Gazette readers may be missing the contentious opinions arising from a letter to the editor in the May 19 issue in which the writer urged the town to enact growth limits. Along with the pros and cons by different writers, we are learning that a group has been formed with Richard Ostergard as chairman, Concerned Citizens for the Preservation of Open Space & Watershed Protection. Further, one of the group says they plan to form a PAC to support town board candidates who will support smart sustainable growth and to fight the development of the former Wake Forest Country Club. Ostergard has turned down an invitation to talk to the Gazette editor at this time. If you want to follow this discussion, go to www.wakeforestgazette.com and put “growth limits” in the query box on the first page. * * * * In case you are considering a letter to the

Recently the editor had occasion to meet someone new to town who asked if Wake Forest was an outgrowth of Raleigh. There are so many new people in town who really have no idea about our history, so the following is the start of the history of Wake Forest. Long before Wake Forest College began in the house Dr. Calvin Jones sold to the North Carolina Baptist State Convention and long before Wake Forest became a town, Forestville was the major village in what was called the Forest District, now Wake Forest Township, in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It may have grown up because it was on a major north-south path used by Indians and settlers on a ridge between Smith Creek and Richland Creek. Also, an early Wake County road, Forestville Road crossed that ridge and continued on to the community of Falls on the Neuse River,

The Wake Forest Fire Department announced in March that its members would wear custom “Autism Awareness” T-shirts throughout April in support of “Autism Awareness Month.” In response to strong public interest in Wake Forest and beyond, the WFFD agreed to sell the T-shirts in a variety of youth and adult sizes for $20 each. Due to the incredible demand, the fire department placed three different orders and sold a total of 972 shirts – some to people as far away at Mattydale, NY, Tampa, FL, and Wahiawa, HI. For every T-shirt sold, the WFFD donated just over $5 to the Autism Society of NC for a total contribution of $5,121.79. “We are very proud of this accomplishment which would not have been possible without the wonderful support of our community and others across the United States,” said Fire Chief Ron Early. “The Wake Forest Fire Department members would like to thank

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) recently celebrated the six-year anniversary of “Operation Safe Sale.” Introduced in May 2015, the initiative encourages Wake Forest residents who are selling or purchasing items advertised online to come to the Police Department, 225 S. Taylor St., to complete their transaction. Transactions may be made in the police department parking lot or inside the lobby, either with or without an officer present. At the request of either party, a police officer will be available to check the serial number to determine whether the item has been entered through state or national databases as stolen property. Anyone wishing to have an officer present is required to schedule an appointment by calling 919-554-6150. The WFPD does not make any representations or warranties regarding the goods or services transferred between parties. Any item found entered as stolen through a state or national database will be subject to

Two days’ worth of free fun and excitement await you and your family at Wake Forest’s 2021 Independence Day Celebration. For complete details, visit http://bit.ly/WFIndependenceDay. Fireworks Spectacular This year’s festivities get underway with the Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 3. Free and open to the public, our community’s most popular summertime event will take place inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Due to limited planning time, the Town will not offer concessions or live entertainment as part of this year’s fireworks show. Instead, at 9 p.m. the Town will share on its Facebook page an Independence Day video hosted by Talbot the Town Crier. Featuring Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and the Board of Commissioners, the video will include a pre-recorded performance by the Band of Oz and an installment of