🛶 Growing Pains

Good morning, Forsyth County.

Spring is officially here, and if you drove past the new Freedom Parkway campus last week, you saw what 285,000 residents worth of growth looks like up close. The ribbon cutting drew a crowd. Families exploring the 42-acre site, neighbors snapping photos, county staff imagining their new commute. It was one of those moments where you could feel Forsyth County stepping into its next chapter.

Of course, growth always comes with growing pains. This week we're unpacking the county-versus-city debate over where commission meetings will actually take place, and why state law has something to say about it. We're also looking at a brand-new grant opportunity that could mean big things for local nonprofits, plus some important data on what's happening in our schools that every parent should see.

- Chad

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Forsyth County cut the ribbon on its new 42-acre Freedom Parkway administration campus last week, but don't expect to see commissioners meeting there anytime soon. County Attorney Ken Jarrard announced that all official meetings will remain at the current building on East Main Street in Cumming, citing a state law that requires county decision-making to take place within the county seat. The new campus at 2435 Freedom Parkway, which sits outside Cumming's city limits, will serve as a centralized hub for 17 departments and roughly 330 staff. The county is exploring ways to eventually relocate meetings to the site.

Local nonprofits have a new funding opportunity on the way. The Forsyth County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Georgia Community Foundation, will open its inaugural grant cycle on April 1. Applications will be accepted through April 30 from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing within the county. The foundation's Community Grant Endowment Fund was seeded by a $1 million commitment from NGCF, matched dollar-for-dollar by philanthropists Tommy and Chantal Bagwell, bringing the total endowment to $2 million. For eligibility details and application information, visit ngcf.org/fccf.

Disciplinary incidents in Forsyth County Schools jumped from 6,220 in 2024 to 6,795 in 2025. Thats an increase of more than 500, even as enrollment dipped by 308 students to 57,096, according to Georgia Department of Education data. The number of students involved in incidents also rose, from 3,348 to 3,774. Superintendent Dr. Mitch Young pointed to lingering post-pandemic behavioral challenges and outlined the district's response, which includes trauma-informed interventions, positive behavior support programs, and a new policy eliminating personal electronic devices in schools. The district says it is working closely with families to maintain safe learning environments.

Exploring Chair Yoga

When: Monday, March 23, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

What: Join a gentle introduction to yoga, meditation, and mindfulness - all from the comfort of a chair. Perfect for adults of any fitness level looking to ease into the week with some calm. Free; no registration required. Just show up and stretch it out.

Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Sensory Storytime

When: Monday, March 23, 10:00 AM

What: Enjoy an inclusive storytime designed for all children and all abilities. Toddlers and preschoolers explore stories, songs, and sensory activities in a welcoming, low-stimulation environment. Free; registration required through forsythpl.org. A wonderful option for families seeking an accessible library experience.

Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Introduction to Medicare

When: Monday, March 23, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What: Learn how to make informed decisions about health coverage, drug costs, and Medicare enrollment at this free informational session for adults. No registration required.

Where: Denmark Library, 585 Shiloh Road, Cumming, GA 30040

ATLAS Live Action! Inventors & Inventions

When: Tuesday, March 24, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

What: Discover the history of inventors and inventions through hands-on STEM activities designed for grades K-5. Great for homeschoolers and curious young minds looking for a midweek adventure. Free; no registration required. Event passes handed out 30 minutes before the program.

Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Book Sleuths Mystery Book Club

When: Tuesday, March 24, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What: Join fellow mystery lovers for a lively discussion of "The Girl From Widow Hills" by Megan Miranda. This free monthly book club is open to all adult readers who enjoy suspense and whodunits. Grab a copy from your local branch and come ready to talk twists.

Where: Post Road Library, 5110 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Brewer's Alley Spring Social Cornhole League

When: Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

What: Enjoy competitive cornhole action every Wednesday night at Brewer's Alley, hosted by Lanier Cornhole Club and Cumming City Center in partnership with Crooked Culture Brewing. Cold brews, good throws, and great company. League registration required through georgiacornholeevents.com; spectators welcome.

Where: Brewer's Alley at Cumming City Center, 515 Spring Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Snake Identification with GA Division of Natural Resources

When: Thursday, March 26, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

What: Learn helpful tips for identifying Georgia's snakes with Kathy Church from the Division of Natural Resources. Perfect timing as spring hiking season ramps up -- know what's harmless and what to give space. Free program for adults; no registration required.

Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Learn Orienteering with UGA Extension

When: Thursday, March 26, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

What: Discover map and compass skills for navigating the great outdoors in this free workshop presented by UGA Extension. Open to high schoolers and adults. A hands-on session to sharpen your navigation game.

Where: Denmark Library, 585 Shiloh Road, Cumming, GA 30040

74° 🌡️ 46° | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 NW 14 mph (12 knots)

60° 🌡️ 45° | ☁️ | 35% | 💨 E 13 mph (11 knots)

55° 🌡️ 47° | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 E 8 mph (7 knots)

72° 🌡️ 47° | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 SW 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 53ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

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Have a great week!