First Friday Flix - 'Rio'

Friday, Aug. 1; 7 pm
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will screen the computer-animated musical adventure-comedy 'Rio' on Friday, Aug. 1, during First Friday Flix. The title refers to the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, where the film is set. The film features the voices of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx, George Lopez and Tracy Morgan. The Motion Picture Licensing Corporation recently informed the Renaissance Centre that it may publicize the title of each month's film through its email subscription service. September's 'First Friday Flix' will feature 'Madagascar 3.' Offered on the first Friday evening of each month, 'First Friday Flix' features a variety of film favorites and genres, including art, children's and family films, as well as comedies, dramas, thrillers and more - often with a seasonal or historical theme. First Friday Flix movie screenings are free and open to the public. Concessions, including popcorn and soft drinks, are available for purchase. For more information, contact Renaissance Centre Manager Pamela Stevens at 919-435-9566.

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Saturday, Aug. 2; 8 am - Noon
OneCare, Inc. parking lot, 150 N. White St.

Offering blueberries, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, peppers, potatoes, beans, peas, squash, garlic, herbs and oh so much more! Beef, pork, lamb, rabbit, goat, chicken and turkey meat. Eggs, honey baked goods plus gluten-free.  Pottery, stools, shaker boxes and had carved spoons. Master Gardeners to help answer your troubling  garden issues.Live music by Shawn Deena. For more information, visit www.wakeforestfarmersmarket.org or call 919-671-9269.

Wake Forest Woman's Club's Charity Bowl-A-Thon

Sunday, Aug. 3
Brooks Street Bowl, 413 S. Brooks St.

The Wake Forest Woman's Club hosts a fun and family-friendly Charity Bowl-A-Thon on Sunday, August 3, 2014, rolling at 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m., at Brooks Street Bowl in Wake Forest.  The two teams with the highest pin-total scores will each win a team trophy.  Bowlers age 10 and under may use lane bumpers for no charge.  All bowlers age 11 and up may boost their pin-total scores by purchasing the use of lane bumpers for the last three frames of a game.  A grand prize for the top-scoring team will be $200 cash. The individual and the team that raises the most money through sponsors will win prizes. From the generosity of Wake Forest businesses and individuals, there will be door prizes and six enticing raffles, including a 50/50 raffle where the winner takes home half of the money collected.  Someone will win the raffle for a Party Package at Brooks Street Bowl's. Another lucky raffle winner will enjoy a weekend at North Myrtle Beach Barefoot Resort.  You do not have to be present to win a raffle.  Anyone may participate in the raffles.  Door prizes will be for registered bowlers only. Gather a team of four bowlers, choose a team name, and have the team captain register at http://www.bowlathon.net/event/WFWC2014. At this site pay a $100 entry fee for the team of four and choose a bowling session. The entry fee includes for each bowler two games, a soft drink, rental of bowling shoes and ball, and a coupon for one free game at a later date.  Additional beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. Event proceeds support activities of the Wake Forest Woman's Club, a nonprofit volunteer service group of local women who work together to enhance the Wake Forest community. Projects have included tutoring schoolchildren, distributing books and school supplies, displaying local students' art projects, delivering food through Meals on Wheels, contributing to the Tri-Area Ministry food pantry, supporting local firefighters, police and the public library, and more. To learn more, visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WakeForestWomansClub. 

Free Concert Featuring 'The Branchettes'

Sunday, Aug. 3; 5 pm
E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road

The Branchettes will perform a free concert on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the E. Carroll Joyner Park amphitheater, 701 Harris Road. Promising an evening filled with hymns and gospel music, The Branchettes feature the talented duo of Wilbur Tharpe and Lena Mae Perry whose styles and repertory are deeply rooted in the older African-American musical traditions of congregational hymn singing. Hailing from Johnston County, The Branchette's have performed at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Merlefest and more. Area residents are encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music. Concert-goers are reminded that alcoholic beverages, smoking, firearms and unleashed pets are prohibited at Joyner Park. The Aug. 3 concert is offered by Pinecone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, and is co-sponsored by the Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department and United Arts of Raleigh & Wake County. For more information, contact Pinecone at 919-664-8333 or visit www.pinecone.org.  

National Night Out

Tuesday, Aug. 5; 5 - 9 pm
Wake Forest

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is encouraging area neighborhoods and homeowners associations to show their support for police-community crime prevention partnerships by participating in this year's National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 5. National Night Out (NNO) teams law enforcement agencies with citizens, community leaders, civic groups, and local businesses to promote safe, healthy neighborhoods. The NNO observance, always held on the first Tuesday in August, is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Local neighborhoods, HOAs and other community groups can participate in National Night Out on Aug. 5 from 5-9 p.m. by hosting a block party, ice cream social, cookout or other event. Wake Forest Police officers will be available upon request to visit participating neighborhoods and share crime and drug prevention tips. These events are considered to be an enjoyable and effective way to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in a continuous quest for safer communities. Any neighborhood or community group interested in participating in or hosting a National Night Out event is invited to contact Lt. L. Danforth at 919-435-9618 or [email protected]. For more information about NNO, visithttp://natw.org/.

