🌱 Forsyth Clinic Fundraising Campaign + Man Arrested On Felony Charge

Hello, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Cumming Daily. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town. In this issue, you'll find news about:

• First fundraising campaign begins for Forsyth County free clinic
• Man arrested on felony charges after taking son over state lines
• Alpharetta Police captain arrested in Forsyth County

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• Home sales dropped by 35 percent vs. October of last year
• 4,415 homes sold in October — the lowest October number since 2011
• Active listings are up nearly 80 percent

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Now, today's weather:

A couple of morning showers. High: 57 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories in Cumming today:

1. Want to become a founding member of a new clinic here in Cumming? Well, The Forsyth Community Clinic is giving people the opportunity to join its 100 Founders Club. To join, Executive Director Evan Shoemake is looking for 100 people to donate $1,000. This donation can be used to help treat up to 10 patients at the clinic. The clinic offers non-emergent health care to qualified low-income residents 18 to 65 years old. In return, the donor will be noted as a founder of the clinic and honored with a "physical commemoration" inside the building (once it has been established. It's currently operating at The Place of Forsyth). Members will also receive a personal gift and will be treated with a special event after the first 1,000 patients have been seen. (NewsBreak Original)
2. A Forsyth County man was arrested after taking his son to Florida and Alabama without custody, according to police records. Richard Alan Williams, 41, of Cumming, was booked in Forsyth County Jail Saturday, Dec. 10 and faces two counts of felony interstate interference of custody of a child. On Nov. 22, Cumming Police were notified that Williams had not returned the child to its mother in accordance with their custody agreement. Williams was arrested in Greenville, Alabama before being taken back to Forsyth County. (Subscription: Forsyth County News Online)
3. A captain with the Alpharetta Police Department was arrested in Forsyth County Dec. 3 after an alleged domestic incident on Lilac Pass. Capt. Michael Stewart, a 19-year veteran of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, has been placed on administrative leave after deputies learned he allegedly broke down a bedroom door during an argument with his wife. Stewart was arrested and charged with simple assault family violence and criminal trespass. (Appen Media)

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Today in and around Cumming:

• Food Truck: Draztic Aztec at NoFo Brewery (4 p.m.)
• Customer Appreciation Sip-n-Shop at The Perfect Pigg (5 p.m.)
• "The Nutcracker" at FOCAL Center (6 p.m.)
• Understanding Your Teen at United Way of Forsyth County (6 p.m.)
• Up & Cumming Writers at Cumming Library (6:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Check out who's hiring and the new local jobs in the Cumming/Forsyth County area. (Cumming Patch)
• The men and women of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gwinnett County Correctional Complex Officer Scott Riner who was tragically shot and killed. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• For the 12 Days of Christmas, Humane Society of Forsyth County staff members each chose an animal to give a special gift to. These cats and dogs have all been with us for a while so we're hoping that they receive the best gift of all this season, a forever home. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• Mashburn Elementary's Winter Chorus Concert put on by our Blue Bears & our amazing music teacher, Mr. Anderson. (Mashburn Elementary via Facebook)
• Russell Brown has been named director of the Forsyth County Department of Communications & External Affairs. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Forsyth Central High School students had the chance to show how much they "love thrifting" at the school's "Free Thrifting Extravaganza" (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra — A Kids' Christmas (December 17)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra — Christmas Pops! (December 17)
• Ugly Christmas Sweater Latin Night Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek Dec. 17 (December 17)
• Christmas Eve Carols Service at Influencers Church Alpharetta (December 24)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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 Cumming@Patch.com