TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Forsyth County.
Hope you're doing well and dodging that cough and dry throat that seems to be going around. Can you believe we're already at the halfway mark of January? If your year hasn't started exactly as planned, give yourself some grace. You don't have to wait until 2027 to hit reset. I like the 1% approach: small, steady progress. This newsletter comes together the same way, a little good info gathered throughout the week, built out piece by piece. Alright, enough from me. Here's what you need to know.
- 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
Cumming honors fallen volunteer with intersection dedication
The City of Cumming dedicated the intersection of Castleberry and Buford Dam roads as the "Sergeant Rob Muth Memorial Intersection" on Monday. Sgt. Rob Muth, a retired Boca Raton police officer who volunteered with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, was killed while directing traffic after the Cumming Christmas Parade on December 13th. Mayor Troy Brumbalow, city council members, Sheriff Ron Freeman, and Muth's family gathered for the ceremony. Muth served the community as a Bluecoat Security Officer and with the Citizens Emergency Response Team after his retirement.
Local middle schoolers advance to state water tower competition
Twenty-six Riverwatch Middle School students put their engineering skills to the test at the second annual Model Water Tower Competition hosted by Forsyth County Water & Sewer in December. Students built functional model towers judged on structural efficiency, design, presentation, and cost effectiveness. First-place winners Rajkumar Elamaaran Vasanth and Ansh Patel took home $300, with second place ($200) going to Nick Spindler, Michael Momotok, Athrva Bector, and Srikar Pittu. Both top teams will advance to the state-level competition. The event grew from six towers in its inaugural year to 15 this year.
Fifth annual Storm Drain Art Contest now accepting entries
Forsyth County middle and high school students can showcase their artistic talents while promoting water quality education through the fifth annual Storm Drain Art Contest. Keep Forsyth County Beautiful and the Department of Water & Sewer invite students to create original artwork with the theme "Only Rain Goes Down the Drain." Three winners will receive $100 each and paint their designs on designated storm drains throughout the county. Visit keepforsythcountybeautiful.org for contest rules and entry forms.
Parks & Recreation seeks public input on 10-year master plan
Forsyth County residents can help shape the future of local parks through an online survey and upcoming public meetings. The Parks & Recreation Department is updating its 10-year Master Plan, which will guide decisions on new facilities, programs, and trail systems. Public meetings begin January 26 at the Sawnee Mountain Community Building, with additional sessions at Central Park, Coal Mountain, Fowler Park, and Old Atlanta Park through early February. Survey participants will be entered into a raffle for $100 credits toward county programs. Visit forsythco.com/yourparks to take the survey or find meeting details.
Adoptable Dog of the Week
Shep - Male - 1 year old
Forsyth County Pet Adoption & Resource Center
CIVIL NEWS
Local government stays active this week with several opportunities for civic engagement. Thursday, January 15th, the Forsyth County Development Meeting holds a meeting at 11:30 AM at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College. The agenda and meeting details are available at this link.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Thursday
Art in Pop Culture Lecture
When: Thursday, January 15, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
What: Discover the fascinating history behind the art you see every day in video games, clothing, collectibles, and more. This engaging lecture explores how fine art influences popular culture in unexpected ways. Perfect for adults interested in art history with a modern twist. Free admission; no registration required.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA
Twilight Tales Family Storytime
When: Thursday, January 15, 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM
What: Gather the family for an evening of books and music at the library. This cozy storytime is perfect for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age children with their caregivers. Wind down the day with stories, songs, and quality family time. Free admission.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Friday
Family Fun Fridays
When: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
What: Drop by the library after school for hands-on fun! Activities rotate weekly and include STEM projects, crafts, and early literacy games. Perfect for families with toddlers through elementary-age children. No registration needed; just show up and enjoy. Free admission.
Where: Denmark Library, 555 E Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA
Lego Club
When: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Build, create, and imagine at the library's LEGO Club! Elementary-age children can construct their own creations using the library's extensive LEGO collection. Great for developing spatial skills and creativity. Drop-in program; no registration required. Free admission.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA
AudioVault Live Music
When: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Enjoy live music from AudioVault at this popular Windward Parkway restaurant and bar. Full dinner menu and craft cocktails available. Great for a Friday night out with friends. No cover charge; food and drink purchase expected. Ages 21+ after 9 PM.
Where: Wild Wing Cafe, 5530 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, GA
Saturday
Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Browse farm-fresh produce, locally raised meats, eggs, and honey from Forsyth County farmers. Find homemade breads, desserts, jams, jellies, potted plants, and handmade arts and crafts. Winter market features seasonal vegetables and artisan gifts. Free admission and parking; bring reusable bags.
Where: Cumming City Center, 201 School Street, Cumming, GA 30040
MUSH with Noggin the Sled Dog
When: Saturday, January 17, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Sharon Forks) AND 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Denmark)
What: Meet Noggin, a real sled dog, and learn about the exciting world of dog sledding from musher Karen Land! This unique educational program is perfect for all ages and includes hands-on learning about how dogs work as a team. Free admission at both library locations.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041 OR Denmark Library, 555 E Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Sunday
BYO Book: Literature Lounge
When: Sunday, January 18, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
What:Bring your own book to this relaxed, discussion-based book club! This month's theme is Cozy Mysteries - bring whatever cozy mystery you've been reading and join the conversation. Great for adults who love books but want flexibility in their reading choices. Free admission.
Where: Denmark Library, 555 E Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA
WEATHER
Thursday
37 🌡️ 22 | 🌨️ | 45% | 💨 NW 15 mph (13 knots)
Friday
49 🌡️ 40 | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 W 8 mph (7 knots)
Saturday
49 🌡️ 26 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)
Sunday
40 🌡️ 21 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 46ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication
THANKS!
Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer! Now is the time to forward this edition of the Forsyth Flyer directly to that friend, neighbor, or in-law who always complains that "there's nothing to do here." I want to keep this newsletter as fun, accurate, and locally focused as possible. This newsletter is for you, and it's steered by you!
Do you have any suggestions, know about an amazing upcoming event, or have a local tip we must cover? Hit reply to this email right now! I read every suggestion and use your feedback to shape the next edition.
And if you're a local business looking to reach Forsyth County residents, I'd love to chat. Just hit reply or go to www.forsythflyer.com/advertise