Beginning in March, the Town of Wake Forest will no longer collect yard waste in plastic bags. Starting Monday, March 14, solid waste customers will be required to use compostable paper yard waste bags (paper only, no plastic) or reusable containers weighing no more than 50 pounds for yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, small limbs, and brush) collection. This change will allow Wake Forest to continue its commitment to protecting the environment, improve operational efficiency, and help ensure the safety of our yard waste collection crews. It can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to break down at the landfill, and the effects of plastic bags last 10 times as long. Comparatively, it takes paper bags around a month to decompose. In addition, the yard waste disposal facility does not accept yard waste in plastic bags. This requires crews to debag leaves and yard waste at the curb, which increases collection times and can

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. 22, 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

Auditions for “The Diary of Anne Frank” The play will be presented by Forest Moon Theater, and the auditions are set for Jan. 18 and 19 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Centre. Roles are available for actors ages 14 and older, regardless of race or gender. Details are available at https://forestmoontheater.org/auditions/ Shades of Gospel, Saturday, Feb. 5, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m Join us for a celebration of Gospel music that connects community members of all cultures, ages, and backgrounds! Gospel singer and pastor John P. Kee will bring his soulful husky voice, a six-piece band and back-up singers to the Renaissance Centre stage as a part of the Shades of Gospel series. Kee is the pastor of New Life Fellowship Center in Charlotte. He grew up in church music, playing both jazz and gospel on piano in his early teens in Durham. After high school at the North

The Wake Forest Area Chamber is excited to announce that the Family Expo is returning in March 2022. Go to the chamber website to reserve your spot or sponsorship. Presented by Shaw RV, the expo will take place Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre in downtown Wake Forest. Both indoor and outdoor booths will be available. Sponsorships provide you with premium booth locations and additional marketing exposure. There will be an outdoor Kid Zone presented by Capital Chevrolet with fun kid-friendly activities. * * * * Started in 2010, Youth Leadership Wake Forest is a year-long program for 10th-12th grade students who have demonstrated leadership abilities and have interest in learning about our community. Our mission is for participants to assume leadership roles in our schools and to become more involved in our civic, cultural, economic development, and philanthropic organizations. There