Protect your kids from preditors! Be aware of the bears! Christmas cheer, and more...

🤣Chuckle - Laughter is good for the soul.

☁️Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🎙️Events - Don’t miss out on the fun.

🆕News - Stay in the know.

🧑‍💼Featured Business - Let’s support our local small businesses.

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

• Nov. 20th Museum of Life and Science FREE DAY.

• Nov. 20th Oak City Salsa Social

• Nov. 21st to Dec. 2nd Amazon Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.

• Nov. 23rd North Hills Tree Lighting

• Dec. 6th - 8th Walk Through Bethlehem at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church

• Dec. 14th Sip and Ship Holiday Market at Sneaky Penguin Brewing

• Dec. 14th Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham Holiday Concert

_{Wake Forest Parents Be Aware…}

Eight individuals are facing multiple charges following a three-day human trafficking and child exploitation sting conducted by the Wake Forest Police Department and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

Between November 12 and 15, undercover officers, posing as children and sex traffickers, arranged meetings with suspected offenders across Wake Forest, ultimately leading to their arrests, authorities announced on Monday.

_{Occasional Bear Sightings in Wake Forest, NC: What You Should Know}

Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a beautiful town known for its lush parks and greenways that offer a serene escape into nature. However, these natural spaces aren’t just popular with residents—they’re also home to a variety of wildlife, including the occasional black bear.

^{Why Are Bears in Wake Forest?}

Wake Forest’s green spaces provide an ideal habitat for many species, including black bears. As development in the area continues, it’s not uncommon for wildlife to wander into neighborhoods, especially during warmer months when food sources are plentiful. Bears are curious creatures and might roam residential areas in search of food, water, or shelter.

^{What Should Residents Do If They Spot a Bear?}

1. Stay Calm: If you see a bear, don’t panic. Black bears are generally not aggressive unless provoked.

2. Give It Space: Avoid approaching the bear. Keep a safe distance and ensure pets and children are brought indoors.

3. Secure Food Sources: Remove anything that might attract bears, such as bird feeders, pet food, and trash.

4. Report the Sighting: Notify local wildlife authorities if the bear lingers or appears to pose a threat.

^{How to Enjoy Nature Safely in Wake Forest}

The town’s parks and greenways are a treasure, and with a few precautions, you can enjoy them while respecting the local wildlife:

• Hike in groups and make noise to avoid surprising animals.

• Keep dogs on a leash to prevent unexpected encounters.

• Carry a whistle or bear spray for added safety.

Wake Forest is a community that thrives on its connection to nature. Occasional wildlife sightings, including bears, remind us of the importance of coexisting with the environment. With a little knowledge and preparation, residents can appreciate the beauty of local wildlife while staying safe.

^{Learn More:
To stay updated on wildlife activity in the area, visit NC Wildlife Resources Commission or check local community updates.}

^{The Giving Tree: Supporting Education, One Treasure at a Time}

^{Support our local merchants!}

Nestled in the heart of Wake Forest and Youngsville, North Carolina, The Giving Tree is more than just a thrift and gift shop—it’s a community-driven initiative dedicated to enriching the lives of students in the area. With two convenient locations, our mission is simple yet impactful: to support the educational, enrichment, and extracurricular programs of 20 K-12 public, private, and charter schools in our communities.

^{How They Give Back}

Every purchase at The Giving Tree helps fuel our mission. The profits generated from our stores go directly to schools in Wake Forest and Youngsville, providing much-needed support for programs that inspire creativity, foster growth, and enhance learning opportunities for students.

From after-school activities to classroom resources, the funds we donate play a vital role in ensuring that students have access to well-rounded educational experiences.

^{What Makes The Giving Tree Special?}

1. Unique Finds:
   Whether you're hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift, vintage treasures, or affordable clothing and home goods, our shops are full of surprises.

2. A Local Impact:
   Unlike larger chain thrift stores, The Giving Tree operates with a singular purpose: to reinvest in our community. Each purchase directly benefits local schools.

3. Community Involvement:
   The Giving Tree thrives thanks to the generosity of local donors and shoppers who believe in the power of education. By shopping with us or contributing your gently used items, you’re playing a part in shaping the future of our students.

^{How You Can Help}

Want to make a difference? Here’s how you can support our mission:

• Shop With Purpose: Every dollar you spend helps fund educational programs.

• Donate Goods: Clean out your closets or garage and donate gently used items to our stores.

  Tell your friends, neighbors, and family about The Giving Tree.

Deep-Dish Double Pie Crust

This recipe has been used for three generations in my family. I always make deep-dish fruit pies so I’m sharing this version of my recipe.

• 2 ²/₃ Cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 Cups ice cold Crisco^® All-Vegetable Shortening (I only use Crisco)

• 6 to 10 tbsps. ice cold water (I typically put ice in a glass of water so that the water is extremely cold.)

• DIRECTIONS

  1. STIR the flour and salt in a large bowl until blended. Cut shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or fork until the shortening pieces are the size of peas. Be patient. This is the most important step. You need the mixture as fine as possible. Gradually add water, 1 Tbsp. at a time. Stir with a fork just until the dough holds together and forms a smooth ball.

  2. SHAPE the dough into a ball. Divide the dough in half and shape into two balls.

  3. ROLL the dough on a lightly floured surface. Rolling from thecenter outward. For 9-inch pie plate, roll into an 11-inch circle. For 9 ¹/₂-inch deep-dish pie plate, roll into a 12-inch circle. Transfer dough to pie plate.