Wake Forest recently joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The announcement was made during the July 16 Board of Commissioners’ meeting (see attached photo). Wake Forest joined the network to ensure that civic improvements benefit the very old, the very young, and everyone in between. Through the network, the Town will receive both technical assistance and shared expertise to help develop changes to support people of all ages. “Although the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities program is recognized by elected officials and others as a leading resource for how to improve the livability of communities for people ages 50 or older and their families, age-friendly improvements benefit people of all ages,” said AARP NC Director Michael Olender. A city, town, or rural area that is “age-friendly,” is one that helps people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. That means

The Wake Forest Police Department and Torchy’s Tacos, 505 Dr. Calvin Jones Highway (NC 98 Bypass) are joining forces to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics North Carolina.  Area residents are invited to support the cause by visiting Torchy’s Tacos on Wednesday, July 24, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. For everyone who either mentions the fundraiser or presents the fundraiser flyer (attached), Torchy’s will donate 15 percent of their food and beverage sales to support Special Olympics. To download the fundraiser flyer, visit https://bit.ly/WFPDSpecialOlympics.  The WFPD also accepts SONC donations year-round at https://bit.ly/WFPDSpecialOlympics. All funds raised go to SONC as part of The Law Enforcement Torch Run. For more information, Sgt. J. McArthur at 919-554-6150 or jmcarthur@wakeforestnc.gov. ###

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with Pickles and Play to host the 2024 Wake Forest Fall “Dinktoberfest” Pickleball Tournament Friday-Sunday, Oct. 4-6, at the Flaherty Park Pickleball Courts and Tennis Complex, 1226 N. White St. Registration is underway at https://bit.ly/WFPickleball and continues through Monday, Sept. 30. The entry fee is $45 per player, plus $10 for each additional event. Complete tournament details, including registration information, are also available at https://bit.ly/WFPickleball. For more information about the Fall “Dinktoberfest” Pickleball Tournament, email Tournament Director Lisa Groeschner at Egroeschner@gmail.com.  ###

Bright Star Touring Theatre will offer a free performance of “Jack’s Adventure in Space” Saturday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St.  When it comes to adventure and imagination, no one beats Jack! Come along with Jack on this out-of-this-world adventure through the solar system! Learn about the origins of the names of the planets from Mercury to Neptune, and even the controversial Pluto. Students will also learn about the physical features of the various planets and discover fun facts about each planet’s special path around the sun in this fun STEM adventure.  Families and children of all ages are invited to attend this free performance, but seating is limited. “Jack’s Adventure in Space” is part of the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre’s “Arts for All” free community performance series, which is supported by United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. For more information,

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host an online Esports gaming tournament featuring the game “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” on Saturday, Aug. 24. Presented by Ting, the Battle in the Forest is open to players ages 10 and older and free to play on all consoles and PCs. The online tournament will be live streamed on Twitch.tv.  Registration is open through Wednesday, Aug. 21, at https://wakeforestnc.recdesk.com/Community/Home. Please note: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is rated e10+. Participants will compete in a one-on-one, single-day, double-elimination tournament to run in conjunction with “Bull City Gaming.” The matches will be best of three, while the championship match will be best of five. In the event more than 32 participants register, the tournament will expand to two days with the qualifying rounds taking place on August 24 and the top eight participants battling it out in the finals on Sunday, Aug. 25.