🛶 Heat Back On

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Forsyth County. Wow, that first full work week of the year really threw us all back into the deep end, didn’t it? Between the school drop-off lines and the usual GA-400 hustle, getting back into a routine is no joke. But honestly, who can complain after the incredible weekend we just had?

Whether you spent Saturday morning strolling through Vickery Village, catching the breeze at Mary Alice Park, or finally getting out on the Big Creek Greenway to soak up that fresh air, it was exactly the reset we needed. With the weather bouncing around (AC one day, heat the next!), I know half the county is fighting off a scratchy throat right now. So, stay hydrated, keep those vitamins handy, and hold onto that weekend glow as we power through the rest of the week.

- Chad

Cards Over Clicks helps children disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the real world. Founded by local Navy veteran Dennis Loewer, this 501(c)(3) non-profit uses the excitement of card collecting to develop critical social and learning skills.

From Pokémon and Sports to Disney and Star Wars, every free card packet comes with a grade-specific educational worksheet tailored to Georgia standards. Whether for Pre-K or High School, these packs encourage students to achieve classroom goals and engage with their peers face-to-face.

They help educators and parents turn "social media timeouts" into fun, educational wins. Their mission is simple: inspire kids to put the phone down and learn through family-friendly collecting.

Ready to inspire your students or support the community? They are actively seeking teachers to challenge their classes, educators to help design worksheets, and local business sponsors to keep the packs free.

Take the next step now: learn more at www.CardsOverClicks.org.

The Old Matt Schoolhouse on Namon Wallace Road is getting a major facelift after Forsyth County commissioners approved more than $150,000 in additional upgrades last week, bringing the total renovation investment close to $4 million. The historic one-room schoolhouse, which dates back to the early 1900s, will be preserved and restored for community use. The renovations are part of a broader effort to protect Forsyth County's historical landmarks while making them accessible for public events and educational programming.

A packed house greeted Forsyth County commissioners last week as residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed special events venue on Keith Bridge Road in north Forsyth County. Neighbors expressed concerns about noise, traffic, and the impact on their rural community character. The developer has reportedly scaled back plans following the community outcry, but the proposal remains under review. Residents can continue to engage through the county's public comment process as the project moves forward.

The 6th annual Tour de Forsyth is underway, challenging residents to visit all 18 county parks with trails between January 1 and December 31. Participants who complete the challenge earn a commemorative prize and join a community of outdoor enthusiasts celebrating Forsyth County's natural spaces. The tour includes trails at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, the Big Creek Greenway, and parks throughout the county. Register and track your progress at forsythcountyparks.org/tour-de-forsyth.

Stay active with Swim Lessons at the Cumming Aquatic Center, running through March 2026. Held in the facility’s heated indoor instructional pool, these American Red Cross-certified programs cater to all ages and abilities, including parent-and-child classes (ages 6 months+), preschool levels, and advanced adult instruction. While winter sessions are currently underway, mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 20th, when registration officially opens at 9:00 AM for the upcoming spring session. For full schedules, level descriptions, and pricing, residents can visit cummingaquaticcenter.com.

Our local government boards are back in action with a key session this week. Tuesday, January 13th, kicks off at 2:00 PM with the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Work Session at the County Administration Building (110 East Main Street). This session will be instrumental in setting the pace for the new year as the board reviews upcoming administrative priorities and county-wide initiatives. You can view the full agenda and supporting documents at this link.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve Hike

Cumming Disability Council Meeting

Explorer Tots

Polo Fields Park Master Plan Public Input Meeting

Communication Workshop: What Came Out of My Mouth vs. What Landed in Your Ears

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

46 🌡️ 29 | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)

54 🌡️ 30 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 W 7 mph (6 knots)

52 🌡️ 26 | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)

30 🌡️ 21 | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 NW 17 mph (15 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 47ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer family! I’ve enjoyed hearing from so many of you via email lately. Your feedback is the best reassurance I have that the Forsyth Flyer is pointed in the right direction. To that end, I’ve added a Civil News section starting this week. My goal is to keep us all informed on when our local government is meeting and provide quick access of the agendas.

If you find this new section useful, please share this link with a neighbor and encourage them to subscribe! As always, you can reach me directly by replying to this email. Have a safe, wonderful week. Don't forget to bundle up, it’s going to be a chilly one!