(This is the first step in building an informative standing article about Wake Forest’s growth and changes based on information in the town’s Project Tracker for capital projects, interviews, planning department documents and hearing and other information.) Streets, Roads, Greenways and Transportation *Stadium Drive Complete Street is listed as in the construction phase. The December update says that the town board approved the $6,789,876 contract with the Fred Smith Company in December and construction is planned to begin in March. Utilities are being moved. Assistant Town Engineer Holly E. Miller said last week, “We anticipate construction beginning in March 2018 and completion in fall 2019.” The project includes resurfacing North Avenue. There will be a roundabout at the intersection of Stadium, North Avenue and Wingate Street. A center turn lane will be added to Stadium along with turn lanes at intersections and driveways and bump-outs for buses. From Glencoe Drive

With more than 600 children currently in foster care, Wake County needs more families to open their homes to children in need. To help interested families learn more, the county will host a Foster Parent Business and Recruitment Expo on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Swinburne Building at 220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. Families interested in fostering children will have the opportunity to learn how to become licensed foster parents. Current foster families will be present at the event to discuss their personal experience, provide insights and answer questions. There will also be an opportunity for foster families who have small businesses to promote and sell their products. “By increasing the number of foster families in our community, we increase the number of homes that can meet the diverse needs of our children,” Delores Long, interim division director of

The Cemetery Advisory Board (CAB) is seeking local history buffs and storytellers who can help local history come alive during the Historic Wake Forest Cemetery Walking Tour. The CAB sponsors the annual walking tour to highlight the cemetery’s historical significance and the fascinating stories of the people buried there. The tour also celebrates the lives of the men and women who established the Wake Forest community, as well as its culture and destiny. This year’s Historic Wake Forest Cemetery Walking Tour will be Saturday, May 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteer docents are needed on the day of the event to stand or sit at various locations throughout the cemetery and recount the lives, accomplishments and contributions of our historic and notable cemetery residents. The CAB also wants to hear from area residents who have personal stories to share about the history of Wake Forest but are not

Mayor Vivian Jones will deliver her 2018 State of the Town Address on Monday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. during the 10th annual State of the Town Address and Dinner. Presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the event will take place at the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, 12605 Capital Boulevard. During her remarks, Mayor Jones will highlight the Town’s key accomplishments in 2017 and outline the goals Wake Forest will strive towards in 2018. All area residents are invited to attend. 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 processing fee will be added to the cost

Need to buttonhole a mayor, a commissioner, or perhaps some of the state legislators? The best way to do it this winter is to attend the Elected Officials Reception Thursday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 8 a.m. And you can do it while enjoying some good food. Chamber President Ann Welton says that all the Wake Forest officials and most of the officials from Youngsville, Rolesville and Franklin County, about 30 in all, will be on hand. “Plus, our NC State delegation will all be there: Chris Malone, Joe Johns, John Alexander and Chad Barefoot. “There will be no speeches, just one-on-one visits with officials and chamber members.” * * * * This month’s Business After Hours will be at UNC Rex Healthcare in Wakefield from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15. The light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided by Cannon Catering. Door prizes include two second

*The Wake Forest Farmers Market will be open from 10 a.m. to noon (winter hours) Saturday, Feb. 10, in Renaissance Plaza on Brooks Street. Local farmers and artisans will offer meats, seasonal vegetables, bread and baked goods and other local wares. See the market’s Facebook page for information about the 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. *Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry at 149 East Holding Avenue is now open from 9 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday along with its regular hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for food distribution. It serves about 700 families in Wake Forest, Youngsville, Rolesville and their surrounding areas. Call 919-556-7144 for information about receiving food, volunteering