🌱 Fall Healthy Aging Expo + Stacey Abrams Campaigns At FoCAL Center

Hi all. It's me, Phil Giltman, your host of the Cumming Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

Fun fact: On this day in 1984, "Cosby Show" premiered on NBC. The show would air 201 episodes over eight years.

---

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Heart & Hammer Realty

Meet a local Realtor with a heart — and a hammer

Imagine for a moment you could find a local real estate agent with

• amazing energy
• deep knowledge of the changing market in Cumming and the Atlanta area
• an obsession with customer service
• rave reviews from past clients

Now imagine that Realtor came with a top-notch builder — someone who could help you evaluate a home or who could help you get a home ready to sell for the best price.

Impossible, you're probably thinking.

Meet Amanda and Andy Shelton of Heart & Hammer Realty. She's a Top 20% Keller Williams agent with deep expertise in the North Atlanta market, including this 5-bedroom with a stunning backyard. He's an experienced builder who can evaluate a home from the inside out — and do something about it.

"He likes to say he's the heart, and I'm the hammer," Amanda says. "But it's the opposite — unless we're negotiating."

Whether you're looking to buy, sell, build or invest, work with a trusted local team who can serve as your partners in this rapidly evolving market. Call or text Amanda today at 770.572.0722, or email her at amandashelton@kw.com.

---

Now, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 91 Low: 66.

---

Here are the top three stories in Cumming today:

1. Everyone wants to age gracefully. Well, here's an expo that can help. Sponsored by Clover Health, Forsyth County News will host the Fall Healthy Aging Expo at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Tech College Tuesday Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. - noon. The event will feature entertainment, health screenings, demonstrations, and expert speakers. (All Events)
2. After a story aired about a local nine-year-old boy not having anyone but his family show up to his birthday party, he will now have one for the books. Austin Thomason received over 15,000 birthday cards to his Atlanta home along with gifts. Thomason, who is diagnosed with autism, had a birthday celebration at Local Church Forsyth on Sunday where dozens of people traveled near and far after hearing about his story. (WAFF)
3. Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams campaigned in Forsyth County Sunday, urging voters to get to the polls. Abrams joined Georgia's 6th Congressional District Democrats inside the FoCAL Center where she admitted she needs the votes in Forsyth County. "In 2018 I may not have crossed that finish line but I got damn close," Abrams said. "I can't do it without you Forsyth County. We can't do this without you." Early in-person voting begins Oct. 17. (11Alive.com WXIA)

---

Today in and around Cumming:

• Halcyon Farmers Market at Halcyon (4 p.m.)
• Candle Making Workshop & Wine Tasting Experience at Rise & Wine (6 p.m.)
• CASA Yearly Mandatory Training at United Way of Forsyth County (6 p.m.)
• L.I.F.E. Trivia at Sharon Forks Library (6:30 p.m.)
• Board Game Night at StillFire Brewery (7 p.m.)
• "You Guessed It" at Wild Wing Cumming (7 p.m.)
• The Songs and Their Meanings at Jewish Community of Forsyth County (7:30 p.m.)

---

From my notebook:

• Mashburn Elementary is starting its Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) program back up. The school will be hosting a pizza kickoff event on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. (Mashburn Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Government is offering free fitness, art and wellness classes as part of the improved Forsyth County Senior Services membership. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Forsyth County News is accepting nominations for the Best of Forsyth contest. Voting begins in October. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
• Forsyth County Schools is looking for substitute teachers and nurses. Pay has increased for the 2022-23 school year. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Whitlow Elementary is hosting Curriculum Night Sept. 22. There will be two sessions from 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. (Whitlow Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County is looking for poll workers for the upcoming election season. Serve the community, meet neighbors, make new friends and even get paid (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists to park their phone before they drive. Georgia is a hands-free state. Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body while driving. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is hiring. Visit www.forsythsheriffcareers.com. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• If you enjoy singing, visit Cummings Barbershop Chorus. It meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lanier United Methodist Church. (North GA Barbers Singers)
• Forsyth County Schools is in need of bus drivers. Pay begins at $18.02 per hour with full benefits. (Forsyth County News)
• Interested in becoming a mentor in Forsyth County Schools? Check the link training dates and more information. (Shiloh Point Elementary via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Forsyth County is looking for folks to join its Street Team, a group of volunteers who attend community events, man the booths and spread the word about what the shelter and HSFC does. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Public Library is looking for teenagers interested in serving on a Teen Advisory Board (TAB). TAB is for teens in grades 6-12 that help plan and promote teen programs in the county's libraries. It's designed to help students gain leadership experience, help the community and meet new people. (Forsyth County Public Library via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Government is hiring. Check out the opportunities available (Forsyth County Government)
• If you need help, get it! A new mental health hotline is now active. You can now call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Prevention Hotline and get the care you need 24/7. You can also visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a caring counselor. This shortcut is not replacing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), but will serve as an easy alternative for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. (United Way Of Forsyth County via Instagram)
• Tickets are now available for the 18th Annual Bark & Boogie Ball. This is the premier fundraising event for the Humane Society of Forsyth County. The ball will be held Saturday, October 15 at 6 p.m. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• K-12:Innocence Under Siege - Parents Rights (September 24)
• Howl-O-Weenie DREAM Dachshund Rescue Picnic (September 24)
• Add your event

---

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Phil Giltman

About me: I've lived in Cumming since 2010. I'm married with two kids, both in Forsyth County Schools. I consider myself a jack of all trades. I love solid news reporting, scoring baseball games, playing golf, watching movies, reading books, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, competing in fantasy leagues, commissioning said fantasy leagues, playing poker, trying new foods, traveling, and hanging with friends and family. I appreciate you stopping by.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cumming Daily? Contact me at phil.giltman@Patch.com