Low-income families in Wake Forest can now apply for help paying their water bills. The new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program that helps eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services. The initiative provides a one-time payment for eligible households paid directly to the utility company. To qualify, applying households must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and: Income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level; Household services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill; Responsibility for the water bill. If your water has been turned off, or if you have received a notice that your water is going to be turned off, you can apply online at epass.nc.gov. You can also apply by printing a paper application from epass.nc.gov and dropping it off at or faxing it to your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) or

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council is celebrating Black History Month in 2022 by once again offering residents 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, organization or other group. From now through Saturday, Jan. 15, the HRC will accept nominations for Wake Forest residents to be recognized for their contributions. The online nomination form is available at http://bit.ly/WFBHMHonorRoll. Wake Forest residents, former residents, and business and community stakeholders that identify as African American are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate leadership and integrity and be respected by their peers. In addition, potential nominees may be recognized for one or more of the following actions: Helping neighbors and fellow Wake Forest citizens; Demonstrating hospitality and/or concern for others; Supporting local businesses and charities; Promoting a sense of community in their neighborhood and beyond; Serving the community

The Wake Forest Film Festival (WFFF) has announced its 2022 program lineup scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Entitled “A Light in the Forest,” the two-day festival will engage film enthusiasts with more than 30 films of all lengths and genres, including short and full-length, documentary, horror, animation, and student. Intended for both the general public and film professionals, the film festival is an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their films in a unique location to a discerning audience.  To view the complete two-day schedule, including movie titles and times, visit http://bit.ly/WFFilmFestival. All-access screening passes are on sale for $15 each and will allow unlimited access to the schedule of films throughout the two-day festival, along with question-and-answer sessions with industry professionals on Friday, March 4, at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 5, at 3:30 p.m.  Tickets may be purchased online in advance at http://bit.ly/WFFilmFestival.

You’re invited to join Mayor Vivian Jones for the 2022 State of the Town Address & Dinner on Monday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. Presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the event will take place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. During her remarks, Mayor Jones will reflect on the successes and challenges of the Wake Forest community over the past year. She will also outline the goals the town will strive towards in 2022. Advance tickets are $15 per person and include a catered meal and dinner music by the Heritage High School Jazz Ensemble. Tickets can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card at https://bit.ly/WFStateofTown. Tickets may also be purchased at the Renaissance Centre Box Office with cash, check or credit card. A processing fee will be added to the cost of any ticket purchased with a credit

The Town of Wake Forest is encouraging residents to make recycling a holiday tradition by recycling their live Christmas trees. Beginning Monday, Dec. 27, the Town will collect and recycle live Christmas trees from residential homes according to its normal yard waste collection schedule. The trees will be ground into mulch and made available for free to residents upon request. All Wake Forest residents whose yard waste is collected by the Town may participate in the “Treecycling” program. To recycle your Christmas tree, please remove all decorations, tinsel, nails, stands and bags from the tree and set it behind the curb for collection. Residents are reminded that artificial trees cannot be recycled. By recycling Christmas trees, Wake Forest saves valuable space at the landfill. For more information, email the Public Works Department at publicworksdept@wakeforestnc.gov. #