Our Town: July/Aug 2021

Our Town July/Aug 2021

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

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TOWN of WAKE FOREST

News Highlights 2021–22 Annual Budget Highlights

The Fireworks Spectacular will be offered in person as well as livestreamed on Facebook on Saturday, July 3. The Children’s Parade & Art in the Park follows on Sunday, July 4.

INDEPENDENCE DAY Wake Forest serves up two days of fun

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wo days’ worth of free fun and excitement await you and your family at Wake Forest’s 2021 Independence Day Celebration. For complete details, visit wakeforestnc. gov and search “independence day.”

Fireworks Spectacular This year’s festivities get underway with the Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 3. Free and open to the public, our community’s most popular summertime event will take place inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and

the fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Due to limited planning time, the Town will not offer concessions or live entertainment as part of this year’s fireworks show.

Instead, at 9 p.m. the Town will share on its Facebook page an Independence Day video hosted by Talbot the Town Crier. Featuring Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and the Board of Commissioners, the video will include a pre-recorded performance by the Band of Oz and an installment of Kids Say the Cutest Things about America.

The Town will then livestream the CON TINU ED ON PAGE 2

Holiday Schedule: Wake Forest Town Hall and all other administrative offices will be closed Monday, July 5, for Independence Day. For a complete list of Town holidays and any changes to Town services, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “holiday schedule.”

The 2021-22 budget for the Town of Wake Forest was approved by the Board of Commissioners in June.

The property tax remains at $0.495 per $100 of assessed property valuation.

The budget includes ten fulltime positions. Solid waste and vehicle fees remain the same. A 4% increase in residential electric rates is included and will be effective September 1, 2021. wakeforestnc.gov, search “budget”

PRCR announces return of Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is pleased to bring back Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park this summer.

Upcoming dates are:

n Saturday,

n

Action Film

July 24. Aladdin Live

Saturday, Aug 7. Black Panther

The outdoor movie showings are held in the amphitheater at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Movies begin around 8:30 pm. Admission is free.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages. Visitors are reminded that alcoholic beverages, smoking and unleashed pets are prohibited.

Independence Day CON TINU ED FRO M PAGE 1

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Most fireworks illegal in North Carolina As Americans prepare to celebrate our country’s independence, the Wake Forest Police Department is reminding area residents that the possession or discharge of most fireworks that explode, spin, fly, jump in the air, or leave the ground in any way are prohibited by North Carolina law. Illegal explosives include but are not limited to firecrackers, ground spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and mortars.

Residents are also reminded that explosive fireworks, which are sold legally in South Carolina, are illegal in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, fireworks that are available for personal use are those marked as 1.4G. Novelty items, including sparklers, caps for toy pistols, snake and glow worms that emit a snake-like ash, and trick noisemakers, are legal but can still cause injury. In all cases, these items should be kept away from young children and pets. n n n

Keep trash secured in trucks Loose trash in trucks creates litter along Wake Forest roadways Help keep Wake Forest roadways clean by securing any trash in your truck bed. When you throw trash in the back of your truck, it inevitably blows out and becomes litter on the roadside.

fireworks show via Facebook before sharing the full Band of Oz concert.

On-Site Spectators. Area residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the fireworks show on the Husky Stadium football field or on one of the designated viewing areas on the Heritage High School campus.

Prohibited Items & Search Procedure.

Picnic baskets and/or coolers will be allowed on the school campus, but alcoholic beverages, smoking, glass and pets are strictly prohibited. A search process will be required to prevent visitors from bringing prohibited items onto the school campus.

Guests who refuse to submit to a visual search will be refused entry.

In addition, no bicycles, skateboards or scooters are allowed inside the stadium, and no chairs or blankets will be permitted on the stadium track.

Sensory Sensitivities. Individuals with sensory sensitivities can check out sensory support items, including noise canceling headphones, weighted blankets and fidgets, at the Wake Forest Information Tent located inside Husky Stadium. For more information, email Specialized Recreation Specialist Kelly Schurtz at kschurtz@wakeforestnc.gov.

Parking. Handicap parking (by identification only) and regular parking will be available in designated areas on the school campus. Parking is prohibited along Forestville Road and Foundation Drive.

