🌱 Blood Drive This Friday + UNG Student Receives Scholarship

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Cumming Daily. Let's get this Monday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

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First, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 86 Low: 70.

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Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. In the midst of a national blood shortage, the community of Cumming is ready to step up, roll up their sleeves, and help out. The American Red Cross Blood Drive at Cumming Library will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you plan to give blood, make sure to drink plenty of water and limit caffeine intake beforehand. To make an appointment, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor keyword: CUCO. (Forsyth County Public Library)
2. This spring, Justin Wlosko, a sophomore from Cumming, and six other University of North Georgia students have been selected for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This scholarship is worth up to $8,000 and enables Pell grant-eligible U.S. undergraduate students to study or intern abroad in order to gain critical skills in national security and economic competitiveness. Wlosko was initially denied in the fall but reapplied in the spring, thanks to the support of the NCS office. "Get another pair of eyes on your essay," Wlosko, who will study in South Korea, said. "It does wonders for proofreading and getting another perspective." (Thomasville Times Enterprise)
3. Kickstart your holiday week and connect with the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce family at Power Networking Lunch! Join the Chamber this Tuesday, Jun. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Johnny's New York Style Pizza. Be sure to pre-register, as no walk-ups are allowed. Secure your seat here. If you have questions or issues registering, email Beth Harris at bharris@focochamber.org. (Forsyth County Chamber)
4. Sugar Hill, a short 20 minutes outside of Cumming, is continuing expansions on both downtown options and recreation amenities. Among the changes is the development of Solis Sugar Hill and two other entities planned across Highway 20 from the city's downtown area. There are also two parks planned that will include a trail system. Check out the projects' details at the link. (Gwinnettdailypost.com)
5. Fireworks sales are skyrocketing in Forsyth County for the simple reason that many people are ready to enjoy festivities after being cooped up in their homes during the pandemic. "The ability to bring home fireworks and share them with friends, neighbors, and family. That's what drives retail sales," said Timothy Varenhorst of Big Grin Fireworks, a fireworks stand in Cumming. Varenhorst advised consumers to always follow the instructions, dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water, and use them responsibly. "Accidents typically happen when people are doing things they aren't supposed to be with fireworks," he added. "Use them as they are meant to be used." (Newsbreak)

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Today in Cumming:

• Story Stroll In The Secret Garden At Cumming Library (All Day)
• Music With Mr. Michael - Music and Fun! At Cumming Library (10:30 AM)
• Oceans and Mountains and Culture, Oh My! - Writing Workshop For Teens At Post Road Library (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• On Saturday, Jul. 2, MelloDrama Productions will be holding auditions for kids age 18 and under for its summer production of The Little Mermaid, Jr. Auditions will take place beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Hickory Grove Church in Dahlonega. Click here for more details. (Cumming Patch)
• Don't forget, the City of Cumming has lots of fun 4th of July festivities planned for the community next week! The Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade kicks off at 10 a.m., followed by the Fairgrounds 4th of July Festival from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (City of Cumming)
• Mark your calendars: On Jul. 12, the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an event entitled "Cultivating a Supportive Wellness Environment in the Workplace" as part of its HCA Wellness Series. Learn more about this County-sponsored event on the Chamber's website. (Forsyth County Chamber)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.