🌱 The Place Of Forsyth Celebrates 47 Years + Mama Bears File Lawsuit

Hello again, neighbors. It's Tuesday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Let's get to it.

Famous quote: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" — Lao Tzu

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First, today's weather:

Partial sunshine. High: 92 Low: 70.

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Here are the top three stories today in Cumming:

1. The Place of Forsyth County is celebrating its 47th birthday. Founded in 1975 by four Dominican nuns, The Place of Forsyth has offered assistance in the forms of clothing, shelter, food, financial aid and even education for children. Its birthday wish this year is to "provide hope to our neighbors and help them become self-sufficient." (The Place of Forsyth)
2. A group of moms dubbed the Mama Bears has filed a lawsuit against the Forsyth County Board of Education claiming their First Amendment rights have been violated. The lawsuit, filed July 25 in federal court, stems from a March BOE meeting in which Chairman Wes McCall called for recess after repeatedly asking a parent to stop reading sexually explicit excerpts from school library books. The board prohibits profane remarks during meetings, per its policy. The board sent a letter to this parent prohibiting her from attending future meetings until she submitted written documentation agreeing to follow the board's policy. In the lawsuit, the Mama Bears accused the board of seven violations, including their right to free speech and right to petition.(Appen Media)
3. Thousands of Georgia students returned to school Monday, and the number one thing on most people's minds: security. For months, parents across the state have been demanding better school security measures, and the individual counties are doing what they can. Clayton County is installing $5.2 million worth of body scanners at all high schools and middle schools. DeKalb County is adding 22 school resource officers, for a total of 100 officer. Gwinnett County is installing electronic door locks at its schools, and visitors will now have to submit to instant background checks to make sure they're not on the sex offender registry. Forsyth County Schools begin Thursday.

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Today in Cumming:

• Georgia's Response to the Holocaust - Exhibit from the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust - Post Road Library (All Day)
• Baby Play Day - Post Road Library (10 a.m.)
• 2022 State of the Schools - Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center (10:30 a.m.)
• Free Dinner for New Guests- Dream Dinners (4:30 p.m.)
• Family Night - Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (5 p.m.)
• Paint & Pint - StillFire Brewery (6 p.m.)
• Sharon Forks Writers' Group - Sharon Forks Library (6:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Forsyth County Schools: The USDA has ended free nationwide meals, which was started in response to COVID. View menus, payment options, and free and reduced info at http://ow.ly/u6XB50K6FCF (Forsyth County Schools)
• Forsyth County Government is hiring. Check out the opportunities available (Forsyth County Government)
• Forsyth County Schools: Schools start Thursday, August 4. See bus routes, stops and contact information at http://ow.ly/rEhQ50K6LXc (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Rock Solid Brewing in Ball Ground will host a Teacher Appreciation Day Saturday, August 27, offering all teachers a $5 gift card with your order during the hours of noon- 6 p.m. (NextDoor).
• Parent's Night Out! Drop the kids (ages 5-13) off at Cumming Aquatic Center Saturday, Aug 5 from 6 - 10 p.m.. They'll enjoy supervised pool time, games and a pizza dinner. Lifeguards will be present and on duty. Children will be supervised both in and out of the water. $20. (Cumming Aquatic Center).
• Open House! Sawnee Elementary will host an Open House Tuesday, August 2. (Sawnee Elementary via Facebook)
• 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)
• Open House! Daves Creek Elementary will host an Open House today. (Daves Creek Elementary via Facebook)
• Early bird 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)
• Want to learn and play lacrosse? NorthEast Forsyth Youth Lacrosse is hosting a free clinic for 1st-8th graders Saturday, August 6 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Lanierland Park, 6115 Jot Em Down Road in Cumming. No prior lacrosse experience needed and loaner sticks will be provided. Experienced players are welcome as well. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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