| TOGETHER WITH | | Good morning, Forsyth County.
I hope this newsletter finds you warm, safe, and maybe still enjoying the last traces of snow in your backyard. What a weekend Winter Storm Gianna gave us. Two to four inches of snow blanketed our corner of Georgia, turning Sawnee Mountain into a postcard and transforming every neighborhood into an impromptu sledding destination. My social media feed was filled with photos of snowmen, kids bundled up in mismatched gloves, and more than a few impressive snow angels.
There's something uniquely neighborly about a snow weekend here: the quiet streets, the extra wave to a bundled-up passerby, the "Do y'all need anything?" texts, and the shared joy of watching our familiar places look brand new for a day. Maybe you were pulling a wagon up a hill, sipping something hot by the window, or white-knuckling it down a back road. However you spent it, I hope you found a moment to slow down and take it all in.
- 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 DIGEST | County crews clear 1,200 miles of roads after Winter Storm Gianna | Forsyth County residents woke up to a winter wonderland Saturday as Winter Storm Gianna dumped two to four inches of snow across the region, prompting county-wide closures and travel warnings. Roads & Bridges crews worked through the night to clear over 1,200 miles of county roads, while the Sheriff's Office urged drivers to stay home. Wind chills plunged to -5 degrees. County facilities closed Saturday and Sunday but are expected to reopen Monday. Family Promise of Forsyth opened warming shelters for residents in need at 127 Samaritan Drive. Check forsythco.com/alerts for updated road conditions. | Youth Football and Cheerleading Registration with New Partnership | Parents can now register their young athletes for the 2026 Forsyth County Youth Football and Cheerleading season following a new partnership with Cherokee County Youth Football Association. The partnership, announced January 27, aims to expand program opportunities and improve competition across both counties. "This alignment represents an exciting opportunity to grow and enhance youth sports across our communities," said Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz. Registration is open now at parks.forsythco.com. League officials will finalize scheduling and operations in the coming months. | Forsyth County Schools Names Two New Directors for Next School Year | Forsyth County Schools is promoting two longtime principals to district leadership roles for the 2026-27 school year. The Board of Education approved the appointments on January 5. Eric Ashton, principal of Daves Creek Elementary since 2007, will become Director of Human Resources. Dr. Megan Thompson, principal of Lakeside Middle School since 2020, will become Director of Teaching and Learning. Both replace retiring directors Heather Gordy and Pam Pajerski.
Ashton has spent nearly 20 years in Forsyth County Schools leadership, previously serving as principal at Sawnee Primary School and assistant principal at multiple schools. He holds degrees from SUNY Brockport, Nazareth College of Rochester, and a specialist degree from the University of Georgia.
Thompson previously served as assistant principal at Sharon Elementary and Lakeside Middle, and began her Forsyth County career teaching at South Forsyth Middle School. She has also taught in Chatham, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties. She holds degrees from Georgia Southern University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Walden University.
The district, which serves more than 55,300 students, will need to name new principals for both Daves Creek Elementary and Lakeside Middle School before the new school year begins. | | |  | Friday - Male - 8 years old |
| | CIVIL NEWS | A busy week on the government meeting front. On Tuesday, February 3, the Board of Voter Registrations and Elections meets at 9:00 AM at 1201 Sawnee Drive. That evening, the Zoning Board of Appeals holds a work session at 6:30 PM followed by their regular meeting and public hearings at 7:00 PM, both at the Administration Building, 110 E. Main Street. The Parks and Recreation Board meets Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 PM at the Fowler Park Rec Center, 4110 Carolene Way. The week wraps with the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners holding their regular meeting and public hearings on Thursday, February 5 at 5:00 PM at the Administration Building. The agenda for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting has not yet been posted. | | WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ | MONDAY | Cumming Aquatic Center Indoor Swimming | When: Monday, February 2, 5:30 AM - 9 PM What: Escape the cold at the Olympic-sized indoor pool, open year-round for lap swimming, swim lessons, and water fitness classes. Great indoor activity while winter weather persists outside. Day passes available. Check website for specific program times and registration requirements. All ages welcome. Where: Cumming Aquatic Center, 201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming, GA
| TUESDAY | Singles Social Tuesdays at City Center | When: Tuesday, February 3, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM What: Join the weekly meetup for singles at Draft Gastropub in Cumming City Center. A relaxed opportunity for adults to mix and mingle in a casual setting with craft beer, cocktails, and upscale pub fare. Food and drink purchases at venue. Ages 21+. Where: Draft Gastropub, 301 Heritage Walk Suite 201, Cumming, GA
| Yoga at Hampton Park Library | When: Tuesday, February 3, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM What: Unwind with a free evening yoga session in the library meeting room. Suitable for all levels from beginners to experienced practitioners. Bring your own mat and water. Led by a certified instructor. Free; registration recommended at forsythpl.org. Ages 16+. Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA
| WEDNESDAY | Story Time at Sharon Forks Library | When: Wednesday, February 4, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM What: Bring your little ones for stories, songs, and simple crafts at this weekly library program. Perfect for preschoolers ages 3-5. Develops early literacy skills in a fun, engaging environment. Siblings welcome. Free admission; no registration required. Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA
| THURSDAY | Toddler Time at Forsyth County Central Park | When: Thursday, February 5, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM What: Let toddlers burn off energy at the covered playground area while parents connect. Park staff lead simple outdoor activities weather permitting. Dress warmly as trails may still be muddy from snowmelt. Free admission; no registration required. Ages 1-4 with caregiver. Where: Forsyth County Central Park, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, GA
| Thursday Night Live Music at Mac's Chophouse | When: Thursday, February 5, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM What: Enjoy live acoustic music during dinner at this upscale steakhouse. Rotating local artists perform jazz, blues, and American standards. Full dinner menu featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood. No cover charge; reservations recommended for dinner. All ages welcome. Where: Mac's Chophouse, 5985 Bethelview Road, 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 | Monday | 44 🌡️ 27 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 W 8 mph (7 knots) | Tuesday | 52 🌡️ 41 | 🌧️ | 80% | 💨 SW 5 mph (4 knots) | Wednesday | 50 🌡️ 28 | 🌦️ | 20% | 💨 Light & Variable | Thursday | 44 🌡️ 28 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 Light & Variable | 💧🌡️ Water temperature = 42ºF
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 enjoyed this edition, pass it along to a neighbor, coworker, or friend. Growing our readership helps us keep bringing you the local news that matters. Got a tip on a local story, upcoming event, or something happening in your corner of the county? Hit reply and let us know. We're always looking for the next great Forsyth County story to tell! |
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