🛶 Happy President's Day

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Forsyth County.

Happy Presidents' Day, I hope you're getting the day off. In case you didn't know, Presidents' Day actually started as a celebration of George Washington's birthday on February 22nd. It became a federal holiday back in 1885, and was later moved to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Over the years it's evolved into a day honoring all U.S. presidents, but Washington is still the reason for the season.

If you're one of the lucky ones with the day off, consider this your personal invitation to get out and explore. The county is waiving day-use fees at its Lake Lanier parks today, which means there's never been a better excuse to pack a thermos of coffee and enjoy a waterside morning at Mary Alice Park or Young Deer Creek. With temperatures climbing into the mid-60s this week and rain holding off until Wednesday, the timing couldn't be better to shake off the winter blues and get outside.

- Chad

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A new bypass road connecting Dr. Bramblett Road to Bannister Road near SR 369 will bring relief to drivers navigating one of north Forsyth County's busiest corridors. The project, funded through SPLOST IX and supported by a partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation, aims to reduce congestion and improve safety in the rapidly growing area. District 1 Commissioner Kerry Hill championed the project, noting increasing traffic pressures from residential development. Construction timelines and detour information will be shared as the project advances.

Forsyth County families looking for a free outdoor adventure this Presidents Day weekend are in luck. The county will waive day-use fees at its parks located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property along Lake Lanier, including several popular recreation areas. The fee-free days aim to encourage residents to explore the county's lakeside parks and enjoy winter recreation along the water. With Monday's Presidents Day holiday giving many families an extra day off, the waived fees offer an affordable way to get outdoors. Visit forsythco.com/parks for a full list of participating locations and hours.

Approximately 11,200 Forsyth County voters may see changes to their polling locations under a proposal announced this week. The Board of Registration and Elections is recommending adjustments to four existing precincts and the creation of a new precinct to accommodate the county's rapid population growth. The changes affect roughly 6% of the county's 182,000-plus registered voters. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 23 at the Forsyth County Administration Building, where residents can voice their input.

All three local governing bodies meet this week. Tuesday, February 17th, the Forsyth County Board of Education convenes at 5:00 PM at the Board of Education building, 1120 Dahlonega Highway, with the public session beginning at 6:00 PM. Also Tuesday, the City of Cumming City Council holds its regular meeting at 6:00 PM at Cumming City Hall, 100 Main Street.

Looking ahead to Thursday, February 19th, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meets at 5:00 PM at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main Street, for their regular session. Agendas are typically posted several days before each meeting. Residents can find meeting details, agendas, and livestream links at forsythco.com, cityofcumming.net, and forsyth.k12.ga.us.

Presidents Day Fee-Free Day at County Lake Parks

When: Monday, February 16, Dawn - Dusk

What: Explore Forsyth County's lakeside parks along Lake Lanier with no day-use fees in honor of Presidents Day. The county is waiving standard fees at four parks, including boat ramp access and swimming areas. Pack a picnic and enjoy winter sunshine on the water. Free admission all day at all participating parks.

Where: Mary Alice Park, 1820 Mary Alice Park Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (also Young Deer Creek Park, Six Mile Creek Park, and Charleston Park)

Journey Through America: Celebrating America 250

When: Tuesday, February 17, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

What: Explore our country's rich history through hands-on activities as part of the library's America 250 celebration series. Perfect for families with elementary-age children — especially with students off for the Professional Development Day. Each month features a different era and theme. Free and open to all.

Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028

The Fascinating World of Frogs

When: Tuesday, February 17, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

What: Join Master Naturalist Michelle Murphy for an engaging evening celebrating and learning about Georgia's frogs. Discover the variety of frog species found right here in Forsyth County, their habitats, and why they matter to our local ecosystem. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and curious minds. Free.

Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028

The Stitching Hour: Community Crafting for Adults

When: Tuesday, February 17, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

What: Relax, create, and connect with fellow crafters at this weekly social meetup for adults. Bring whatever project you're working on — knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or any art form. All skill levels welcome in this laid-back, encouraging atmosphere. Free and no registration required.

Where: Post Road Library, 5705 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth Creates: Paper Crafts Featuring Icosahedrons

When: Wednesday, February 18, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What: Create a stunning geometric icosahedron at this adult craft program at the Hampton Park Library. All materials provided. Learn paper folding techniques and take home a unique piece of geometric art. A fun afternoon of creativity and conversation. Free admission.

Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028

Frog Walk with UGA Extension Master Naturalists

When: Wednesday, February 18, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

What: Walk Denmark Library's outdoor spaces after dark to listen for and identify frogs with UGA Extension Master Naturalists as your guides. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather on this unique nighttime nature adventure. Perfect for families and nature lovers. Free.

Where: Denmark Library Amphitheater, 108 Library Trail, Cumming, GA 30028

Great Decisions: Ukraine and the Future of European Security

When: Wednesday, February 18, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

What: Join America's largest discussion program on world affairs, led by a University of North Georgia professor. This week's topic explores Ukraine and the evolving landscape of European security. Part of the Foreign Policy Association's annual Great Decisions series. Open to all adults. Free.

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

Love Legacy Calendar and Letter Workshop with Author Michelle Wilson

When: Thursday, February 19, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
What: Join author Michelle Wilson in creating a legacy of love by writing heartfelt letters to loved ones and designing a love calendar. All ages welcome from elementary school through adults — a meaningful family activity that produces keepsakes to cherish. Free.
Where: Post Road Library, 5705 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

The Revolution of Fashion: The Dress of the 1770s

When: Thursday, February 19, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
What: Step back in time with Marie Bartlett of Historic Belle for a captivating journey through the fashion and social history of the 1700s. Part of the Celebrating America 250 series, this program explores how clothing reflected the revolution era's culture and identity. Free.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028

Twilight Tales: Family Storytime

When: Thursday, February 19, 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM

What: Enjoy an evening of books, songs, and interactive fun at this beloved family storytime program. Perfect for little ones and their grownups looking for a cozy midweek outing at the library. Recommended for babies through elementary age. Free and no registration needed.

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

65 🌡️ 41 | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 SE 4 mph (3 knots)

65 🌡️ 39 | ☁️ | 0% | 💨 S 6 mph (5 knots)

64 🌡️ 50 | 🌧️ | 40% | 💨 SW 9 mph (7 knots)

74 🌡️ 55 | ☁️ | 3% | 💨 WSW 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 50ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

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Happy Presidents' Day, Forsyth County. Go enjoy your day.