Lighthouse Homeschool Monthly Parent Meeting

Tuesday, Aug. 5; 7 -9 pm

Hope Lutheran Church, 3525 Rogers Road

Lighthouse Christian Homeschool Association holds its monthly parent meeting on the first Tuesday night of each month (August  - June) at 7 pm. The meeting includes a devotion, announcements, and discussion of a topic related to homeschooling, as well as time for fellowship, refreshments, and mentoring. Visitors are welcome. No RSVP required.  Find out more about us at www.lighthousehsa.com or Like our Facebook Page.

Divorce Recovery

Friday, Aug. 8; 7 - 9:30 pm
Saturday, Aug. 9; 9 am - 4:30 pm
Richland Creek Community Church, 3229 Burlington Mills Road

Divorce Recovery is for people struggling with separation and the tragic finality of a failed marriage.  The large and small group sessions help people accept new life circumstances, and form safe, meaningful friendships that last long after the workshops end.  Register online at www.richlandcreek.com/divorcerecovery or in person at the workshop. For more information, contact Perry Safron at 919-556-9292.

Art After Hours

Friday, Aug. 8; 5 - 9 pm
Downtown Wake Forest

On the second Friday night of each month, the streets of downtown Wake Forest come alive with food, merchants and music. Everyone is invited to come and experience the dining, art and retail merchants in downtown Wake Forest. You never know what treasure you may find!

Art After Hours at Sunflower Studio & Gallery

Friday, Aug 8; 5 - 9 pm
Sunflower Studio & Gallery, 214 E. Jones Ave.

For Art After Hours we are happy to welcome Sol and Sheila Levine as they open their show of photography and paintings. Sol's award winning nature photography is in collections around the world.  Sheila takes her inspiration for her acrylic paintings from her husband's photos. Sunflower Studio & Gallery is a renovated little blue bungalow in downtown Wake Forest filled with art and joy. We have seven resident artists and a community gallery featuring pottery, oil, acrylic, watercolor, jewelry, & fabric art.  Come experience the Sunflower!  Regular Hours: Th-F-S; 10-5pm.  For more information, visit www.sunflowerstudiowf.com or call 919-570-0765.

Forest Storytelling Festival "Spin Your Tale in Wake Forest, NC"

Saturday, Aug. 9; 10 am
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

Celebrate the art of story-telling at the Renaissance Centre on Saturday, Aug. 9. Four renowned storytellers will perform rousing concerts and conduct workshops for both children and adults. Complete details about this one-of-a-kind festival are available on the Renaissance Centre website. Tickets can be purchased online and at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. 

Preschool Open House

Saturday, Aug. 9; 9 am - 1 pm
Promise Land, 12600 Spruce Tree Way, Raleigh

Featuring games, bouncy house, refreshments and more! For more information, contact Brenda Hegyi at 919-569-2150 or [email protected].

Purple Heart Dinner

Saturday, Aug. 9; 5:30 pm
Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, 12605 Capital Blvd.

A limited number of tickets are available for the sixth annual Purple Heart Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 5:30 p.m., at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. Hosted by the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation, the dinner invites the public to help honor military veterans wounded in battle. In addition to Purple Heart Medal recipients and their families, the dinner is open to all veterans, military families and the public. This year's keynote speaker is retired Army Maj. Gen. Jerry R. Curry. A decorated combat veteran, Army aviator, paratrooper and Ranger, Curry served in Korea and Vietnam. After his 34-year military career, Curry served as Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Carter Administration, as acting press secretary to the Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration, and administrator of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the first Bush Administration. Curry is the author of two books, most recently "From Private to General: An African-American Rises Through The Ranks." The annual Purple Heart dinner includes entertainment by the 440th Army Band, patriotic tributes and a catered meal. Last year's dinner saluted more than 40 Purple Heart recipients. Tickets are $15 and available downtown at the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, For Old Times Sake and The Wake Weekly, or by emailing [email protected]. Sponsors are also needed to make this tribute possible. Sponsorship levels are Premier ($1,000), Blue ($500), White ($250) and Red ($100). For sponsor details, call Marty Coward at 919-792-0316 or go online to www.WakeForestPurpleHeartFoundation.org. Contributions may be made payable to Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation, P.O. Box 168, Wake Forest, NC, 27588.

Free Family Movie Night

Saturday, Aug. 9; 6 pm
Wake Forest Church of the Nazarene, 203 Capcom Ave., Suite 114

During our Family Movie Night, we will feature the film "God's Not Dead." Family Movie Night is free and open to the community. For more information, visit www.wfnazarene.org.

