TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Forsyth County.
It is still very much winter with no sign of warmth anytime soon. We are officially in the thick of it. If you were out scraping ice off your windshield this week, you're not alone. I hope you at least had a good ice scraper handy.
If you're new here, welcome to the Forsyth Flyer. You may notice I don't touch politics. In this day and age, we're absolutely hammered with political opinions and there's no shortage of it. I want to keep things fun, snappy, and objective. Short and sweet for your benefit. When it comes to local government coverage, my goal is simply to inform you of what's happening, not to tell you what to think. That's ultimately up to you, and I know the people of Forsyth County are smart enough to make your own decisions.
- Chad
SPONSORED BY CARDS OVER CLICKS
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 DIGEST
South Forsyth residents have big changes to look forward to at Sharon Springs Park, where county officials have announced a nearly $60 million renovation project. The comprehensive makeover will bring new amenities and improvements to the popular community park, with upgrades expected to be completed by 2028. Details on specific improvements are still being finalized, but the substantial investment signals the county's commitment to expanding recreational opportunities as the population continues to grow. Sharon Springs Park, located off McGinnis Ferry Road, already draws thousands of visitors annually for its sports facilities and green spaces.
County leaders push back on proposal to rename Sawnee Mountain
A state lawmaker's resolution to rename Sawnee Mountain to "Trump Mountain" has drawn swift opposition from Forsyth County officials. State Rep. David Clark filed the measure in the Georgia House this week, citing President Trump's campaign visit to the county. Commissioner Kerry Hill and County Manager David McKee issued a joint statement affirming the county's commitment to preserving the historic Sawnee name, which honors the Cherokee heritage of the region. Residents have voiced similar concerns on social media. The mountain preserve remains one of Forsyth County's most popular hiking destinations.
Board of Education sets 2026 priorities for state lawmakers
Forsyth County's five-member Board of Education has approved its legislative priorities for the new year, setting the agenda for conversations with Georgia state lawmakers. The priorities were finalized during the January 20 meeting, marking the board's second year working together under the leadership of Superintendent Mitch Young. While specific details weren't immediately available, the priorities typically address funding, school safety, and local control issues that affect the county's 54,000 students. Parents can follow board meetings on the district website at forsyth.k12.ga.us.
Welcome to the Dog of the Week. We're excited to share that we're now offering sponsorship of this popular weekly feature. We just have one rule: businesses sponsoring this section must be local. It’ll cost less than you think.
Email [email protected] to get your business here!
Friday - Male - Forsyth County Animal Shelter
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Thursday
Puzzle It Out at the Library
When: Thursday, January 29, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
What: Celebrate National Puzzle Day with puzzles for all ages at the Cumming Library. Drop in anytime during the event to tackle jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, and logic games with family and friends. Perfect for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels. Free admission; no registration required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA
Friday
Explorer Tots Early Literacy Program
When: Friday, January 30, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
What: Watch your little ones learn through play at this interactive early literacy program. Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, Explorer Tots features movement, exploration, and hands-on activities that build reading readiness skills. Caregivers participate alongside children. Free; no registration needed.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA
Saturday
Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, January 25, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
What: Browse fresh, locally-sourced produce, farm-raised meats, homemade baked goods, artisan crafts, and more from Forsyth County vendors. Live music creates a festive atmosphere at the City Center. Free admission and parking. Bring your own reusable bags.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Where the Pawprints Lead" Book Launch
When: Saturday, January 31, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
What: Support local authors and animal rescue at this book launch event hosted by Furkids Animal Rescue. Meet the author, get your copy signed, and learn about adoptable pets at one of Forsyth County's beloved shelters. Light refreshments provided. Free admission; books available for purchase.
Where: Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters, 5235 Union Hill Road, Cumming, GA
Tommy's Rocktrip Live
When: Saturday, January 31, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
What: Enjoy a free night of 100% live rock and roll music from Tommy's RockTrip at The Well. Classic rock fans won't want to miss this high-energy performance. Full bar and food menu available. Ages 21 and up after 9 PM. No cover charge.
Where: The Well, 731 Canton Highway, Cumming, GA
Sunday
Baby Play Day at the Library
When: Sunday, February 1, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
What: Bring your little ones for a special Baby Play Day at Forsyth County Public Library. Babies and their caregivers can enjoy age-appropriate toys, sensory activities, and social time with other families. A relaxed environment for your youngest learners. Free; drop in anytime.
Where: Forsyth County Public Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA
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.
WEATHER
Thursday
43° 🌡️ 26° | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)
Friday
42° 🌡️ 22° | 🌧️❄️ | 20% | 💨 E 5 mph (4 knots)
Saturday
27° 🌡️ 12° | 🌨️❄️ | 30% | 💨 NW 10 mph (9 knots)
Sunday
31° 🌡️ 15° | ☀️❄️ | 0% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 45ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication
THANKS!
Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer! That's a wrap for this week. If you're finding the Flyer useful, please share it with a neighbor or friend. We're committed to keeping this newsletter fun, accurate, and locally focused, and we need your help to do it. Know of an event or local story we should cover? Hit reply and let us know so it makes it into the next edition!