Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States, creating national awareness of the importance of the census and its valuable statistics. The decennial census was first taken in 1790, as mandated by the Constitution. It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. The next census is coming in 2020. Counting an increasingly diverse and growing population is a massive undertaking. It requires years of planning and the support of thousands of people. Ultimately, the success of the census depends on everyone’s participation. The Census Bureau depends on cross-sector collaborations with organizations and individuals to get people to participate. The 2020 Census is important for you and your community, and you can help. By April 2020,

The Optimist Club of Wake Forest is proud to present their newest fundraiser – Funko Bunko, coming to Wake Forest at The Forks on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from  6 to 10:00 p.m.  Players are limited to 100 seats. The Optimist Club of Wake Forest is fundraising for the local youth in Wake Forest, and 100 percent of the money raised stays local to help the local youth in need. Funko Bunko is hosted and sponsored by The Forks. A great country dinner is available for purchase at The Forks. Please eat before playing begins. Tickets are $20 per person. Please reserve your seat and pay online through PayPal – WakeForestOptimistClub@gmail.com. Or, send a check (made payable to: Wake Forest Optimist Club) with a list of names to: PO Box 1992, Wake Forest, NC 27588. We are starting with teams of four. Prizes will be awarded to the “Most Wins”, “Most Bunko’s”, and “Most Losses”.

Mayor Vivian Jones will deliver her 2020 State of the Town Address on Monday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m., during the 12th Annual State of the Town Address and Dinner. Presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the event will take place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre at 405 South Brooks Street. During her remarks, Mayor Jones will highlight the Town’s key accomplishments in 2019 and outline the goals Wake Forest will strive towards in 2020. 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. However, the event is expected to sell out. Dress for the event is business casual. A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card at www.wakeforestnc.gov/communications/state-town<https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/communications/state-town>. Tickets may also be purchased at the Renaissance

Back by popular demand, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts will host a Back to the ‘50s Sock Hop on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 7-9 p.m. 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. Ice cream floats and other special treats will be available for purchase at our concession stand. The bar will also be open for wine, beer and soft drink purchases. Advance tickets are $12 plus tax and $15 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>.

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will host a lively and educational celebration of gospel music that connects all cultures, ages and backgrounds on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at 5 p.m. The “Shades of Gospel” concert will highlight a range of traditional, southern and contemporary gospel music with featured performances by Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award-nominated artist Tim Bowman, Jr. and the Trinity Quartet. Tickets are $15 plus tax and may be purchased online at www.wakeforestrencen.org/tickets-events<https://www.wakeforestrencen.org/tickets-events> or at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St. Tim Bowman, Jr. started his music career in 2012 with the release of “Beautiful” by Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records. This album was his breakthrough release upon the Billboard Magazine Gospel Albums and Independent Albums charts. The song “He Will,” featuring Vickie Winans, his paternal aunt, charted on the Billboard Magazine Hot Gospel Songs chart. His critically acclaimed album “Listen” debuted at number one on Billboard