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

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 month from 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

Mayor Vivian Jones will deliver her 2017 State of the Town Address on Monday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m., during the ninth annual State of the Town Address and Dinner. Presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the event will be at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts on South Brooks Street. During her remarks, Mayor Jones will highlight the town’s key accomplishments in 2016 and outline the goals Wake Forest will strive towards in 2017. All area residents are invited to attend this special event. Tickets are $15 per person in advance and $20 on the day of the event and include a catered meal. Dress for the event is business casual. Tickets can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card at www.wakeforestnc.gov/state-of-the-town.aspx. Tickets may also be purchased at the Renaissance Centre Box Office with cash, check or credit card. A

This month’s Business After Hours will be at the Hampton Inn on Wake Union Church Road from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. There will be door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and the inn management will show off their newly designed rooms. Magician Josh Lozoff will make a special appearance. * * * * The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce is launching a new free program for chamber members and their guests, Issues and Answers. It is an opportunity to hear from industry experts on how the changing landscape of law, finance, taxes and insurance is affecting business today. The first event will be Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the community room at the new Wake Electric building on Franklin Street. Breakfast will be at 7:45 a.m. with the meeting starting at 8 a.m. The following topics will be discussed: Law: An overview of laws to watch in

Got the mid-winter blues? Check out the free Wake Tech classes taught by Jerry Glenn and learn how computers work, how to handle Windows 10 or how to use Office Word or Excel. Stretching the brain keeps it fit. Circle Tuesday, March 28, on your calendar. It’s the date for the 2017 Senior Lifestyle Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Richland Creek Community Church on Burlington Mills Road. There will be prizes and giveaways, food, health screenings and much more. Resources for Seniors and the Northern Wake Senior Center will have a booth. The Mardi Gras Dance and Fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, costs $5 but it helps support programs at the senior center. A DJ will provide music, refreshments are sponsored, and mask are welcome but not required. Remember there is free tax aid thanks to AARP on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from

*The Wake Forest Farmers Market will be held in Renaissance Plaza on Brooks Street Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. See its Facebook page for vendors. *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. *Overeaters Anonymous meets on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 South Main Street. Enter through the back by the office. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. Everyone welcome! Contact Jennifer at 928-225-5236. *Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry at 149 East Holding Avenue is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for food distribution and serves about 700 families in Wake Forest, Youngsville, Rolesville and their surrounding areas. Call 919-556-7144 for information about receiving food, volunteering and