🌱 Sheriff's Office Hires 2 New Members + Library Blood Drive Tomorrow

Hey, everybody. It's Thursday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community. Today we'll cover...

• New hires join the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
• A blood drive happening at the Cumming Library tomorrow
• Forsyth County educators honored during the 2023 Celebration of Excellence

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Heart & Hammer Realty

Can you guess what real estate market the National Association of Realtors named as its hottest for 2023? (Hint: You’re living in it.)

A lot of ink has been spilled over the slowing of the national real estate market: Interest rates are up, prices are down. Buyers are on the sidelines....

But we all know the Atlanta area is different — ok, let’s just admit it: better — than everywhere else. And when it comes to real estate, it's no different. People are moving here. Young families want larger homes and yards. Investors are still buying. And demand is outstripping supply.

That's why the National Association of Realtors just named Atlanta no. 1 on its list of U.S. markets with the most potential for growth this year.

So how do you take advantage?

Amanda Shelton and her husband Andy Shelton of Heart & Hammer Realty have you covered. She’s a highly-experienced, top 20% Keller Williams agent. He’s a top-notch builder who knows houses from the inside out — and can help buyers avoid disaster, and sellers from making costly mistakes.

Want to explore how you might take advantage of the resilient Atlanta market? Call or text Amanda today at 770.572.0722 or email her at amandashelton@kw.com.

Now, today's weather:

Cloudy with showers. High: 69 Low: 61.

Business owners and marketers in Cumming: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Cumming:

1. On Monday, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office welcomed two new members to its team. Deputy Sheriff II Francisco Rodriguez and Cinthya Alvarez were formally welcomed during a ceremony earlier this week. Visit the link to view a photo from the event. (Forsyth County SO)
2. The Forsyth County Family YMCA is encouraging family fitness all month long through a "Pay the Day" program. Community members are invited to explore health and wellness resources and programs at a reduced rate throughout March. Click here to discover programs and membership options. (Forsyth County Family YMCA)
3. Lots of things are happening at the Cumming Library this week! Stop by the Children's Area tonight, Mar. 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. to enjoy the Twilight Tales family storytime with your little ones, or donate blood tomorrow, Mar. 3, during the American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Get all the details on the library's website. (Forsyth County Public Library)
4. Next Thursday, Mar. 9, the Forsyth County Chamber will celebrate this year's STAR Partners in Education, Parent/Guardian Leaders, and Teachers of the Year for Forsyth County Schools. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center. Visit the link to learn how you can help support the 2023 Celebration of Excellence. (Forsyth County Chamber)
5. The Cumming Arts Center will host an Artists' Reception this Saturday, Mar. 4, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The reception will celebrate the exhibiting member artists currently featured in the "Love is in the Air" exhibit at the gallery. The exhibit is the gallery's first of 2023 and will be on display through Apr. 15. (Cumming Arts Center)

Today in Cumming:

• North Atlanta Business Networking Lunch At Black Diamond Grill (11:30 AM)
• Food Truck At NoFo Brew Co. (4:00 PM)
• Hampton Park Writers' Group At Hampton Park Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Brookwood Elementary student has advanced to the next round of the Forsyth County Oratorical Competition. Congratulations, Eva! (Brookwood Elementary via Facebook)
• Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Visit the link to meet Kaelin, a Siberian Husky currently waiting to be adopted from the Humane Society of Forsyth County. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• Did you know that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month? Relay For Life of Forsyth County shared prevention tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. Click here to learn more about preventing, detecting, and treating colon cancer. (Relay For Life of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (March 7)
• Add your event

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