Monarch City USA, a non-profit that advocates for cities and town to actively recover their monarch butterfly populations, has named Wake Forest the first Monarch Town USA in North Carolina, meaning the town is committed to preserving and growing the monarch butterfly population. It has done so by setting aside a monarch butterfly garden with the monarch- attracting milkweed and other nectar plants in E. Carroll Joyner Park on Harris Road. Town crews recently installed signs at the park identifying the butterfly habitat. The town also urges residents to plant milkweed in their gardens. Monarchs rely on the milkweed and nectar plants for their food and home. According to the Monarch City USA website, monarchcityusa.com<http://www.monarchcityusa.com/>, nearly a billion monarch butterflies have vanished since 1990 because those plants are disappearing across America. Monarch City USA encourages municipalities across the nation to reverse the trend and support the monarch butterfly population by

“Bumblebee” will be the movie for the final Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 p.m. The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department hosts the free outdoor movie series. Presented by Walters Insurance Agency, Inc. and Mosquito Joe of Eastern Wake County, Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park feature a variety of family-friendly film favorites and genres, including comedies, dramas and thrillers, all projected on a 26-foot inflatable movie screen in the park’s amphitheater. Showtime for each event is 8:30 p.m. Anyone planning to attend is urged to arrive early as viewing space may be limited. Family Movie Nights are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or chairs but are reminded that alcohol, smoking and unleashed pets are prohibited. Assorted food vendors will be on site selling snacks and refreshments

The Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2019/20 class of Leadership Wake Forest. The comprehensive program is designed to engage, cultivate, and motivate individuals interested in a strong, sustainable community. Participants are involved in seven interactive classes, looking at the town’s history and discussing current and future issues facing Wake Forest. Information is presented through panel discussions, on-site tours, hands-on activities, simulations, and informal sessions with local leaders. “The program is appealing to long-time residents as well as those who have recently relocated to the area,” said Corey Hutcherson, Executive Director of the Chamber Foundation. “It gives participants the opportunity to learn from community leaders and industry experts. At the same time, they make new friends and business contacts.” Participants meet for a day, once a month, from September through May, culminating in a class project. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are sought from all

The 2019 Wake Forest Home & Garden Show will be held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. Presented by Mitchell Heating & Cooling, the free two-day event will showcase the latest in home improvement products, services and features. Whether you are thinking of a complete home remodel, a kitchen or bath makeover, a newly landscaped lawn or just want to shop the local vendor marketplace, you will find it all at this show. Want to learn new grilling techniques or grab a bite to eat? We have that cover too! The Shopping Marketplace will feature everything from local art and handmade décor to kitchen essentials and cleaning products for your home.  

The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce announces a new fundraising initiative to support Chamber programming and the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina. The Community Raffle, sponsored by Edward Jones, offers five different prizes including a $10,000 cash grand prize. Tickets are $50 each, and only 1,500 will be sold. The prize drawings will be held on Thursday, August 29th. “We are pleased to support the Alzheimer’s Association through the Community Raffle,” said Ann Welton, president of the chamber. “A vital part of the chamber’s mission is ‘serve our community.’ With all the work we have done here in Wake Forest to become a ‘dementia-friendly community’ we think this a great fit.” Local Edward Jones financial advisors are the presenting sponsors for the raffle. “Across the country, Edward Jones supports walks to end Alzheimer’s. We were pleased to be able to sponsor this initiative,” said Seth Asbill, a local