The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is making it easier for area residents to offer their input on the future Joyner Park Community Center and stay informed about the project. The department hosted public meetings on the proposed facility on Jan. 21 and Jan. 26. Approximately 30 area residents attended the sessions, each of which included a presentation by representatives from Clark Nexsen, the facility designer. As a means of encouraging greater citizen participation in the planning process, the department is inviting area residents to share their comments about the future center via email at jpcommunitycenter@wakeforestnc.gov. Information submitted will help town officials identify, develop, and evaluate the final design of the facility. Additionally, Wake Forest has created a portal on its website designed to keep area residents informed about the town’s progress on the future community center. Located at www.wakeforestnc.gov/future-joyner-park-community-center.aspx, the web page includes the PowerPoint presentation

You can make a difference in our community by applying to fill one of the vacancies on the Cemetery Advisory Board, Greenways Advisory Board, and Urban Forestry Board. All residents of Wake Forest and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) are eligible to apply for these openings. Applications may be completed and submitted online at www.wakeforestnc.gov/advisory-boards.aspx. Application forms are also available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Completed applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, and may be mailed or delivered to Town Clerk Deeda Harris, Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 Brooks Street, or faxed to 919-435-9419, or emailed to dharris@wakeforestnc.gov. Applicants will be expected to attend the February meeting of the advisory board to which they applied in order to introduce themselves to the board’s current members and explain why they wish to serve: Cemetery Advisory Board meets Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.

The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce the hiring of Benjamin W. Blevins as the town’s first senior budget analyst. Blevins, who began working for the town on Monday, Jan. 30, will be responsible for assisting with the annual operating budget process, as well as reviewing performance management and outcome-based data. He will also evaluate departmental operations and make recommendations that have a town-wide impact, prepare budgetary reports, determine the financial impact of new programs, and identify ways to reduce costs. “Ben brings valuable knowledge and experience to the town,” said Finance Director Aileen Staples. “He will be a tremendous asset as we incorporate our performance measures into our budget process.” Blevins comes to Wake Forest from New River Community College  in Dublin, Virginia, where he served as an education coordinator. In that position he ensured grant compliance and aided in preparing grant proposals for transitional programs. Prior

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is gearing up for a new fitness program for special needs children and adults as well as spring ball league play for everyone. The department is beginning a monthly fitness program for special needs children and adults, Fun with Fitness. In February Fun with Fitness will introduce a different level fitness class one Saturday each monthfrom 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center at 416 North Taylor Street. The class will feature Zumba on Feb. 18, Taekwondo on March 11 and yoga on April 15. These classes are designed to offer exceptional individuals the opportunity to learn basic exercise techniques and movements in a safe and accepting environment. A fee is associated with each class and registration is required at https://wakeforestnc.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and a buddy if necessary. For more

Mike Wiley will present two performances of “Tired Souls” on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 Brooks Street. The shows are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. “Tired Souls” is a recount of Rosa Parks’ decisive bus ride and the notable black citizens who laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment in history. Both performances are free and best appreciated by audiences in third grade and higher. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. “Tired Souls” is part of the Renaissance Centre’s “Arts for All” free community performance series, which is supported by United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. For more information, call the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919-435-9458.