The Town of Wake Forest has launched a new web-based dashboard that allows residents to view zoning enforcement violations by address. Available at http://bit.ly/WFZoningEnforcement, the platform also allows residents to track the type of violation, the current number of open and closed cases, and the Town’s response. “This is another way we are offering insight into our efforts to manage and foster a safe and vibrant community,” said Planning Director Courtney Tanner. “We believe this tool emphasizes the importance we place on transparency, communicating with our citizens and responding to their concerns in an efficient and public manner.” Zoning enforcement is an extension of the Planning Department. Typical code violations involve one or a combination of the following areas related to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and/or Municipal Code:   Tall Grass/Weeds Trash/Debris on Private Property Junk and Abandon Vehicles Abandoned Structures Illegal Signs Illegal Uses Landscaping Violations Through the efforts

Way to go, Wake Forest and nearby communities! In the 41st year of Wake Forest CROP Hunger Walks, 17 online-registered teams and over 90 online-registered walkers, together with independent individuals and organized groups from community churches and organizations, made year 2020 our most generous fundraising CROP Hunger Walk event ever with over $17,300 in donations. Non-profit Church World Service, by way of Community Engagement Managers such as our local manager and encourager, Roberta Macauley, supports over 800 community CROP Walks all around the USA. The mission for CROP Hunger Walks is to raise money for programs to help end hunger and poverty one step at a time, both locally and worldwide. n Wake Forest, 25 percent of the donations will be shared equally by Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry and Wake Forest Hope House. The other funds will be used for global outreach to families by Church World Service for programs

On Thursday, Oct. 22, visit Moe’s Southwest Grill in the Wakefield Commons shopping center near Starbucks and order a meal or any item between 4 and 9 p.m. Then put your receipt in the box provided and 10 percent of your meal will be donated to the nonprofit Hope Reins, a project of  the Wake Forest High School Juniorette Club. Hope Reins provides therapy for area children and their families who are in different life crises through rescue horses. You can learn about Hope Reins at https://hopereins.org. #

Job loss, reduced work hours and illness related to COVID-19 have caused many households in Wake County to struggle to make rent. To help them catch up on late payments and avoid eviction, the county today launched the House Wake! COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program. “Eviction is a harsh reality that many in our community are facing right now due to no fault of their own,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford. “Through this new program, we can mediate relationships with landlords and help more than 3,000 households remain in their homes.” The House Wake! COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program consists of a three-step process: Eviction Prevention Through a partnership with the Telamon Corporation, the county will help tenants and landlords cover rent shortfalls, resulting from a loss of income due to COVID-19. Eviction Mediation Services Through a partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina, the county will provide free legal support for tenants

Area residents are invited to enjoy the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of autumn while also learning about native trees during a series of Fall Foliage Tours in October at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Urban Forestry Coordinator Luke Devores will offer the free, one-hour tours “rain or shine” on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 24, at noon and 2 p.m. Parents and children of all ages are welcome. This year, due to concerns related to COVID-19, pre-registration is required at http://bit.ly/WFFallFoliageTours. In addition, the following safety precautions will be observed: Each tour will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Participants who are not part of the same family group will be encouraged to maintain social distance whenever possible. In accordance with Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 147, masks are required for all participants over the age of 5. For more