Send a helping hand to Haiti Friday, Feb. 12, when local artists and musicians sponsor Hands for Haiti at Crossroads Entertainment in Renaissance Place on Brooks Street. Volunteers from Wake Tech and the Forensic Press will give you instructions about crime-scene investigations, you can listen to music and dance, bid on items and services in the silent auction and support a good cause. The doors open at 4 p.m., the band Spot is expected to begin playing around 7 and the live auction will start at 9.
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            Fall in love with downtown Wake Forest Friday evening during Art After Hours from 5 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 12. You will find live music, events and receptions in local galleries and free horse and carriage rides, weather permitting.
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            The local community engagement meeting by Wake County Public School System will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Heritage High School on Forestville Road. Parents and others may sign up now to speak at the meeting about the school calendar. Go to www.wcpss.net/news/2010_Jan12_meetings/.
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            The Wake Forest Farmers’ Winter Market will take place Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon in the depot parking lot along South White Street. Expect to find meats, eggs, baked goods and seasonal produce, whatever has survived the snow and sleet. You might also find honey, lotions and soaps, aprons and sunbonnets, and last month the folks from Sleepy Goat Farm came with old standard and some new cheeses.
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            The fifth annual Renaissance Ball sponsored by the Wake Forest Downtown Revitalization Corporation and the Wake Forest Junior Women’s Club will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, at Crossroads Entertainment and will benefit the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club. Get a $55 ticket by calling 570-1372 or going online at www.wfjuniors.com.
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            Mayor Vivian Jones will give her second annual State of the Town speech Monday, Feb. 22, during the State of the Town dinner at Tuxedo Junction. The event begins at 6 p.m. The $15 tickets are available at town hall or at the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce with either cash or check. You can also go to www.wakeforestnc.gov/marketplace.aspx to purchase them with MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
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            The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Economic Development Forum in the Mill Room at The Factory on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.