Some parking lots in the area may appear to be public, when in fact they are private.

Private lots are intended for business patrons only.

Children’s Parade & Art in the Park The Independence Day revelry continues Sunday, July 4, with the Children’s Parade.

Hosted by the Wake Forest Optimist Club, the event offers area youngsters the opportunity to hop on their bicycles and be a part of their very own “walking parade.”

The lineup begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and West Juniper Avenue, near the Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St. The procession will get underway at 1:30 p.m.

Participation in the Children’s Parade is free, but bicyclists are encouraged to wear their helmets.

The Independence Day festivities will conclude with Art in the Park. Sponsored by the Wake Forest Woman’s Club, free arts and crafts activities will take place from 2-4 p.m. inside the Community House, including the creation of various patriotic-themed crafts for all ages, cupcake decorating and more. Participants are also invited to experience and enjoy Holding Park and Holding Park Aquatic Center, both of which are located adjacent to the Community House. wakeforestnc.gov, search “Independence Day”

Wake Forest launches #RecycleRightWF recycling education campaign

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he Town of Wake Forest is launching a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors. Over the next year, #RecycleRightWF will introduce and emphasize a series of easy-to-understand messages aimed at simplifying the recycling process and improving the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.

“Recycling is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson. “#RecycleRightWF represents a major step forward for recycling in our community. We know our residents want to recycle the right way. Through this campaign, we plan to help them do just that.”

Over the past few years, Town officials have witnessed a steady increase in the amount of contaminated recyclables in recycling carts throughout Wake Forest.

To some degree, the surge is the result of confusing guidelines which can lead to mistakes, apathy, and skepticism about recycling. While the national contamination rate is just under 20 percent, Wake Forest is joining a growing number of municipalities working to combat the problem through its new public education campaign.

Johnson says the No. 1 cause of recycling contamination is plastic shopping bags—even though the bags have a recycling symbol printed on them. Residents are urged to return them to stores that offer bins for the bags, but the bags should never go in Town recycling carts.

“When residents don’t know if items are recyclable, they may toss them in recycling bins thinking the sorters will figure it out,” said Johnson. “That’s called ‘wishful recycling’ and it hurts a lot more than it helps.”

To help clear up the confusion, #RecycleRightWF will provide Wake Forest households with direct mail pieces and social media messaging that address contamination. Messaging will consistently remind residents who recycle to “Stick with These 6”—plastic bottles and jugs; glass jars; metal cans; paper and cardboard; and “Never These 9”—plastic bags, food waste, cups, to-go containers, paper towels, tiny things, plastic packaging, gloves/masks and Styrofoam. wakeforestnc.gov, search “RecycleRightWF”, Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson,  jjohnson@wakeforestnc.gov

Save the dates for these popular events The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce the return of several popular in-person events this fall: n Friday Night on White featuring Crush on Sept. 10, 6–9 pm, Downtown Wake Forest. n Halloween Boo Bash, Thursday, Oct. 21, 4:30–8:30 pm, Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. n Six Sundays in Fall concert series, Sept. 5 through Oct. 10, E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. n Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kickoff featuring ACE Party Band, Saturday, Nov. 13, 1–7 pm, Downtown Wake Forest.

To stay informed, sign up for special event reminders via E-Notifier at wakeforestnc.gov, search “e-notifier.”

“We realize the recycling process can be confusing,” said Johnson. “People want to recycle, but practices and guidelines change over time, so they sometimes don’t know what to do for specific items.”

n n n FIRE DEPARTMENT

Flag-raising to kick off Centennial Celebration

Not sure if an item can be recycled?

Visit the Waste Wizard.

The Town of Wake Forest encourages residents to visit the “Waste Wizard” whenever they are unsure as to whether an item is recyclable.

Available on the Town website and as a function of the Town app, the Waste Wizard allows users to type in key words related to disposable household

COMMUNICATIONS

materials and receive valuable disposal tips. From aluminum cans and phone books to popcorn bags and plastic beverage bottles, the search tool helps residents determine which items can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away. wakeforestnc.gov, search “waste wizard”

The Wake Forest Fire Department will kick off a year-long centennial celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 4, with a special flag-raising ceremony. Area residents are invited to attend the commemoration which will feature the unveiling and raising of the department's centennial flag. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in Centennial Plaza in front of Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Following the ceremony, residents are invited to Fire Station 1, 420 Elm Ave., for a cookout from Noon–2 p.m. Free hotdogs will be served, and tours of the fire house will be offered. wakeforestnc.gov, search “centennial celebration”

RENAISSANCE CENTRE

Rockin’ the Forest with Legacy Motown Revue The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts welcomes Legacy Motown Revue for an in-person concert Friday, Sept. 24. Tickets go on sale July 30.

Rockin’ the Forest is a live concert music series featuring some of the top musical acts in the area. The Legacy Motown Revue pays tribute to the legendary icons of Motown. Backed by a horn band, the four talented performers dance, sing and transport you back to one of the most influential periods in musical history.

The Renaissance Centre is located at 405 S. Brooks St. in Downtown Wake Forest. The bar will be open for wine, beer and other refreshment purchases. wakeforestrencen.org, Renaissance Centre Box Office ☎ 919-435-9458

To ensure equal access to the aquatic center, visitors may register up to 10 days in advance but no less than two hours in advance.

It’s Pool Time!

Remember to register and pay in advance of your visit

H NORTHERN WAKE SENIOR CENTER

Senior center open to limited participants The Northern Wake Senior Center offers adults age 55 and older a schedule of recreational activities, social events and educational classes. As the center transitions to in-person offerings, they will announce new classes, programs and times in their weekly email newsletter.

To subscribe to the newsletter, send an email message to Jennie Griggs, jennieg@rfsnc. org and request that you be added to the email distribution list. To view recent newsletters, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Northern Wake Senior Center.”

The Northern Wake Senior Center is located at 235 E. Holding Ave. Programming at the center is provided

by Resources for Seniors, Inc.

wakeforestnc.gov, search “senior center”,

☎ 919-554-4111,  jennieg@rfsnc.org

olding Park Aquatic Center (HPAC) is open for the 2021 summer season until Labor Day. Located at 133 W. Owen Ave., Holding Park Aquatic Center features a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, two water slides with plunge pool and children’s pool with water play. To view the daily operating schedule, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “aquatic center.”

Daily admission fees for Wake Forest residents are $1 for children ages 2 and under; $4 for children ages 3-13; and $5 for patrons ages 13-59; and $4 for ages 60 and over. Daily admission fees for non-Wake Forest residents are $2 for children ages 2 and under; $6 for children ages 3-13; and $7 for patrons ages 13-59; and $6 for ages 60 and over.

To ensure everyone enjoys equal access to HPAC, patrons must register and pay in advance online for each session, and no walk-ins will be allowed. To reserve your spot, visit the Holding Park Aquatic Center webpage at wakeforestnc.gov (search “aquatic center”).

Patrons may register and pay for a particular swim session up to 10 days but no less than two hours in advance. When a session is full, registration for that session is closed. Again, the window to register for a particular session closes two hours before the session begins.

Open swim times are scheduled in threehour blocks, with one hour in between to allow staff to clean and sanitize the facility, including deck chairs, door handles, hand rails and other high-touch areas. A maximum of 160 patrons will be allowed inside the facility during each session.

Community health and safety is the top priority for the Town of Wake Forest. The HPAC operating schedule is subject to change with limited notice. Town officials will continue to monitor official updates and follow guidelines from the Wake County Health Department, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHSS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). wakeforestnc.gov, search “aquatic center”, PRCR Department ☎ 919-435-9560

Wake Forest Town Hall hours have changed Wake Forest Town Hall has transitioned to a normal operating schedule of 8 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday. Town hall is located at 301 S. Brooks St. in Downtown Wake Forest.

Perkins Counseling & Psychological Services is pleased to welcome Liz Vaughan, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC. With Liz on our team, we can now provide medication management as part of our comprehensive services. Liz is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health. She conducts psychiatric assessments, evaluations, and management (including medication) for ages birth to twenty-one. Liz is a pleasant and collaborative presence here and will work with you and your child as part of their treatment team.

