Wow - you can certainly tell that SPRING has finally arrived in Wake Forest, NC!  The event calendar is loaded ith outdoor events, concerts and classes!    Most of the activity is tied to the annual HerbFest.  If you missed what that was about be sure to check out - Annual Herb Fest in Wake Forest! April 18 - 27, 2008 Be sure to check back in often this week for additional information and added activities in conjuction with the HerbFest!  It really is an amazing festival that my family looks forward to every year! From the Town of Wake Forest website: Drive Less. Save More. - Take the SmartCommute ChallengeApril 15 - May 30Wake, Durham, and Orange Counties HerbFestApril 18-27Monday - Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Friday & Saturday; 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Sundays; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.F... 04/13/2008

Whew - this has certainly been back and forth!  First we had The Drought - An Impact Greater Than You Know..... - yep, the pool was almost closed for summer.  Then we had Holding Park Pool vs. The Drought - Wake Forest Pool Closed For Summer - The pool was definitely closed for summer and now we have.............. Rain Allows Holding Pool to Open!!!!!!!!!  Since January 1, 2008 we have had 47.07 inches of rain here in the Raleigh area!  It has been WONDERFUL!  We are still 8.59 inches below normal but the deluge was a welcome respite to the awful dry spell that we have had! Enough so that Wake Forest Town leaders have decided, with the aid of relaxed water restrictions, to open Holding Park Community Pool for the summer.  The pool will open Saturday, May 24, and be open on weekends thro... 04/11/2008

Join a park ranger and go exploring!  Search for snakes, frogs, and birds along the 3/4 mile loop.  Great educational hike - we have been to several of them and it is a great family outing!  On this particular hike you can also learn about projects you can do in your own back yard!  This hike will take place on Sunday, April 13 at 10:00am.  Please plan on meeting at the Sandling Beach Shelter 7 - all ages are welcome - children must be accompanied by parent.  For more information please call the park office at 919-676-1027. Always something educational in My Back Yard.... 04/11/2008

Join an impressive panel for this informative discussion regarding the options that The Town of Wake Forest provides for retail, education, health care and the like.  This expert panel will also discuss the future vision of Wake Forest and is open to community and economic leaders.  The panel will consist of Economy: Mike Hensen, Senior Program Coordinator, Center of Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness at Duke University Education: Bob Luddy, President and CEO of Captive-Aire Systems Inc. and Founder of Thales Academy and also Franklin Academy, which is in Wake Forest Government: Joe Bryan, Chairman of the Wake County Board of Commissioners Health Care: Bill Atkinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, WakeMed Health & Hospitals Housing: Ed Dunnavant, Regional Director, Metr... 04/11/2008

Buying your first home can be a tricky event. Sometimes we think we can afford:  This is definitely a nice little "starter" home. Yet sometimes we are too afraid to act, fearing we'll end up with:   More "fixer" than up. The good news    Is that there is a community seminar designed to   save you:. So remember at this seminar:  And we will be happy to share our secrets to make your buying experience profitable and enjoyable. We look forward to helping you make your dreams come true. So contact The Fischetti Group for more details at: www.jimfischetti.com Thanks and see you there!   Jim Fischetti919.554.9802 Seminar is May 8 at the Hampton Inn in Wake Forest.    04/10/2008

Don't forget to visit the Wake Forest Farmer's Market this Saturday!  They have started their Spring/Summer schedule and are now open EVERY Saturday...... From the Town of Wake Forest website..... Small Business Administration OverviewWednesday, April 9; 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, 350 South White StreetIvan Hankins, Senior Area Manager of the Small Business Administration, will give an overview of all products and services available through the SBA.  Whether you are thinking about going into business or are currently in business and want to find out what the SBA can do for you, Hankins will discuss government loans, free professional consulting, writing a business plan and many more important areas for your business. To register for this program, contact Mary... 04/06/2008

Porto Fino in Wake Forest is off to a torrid sales pace in 2008. You'll definitely want to stop by and see what all the buzz is about. Even as the media reports the "down" real estate market, Porto Fino has soared. The bottom line is when a builder offers a quality home, in a great community at a good price:Buyers buy!Hats off to the builders in Porto Fino:BenchmarkCady ConstructionCreech ConstructionMedallion ConstructionThe guys continue to provide outstanding homes at great prices. To Ryan (The Fischetti Group):Great job, keep it up.To visit on-line go to :www.jimfischetti.comOr call Ryan at 919.554.4800 to schedule an appointment. Here's to an even better second quarter.    04/05/2008

