wake Forest Power unveils new video series
Wake Forest Power has released a new series of videos that highlights the efforts of electric utility employees. The People Behind Wake Forest Power, a four-part series, features Tree Trimming Supervisor Jimmie Kearney, Electric Meter Supervisor Jeremiah Swann, Electric Supervisor Chad Champion and Customer Service Manager Andrew Brown, Jr. Produced by Kino Mountain Productions, each video is approximately two minutes long. All are available on the Town’s website at wakeforestnc.gov (search “people behind wake forest power”) and are airing on Wake Forest TV 10. Feb. 10
Wake Forest Mardi Gras
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”