🛶 Class of 2026

Good morning, Forsyth County.

High school graduations are officially underway around Forsyth County, which means a lot of families are watching their seniors take that long walk across the stage and into whatever comes next. If you know one of them, congratulate them. Not in passing, either. Make a little fuss. They’ve earned it.

But once the gowns are returned, the pictures are posted, and the last piece of graduation cake has disappeared from the counter, keep checking in. That first year after high school can be thrilling, but it can also be a pretty quick introduction to the fact that life does not always follow the plan you write down. College may feel different once they’re actually living it. Work may be harder than expected. Some plans will change entirely. And more than a few graduates will feel like they’re supposed to have the whole thing figured out already, even though most of the adults cheering for them are still figuring out pieces of their own lives too.

So celebrate the Class of 2026 this week. Cheer loudly. Take too many pictures. Tell them you’re proud of them. Then, in the months ahead, remind them again. A little patience, a little encouragement, and a steady voice in their corner can go a long way.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Forsyth County is rooting for you.

- Chad

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A few familiar Lake Lanier spots could soon get more local attention from Forsyth County Parks and Recreation. The county is waiting on final approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for an agreement that would bring five additional lake parks and access points under county management. The list includes Tidwell, Vann’s Tavern, Two Mile Creek, Keith’s Bridge, and Long Hollow. If the agreement is approved, Forsyth County would manage 12 Lake Lanier parks, campgrounds, and water access areas in all. For visitors, the change should feel pretty seamless. Hours, seasonal schedules, and public access are expected to stay the same. The main difference would likely be better upkeep, more regular maintenance, cleaner facilities, and landscaping that matches the county’s other parks. The transition could happen sometime this summer.

Drivers in south Forsyth may want to give themselves a little extra time on McGinnis Ferry Road this week. Beginning Monday, May 18, traffic will be shifted to the outside lanes between Flamingo Road and Union Hill Road while crews begin work in the median. The lane shift is expected to take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weather permitting. The work is part of the larger McGinnis Ferry Road widening project, which will expand the road to four lanes with a raised median from Union Hill Road to Douglas Road. Once complete, the corridor will also include a 10-foot multi-use path on one side and a 5-foot sidewalk on the other.

West Forsyth’s girls lacrosse team closed out a perfect season Friday night with a 10-8 win over Lambert in the Division 3 state championship. The matchup was much tighter than the teams’ regular-season meeting, with Lambert battling back from an early deficit and tying the game late in the third quarter. West Forsyth answered quickly, then used a strong fourth quarter to regain control and protect the lead. The win gave the Wolverines back-to-back state championships and capped a 22-0 season. West Forsyth has now won 32 straight games and gone 41-2 over the past two seasons.

Forsyth County has no government meetings scheduled for Monday or Wednesday of this week, but Tuesday and Thursday are busy. On Tuesday May 19th, the Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting and public hearings at 6:30 PM, followed immediately by a Board of Voter Registrations & Elections special called meeting at 7:00 PM to canvass the General Primary and Non‑Partisan General Election results. Two days later on Thursday May 21st, the Development Authority convenes at 9:30 AM at the Forsyth Conference Center to review economic‑development projects. The Board of Commissioners meets at 5:00 PM for its regular session and public hearings.