If you have the opportunity you have GOT TO CHECK THIS OUT!  We have attended the Wake Forest herbfest for the last 4 years and it is amazing!  This Spring Festival is packed with ideas for gardening, recipes, entertainment, food, education seminars and, of course, HERBS!  The range of herbs available is staggering.  There is an endless list of varieties available.  One year we purchased Pineapple Basil and it had to be the BEST I have ever had.  Unfortunately, it wasn't there last year so I sure hope it is back this season!  Thanks to the HerbFest my front beds are full of herbs all Spring, Summer and Fall.  I can sit on my front porch and watch the bees and the butterflies all day long and it is so nice to just walk out my front door come dinner time to pick some fresh herbs!  You don... 04/05/2008

Well, I can to you that it is a HUGE annual charity event!  Not only is there the Dance Marathon but a Laser Show and American Fun Fair!  This charity event is totally organized by the Social-Organization and Service Club which is chaired by Mike Meyer.  Mike Meyer is a sixth grade counselor at WFRMS and his role goes way beyond that of counselor.  Mike Meyer is an amazing teacher, counselor, friend and human being.  He received the 2004 Franklin County Middle School Innovative Educator of the Year award after he co-founded a bereavement group for students and initiating a stress management training session after the unfortunate suicide of a student.  In addition, last year he received the John Jackson Knox Jr. Middle School Award which is handed out by the NC School Counselor Associati... 04/03/2008

Active Listings: *February Statistics run through March 15, 2008 There were 1358 active listings for the month of February 2008* which includes townhomes and condos. In comparison, there were 973 actives listing for the month of February 2007 (which were computed through March 15, 2007). A substantial increase of 40% is noted. Closed Listings: There were 198 closings for the month of February 2008 (computed from January 1 - February 29, 2008) in Wake Forest. Of those closings 20% had a price point of $400,000 or higher. The supply of homes in Wake Forest has dipped slightly from a 15 month supply to a 14 month supply.  Wake Forest currently has the HIGHEST absorption rate in Wake County. Average days on market for Wake Forest through February 29, 2008 was 103. Additional Statistics: The... 04/01/2008

Wake Forest is gearing up for full-fledged Spring!  While it may seem a little quiet this week don't let that fool you!  Big things are coming your way!  Be sure to donate all this month to the Wake Forest Library - they are preparing for their annual book sale that is always HUGE!!! Also, the Wake Forest Farmer's Market begins it's regular schedule of EVERY weekend this week!!! From The Town of Wake Forest Website: Donate Books to Friends of the Library April 1 - 30 Donation Bins at Participating Wake Forest Merchants The Friends of the Wake Forest Library need hardcover and paperback books (in good condition) for their annual used book sale. Throughout April, you can place your gently used books in donation bins located at participating Wake Forest merchants. Proceeds from the annual ... 03/30/2008

Raleigh continually tops the ranks for many lists such as #1 Place for Business and Careers and Nation's Fastest Growing Counties......Well, we have made another list......Best Places To Buy Foreclosed Homes! Forbes compiled the list by starting with the nations top 100 largest Metro areas and then ranked them by their annual foreclosure rate.  Then, they moved on to the annual growth of the markets that were chosen and finally, they looked at the spread between median prices and foreclosure prices.  Their final Top 10?  Here they are.... Charlotte, NC Raleigh, NC Nashville, TN Oklahoma City, OK San Antonio, TX Albuquerque, NM Knoxville, TN Seattle, WA Indianapolis, IN Washington, Alexandria, and Arlington The article is much more in-depth in how they reached their conclusions.  The mos... 03/29/2008

Well, give Wake Forest something to celebrate and we roll with it!  I posted a week ago New Year's Eve? Already? Wake Forest Is Looking For Volunteers! - the search for volunteers!  Well, we have responded and here is the latest rundown on some of the highlights: A historical float will be joining the annual Christmas Parade. After much deliberation town leaders have decided to purchase the necessary insurance for serving alcohol at the Christmas Gala - That is a FIRST! A time capsule and inscribed pavers will be place at the new Town Hallto be constructed.  Pavers are available to business as well as citizens that want to be remember throughout the year and in the NEXT 100 years! On Feb. 20, 2008, the town will hold its official Party of the Century, complete with cakes and ice cream ... 03/28/2008

