🌱 Cintas Custodian Of The Year + Local Student Set To Perform In NYC

Hey, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cumming Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now, including:

• How a local custodian won Cintas Custodian of the Year.
• A Denmark High School theater student is headed for the Jimmy Awards in New York City.
• 20 Degrees South is hosting a Spring Fling event on May 6.

But first, today's weather:

A p.m. shower in places. High: 64 Low: 52.

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Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. Cumming local Richard “Rich” Toomey, a custodian at Kelly Mill Elementary, was named Cintas Custodian of the Year! After receiving over 200,000 votes, Cintas Corporation confirmed Rich Toomey as 2023’s grand prize winner. Toomey was honored at a surprise ceremony by students, teachers, administration, and his family, and was presented with a $10,000 check on behalf of Cintas. Christiny Betsch, Marketing Manager at Cintas, said, “It’s so important to recognize the dedication and often thankless hard work that custodians provide to schools. It’s evident that Rich is a deeply valued member of his school and looked up to by students, staff and the community.” (Business Wire)
2. Forsyth County theater student Emily Marx of Denmark High School is heading to New York for the Shuler Awards! After winning Best Performance by a Leading Actress in the 15th Annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, Marx will now represent Georgia in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards program in New York City. For 10 days she will attend dance and acting workshops, meet industry professionals, go to Broadway shows, and perform in the Minskoff Theatre, a Broadway theatre in Manhattan. After that performance, judges will choose eight finalists to sing another song of their choice before announcing a national winner. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
3. Are you looking to adopt a furry friend? Over six million pets and other companion animals are given to rescue organizations each year nationwide, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. However, only around half of all shelter animals are adopted each year. Some of those animals are in the Cumming area and are hoping to find a forever family. See some of the local cats and dogs currently up for adoption here. (Cumming Patch)
4. Mark your calendar for 20 Degrees South’s Spring Fling event on Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to a day of food, fun, and music while checking out new spring clothing lines, jewelry, home decor, and more! There will also be a variety of local vendors set up throughout the grounds. The event is weather permitting and will take place at 205 Pilgrim Mill Rd in Cumming. (20 Degrees South via Facebook)
5. Don’t miss Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Levi Ransom performing today at The Collection at Forsyth! Levi began his career by singing at church, shortly followed by learning to play guitar and write his own music. His creative influences include NEEDTOBREATH, Hunter Hayes, and OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. He is a Music Production graduate from Full Sail University, and his second album will be released this summer. See Levi Ransom perform today, May 5 at 6:00 p.m! (Bandsintown)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Cumming:

• American Red Cross Blood Drive At Cumming Library (10:00 AM)
• Cinco De Mayo Party At Freedom Brew And Shine (5:00 PM)
• Yobelly Flow Cinco De Mayo At West Milford Farm (6:30 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Mexican Mother’s Day, which is always celebrated on May 10, falls on a Wednesday this year. If you’re looking to celebrate Mom midweek or in the days leading up to Día de las Madres, you’re in luck: many Mexican restaurants in the Cumming area are offering Mother's Day brunches, special menus and more. Click here for all the details!

From my notebook:

• Forsyth Central High School College and Career Center had some big events recently! See photos from the Senior Scholarship Workshop, Career and Military Commitment Ceremony, and more! (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• Expect delays at the roundabout at Shiloh Road and Shiloh Road East until Saturday, May 6. Roads are being milled and paved so plan your route accordingly. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Kelly Mill Elementary School’s summer camp registration opens Thursday, May 11. Spots are limited for each camp so sign up early! For questions contact brobertson97@forsyth.k12.ga.us for the Creativity Playground Camp and f40501@forsyth.k12.ga.us for the Chem and Space Camp. (Kelly Mill Elementary via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact Sat May 6, 2023 (May 6)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - With One Accord (May 6)
• Live Music Cinco De Mayo Latin Night Atlanta Sat May 6, 2023 (May 6)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (May 9)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Forsyth County Public Library - Hampton Park Library (May 11)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.