Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) Victim Advocate Carly Simonton will introduce a new weekly podcast on Next Door Radio (nextdoorradio.com) Friday, April 14, at 10:15 a.m. “Victims Vibe – Tales of Trials & Triumphs” will explore the domestic violence, sexual assault, and family-related issues Simonton encounters in her role as victim advocate. The podcast will also provide insight into the issues and challenges facing victims and witnesses of crime, as well as the resources available to them. “I want to offer a voice to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes,” said Simonton. “I also want to offer hope to their families. Our podcast will provide a platform to share their stories while also helping listeners better understand the judicial process.” Simonton plans to interview a different guest during each week’s 30-minute podcast, including experts in public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice. Her April 14 guest will

The Wake Forest Garden Club has announced that this year’s Art and Garden Show will be held Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, with the Garden Party at the Wake Forest Historical Museum held Saturday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets for both days of touring local gardens and art are $25. Tickets for the Garden Party are $20. You can purchase tickets online at www.wfgardenclub.org or in person at Southern Suds & Gifts, The NC Specialty Store, Page 158 Books or the Wake Forest Historical Museum. ###

The historic DuBois Campus at 536 North Franklin Street will be transformed with food trucks, games, music, vendors and more from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, the same day as Forest Fest in downtown Wake Forest. Make a day of it by going to both. The block party is sponsored by DigitalBridge, Black Friday, the Town of Wake Forest and the Historic DuBois School established in 1922. ###

While the flowers are blooming and the weather is perfect, come out and be a part of the inaugural Wake Forest Historic Half Marathon. This is the first ever half marathon to run through downtown Wake Forest and neighborhoods that make up the rich history of the area. There is a distance for everyone, from the Half Marathon, 3 mile run or 1.3 mile walk. While doing something good for yourself, you’ll be doing something good to benefit our community too. Proceeds from the Historic Half will benefit the Wake Forest Chamber Foundation and the Wakefield Schools Foundation – Their vision is to provide academic and enrichment opportunities that propel students to future academic and career success, and that the schools represent the heart of a diverse, welcoming, and engaged community. Date: Saturday, April 15th Time: 7:30 am start Where: Wake Forest, NC 27587 How to register: RRLoader – Don’t

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is inviting residents to “Cover the Cruiser” to raise money for Special Olympics in North Carolina (SONC). The special event will take place Friday-Saturday, April 7-8, at the Wake Forest Sam’s Club, 11460 Royall Cotton Road. Over those two days, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, Wake Forest Police officers will be at Sam’s Club selling “Cover the Cruiser” stickers for $5 each. Anyone who purchases one or more stickers can write their name on the sticker(s), with the goal of completely covering a WFPD ‘cruiser.’ “This is a simple, but effective way we can all work together to raise money for Special Olympics of NC,” said Cpl. J.L. McArthur. “We’re excited to see one of our cruisers covered in stickers with people’s names on them showing our community’s support for Special Olympics.” Officers will also be selling 2023 Special Olympics NC