The Wake Forest Police Department is urging area residents to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following recently reported phone scams involving Google Play gift cards. Residents have reported receiving calls from phony sheriff’s deputies who claim they skipped jury duty and a subsequent court date. The caller says a warrant has been issued for their arrest, or soon will be, but they can pay a fine now and avoid being arrested. According to police officials, these con artists are trying to exploit your fear of getting on the wrong side of the law, and hoping they can squeeze money out of you before you realize it’s a scam. In a common scenario, the scammer asks you to buy Google Play gift cards from the nearest retailer. After you buy them, the scammer asks for the code on the back of the card or an image of it. Once

One of the most popular groups to perform at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts has been the singing dancing Celtic Angels. The center is happy to announce the troupe will return on Monday and Tuesday, March 18 and 19 for the Celtic Angels Ireland shows beginning at 7 p.m. The Sheeva Quintet, Celtic Knights and Angels Dancers with Trinity Band Ensemble of Dublin, captivate audiences of all ages with an awe-inspiring show that encompasses vocal and instrumental Irish favorites along with spectacular world class champion Irish dancing. Through their shared zeal and passion for Ireland’s musical and dance traditions, this talented troupe enables their audiences to experience the Real Ireland. You’ll be enthralled from the moment the lights dim as the sweet and stirring songs of Ireland, rigorously precise dances, and traditional musicianship carry you to Ireland on wings of music. Celtic Angels Ireland features the beautiful

Bright Star Touring Theatre, a national professional touring theatre company based in Asheville, will offer two free performances of “Let It Shine: The American Civil Rights Movement” on Saturday, Feb. 9. Geared for ages 6 and older, the free performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center at 416 North Taylor Street. Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Freedom Riders and more come to life in this powerful production that celebrates the American Civil Rights Movement. The show also features inspiring performances and the songs of the Civil Rights era. Admission is free, and everyone is invited. This production is part of the Wake Forest 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, visit wakeforestrencen.org or contact Renaissance Centre Specialist Debra Horton at 919-435-9566 or dhorton@wakeforestnc.gov<mailto:dhorton@wakeforestnc.gov>.  

The Town of Wake Forest is again asking residents to be patient as crews work to collect large amounts of leaves and other yard waste along local streets and in neighborhoods throughout our community. Town crews are running behind schedule due to our area’s record-breaking rainfall, an early snow and ongoing equipment breakdowns caused by sticks, rocks and other debris mixed in with loose leaves. Crews are working overtime and staff from other divisions are assisting in the collection effort. In the meantime, residents have the option of bagging their leaves for collection on their regular yard waste collection day. Residents who choose not to bag their leaves are reminded to follow these tips when preparing leaves for collection: *  Rake leaves into piles behind the curb, so they do not interfere with traffic or drainage. *  Do not mix sticks, rocks, pine cones, limbs or other debris with loose

Put on your blue suede shoes or pink poodle skirt and get ready to “rock around the clock.” Dance the night away to your favorite 50’s tunes spun by DJ Randy “Sting” of 1st Choice Customized DJ Services. Emcee and special music by Roseann McFadden The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts will host a “Back to the ‘50s Sock Hop” on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. Ice cream floats and other special treats will be available for purchase at our concession stand. Advance tickets are $10 plus tax and $13 plus tax at the door. For more information or to purchase your tickets online, visit www.wakeforestrencen.org/tickets-events<https://www.wakeforestrencen.org/tickets-events>.