In recognition of Black History Month, the Gazette is providing a weekly update on important dates. The information comes from a calendar provided by Chappell Funeral & Cremation Services in Garner. Feb. 14 – In 1760 Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was born. Feb. 15 – In 1820 Susan B. Anthony, an abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, was born. Feb. 16 – In 1874 Frederick Douglass was elected president of the Freedman’s Bank and Trust. Feb. 17 – In 1938 Mary Frances Berry, the first woman to serve as chancellor of a major research university – the University of Colorado – was born. Feb. 18 – In 1931 Toni Morrison, winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for her novel Beloved, was born. Feb. 19 – In 2002 Vonetta Flowers becomes the Winter Olympics’ first African-American gold medalist. This is also Presidents’ Day. Feb. 20

The Wake Forest Woman’s Club will host its first annual Shamrockin’ Casino Gala on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Cross & Main in Youngsville from 7 to 11 p.m. Funds raised will go to many of the charities the club supports, including The Purple Heart Foundation, Note in the Pocket, Safe Space and Meals on Wheels. Tickets are $65 each, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, two drink tickets, one raffle ticket and $5,000 play money. The $65 tickets are available now at three downtown Wake Forest locations: Parler Properties, Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce and Ollies Gifts, all on South White Street.

Urban Forestry Specialist Julie Canavin will lead an introductory class on proper tree care practices on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Wake Forest Town Hall Ground Floor Meeting Room, 301 S. Brooks St. The meeting room is most easily accessed via the facility’s Taylor Street entrance. Geared to the homeowner, the one-day class will cover such topics as proper tree selection, planting, pruning (including proper pruning of crape myrtles) and mulching. This workshop provides an alternative to the Tree Steward workshop for residents who are unable to commit to volunteer service. The cost is $15 per person and geared towards area residents ages 18 and older. Preregistration is required by Wednesday, Feb. 21, at wakeforestnc.recdesk.com. For more information, contact Urban Forestry Coordinator Jennifer Rall at 919-435-9565 orjrall@wakeforestnc.gov.

On Thursday, May 10, the 2018 Field of Dreams will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Factory Ballpark, featuring exceptional students, big smiles and America’s favorite pastime. Jennifer Smart, a member of the special committee helping organize the anniversary, wrote a letter asking for more town participation. “This year is the 10th anniversary of Field of Dreams in Wake Forest, a unique program that makes a real difference in the lives of special needs students. Created by instructors at Wake Forest High School who realized the fun and excitement of team sports should benefit every student, this heartwarming effort is sparking interest and imitators across the U.S. “Field of Dreams is the brainchild of WFHS Special Education teacher Gail Tucker and the Wake Forest Army JROTC, led by Sgt. Maj. Ginger Cribb. Together they’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes to match high school athletes with special

The 2018 Koinonia Cares Charity Auction will be held where The Koinonia Foundation began, the Wake Forest Baptist Church, on Saturday, March 24, from  5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Formed in 1990 by the Koinonia Sunday School Class at Wake Forest Baptist to help the disadvantaged in the community, The Koinonia Foundation of Wake Forest has grown to be an interdenominational non-profit providing financial support for organizations that address human needs which are not otherwise adequately funded and periodically to individuals demonstrating a critical need. The event features a full dinner and a silent and live auction of unique items and valuable services donated by local businesses, artists and individuals. Tickets are $20 per person and only 175 will be sold. Tickets may be purchased online at www.koinoniaWF.org or at these downtown Wake Forest locations: Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 South White Street Ollies Café & Gifts, 213 South White Street