All New Events Calendar | Free And Almost Free | Family Friendly Events | Wake County Launches Survey

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☁️Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🧑‍💼On this day in history

🆕News - Stay in the know.

🎙️Events - Don’t miss out on the fun.

🏃‍♀️‍➡️Health - Important information on health and wellness

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🍳What’s Cooking - Tried and true recipes from my grandmother.

We will not publish Wake Forest News and Events newsletter

on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1st.

2019: The World Health Organization first learned of “viral pneumonia” cases in Wuhan, China; the disease was later determined to be COVID-19, which became a global pandemic the following year.

Wake County Launches Public Survey to Hear Resident Priorities

Wake County has taken a significant step toward enhancing its relationship with the community by launching a public survey aimed at gathering resident input on their priorities and concerns. This initiative is a cornerstone of the county’s broader strategy to improve community engagement and ensure that local government services meet the evolving needs of its citizens.

The public survey seeks to provide a platform for residents to express their thoughts on various aspects of county services, including education, public safety, transportation, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By participating, residents can directly influence the direction of future projects and policies, ensuring that the county’s initiatives are well-aligned with the community’s expectations.

Wake County’s decision to launch the survey comes at a time when communities nationwide are seeking more transparency and involvement in local governance. The county’s leadership recognizes that proactive engagement is essential for building trust and creating programs that resonate with its diverse population.

“We want to hear from everyone,” said a spokesperson for Wake County. “This survey is about understanding what matters most to our residents and using that information to guide our decisions.”

The survey is available online, making it easily accessible to all residents. It features a user-friendly interface and covers a wide range of topics, from daily concerns like traffic congestion to long-term priorities such as affordable housing and climate change initiatives. Additionally, physical copies of the survey are available at community centers and libraries across the county to ensure inclusivity.

Once the survey period concludes, the county will analyze the results and publish a report summarizing the findings. This report will serve as the foundation for strategic planning and resource allocation in the coming years. Residents can expect follow-up actions, including town hall meetings and updates on how their feedback is shaping county programs.

This survey is more than just a data-gathering exercise; it’s a testament to Wake County’s commitment to fostering a collaborative community. By actively seeking input and responding to resident concerns, the county aims to build a stronger, more inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey to ensure their perspectives are included in this critical planning process.

Residents Can Recycle Their Christmas Trees

Through Wake County Program

As the holiday season comes to an end, Wake County is making it easy for residents to dispose of their Christmas trees in an eco-friendly way. The county has announced a recycling program designed to repurpose these festive evergreens into mulch and other materials that benefit the community.

The Christmas tree recycling initiative aligns with Wake County’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By encouraging residents to recycle their trees, the program helps reduce landfill waste while supporting the creation of useful products like mulch and soil amendments for parks, gardens, and public spaces.

“This program is a win-win for everyone,” said a Wake County spokesperson. “It’s an opportunity for residents to clean up after the holidays responsibly, while also giving back to the environment.”

Residents can drop off their undecorated Christmas trees at designated recycling locations across the county. The program accepts natural trees free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands. Artificial trees are not eligible for recycling through this initiative.

Here’s how you can participate:

1. Remove all decorations: Ensure your tree is free of all non-organic materials, such as lights, ornaments, and garlands.

2. Check the drop-off locations: Visit the Wake County website to find the nearest recycling site.

3. Bring your tree during designated hours: Most sites are open daily through mid-January.

Once collected, the trees are processed into mulch or chipped wood, which can be used for landscaping projects throughout the county. Some of the recycled material is also made available to residents for use in their own gardens.

This program not only helps the environment but also fosters community spirit by providing sustainable materials for public use. Additionally, it highlights the importance of responsible disposal practices, setting an example for future waste management initiatives.

Get Involved Today

Wake County encourages all residents to take advantage of this free program and contribute to a greener, more sustainable community. For more information about the program, including specific drop-off locations and hours of operation, visit Wake County’s official website.

By recycling your Christmas tree, you’re helping to ensure a cleaner and more beautiful Wake County for years to come.

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The Thrill of Thrifting

How to Find the Best Bargains and When to Shop

In recent years, thrifting has evolved from a niche pastime to a mainstream trend, driven by a mix of environmental awareness, economic savvy, and a desire for unique fashion. Whether you're a seasoned treasure hunter or a newbie, understanding the secrets of thrifting can help you find incredible deals while making a positive impact.

Thrifting offers something for everyone: the eco-conscious shopper reduces waste by embracing secondhand items, the budget-conscious consumer saves money, and the style-savvy individual discovers one-of-a-kind pieces. With rising awareness about fast fashion’s environmental toll, more people are turning to resale shops, vintage stores, and online thrift platforms as a sustainable alternative.

1. Know Your Stores: Different thrift stores have different vibes. Some specialize in vintage clothing, others focus on household goods, and some mix everything together. Research local shops to find ones that align with your needs.

2. Go Often: Inventory in thrift stores changes rapidly. Visiting frequently increases your chances of stumbling upon amazing finds.

3. Inspect Before You Buy: Carefully examine items for stains, tears, missing buttons, or other issues. Some flaws can be fixed, but others may not be worth the effort.

4. Learn the Tags: Many thrift stores have color-coded tags that indicate sales or markdowns. Familiarize yourself with the store’s system to maximize savings.

5. Be Open-Minded: Thrifting is as much about discovery as it is about shopping. Don’t limit yourself to a strict list—you never know what treasures you might find!

6. Try Things On: Sizes can vary widely, especially for vintage clothing. Take the time to try items on to ensure a good fit.

7. Ask About Restock Days: Many stores restock on specific days of the week. Shopping soon after restocking gives you first pick of new inventory.

8. Shop Off-Season: Look for winter coats in the summer and swimsuits in the winter. Off-season shopping often yields the best deals.

Midweek: Mondays through Wednesdays are often quieter, giving you a more relaxed shopping experience and better access to fresh stock.

Morning Hours: Early birds catch the worm, and this is especially true for thrifting. Shopping in the morning means you’ll face less competition and fresher selections.

End of Month: Many stores receive donations at the end of the month when people declutter, leading to new and exciting finds.

Holiday Weekends: Thrift stores frequently hold sales during long weekends, offering discounts on already low prices.

Beyond the savings, thrifting is a rewarding experience. There’s a thrill in finding that perfect dress, a rare collectible, or a piece of furniture that just needs a little TLC to shine again. It’s also a way to contribute to a more sustainable future by giving pre-loved items a second life.

So next time you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, decorate your home, or just indulge in some retail therapy, skip the mall and head to your nearest thrift store. You might be surprised by what you find!

Visit our all-new online calendar of events. Check it often for updates and new events in the area. New Features include:

🎈🎈Family Friendly Activities

🎈🎈Free and Almost Free

🎈🎈Historical Sites

🎈🎈Musicals and Theater

🎈🎈Comedy Clubs, Local Music, and more!

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Grape Jelly Meatballs

 Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs (or homemade if preferred)

• 1 cup grape jelly

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite type)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra depth of flavor)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meatballs:

   • If using frozen meatballs, no need to thaw them. Simply place them in a slow cooker or large skillet.

2. Make the sauce:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and garlic powder (optional). Stir until well combined.

3. Cook the meatballs:

   • Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until heated through and the meatballs have absorbed the flavors.

   • Stovetop: Heat the meatballs and sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Serve:

   • Once the meatballs are ready, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks or over rice for a main dish.

Enjoy your sweet and savory grape jelly meatballs!