🌱 GA's Plans To Improve Mental Health Care + NoFo Brew Co. Raises $1K

Hey, friends! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cumming Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening in town these days. In this issue, you'll find updates on:

• Georgia lawmakers plan to improve mental health care
• Rec & Run event at Chattahoochee Pointe Park
• Cumming-based brewery helps raise funds for Humane Society of Forsyth County

But first, today's weather:

Warm with variable clouds. High: 75 Low: 63.

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Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns has announced plans to improve mental health care with a new bill and multiple studies to set the groundwork for future action. The bill includes expanding the student loan forgiveness program for mental health care providers, creating new crisis stabilization units, and mandating more data sharing among agencies. However, sponsors of the measure acknowledged that more funding will be needed to increase Medicaid payments for care providers and address the distribution of treatment beds in the state; Rep. Todd Jones (R-Cumming) noted that Georgia residents have reached out to say they can't find treatment facilities for their loved ones. (WABE 90.1 FM)
2. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation is organizing its inaugural Rec & Run event at Chattahoochee Pointe Park in nearby Suwanee. The event, scheduled for Mar. 18, will feature a 5K and fun run. Proceeds will be donated to the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation scholarship fund, providing recreational opportunities for all county residents. Those who register early will receive a free t-shirt for the run. (Forsyth County Georgia Government)
3. The Humane Society of Forsyth County (HSFC) expressed gratitude to the patrons and staff of NoFo Brew Co. in Cumming for raising approximately $1,000 through the HSFC's "round up" campaign in December. The funds will be used to support the animals at the shelter. In a Facebook post, shelter staff acknowledged that their work would not be possible without the support of the local businesses and community. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA)
4. You can give back by giving blood. The Cumming Library will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive next Friday, Mar. 3. Those who wish to donate can do so between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the Cumming Meeting Room. Appointments can be made online at RedCrossBlood.org. (Forsyth County Public Library)
5. Heads up, house hunters: five new homes have hit the Cumming real estate market. Highlights include a five-bedroom/three-bathroom on Cobblestone Drive for $460,000 — and if you want to see it for yourself, there's an open house this Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2:00 p.m. Visit the link for photos, pricing, and additional specs. (Cumming Patch)

Today in Cumming:

• Preschool Pals Storytime - For Children Ages 3 To 5 Years Old At Cumming Library (11:00 AM)
• Paws To Read - For Grades Kindergarten And Up At Sharon Forks Library (3:30 PM)
• Trivia Night At Freedom Brew And Shine (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Forsyth County Schools invites the community to cheer on its students in the innovateUNG Pitch Challenge today, Feb. 22, at 6:00 p.m. at the FoCAL Center. In the annual event, local high school students will pitch their business ideas before a panel of judges. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• As February comes to a close, the Humane Society of Forsyth County reminds pet parents that February is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month — and that the shelter offers low-cost spay and neuter services. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• This Saturday, Feb. 25, TEDxAlexander Park is coming to the metro Atlanta area. The day-long event starts at 9:00 a.m. at The Eagle at Sugar Hill, about a half hour away from Cumming. (Cumming Patch)

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Featured events:

• BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-opening Limited-time Offer (February 23)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.