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, so it’s important not to let packages sit around. By taking the following precautions, online shoppers can avoid having their packages stolen during the holiday season: Require a signature upon receipt Schedule deliveries for days you or someone you trust will be home If possible, have packages delivered to your work address, to a courier pickup station, or to a local retail location for in-store pickup The police department also offers the following home security tips: Make sure your home is well lit. Turn on outside lights, spotlights, motions lights, etc. Leave several lights on timers while you are away to give your home that lived in look. Keep all shrubbery trimmed. Do not allow

Recreation 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 Friday, Dec. 9, 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 Garder-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 since arriving in Wake Forest, 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. “I was genuinely surprised to win Employee of the Year,” said Lileton. “It makes me feel good that others chose to recognize

A local Wake Forest Troop recently showed their dedication to service and helping others by creating chemotherapy care packages for cancer patients! Cadette Troop #25 hosted a Think Pink! party where they celebrated the Girl Scout Founder, Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday, and completed their Think Pink! Patch Program, for which Girl Scouts must learn about breast cancer and how they can help. Juliette Gordon Low herself passed from breast cancer, so the cause holds a very special place for Girl Scouts. The girls worked together to make 24 care packages which consisted of two pairs of fuzzy socks, Girl Scout cookie flavored lip balm, Girl Scout Thin Mint flavored tea bags, hard candies, a journal and pen, and a breast cancer awareness paracord bracelet. They then personally delivered them to the Rex Cancer Center in Wakefield. The girls hope that their care packages bring the cancer patients at the center

For everyone who would like to be a member of the Wake Forest Planning Board or has aspirations toward the town board, your first step will begin in February. It is the Wake Forest Planning Board Academy and applications will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 30. The Planning Board Academy is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare residents of the town and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to serve as members of the Wake Forest Planning Board. Applications may be completed and submitted online by visiting www.wakeforestnc.gov/planning-board-academy.aspx. Applications are also available at town hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Academy participants are expected to attend one training session one evening per month from February through May 2017. The session dates are Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, and May 8. Each session is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. at town hall and will include dinner. Class size is limited, and

*The Wake Forest Farmers Market will be open in the Renaissance Plaza parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 17, with its winter hours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. *Monday Night Bingo at The Factory is hosted by the Wake Forest Kiwanis Club in the Mill Room from 7 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday night. All profits support the club’s projects for children. Visit www.wakeforestbingo.com for more information. *Storytelling Pajama Night featuring Rags to Riches Theatre will be held Friday, Dec. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is part of the Wake Forest Renaissance Center’s Arts for All free community performance series supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. *A Christmas for All will be presented by Restoration Church of Wake Forest Thursday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. in Heritage Middle School on Rogers Road. It is free and you can order tickets at htpp://restorationrdu.com. There will