The Town of Wake Forest’s annual loose leaf collection program begins Monday, Oct. 2, and continues through Friday, March 8, 2024. Residents are reminded that the Town provides bi-monthly loose leaf collection service which calls for crews to service Wake Forest streets twice each month. When preparing leaves and yard waste for collection, residents are urged to follow these guidelines: Residents are also reminded of the following: For more information about the Town’s loose leaf collection program, visit http://bit.ly/WFLeafCollection or contact Chad Hildebrandt at 919-435-9575 or childebrandt@wakeforestnc.gov. ###

Furthering its commitment to accessibility, the Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. The ADA Transition Plan is a comprehensive approach to improving access for individuals with disabilities to Town facilities, parks, programs, services, activities, and events. Aligning with Goal 3 of the Town’s Strategic Plan, it is an important part of Wake Forest’s continued efforts to welcome and serve all members of the community. “The Town of Wake Forest believes that all Town facilities, programs, and services should be accessible to all members of the community,” said Facilities Director – ADA Coordinator Mickey Rochelle. “While we are continuously working on improving accessibility, an updated Transition Plan will help us benchmark where we are now and develop a roadmap for where we can be in the future.” Citizen input is a crucial part of the ADA Transition Plan process.

Wake Forest Downtown Inc. and the Wake Forest Public Art Commission are seeking local artists to submit vibrant original artwork for seasonal boulevard banners in downtown Wake Forest. The banners will be displayed along South White Street from early January through late March 2024. The banners may also be displayed at other times as determined by the Downtown Development Director. Selections will be chosen by a committee comprised of members of the PAC and WFD, Inc. and selected artists will receive a $100 honorarium. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31. Selected artists will be notified by Wednesday, Nov. 15. For complete details, including the online artwork submission form, visit https://bit.ly/CallforArtists_WFPAC or contact Renaissance Centre Specialist Debra Horton at dhorton@wakeforestnc.gov. ###

The Town of Wake Forest is introducing a free education series for residents interested in learning how to reduce their environmental footprint. Offered by Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson, “Wake Forest Sustainability 101,” is comprised of six classes on topics ranging from composting and recycling to combating litter and creating household food circularity. The sessions get underway Wednesday, Sept. 27, with “Composting 101.” Geared for homeowners and led by a Wake County Master Gardner, the workshop will offer the basics on composting and explain how to compost in your own backyard. Future sessions will include Recycle Right (November 15); Understanding Waste (January 31); Earth Day Education (March 20); Communities Combating Litter (May 22); and Creating Household Food Circularity (July 24). Free and open to the public, each class is scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Public Works Operations Center, 234 Friendship Chapel Road, or Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks

Through the decades Wake Forest residents have helped the town make decisions about programs and plans as well as helping themselves learn more about how town government works by volunteering to serve on a town board. The boards were established to give residents input into what happens in the community and advise the Board of Commissioners (BOC) on matters that affect citizens and their town government. Applications are being accepted through Friday, Oct. 6, for appointments to the following boards and commissions:  Area high school students (grades 11-12) are also invited to apply to serve as representatives on every board, except the Planning Board. The online advisory board application is available on the Town website at http://bit.ly/TOWFAdvBoardApplication. Anyone without access to a computer is invited to complete the application by using a computer kiosk in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Hard copies are available upon request by contacting

The Northern Community Food Security Team is partnering with Ripe for Revival to offer a monthly mobile grocery store on the second Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m. across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave. Offering fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the Ripe for Revival Mobile Market will make its inaugural debut Thursday, Sept. 14. Ripe for Revival utilizes its network of farmer and food industry relationships to narrow the gap between farm excess and food access. The company purchases “retired” city or school buses, renovates them to include refrigerators and freezers, and transforms them into Mobile Markets that can drive into communities impacted by food insecurity. The brainchild of Will Kornegay, Ripe for Revival’s pay-what-you-can Mobile Markets aim to make fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget. When shopping,

If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall, then don’t miss the Spirits of Wake Forest ghost walk in downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., in partnership with Firebox Theatre Company, these tours will be offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, from September 28 through October 28, according to the following schedule: Tickets are $15 each and go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 5, at noon at https://bit.ly/SpiritsofWF. Please note: Tickets are non-refundable/non-transferable and must be purchased in advance. Tours will take place rain or shine. Tours are recommended for ages 8 and up, but younger children are welcome at their parents’ discretion. Any attendees under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Downtown Wake Forest’s buildings and sidewalks have seen well over 100 years of history, and they have some spooky stories to tell! Join WFD, Inc. and Firebox Theatre Company’s incredible cast of

Normalize AI is a unique event aimed at equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools to leverage AI for their advantage.   The event will feature a keynote speech by the renowned Stefan Youngblood, followed by a panel discussion with four successful business owners who are already utilizing AI.   The event is scheduled for October 5th, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Renaissance Center in Wake Forest. Attendees will not only enjoy a delicious breakfast, but will also have the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations with experts in the field. AI is transforming the way we do business, and this event will provide you with the necessary information to stay ahead of the curve.   Don’t miss out on this cutting-edge event. Register now to secure your spot! Tickets are $55 for chamber members, $70 for nonmembers. To reserve your seat, call or email Julie Kruse-John at

The Public Art Commission is promoting the October 7 Community Celebration of the Arts and raising awareness about Wake Forest’s amazing array of public art by hosting a “Public Art Selfie Contest.” Through Thursday, Oct. 5, Wake Forest residents and families are invited to take selfies in front of works of public art, then share their photos through the online form on the Town website at https://bit.ly/WFCelebrationoftheArts. Each week, we’ll post on the Town of Wake Forest Facebook page the pictures we’ve received that week and upload them to our online photo gallery. The submitted photos will also be included in a photo slideshow unveiled during the Community Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 7. Everyone who enters the contest will be entered in a prize drawing for “Downtown Dollars” during the event.  Please note: You do not have to be present to win. To learn more about Wake Forest’s