To set up an appointment with Liz Vaughan, call 919-263-9592 option 5.

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FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Wake Forest attains AAA bond ratings from all three national credit rating agencies

Call 919.556.1121 Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm • Sat: 8am–2pm • Sun: 10am–2pm 2160 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587 northwakeanimalhospital.com

Now That We Have Your Attention Let’s Talk About The Elephant in the Room

In May, Moody’s Investors Service joined Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings Services in assigning a triple A rating to the Town of Wake Forest’s $1.3 million General Obligation (GO) Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2021A and $4.9 million General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2021B. This marks the first time in its history that Wake Forest has received a triple A rating— the best possible­—by all three national credit rating agencies.

“This is incredibly exciting news for Wake Forest,” said Chief Financial Officer Aileen Staples. “This (triple A rating from all three ratings agencies) has been something we have been working towards for a long time. Its achievement aligns with Goal 4 in our Strategic Plan—Fiscal Strength—which is a direct result of our strong financial policies, cautious and conservative fiscal planning and prudent budgetary monitoring.”

The Town’s excellent bond rating communicates to businesses and individuals that Wake Forest is a healthy community. It signals current and potential investors that the Town’s financial future is strong and ensures Wake Forest’s interest costs will remain as low as possible. wakeforestnc.gov, search “municipal bond sales”, Chief Financial Officer Aileen Staples, ☎ 919-435-9461,  astaples@wakeforestnc.gov

PL ANNING DEPARTMENT

Town to resume COVID-impacted enforcement regulations July 1 Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the Town of Wake Forest relaxed a number of temporary sign enforcement activities over the past year in an effort to support Wake Forest businesses during the pandemic. Now that conditions are improving and North Carolina’s restrictions are being loosened, the Town will resume all temporary sign enforcement regulations effective July 1, 2021.

A key component in the effort to ensure signage does not become a public hazard, public nuisance, or traffic hazard, signage enforcement also serves to protect and enhance the overall appearance of Wake Forest. Information related to permitted sign types are outlined in Chapter 11 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

For sign permitting and approval processes: wakeforestnc.gov, search “UDO”, Zoning Compliance Officer Brad Pleasant, ☎ 919-435-9541,  bpleasant@wakeforestnc.gov. For site modification process contact Senior Planner Patrick Reidy, ☎ 919-435-9515,  preidy@wakeforestnc.gov

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Now that conditions are improving and North Carolina’s restrictions are being loosened, the Town will resume all temporary sign enforcement regulations effective July 1, 2021.

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Register now for fall ball leagues The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will accept registrations for Men’s Fall Softball and Co-Rec Fall Softball from July 1–31. Registrations for Fall Adult Co-Rec Kickball will be accepted from Aug. 1–31. Registrations are accepted online at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com.

ADMINISTRATION

Town announces new start times for town board meetings Beginning in July, meetings of the town board and planning board will be held as follows: n Board of Commissioners Work Session: 6 p.m., first Tuesday of each month n Joint Public Hearings: 7:30 p.m., first Tuesday of each month n Planning Board Meetings: 6 p.m., second Tuesday of each month n Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting: 6 p.m., third Tuesday of each month wakeforestnc.gov, search “public meetings portal”

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

Park in the direction of traffic flow or risk a fine

WAKE FOREST | 919.435.3753 14460 Falls of Neuse Road goldfishswimschool.com |

Police officials are reminding Wake Forest motorists to park in the direction of traffic flow or risk a $25 fine.

Wording in Sec. 30-251 of the Town’s Code of Ordinances addresses “Parking in direction of traffic flow:” “Parking shall be established in the direction of traffic flow on all streets within corporate limits of the Town of Wake Forest with passenger side (right) tires to the curb on two-way streets.” In summary, on a two-way road, you must park with the right-hand wheels next to the right-side curb. Otherwise, you are parked illegally.

