MADD

Want to drink and drive in Forsyth County? Better think again. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office was recognized for the second year (previously in 2007) as the 2009 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia Statewide Agency of the Year. This award is based on the number of DUI's awarded in that year. A few deputies were recognized for making an abundance of DUI arrests during the year. Good going!

I am happy about this award and feel safer knowing our roads are being patrolled so diligently but my goodness! If we win a state award, that means there are plenty of drivers out there driving under the influence to be arrested. That does not sit well with me in this "second most conservative county in the US" that has a ton of kids and families on the roads.

Home Sales Increase in February - Why?

The 8.2% increase on home sales in February is most likely due to the tax credit ($8,000 - first time homebuyer and $6,500 previous buyer) which expires April 30, even though after spiking in the Fall (original deadline) it has not really spawned the increase they would have like this spring.

Another reason for home sales increases is also due to a huge amount of foreclosures at rock-bottom prices in the marketplace.

What is particularly interesting is that sales contracts in the Northeastern region and Southern region rose 9% in February - which were both plagued with severe winter weather. Makes you wonder what could have been if we had a mild winter huh?

Love a Beautful Forsyth?

Well if you do, then come on out to the Great American Clean Up effort on April 24. The kick-off is at The Avenue Forsyth shops on Peachtree Pkwy at 9am. From there, everyone will go to areas of the county to clean up along the roads for two hours. A lunch will then be served back at the Avenue afterwards. They are expecting Scouts, families, civic groups and many other groups to attend.

Register to help out at www.handsonforsyth.org by Friday April 16.

Did You Know?

This month marks the 40th year of the passage of the Fair Housing Law - which was in fact passed just 1 week after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was lingering for over 2 years in Congress and only passed at this time due to the recent events. Passing of this law was something that Dr. King focused heavily on and was a fitting tribute to his memory.

Hampton Golf Village Sponsoring Golf Tournament

Gorgeous Hampton Golf Village is sponsoring a golf tournament on July 27, 2010. The course is just off GA400 in beautiful North Forsyth and has challenging par fours.

6310 Hampton Golf Club Dr.
Cumming, GA 30041

Entry Fee: $72.00

Course web site: www.hamptongolfvillage.net

Check Out Shady Grove Campground

Beginning April 2, Shady Grove Campground on Lake Lanier in Cumming, GA will be open for campers thru the season until November 7, 2010.

Shady Grove Campground has more than 110 campsites including tent and RV camping areas, group campsites and campsites with water power hookups. The campground amenities include restrooms with showers, a beach with swimming area, playground and pavilions.

Campsites may be reserved up to 30 days in advance with full payment made in person at the campground. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check, credit card or money order.

Daily fees for use of the campground

30 amp electric site with water: $26

Tent camping site with no hookups: $18

Group camping (north): $155

Group camping (south): $135

Dump station: $15

Visitor fee: $2

Shady Grove Campground

7800 Shadburn Ferry Road

Cumming, GA

770-205-6849

Good News for Forsyth County Small Businesses

In order to spawn growth and revitalize the area of Hwy 369 between Hwy 9 and Mashburn, which is a prime location for nonresidential redevelopment in northern Forsyth County the Opportunity Zone by the GA Department of Community Affairs is offering qualifying businesses a state tax credit of as much as $3,500 per new job created. This incentive which is available for new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs, can be taken against the business's income tax liability and state payroll withholding.

You can find more information about this a www.forsythco.com.