How sad!  I posted a blog titled The Drought - A Greater Impact Than You Know.... last week that highlight the decision that was weighing heavily on town leaders.  That decision was whether or not to suspend the pool season for 2008.  A decision was to be made by May 1st as to the fate of this iconic summer gathering spot.  Sadly, it has been decided that the Community Pool at Holding Park will not operate this season.  Here is an exerpt from their decision with an insight into the reasoning "Due to the current Stage 2 water restrictions, however, the Parks & Recreation Department is not allowed to fill the pool. At the same time, the Town is not comfortable with the amount of water that would have been required to keep it filled for the 2008 season. Due to leakage, evaporation and spl... 03/28/2008

 Excellent foreclosure in Wake Forest - looking for instant equity and a large home with wonderful upgrades and features and only needs minor work?   Visit http://www.ncreo.net/ for more information - 516 Deacon Ridge Street in popular Deacon's Ridge community in Downtown Wake Forest.   This home features 2 stories plus a basement with a garage, shop, two decks - too many extras!   Email info@lavrackproperties.com. 03/25/2008

OK - Ya gotta admit - I give you some pretty good ideas for things to do in Wake Forest - well, hold on to your hats - here comes one of the most unusual and unique things to do in My Back Yard...... Just down the road off Hwy 98 there is an exposed vein of garnets.  FREE for the taking!  There are literally billions of carats of this gorgeous purple/red semi-precious gem waiting to be found!  All you need is a hammer and chisel and you are good to go!  If you go after a heavy rain many of them can easily be worked out and most times they are virtually "free" due to the erosion caused by the rains. To get to the site from US1 Raleigh (Capital Blvd.), drive north towards Wake Forestand exit right at the Highway 98 interchange, make a left at the bottom of the ramp (McDonald's in the corn... 03/25/2008

For months the "old pink house" on 1A in Wake Forest was undergoing "something".  No one quite knew what it was - we didn't know if was going to be torn down, renovated or what! Much to our delight the old historic home was renovated and turned into a FABULOUS coffee shop!  THE WELL The old house still retains ALL of its character.  Each room has huge plasma screen tv's, plush deep couches, there is still a fireplace and upstairs offers a small conference room.  Wi-Fi available throughout - just be sure to ask for the code before booting up.  There are perfect little spots all throughout the "house" that offer great meeting locations or space for quiet conversations. The coffee is prepared by some of the finest Baristas.  Each is well-trained and have had to pass rigorous written and ha... 03/25/2008

One thing we are very proud of here in the Wake Forest area is celebrating our history!  We celebrate milestones, landmarks, and events - why?  To preserve the distinct richness that is Wake Forest!  You have to know where you have been to see where you are going! March 29th - 9:00am - 5:00pm, is a HUGE event for the area and you certainly won't want to miss this opportunity to get out and enjoy nature, history and have a little fun! B.W. Wells Heritage Day is all about learning about life on a 19th century farm.  There will be a variety of guided tours to choose from such as: B.W. Wells History Tour - every hour on the hour. Short history walk leads you around all the main features of the Rock Cliff Farm home stead.  You will hear about the history of B.W. Wells and the farm itself. Ze... 03/23/2008

As the month of March winds down, the eggs have all been hunted and the daffodils have bloomed The Town Of Wake Forest offers up a few more exciting events for the last week of March.  Check them out!  2008 Friends of Scouting Annual Breakfast featuring Keynote speaker Peter Kunisch, Meteorologist at NBC 17 News and Eagle ScoutTuesday, March 25; 7:30 a.m.The Forks CafeteriaThe Wake Forest Friends of Scouting and the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America invite you to join us for the 2008 annual breakfast fundraiser to be held Tuesday, March 25, at 7:30 a.m. at The Forks Cafeteria. Keynote speaker will be Peter Kunisch, Meteorologist at NBC 17 News who is also an Eagle Scout. There are over 430 active Scouts in the Wake Forest community. Scouting serves as a moral compass for toda... 03/23/2008

It may seem sacrilegious to make this point,but hand written notes are better than blogging, better than e-mail, better than texting, better than "sent from blackberry", even better than "IMing". I may be considered old fashioned, even out of touch, but I think I am "WRITE" (pun intended) about this. People really appreciate a hand written note. Especially since it has become a lost art. Consider this, some newly married couples send an e-mail "thank-you" as opposed to a hand written tank you note. Where is Miss Manners when you need her. Yikes, can you believe that, or do you care? I think you do care, most of us do. And most of us would be slightly put off by not getting a hand written thank you note. Yet we live in a society where people write each other less and less. Are there even... 03/22/2008