Mark Twain & Mr. Clements Farewell at the Cumming Playhouse
Kurt H. Sutton performs as Mark Twain/Samuel Clements.
After traveling all over the country performing as one of America's most beloved literary icons, Kurt H. Sutton will soon be hanging up his white suit for good. But not before he presents a special farewell performance as Mark Twain and Samuel Clements at 8 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Cumming Playhouse.

Sutton, a resident of Buford, got his start portraying Twain/Clements about 12 years ago at the Cumming Playhouse. Since then, he has traveled to about 43 states in the Continental U.S. presenting the tribute show. Among some of his favorite locations were the War World II Museum and Theatre in New Orleans and the Lincoln Square Theatre in Illinois (where Abraham Lincoln announced his run for the presidency).

Sutton said he brings a uniqueness to his Twain/Clements show by utilizing the music of Clements' day as he plays guitar, banjo and harmonica. Of course, the witty tall tales of Clements and his alter ego also feature prominently into the production.

Tickets to Sutton's farewell performance as Twain and Clements are $15 and can be purchased by clicking here.
Did you know? The Cumming Playhouse opened in 2004 after the City of Cumming restored the historic Cumming Schoolhouse. Over the years, the Playhouse has presented hundreds of performances by local and traveling production companies, ranging from small concerts to large-scale Broadway musicals. Go to www.playhousecumming.com to learn more.
City Council Closes Out Successful Year
The City of Cumming accomplished a lot in 2016, including the re-opening of City Park on Pilgrim Mill Road, construction of Lanier 400 Parkway, repaving of several streets, and numerous utilities upgrades, noted Mayor Ford Gravitt at the City's final 2016 Council meeting in December. "We had a great year," he said.
 
Cumming City Council approved a budget amendment for 2016 as required by the state and voted to officially adopt the 2017 City Budget during the meeting. The total budget of just more than $33.4 million is divided between the City's General Fund Budget of just under $14 million and the City's Water & Sewer Budget of $19.5 million. Council's approval came after a public hearing on Dec. 6.
 
In other business during the December City Council meeting, Council:
 
  • Approved a recommendation by Jason McCook of Moreland Altobelli Associates to install speed bumps on Shady Lane and Oakwood Drive at a total cost of about $2,000. The request had been made by a resident of the neighborhood during a previous meeting.
  • Authorized Mayor Gravitt to negotiate with Atlanta Gas Light in regards to the purchase of right-of-way within the City of Cumming for installation of natural gas line. The total gas line project will run from Pendley Road to Spot Road.
  • Approved a lease agreement with Southeast Connections for use of a currently vacant lot in the city for storage of equipment and trucks needed as part of the Atlanta Gas Light project. Southeast Connections will lease the lot for $1 per year for the duration of the line project, and any improvements made to the property by Southeast Connections will remain in place after the line project is finished.  
  • Approved a motion to allow local veterans organizations to raise funds for repairs and possible improvements at the City's Veterans War Memorial.
  • Approved installation of a fire alarm system for the Bell Research Center's new facility, located inside the building adjacent to the historic Sinclair gas station.
  • Approved the low bid from Haren Construction Company of just over $392,000 for installation of a water line along Lanier 400 Parkway, as well as creation of right-of-way deeds and water and sewer line easements for the entire length of Lanier 400 Parkway which will remain in place as property along the road is sold by the City.
 
Click here for meeting videos.
 
Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, center, was recently honored by the Cumming Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Mayor Recognized by Vietnam Veterans
During the December meeting of the Cumming Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, members recognized Mayor H. Ford Gravitt for always being supportive of veterans and veterans' causes during his five decades in public office. Chapter President Gary Ely presented Gravitt with a plaque recognizing Mayor Gravitt's continued support through events such as Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies, proclamations for veterans' organizations, and a recent designation of the City of Cumming as a Purple Heart City.
 
Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, center, recognized Steve Bennett and Linda Heard during a retirement reception.
Long-Time City Leaders Retire
A retirement reception was recently held for two long-time City of Cumming employees. Both Assistant City Administrator Steve Bennett and Cumming Playhouse Executive Director Linda Heard retired at the end of 2016. Their City co-workers and elected officials honored them during the reception. Bennett served the City for some 40 years, the past 19 in his current role. Heard  served the City for 28 years, the past 12 in her current role. Everyone at the City of Cumming wishes them both the best in their retirement!
Coming Soon
 
To the Cumming Playhouse
  • "Mark Twain & Mr. Clements Farewell Show" by Kurt H. Sutton - 8 p.m. Jan. 7
  • The Bird Dogs: Everly Brothers Tribute Band - 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 21  
 

 

Holiday Closure

  • All City Facilities and Departments, except the Cumming Police Department, will be closed Jan. 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday.  

 

Meetings
  • Planning & Zoning Board - 5 p.m. Jan. 17
  • City Council - 6 p.m. Jan. 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. Click here for previous meeting videos. 

Happy New Year from all your friends at the City of Cumming!

 

Sincerely,   
City of Cumming
Division of Public Information