🌱 Recovery Rocks Concert + Citizens' Academy Graduation

Hello all! I'm back in your inbox this Sunday to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Let's get to it...

On this day: In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in front of over 250,000 civil rights supporters.

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Today's weather:

An afternoon t-storm; humid. High: 88 Low: 70.

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Here are the top stories today in Cumming:

1. The Connection, a non-profit group focused on addiction recovery, will host a "sober-social musical festival" called Recovery Rocks Sunday Sept. 18 from 12-6 p.m. at Cumming Fairgrounds. The family-friendly festival will feature music from Sister Hazel's Ken Block and Drew Copeland, Mama Jan Smith, Tony Lucca, Townsend and more, along with inspirational stories, food trucks, a kids' zone, vendors and resources for people in recovery and their families. All proceeds raised will go toward The Connection, which offers peer-to-peer recovery services, recreational activities, recovery meetings, resources, career coaching, life-skills training and more. (Forsyth County News)
2. Two teenagers are in custody and Suwanee police are searching for a third after a 16-year-old was murdered last month. Police responded to an incident at the Residences at McGinnis apartment complex July 19. Once at the complex, they found Abel Castellanos, 16, dead with a gunshot wound to his chest. Officers have arrested Miguel Gabriel Flores, 16. He is currently being held in the Regional Youth Detention Center. Jermaine Dondi Rimson, 17, was arrested on Thursday in a different state. Suwanee police did not confirm where he was arrested or is being held. Joshua Ryan Poteat, 17, has not yet been arrested, according to police. All three teenagers are being charged with felony murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault (WSB).
3. Forsyth County held a graduation ceremony on Aug. 24 for the inaugural class of the Citizens' Academy program. Over eight classes, academy participants toured various facilities and spoke with County leaders about County functions that help drive the community. Participants got to experience firsthand how a local government functions and how they, as residents, can get the most out of it. Through seeing many of the innerworkings of local government, the County aims to make more community leaders that can help increase awareness and transparency for all. (Forsyth County Government)

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Today in and around Cumming:

• Live Music: Maxwell Taylor - Stoney J's Winery (1 p.m.)
• Georgia Defensive Carry Course (Women Only) - Hilton Garden Inn, Johns Creek (2 p.m.)
• Live Music: Jessie Albright - Feather's Edge Winery (2 p.m.)
• USA National Miss Georgia Open Call - 533 Lakeland Plaza (3 p.m.)
• Cruz In at DQ/Walmart-Midway, Atl Hwy 9, North Alpharetta Ga (3 p.m.)
• Teacher Happy Hour - NoFo Brewery (3 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Forsyth County Government announced the flag of the United States and the Georgia flag at County government facilities will fly at half-staff in honor of and to recognize the passing of the Mrs. Sandra Deal, former First Lady of Georgia. (Forsyth County Georgia Government 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 Family YMCA is hosting Senior Bingo Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. (Forsyth County Family YMCA via Instagram)
• The Forsyth County Georgia Animal Shelter "Summer of Love" event is coming to an end. All pet adoption fees are waived through Sept. 6. (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 Schools is looking for carpenters and electricians. FCS has two openings in its facilities department. http://ow.ly/8SA750Kqwsc (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Family YMCA's virtual esports fall league is open for registration for ages 8-18. Register by September 12. (Forsyth County Family YMCA via Instagram)
• Whitlow Elementary is hosting Curriculum Night September 22. There will be two sessions from 5 - 6 p.m. or 6 - 7 p.m. Parents/guardians can choose a session or attend both. (Whitlow Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is hiring. Visit www.forsythsheriffcareers.com. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Need a pet sitter? Tricia Pokorney is bonded and insured with over 20 years experience. Call or text 941-284-0122. (Nextdoor)
• The USDA has ended free meals for all students. Many students are selecting meals at school but with no payment plan established. Please access mypaymentsplus.com to pre-pay for your child's meals or apply for free/reduced meals at forsyth.k12.ga.us/freereduced. (Matt Elementary via Facebook)
• Need an electrician? Contact Fields Electric at 706-572-2625 and ask for Terry. He has 25 years experience, licensed and insured, residential or commercial. (Nextdoor)
• 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)
• Pinecrest Academy will host nationally known author, syndicated columnist, and family psychologist John Rosemond September 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. (Pinecrest Academy)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• 2022 Purple Pansies Annual Gala Pillars of Hope Presented by Kroger (September 18)
• Add your event

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. 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