🛶 Well Done

Good morning, Forsyth County.

Someone once wrote, "Well done is better than well said." It's one of those lines that rings in my ears from time to time. 

This Saturday, a group of Forsyth County residents are going to wake up early, drive to a meeting point, and spend their morning picking up other people's trash. Just gloves, bags, and a few hours of work in the name of keeping this county looking the way it should. Keep Forsyth County Beautiful is organizing the whole thing as part of a national push to pick up 25 billion pieces of litter before July 4 - America's 250th birthday.

That's the kind of thing the writer was talking about. Not the people who post how to improve our county on social media but the ones who show up with a trash bag and prove it.

- Chad

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After years of planning and construction, Forsyth County officially dedicated its new administration campus at Freedom Park (2435 Freedom Parkway) with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 18. The 135,000-square-foot building will serve as a "one-stop" hub for permitting and other county services, replacing the 30-year-old building at 110 E. Main Street that opened when the county's population was just 60,000, it now exceeds 280,000. Government offices officially move on March 30. The campus also features a one-mile paved multi-use trail and a nature trail, both already open to the public. A second open house is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon.

A long-term housing community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities just got closer to reality. Keystone Village, a planned 90-resident community off GA 400 at Settingdown Road in Cumming, has now raised over $1 million toward its estimated $17 million cost. At a February gala, donors blew past the $250,000 goal, raising $258,000. The project also gained star power when Connor Tomlinson of Netflix's "Love on the Spectrum" and his mother Lise Smith began actively promoting the effort. Construction is expected to begin later this year on the 76,000-square-foot facility.

Forsyth County homeowners have less than two weeks to file for homestead exemptions and the age 65 school tax exemption. The Forsyth County Board of Assessors reminds residents that the April 1 deadline applies to anyone who wants their exemption to take effect on their 2026 property tax bill. Applicants must own and reside on the property. The exemptions can significantly reduce annual property taxes. Visit the Board of Assessors page at forsythco.com or contact their office for more information and to apply.

Paws to Read - Read to a Therapy Dog

When: Thursday, March 19, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

What: Watch your child's reading confidence grow as they practice with a certified therapy dog in a relaxed, judgment-free setting. Perfect for elementary and middle school students who want to build fluency in a low-pressure environment. No registration required -- just drop in. Free.

Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Twilight Tales Family Storytime

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

What: Enjoy an evening of books, music, and movement at this family-friendly storytime. Great for toddlers through early elementary age and their caregivers. A cozy way to wind down the day together at the library. Free and open to all families -- no registration needed.

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

How to Make a Ren Faire Coin Purse

When: Thursday, March 19, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

What: Learn the basics of patterns and hand stitching to craft your own Renaissance Faire-style coin purse. All materials provided. Event passes are handed out 30 minutes before the program starts, so arrive early to grab yours. Adults only. Free.

Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Pink Houses - John Mellencamp Tribute at Lou Sobh Amphitheater

When: Friday, March 20, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

What: Experience a high-energy live tribute to the musical songbook of John Mellencamp as part of the Spring Concert Series presented by The Providence Group. Free admission and free parking. No coolers, outside food or alcohol, cans, glass, or smoking allowed. Friendly leashed dogs welcome. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 201 Vision Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040

Cumming Farmers Market

When: Saturday, March 21, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

What: Browse farm-fresh produce, locally raised meats, eggs, and honey alongside homemade breads, desserts, jams, and handmade arts and crafts from Forsyth County vendors. Set up in the Vision Parkway parking lot. Free admission - bring reusable bags.

Where: Cumming City Center, 201 Vision Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040

The Greatest American Cleanup

When: Saturday, March 21, 9:00 AM -- 1:00 PM

What: Join Keep Forsyth County Beautiful for a county-wide roadside litter cleanup, part of a national initiative to pick up 25 billion pieces of litter by July 4 for America's 250th birthday. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and lunch. Pre-registration required at KeepForsythCountyBeautiful.org.

Where: Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections Office, 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

Freedom Park Campus Open House

When: Saturday, March 21, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

What: Tour the brand-new Forsyth County administration campus that was just dedicated this week. Explore the 135,000-square-foot building, modernized meeting rooms, and walk the one-mile paved multi-use trail. A rare chance to see inside before government offices officially move in on March 30. Free and open to all.

Where: Freedom Park, 2435 Freedom Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

Special Talents of Forsyth

When: Saturday, March 21, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

What: Celebrate the third annual Special Talents of Forsyth, a live show where individuals with disabilities take the big stage to showcase their talents and joy. A heartwarming community event that brings together performers and supporters of all ages. Free admission.

Where: Cumming City Center, 201 Vision Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040

Head Games - A Tribute to Foreigner at Lou Sobh Amphitheater

When: Saturday, March 21, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

What: Enjoy a high-energy tribute to one of rock's most legendary bands from this Atlanta-based six-piece group. Expect soaring vocals, blistering guitars, iconic sax lines, and all the singalong anthems. Part of the free Spring Concert Series. Free admission and parking. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 201 Vision Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040

Hop into Easter at Cumming City Center

When: Sunday, March 22, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What: Celebrate Easter with the whole family at this festive event presented by Stonecreek Church Forsyth. Easter egg hunts run every 30 minutes, organized into three age groups so everyone can join the fun. Expect family-friendly activities, surprises, and plenty of spring cheer. Free admission.

Where: Cumming City Center, 201 Vision Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040

65° 🌡️ 35° | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 W 6 mph (5 knots)

73° 🌡️ 43° | 🌤️ | 10% | 💨 W 9 mph (8 knots)

78° 🌡️ 53° | 🌤️ | 15% | 💨 W 9 mph (8 knots)

80° 🌡️ 57° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 60ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

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Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer. Have a great week, and I will see you in the next issue.