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre hosts free family-friendly movie showings on the second Monday morning of each month. Flix4kidz shows only G or PG-rated children's and family films. Our Aug. 11 movie will be 'The Lego Movie.' For more information, call 919-435-9466.

CROP Walk for Hunger 2014 Team Captains Meeting

Tuesday, Aug. 12; 6 pm
Heritage Baptist Church, 230 Capcom Ave.

On Tuesday, Aug. 12, community volunteers will host a rally for team captains for Wake Forest's CROP Walk for Hunger 2014.  Local churches, businesses, and charity organizations are encouraged to send a representative to the 6 p.m. rally at Heritage Baptist Church, 230 Capcom Avenue, Wake Forest. Pizza, dessert, and beverages will be provided.   Participants will learn facts and strategies for leading their teams for the Wake Forest CROP Hunger Walk to be held on September 28, 2014.  CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local volunteers to raise funds to end hunger.  In our community Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry will receive a share of the money raised as well as all non-perishable food items that the walkers will donate on walk day. RSVP for the August 12 rally to Mary Catherine Hinds, [email protected] or call CWS CROP, (919)-571-3800. Details about the Sept. 28 walk in Wake Forest: www.crophungerwalk.org/wakeforestnc

Forest Moon Theater Presents 'Attack of the Ugg Bugs'

Wednesday, Aug. 13; 11 am
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. 

Forest Moon Theater will present 'Attack of the Ugg Bugs' at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. This Forest Moon Theater performance tells the story of Spammy and Jean - two loud-mouthed bugs that are up to no good. They don't realize that their thoughtless words pack a poisonous sting until it's almost too late. Then a beautiful stranger pays them a visit and teaches them a valuable lesson in kindness the bugs won't soon forget. Talented and energetic, Forest Moon Theater's acting trio of Beth Martin, Jennifer Schulz and Mitzi Bissette create original and innovative children's plays using literature, improvisation and pure interactive fun where children are cast right out of the audience into the show! No two shows are ever the same and adults have as much fun as the kids. These shows are geared to young children ages 3-7. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased in advance or at the Parks and Recreation window in the lobby of the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. On the day of the event, tickets may also be purchased at the door.  

Mondays; 6:30 pm
Oak Grove Baptist Church, 2124 Oak Grove Church Road

Oak Grove Baptist Church offers the following ministries on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm: Divorce Care, Divorce Care for Kids, and GriefShare.  These ministries are designed to help, comfort, and instruct both adults and children who have suffered through separation, divorce, or the death of a loved one.  This is an ongoing 13-week program on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm held at Oak Grove Baptist Church in the Youngsville/Wake Forest area. For more information, contact Paul Cusac at 919-556-2315 or visit www.oakgrovebc.com.

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Evening Club 

Tuesdays, 6:30 pm weigh-in; 6:45 pm meeting 
Wake Forest Baptist Church, Room 213, 103 N. Main St.

TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support program that welcomes all! Your first session is free and annual membership is only $28. Contact Megan for more information at 501-499-3098 and www.tops.org.

Wake Forest Rotary Club

Mondays; 6:30 pm
The Forks Cafeteria, 339 S. Brooks St.

The Rotary Club of Wake Forest meets for fellowship, dinner, and an informative and interesting presentation from a guest speaker every Monday night. We cordially welcome guests and potential members to attend. Rotary is an international organization whose members provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. One of over 30,000 local clubs, the Wake Forest Rotary Club was chartered December 17, 1937.For more information, contact us at [email protected]  or 919-621-2428. 

Custom Built Chiks 

Tuesdays; 7 pm
YMCA at The Factory, 1839 S. Main St.

We are a women's Inspiration-Accountability Circle to support women who have 50+ pounds to lose. We meet at the YMCA in the Factory on South Main Street in Wake Forest. Every Tuesday night at 7 pm. The meetings are just $5 on Tuesday nights with several free exercise events throughout the week. Meetings are community driven featuring wellness experts hosting mini wellness workshops, exercise events throughout the week at different venues, accountability pages and more. For more information, email [email protected]. 

Women in Networking - Wake Forest Chapter

Wednesdays, 8 - 9 am
Wake Forest Coffee Company, 156 S. White St.

Women in Networking is unique group of business women and dynamic female entrepreneurs.  We embrace and share our innate power, wisdom and abilities to succeed in business and life. For more information, contact Kristi Gorski at [email protected] or visit www.win-nc.com.

Divorce Care, GriefShare, and Single & Parenting Ministries

For more information, contact Bob Wallace at 919-671-9913.

Wake Forest Civitan Club 

2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month
The Forks Cafeteria. 339 S. Brooks St.

Civitan is a volunteer service club dedicated to helping people in their own community. For more information, email [email protected].