YOUR LOCAL

CPR + AED PROVIDER

HUMAN REL ATIONS COUNCIL

HRC seeks nominations for Good Neighbor of the Year Award The Wake Forest Human Relations Council (HRC) is soliciting youth and adult nominations for the 12th Annual Good Neighbor of the Year Award. The award recognizes Wake Forest residents who work to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods without seeking recognition for their efforts.

Nominees are sought in two divisions: adult and youth (ages 10–18). In order to qualify, a nominee must be a Wake Forest resident who has made a significant contribution to the community between Sept. 1, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2021. Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are not eligible.

The online nomination form is available on the Town’s website.

Completed forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31. wakeforestnc.gov, search “good neighbor day,” Human Resources Director Virginia Jones, ☎ 919-435-9491,  vjones@wakeforestnc.gov

CPR AEDs

FIRST AID

BLS

DEFIBRILLATORS

ACLS

PALS

CON ED

ULTRASOUND (POCUS)

1743 S. Main Street Suite 202 Wake Forest 27587 codeblueresources.com 888.556.9857

Our Town

Your Government

TOWN of WAKE FOREST

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS

POLICE

Police Department celebrates six year anniversary of Operation Safe Sale

Protect our waterways from pesticides When it is wet or raining outside, using too many pesticides and fertilizers doesn’t help your plants grow and it can hurt the environment. These chemicals wash into the storm drains and cause toxic algae to build up and kill fish. They can also harm “non-pest” insects that are important to water quality.

If you use pesticides and herbicides in your lawn or garden, be sure to apply them when there is NOT a chance of rain. Always read and follow the directions carefully.

Together, we can all do our part to keep pollutants out of our stormwater which leads to our lakes, rivers and streams. wakeforestnc.gov, search “stormwater”

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) recently celebrated the six-year anniversary of “Operation Safe Sale.” Introduced in May 2015, the initiative encourages Wake Forest residents who are selling or purchasing items advertised online to come to the Police Department, 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 is required to schedule an appointment by calling 919-554-6150.

The WFPD does not make any representations or warranties regarding the goods or services transferred between parties. Any item found entered as stolen through a state or national database will be subject to seizure and criminal charges may result.

Operation Safe Sale aligns with Goal 2 of the Wake Forest Strategic Plan: Enhance and Promote a Safe and Connected Community. wakeforestnc.gov, search “operation safe sale”, ☎ 919-554-6150

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL RESOURCES

Registration for fall programs begins August 1

Third Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Town Hall Board Room BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSIONS

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 : n live

at wakeforestnc.gov, search “wftv 10” or ondemand in streaming video

n live

on WFTV 10 and rebroadcast at 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily for up to two weeks after the meeting

WFTV WFTV 10 is the Town’s government access channel available to Spectrum Cable TV subscribers. Watch WFTV 10 live online at wakeforestnc.gov, search “wftv 10”.

Staying Informed E-NOTIFIER

Sign up for the Town’s free email subscription service at wakeforestnc.gov (search for “e-notifier”)

Subscribe to the digital version of RecConnect and receive the program guide in your inbox The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will publish its fall program guide, RecConnect, in late July.

Registrations for programs listed in RecConnect will be accepted at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com beginning Aug. 1.

RecConnect provides complete information on parks and recreation-sponsored programs and activities for people of all ages, including youth and adult athletics, cultural programs and classes, and special events.

RecConnect can be viewed online at wakeforestnc.gov, search

“RecConnect”.

You may also sign up to receive a digital version of RecConnect through E-Notifier.

To subscribe to RecConnect, go to wakeforestnc.gov and search “E-Notifier”. On the E-Notifier webpage select “RecConnect” from the list of available topics.

A limited number of printed copies of RecConnect are available at Wake Forest Town Hall, Joyner Park Community Center, Alston-Massenburg Center and Flaherty Park Community Center. wakeforestnc.gov, search “RecConnect”, ☎ 919-435-9560

Watch board meetings on Town’s website

Meetings can be viewed both live and on demand through the

Public Meeting Portal. wakeforestnc.gov, search “public meeting portal”

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 919-610-4916 abolton@wakeforestnc.gov wakeforestnc.gov, search for “Our Town” Read a digital version of Our Town at wakeforestnc.gov, search for “Our Town”