Baby Play Day
When: Monday, May 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: The Hampton Park Library invites caregivers and infants (0–18 months) to a relaxed morning of play. The library provides early‑learning toys, music and board books; no registration is needed.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Beginning Mah Jongg (three‑week course, Session 1)
When: Monday, May 18, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Instructor Peggy Britt leads the first of three sessions introducing American Mahjongg. Beginners will learn rules and strategies so they can join games with confidence. Registration is required for the free program.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Mastering the Dungeon – D&D Dungeon Master’s Training
When: Tuesday, May 19, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Aspiring storytellers and world‑builders learn to run their own Dungeons & Dragons game. Session 3 (“Roll for Initiative”) focuses on designing balanced and exciting combat encounters, covering challenge rating, initiative, maps and pacing.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Forsyth Creates: Decorative Paper Mâché Boxes
When: Wednesday, May 20, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Adults can create decorative paper‑mâché boxes. The library supplies scrapbook paper, paint and other materials; no experience is required. The program connects participants with other creative community members.
Where: Hampton Park Library – Quiet Room, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Dungeons & Dragons – “Monster of the Week”
When: Wednesday, May 20, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: A one‑shot tabletop role‑playing game session where participants (teens/adults) embark on a self‑contained adventure. Pre‑generated characters are provided; players are encouraged to arrive early to review their character. Spectators are welcome to watch and learn.
Where: Hampton Park Library – Quiet Room, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Instant Imprints Grand Re‑Opening & Ribbon Cutting
When: Wednesday, May 20, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (ribbon‑cutting at 5:30 PM)
What: Community celebration marking new ownership of the Instant Imprints store. The event invites Chamber of Commerce members, local officials and residents to enjoy food, drinks and a ribbon‑cutting ceremony; the business highlights its commitment to helping local organizations with custom apparel and promotional products.
Where: 547 Lakeland Plaza (Unit 547), Cumming, GA 30040.

5 Boroughs Songwriter Series: Featuring David Ryan Harris
When: Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM (doors open 7:00 PM)
What: Live music and storytelling event at 5 Boroughs Pizza Tavern. Singer‑songwriters David Ryan Harris, Francisco Vidal, Sarah Mootz and Roman Puckett perform; admission includes a drink and appetizer.
Where: 5 Boroughs Pizza Tavern, 1370 Buford Hwy, Cumming, GA 30041

FOCO Works Career Fair
When: Thursday, May 21, 12:00 PM
What: FOCO Works is hosting a free career fair for job seekers looking to connect with Forsyth County employers in person. Attendees can meet local companies, learn about open roles and career paths, and make connections that may lead to a new opportunity. A useful stop for anyone ready for a new role or simply wanting to see what local employers are hiring. For registration visit https://www.focoworks.org/focoevents1.
Where: UNG-Cumming Campus, 300 Aquatic Cir, Cumming, GA 30040

LORIN at YAVA Kitchen & Brewhouse
When: Thursday, May 21, 6:00 PM
What: YAVA Kitchen & Brewhouse is hosting an evening of live music with LORIN. Guests can settle in with handcrafted cocktails, food, and a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying music on a Thursday night. A good midweek option for anyone looking to unwind without going far from home.
Where: YAVA Kitchen & Brewhouse, 3001 Market Place Blvd, Cumming, GA 30041

A Quarter Millennium of American History – A Retrospective
When: Thursday, May 21, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: In commemoration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, three University of North Georgia historians examine the nation’s development. Topics include the War for Independence versus the American Revolution, the evolution of women’s rights, and U.S. foreign policy at 250.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Network @ The Picklr
When: Thursday, May 21, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
What: A free community‑focused networking event that brings together local business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals at The Picklr indoor pickleball club. Attendees enjoy informal networking, light food and beverage options and optional pickleball play; registration via The Picklr app is required.
Where: The Picklr (inside The Collection at Forsyth, next to Jim ’N Nick’s BBQ), Cumming, GA 30041

Upcoming

The Stranger: Tribute to Billy Joel
When: Saturday, May 23, 8:00 PM
What: The Lou Sobh Amphitheater is hosting The Stranger, a Billy Joel tribute band known for recreating the sound and feel of his classic songs. The free concert is part of the Spring Concert Series and will feature live music in an outdoor setting at Cumming City Center.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

GTA International Fest
When: Saturday, June 6, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What: Celebrate cultural diversity with global cuisine, food vendors, arts and crafts, a kids zone, cultural performances, and a main stage. Hosted by the Global Telangana Association, the free community festival also supports local small businesses through affordable vendor stalls.
Where: Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, GA 30040

86° 🌡️ 63° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 E 8 mph

85° 🌡️ 64° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 SE 5 mph

86° 🌡️ 64° | 🌤️⛈️ | 40% | 💨 Light/variable

84° 🌡️ 63° | 🌦️⛈️ | 60% | 💨 Light/variable

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 72ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

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