The Gazette has learned that Joe Kimray, who stepped in as interim president of the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, has resigned that position and no one has been named to succeed him. Kimray replaced Liz Simpers after she was removed from the office in May. Kimray is a longtime chamber member and owner of B&W Hardware on White Street. He said he was resigning to spend more time on his business and his family. Erica Pittman, the chair of the chamber’s board of directors, thanked Kimray in a statement and said the group’s focus now would be finding someone to replace Kimray who might be able to take the job as president permanently. ###

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Advisory Board will host the 14th Annual “Wake Forest Unplugged…Get Connected” this Sunday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.  Wake Forest Unplugged invites area residents to disconnect from their smart phones, computers, and other electronic devices and reconnect with their community, friends, and family by engaging in healthier, more active pursuits. From 5 to 7 p.m., the PRCR Advisory Board will host a variety of organized games and activities, including sack and relay races, corn hole, and miniature golf, in the vicinity of the Walker Garden. For more information about Wake Forest Unplugged, visit https://bit.ly/WFUnplugged. The electronics-free afternoon will culminate from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a free concert in the Joyner Park Amphitheater featuring Throwback Collaboration Band performing your favorite old-School funky music. With the rich melodies they create, you’d think they’re a group

The 2024 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 17, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., and 21 other locations throughout Wake County.The Town of Wake Forest often receives inquiries from residents and candidates concerning rules for political signs. Although temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues are permitted, a combination of state law and municipal code regulates how political signs may be displayed within Wake Forest. To ensure these conditions are met, adherence is required to the following regulations establishing the duration, size, placement, and illumination of political signs:Duration Private Property – can be installed now with prior permission of the owner.State Roads – can be installed no earlier than 30 days before the October 17th in-person early voting date (September 17).Political signs must be removed by Friday, November 15, 2024 – within 10 days after the election.  Placement Cannot obscure motorist visibility. Cannot be installed

Meet our WFWC club members, enjoy light refreshments, and ask about volunteer opportunities in the Wake Forest area.   The gathering will be on Thursday, August 29, 5 to 6:30 pm at Page 158 books, 416-B Brooks Street, Wake Forest.  Wake Forest Woman’s Club is a proud member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Honoring the motto of “Unity in Diversity,” we come together as unique individuals dedicated to community improvement by projects with Wake Forest Community Table, Town of Wake Forest, Hope Reins and The Purple Heart Foundation. Our mission is to enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. Drop by to learn more! For more information, email wakeforestwomansclub@gmail.com.

Meet our WFWC club members, enjoy light refreshments, and ask about volunteer opportunities in the Wake Forest area.   The gathering will be on Thursday, August 29, 5 to 6:30 pm at Page 158 books, 416-B Brooks Street, Wake Forest.  Wake Forest Woman’s Club is a proud member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Honoring the motto of “Unity in Diversity,” we come together as unique individuals dedicated to community improvement by projects with Wake Forest Community Table, Town of Wake Forest, Hope Reins and The Purple Heart Foundation. Our mission is to enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. Drop by to learn more! For more information, email wakeforestwomansclub@gmail.com.

The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) intends to construct a new mobility hub (aka Amtrak station) at the site of the old freight rail depot in historic Downtown Wake Forest. This mobility hub is part of the larger, federally supported S-line project, which seeks to refurbish an underutilized rail corridor to directly connect Raleigh, NC to Richmond, VA and beyond. In addition, NCDOT intends to engineer this refurbished corridor to support future high-speed rail and regional commuter rail service. To learn more about mobility hubs, visit www.ncdot.gov/divisions/integrated-mobility/innovation/Pages/s-line-mobility-hubs.aspx. As part of this effort, NCDOT will host several open house and design workshops from August 26-29 to solicit feedback from the public on how this new mobility hub should look and what amenities should be included.  Since this facility will be nestled into Wake Forest’s iconic historic downtown, project planners want to ensure any proposed design and programming fits well into the surrounding

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is in the process of updating its five-year Master Plan. Community input is the cornerstone of that process, also known as Play It Forward Wake Forest. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m., community members can share their thoughts and opinions on the draft Master Plan Update during a Planning Board Special “Called” Meeting in the Town Hall Board Chambers, 301 S. Brooks St. The room is located on the second floor of Town Hall. The draft Master Plan Update is available for review and comment at https://engagewakeforest.org/parks-recreation-master-plan-update. Anyone wishing to speak during the Planning Board Special “Called” Meeting must complete and submit the “Planning Board – Sign Up to Speak Form” available at www.wakeforestnc.gov/public-meetings-portal by 3 p.m. on September 4.   The PRCR Master Plan reflects the Town’s vision of a vibrant community and responds to the needs and desires of its residents,

This September 11th, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., there will be a 9/11 Remembrance Special Event at the Northern Wake Senior Center at 235 E. Holding Avenue, Wake Forest. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the 200 Club of Wake County, to provide immediate financial assistance to the surviving families of fallen First Responders in Wake County. The event will feature:*Law Enforcement and Fire vehicle displays*K9 demonstration*Honor Guard and presentation of the American and Freedom Flags*Display of steel from the Twin Towers*Invocation*Proclamation*Video Memorial and Tribute to our First  Responder Heroes*12 piece Bagpipe and Drum band*Silent Auction*Raffles*Live music*Food , ice cream, and beverages available All are welcome and admission is free.###

The Town of Wake Forest will host UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) Comprehensive Update Open House sessions at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 5, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Both drop-in sessions will give community members the opportunity to review the completed UDO draft, learn more about potential changes to zoning districts and development standards, and provide feedback. Both sessions will have an informal, open house-style format, along with the same content, so community members may drop in anytime to view displays, ask questions, and share comments. No formal presentation will be given.   Feedback will be incorporated into a final draft that will be presented to the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners for approval. Community input is the cornerstone of the UDO Comprehensive Update. Following the update and adoption of several comprehensive plans, including the 2022 Wake Forest Community

Spend a couple Sunday evenings in September with family and friends at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, while enjoying some foot-tapping, finger-snapping good times during the 2024 Concerts in the Park. “Throwback Collaboration Band” will headline the first concert on Sunday, Sept. 1, followed by “The Breakfast Club” on Sunday, Sept. 8.  Throwback Collaboration Band will play your favorite old-School funky music. With the rich melodies they create, you would think they are a group of 12, but they are merely composed of six brilliant musicians. The Breakfast Club is the longest running, most recognized ’80’s tribute band in the United States. The group embodies the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of music and live performances of the original MTV generation of the 1980s. Free and open to everyone, these performances are scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park amphitheater. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic,