The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce that Assistant Public Works Director Allison Snyder has been promoted to Assistant Town Manager effective Monday, Jan. 4. She was chosen from a pool of over 145 applicants and underwent an extensive interview process. As assistant town manager, Snyder will assist Town Manager Kip Padgett with a variety of town priorities, organizational initiatives and special projects. As one of two assistant town managers – the other is Candace Davis – Snyder will also oversee the following departments: Economic Development, Inspections/Public Facilities, Planning, Public Works, and Wake Forest Power. A native of Newton, Kansas, Snyder joined the Town of Wake Forest in 2018 as Assistant Public Works Director. She previously worked in local government in Falls Church, Virginia; Arlington, Virginia; and Orange County, North Carolina. Snyder earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture with a minor in environmental science from the University of Kansas

The Wake Forest Public Art Commission has issued a Call to Artists for its fourth annual Spotlight on Wake Forest Artists Exhibit. These exhibits will provide for the display of public art murals throughout Wake Forest from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023. Wake Forest Guild artists, Wake Forest-area high school students, and artists residing in Wake Forest and its extra-territorial jurisdiction are invited to submit one piece of original art for consideration for the Spotlight on Wake Forest Artists Exhibit. The Call to Artists is open at https://www.publicartist.org/call.cfm through Sunday, Jan. 31. An Artist Selection Committee comprised of arts professionals and representatives of the Town of Wake Forest, the PAC and Wake Forest Downtown will select the works of art for the exhibit. Selections will be based on artistic excellence and the goal of exhibiting a variety of styles and media in appropriate sites. For more information, contact Renaissance Centre

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council is celebrating Black History Month in 2021 by giving you the chance to recognize local African Americans who have made a difference enhancing and improving the quality of life in their community, family, church, business or other group. From now through Saturday, Jan. 23, the HRC is soliciting nominations in several categories, including educator, actor, healthcare worker, business owner, frontline worker, musician and politician – just to name a few. The online nomination form is available at http://bit.ly/WFBHMHonorRoll. Only Wake Forest residents are eligible, and nomination narratives describing the individual’s contributions should be 400 words or less. Nominees should demonstrate leadership and integrity and be respected by their peers. In addition, potential nominees may, for example, help neighbors and fellow Wake Forest citizens in some way, demonstrate hospitality and concern for others, support local businesses and charities, promote a sense of community in their neighborhood and

Several local churches and community organizations will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a virtual livestream program on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Area residents are invited to watch the livestream on the Friendship Chapel Baptist Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FCBCWF. The evening’s theme will center around one of Dr. King’s messages: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” In the spirit of the event theme, the Wake Forest MLK Committee is offering creative performance, writing and art competitions for students in Wake Forest and Rolesville-area schools. Complete contest rules and information, along with the online contest entry form is available at http://bit.ly/WFMLKCelebration. The competition winners will be recognized during the January 21 program. Due to COVID-19, only the contest winners and their parents will be permitted to attend. Local groups contributing to the celebration include the Wake Forest Human Relations Council, Friendship Chapel Baptist

People who live and work near Wake Forest have a convenient way to get tested for COVID-19. Wake County is contracting with clinical laboratory Radeas, located at 907 Gateway Commons Circle, to provide free, drive-thru testing Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note the time change. The service is free, and no appointment is necessary. The testing typically takes about seven minutes, and results are usually provided in seven to nine hours – but can take up to 24 hours. Tests are reserved for those who: Have COVID-like symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and loss of smell; Have been in close contact with a known positive case of COVID-19; Are healthcare workers or first responders; Work in high-risk settings like long-term care facilities, correctional facilities or homeless shelters; Are 65 years old or older; Have underlying health conditions; Are a member of a vulnerable