Join the City of Cumming in Honoring Veterans on May 27
The City of Cumming will present its 21st Annual Memorial Day Ceremonies on Friday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Veterans War Memorial (301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.). The public is invited to join with City of Cumming elected officials and staff in honoring all our local service men and women. An important part of the event every year is the Avenue of Flags Dedication, in which new American flags are added to the display on the grounds. Each flag represents at least one veteran who passed away either during his or her service time or after returning home. During the dedication , family members unfurl their loved one's flag for the first time. Other highlights of the event will include a welcome by Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, keynote address by Georgia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Reed Barry, music from the North Georgia Barbershop Singers, rifle salute by the Forsyth County Sheriff and Fire Honor Guard, and a dove release by Nancy Kay Duncan.
Did you know? The City's Veterans War Memorial was dedicated in 1992  in response to the Persian Gulf War and the community's desire to honor all local service men and women. The project was funded by donations from businesses and individuals. Click here to learn more about the history of the Veterans War Memorial.
Council Awards Bid for Lanier 400 Parkway Sidewalk
During the April meeting of the Cumming City Council, members voted unanimously to award a bid for installation of sidewalk along the new Lanier 400 Parkway to Tri Scapes Inc. The 6-foot-wide sidewalk will be installed along the Hwy. 400 side of the roadway, which stretches from Bald Ridge Marina to Pilgrim Mill Road. Council also approved a request to advertise for bids for asphalt prices in order to complete some future road repaving projects.
 
Also during the April meeting, the Cumming City Council:
  • Approved changes to the City's existing appeal ordinances that will bring all departments under the same ordinance in order to be consistent, and changes to the right of way ordinance that will align the City with recommendations from the Georgia Municipal Association.
  • Heard an audit report from Charles Cole of Le Roy, Cole & Stephens, LLC, Certified Public Accountants. Cole reported that the City of Cumming has some $237 million in assets and all departments came in under budget in 2015.
  • Approved a conditional use permit for Three Siblings, LLC, an auto repair shop; a special event permit for Tacos & Tequilas for a Cinco de Mayo event; and a distillery license for Spirits of the USA, LLC, which had to secure the local permit before moving forward to secure state and federal permits.
  • Approved advertising for bids for installation of a 12-inch water line along Hwy. 369 to Hendrix Road to the Rose Creek Subdivision, and purchases of a Bobcat Loader, trailer to haul the Bobcat, a Side-by-Side, and a Komatsu Forklift for use by the Cumming Utilities Water Collection and Distribution Division.
  • Announced "My Fair Lady" at the Cumming Playhouse at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through May 22, and Relay for Life at the Cumming Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 7.  
 
Click here to view meeting videos.
Reminder: Aquatic Center Party on May 13
Cumming Aquatic Center staff will host a party to celebrate the center's fifth anniversary and the 2016 opening of the outdoor pool and waterpark on Friday, May 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be lots of fun for the whole family, including a DJ, games, and plenty of prizes. The concession stand will be open for dinner purchases. It is not necessary to register for this event, but all attendees will be required to pay the daily admission fee of $5 for adults, and $4 for children ages 2-17 and seniors 60 and over. Kids under 2 are free. For a complete schedule of the outdoor pool hours, click here.
May Proclaimed "Buddy Poppy" Month
On April 21, Mayor H. Ford Gravitt signed a proclamation declaring May as VFW Buddy Poppy Month in the City. Members of Cumming VFW Post 9143, who visited City Hall to accept the proclamation, will be distributing the paper Buddy Poppies in front of Walmart on Market Place Boulevard every weekend during May. Donations received by the group will be used for various efforts to support disabled and hospitalized veterans. Through the national VFW Buddy Poppy Program, disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals assemble the paper poppies and are compensated for production. Click here to learn more about the program.
Help Our Cumming City Stars to Shine - Nominate Today!
Nominations for outstanding employees in the Cumming Utilities Department are now being accepted for the Cumming City Stars Employee Recognition Program second quarter awards. First and second quarter nominees and winners will be recognized later this summer. Click here to nominate and learn more about the Cumming City Stars program.

Coming Soon
To the Cumming Fairgrounds
American Cancer Society Relay for Life - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 7
Forsyth Central High School Graduation - 10 a.m. May 28

To the Cumming Playhouse
"My Fair Lady" Broadway Musical - 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & 3 p.m. Sundays, now through May 22
 
To the Cumming Aquatic Center
Summer Opening Party - 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. May 13

Meetings
Planning & Zoning Board - 5 p.m. May 17
City Council - 6 p.m. May 17
Both meetings are open to the public and held in the third-floor Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 Main Street. For all meetings after 5 p.m., please enter through the rear parking lot entrance.

 
The City of Cumming wishes to thank all our veterans and active duty military. Please join us as we recognize them - especially all those who have departed this world - during our annual Memorial Day Ceremonies at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27 at the Veterans War Memorial (301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.).

Sincerely,   
City of Cumming
Division of Public Information