🌱 More Funding For 'Common Courtesy' Ridesharing + Summer In The City

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cumming Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town. In today's issue, you'll learn about:

• County commissioners vote to double funding for Common Courtesy rideshare program.
• "Summer In the City" opening at Cumming Arts Center.
• Country music performer lineup for 2023 Cumming Country Fair & Festival.

But first, today's weather:

Hazy sun. High: 92 Low: 68.

Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. In response to the soaring demand for Common Courtesy, Forsyth County's popular ridesharing initiative catered mainly to seniors and those with disabilities, county commissioners have agreed to allocate an additional $260,000 for its operations until the end of 2023. The bolstered funds, bringing the total budget to $510,000, come amid significant growth in usage rates for both Common Courtesy and its on-call bus service counterpart, Access Forsyth, which have seen increases of 38.57 and 56.7 percent, respectively. The funding decision awaits final ratification at the upcoming commissioner's regular meeting, following which Common Courtesy will continue offering its affordable $2-per-trip service, limited to 24 trips or 12 round trips per individual each month. (NewsBreak)
2. Cumming Arts Center's annual Community/Member Art Show, "Summer In the City," showcasing judged pieces across multiple dimensions, is now welcoming the public. Art McNaughton's "Pawn Shop Blues" has clinched the prestigious "Best in Show" award, while the audience is invited to cast their vote for the "People's Choice" award until Aug. 26. Housed in the historic Brannon-Heard House at 111 Pilgrim Mill Rd, the center offers free entry and parking to all visitors. (Cumming Patch)
3. The Cumming Country Fair & Festival, running from Oct. 5 through 15 and sponsored by Northside Hospital Forsyth, has revealed a star-studded lineup with country music icons Randy Houser, Neal McCoy, and Georgia native Mark Wills. The festival, themed "The Fair is Short, Make it Sweet," will feature performances from McCoy, known for his number-one singles "No Doubt About It" and "Wink," on Oct. 6, followed by Wills, whose "19 Somethin'" kicked off a series of Billboard chart successes, on Oct. 10, and finally Houser, with his $4-million-selling album "How Country Feels," on Oct. 12. (NewsBreak)
4. In an effort to further improve water quality, the Forsyth County Department of Water and Sewer (FCDWS) has introduced an "Ozone" process to its primary water treatment facility. This innovative treatment, utilized to decrease contaminants and effectively oxidize drinking water, is expected to mitigate the seasonal impact of trace compounds on water taste and odor, particularly during late summer and early fall when blue-green algae in the county's water source, Lake Lanier, is more prevalent. Residents keen to understand more about the county's water treatment processes are invited to visit the Water & Sewer educational page on www.forsythco.com or partake in a guided tour of the county's water treatment and wastewater plant systems. (Forsyth County, Georgia)
5. Looking to fill up your social calendar this week? Lots of fun events are happening in and around Cumming. Tomorrow at the Hampton Park library, there will be a fairytale-themed Family Escape Room event at 2:00 p.m. Then, on Thursday, Jul. 20, Ben Bostick is performing at Pig Tales on Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch and The Andrews Brothers are giving a free "Dueling Pianos" show at 37 Main in Buford. Visit the link to view the full roster of upcoming events. (Forsyth News)

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Today in Cumming:

Monday, July 17

• Recipe Swap And Digital Community Cookbook At Post Road Library (All Day)
• Curtis & Kim Jones Mountain Gypsy Music At Vickery Village (5:00 PM)
• Trivia Night At Five Boroughs Pizza Tavern (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for your new dream home in the Cumming area? These beautiful local properties, including 3750 Jodeco Circle and 6465 Dexters Drive, have just gone up for sale. Check out the property specs and list prices at the link. (Cumming Patch)
• The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is offering two free self-defense classes this summer to help college-aged women stay safe on campus. Visit this link for more details. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)
• The Forsyth County Health Department has just released its grades for some popular restaurants across the county based on inspections conducted earlier this month. Is your favorite local eatery on the list? (NewsBreak)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• “Summer In the City” Art Show at the Cumming Arts Center (July 19)
• No Cost Boot Camp 4 Divorcing Women Workshop (July 19)
• Summer BBQ Celebration (July 22)
• Christmas in July Home Show at the Avalon in Alpharetta (July 23)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.