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This Week
Clear, local reporting from Cumming and communities across Forsyth County.

Weekly edition
Fresh Bagels Join the Bethelview Breakfast Lineup, Big Warehouse Plan Draws Scrutiny on Old Alpharetta Road, and Thrive Center Makes More Room for Recreation. Local Forsyth County News.

Good morning, Forsyth County,
Before we get into today’s news, I want to thank the local businesses that help make the Forsyth Flyer possible. My name may be at the bottom of these morning intros, but I don’t get to take all the credit.
Every edition takes time: gathering the news, finding local events, and keeping up with what’s happening around Forsyth County. Our sponsors help make that work possible, and I’m grateful they’ve chosen to support it.
Speaking of local businesses, October is here. We’re officially in Q4, with holiday promotions, year-end plans, and, somehow, 2027 already on the horizon. I’m starting to think about what’s next for the Flyer, too.
If you’re planning your business’s marketing for the coming months, I’d love to hear from you. There are so many people doing good work right here in Forsyth County, and I’d love to help more of our readers get to know the business you’ve built.
Just hit reply and tell me a little about your business and what you have in mind. We can talk through how the Flyer might fit into your plans.
Thanks for reading, supporting our sponsors, and making room for a little local news in your morning.
– Chad
Here’s Why Experts Say to Ditch Your Old Cutting Boards

Before you prep another meal, here’s what you need to know:
Plastic boards shed microplastic particles into your food with every cut.
Wooden boards trap moisture and food residue, the perfect breeding ground for hidden bacteria and toxic mold that transfers to your food.
Morning routines in west Forsyth have a new option. Jeff’s Bagel Run opened Friday, Oct. 2, at 5610 Bethelview Road, Suite 700, bringing the chain’s first Forsyth County shop to Cumming. Bagels are made in the store, then boiled and baked throughout the day. The menu pairs familiar choices such as Sesame and Asiago with rotating varieties, plus spreads ranging from Plain and Veggie to Banana Pudding and Cookies & Cream. Coffee and cold brew round out the offerings. Founded by Jeff and Danielle Perera, the business opened its first storefront in Ocoee, Florida, in 2021. The Cumming location is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with online ordering available.
A proposed warehouse on Old Alpharetta Road has neighbors questioning how a large industrial building would fit into their surroundings. SDP Acquisitions, LLC is seeking industrial rezoning for roughly 25.8 acres, with plans for a 281,000-square-foot warehouse. The site includes properties with addresses from 690 to 760 Old Alpharetta Road and portions of two Meadow Lane properties. The application also includes 42 spaces for semi-tractor trailers. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, noise and the building’s scale at a public hearing. On Sept. 22, the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions but declined to support a requested parking reduction. The applicant had proposed 221 standard parking spaces, compared with the 281 required under county rules.
Forsyth County’s new Thrive Center will give therapeutic recreation programs a dedicated home at 595 Dahlonega Street in Cumming. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, followed by drop-in activities for families. The center occupies the former Charles Place Senior Services Center, which underwent an approximately $744,000 renovation to create updated activity spaces and offices for therapeutic recreation staff. The programs help people with varying abilities develop skills, meet others and participate in recreation in supportive settings. Offerings include adaptive sports, fitness activities, camps and special events. Participation has increased 40% since the county established its therapeutic recreation division in 2018. Families can find program information at parks.forsythco.com.
Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations & Elections Regular Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 6, 9:00 AM
What: The board discusses preparations for the November 3 elections, including absentee ballot processing, tabulation, a risk-limiting audit and possible changes to its bylaws.
Where: Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections Office, 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Work Session
When: Tuesday, October 6, 10:00 AM
What: Commissioners consider road grants, transportation projects, Sawnee Mountain trail rehabilitation, public safety purchases, water and sewer contracts, and possible county-initiated rezonings.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Water and Sewerage Authority Special Called Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 6, 11:00 AM (or immediately following the commissioners’ 10:00 AM work session)
What: The authority considers acquiring easements for the County Way Lift Station and authorizing a plat combining two properties for the Lower Caney Creek Lift Station.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Animal Control Board Called Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM
What: The board holds an animal classification review hearing involving Rocky and Theo, considers a decision in the case, and receives public comments.
Where: Forsyth County Administration Building, Room 1004, 2435 Freedom Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041
Cumming City Council Work Session
When: Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM
What: The mayor and council meet publicly to discuss city business. The city directs residents to check its agenda page on Monday, October 5, for meeting topics.
Where: Cumming City Hall, Council Chambers, third floor, 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Zoning Board of Appeals Work Session
When: Tuesday, October 6, 6:30 PM
What: The board reviews the regular meeting agenda and applications ahead of the evening’s public hearings.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Zoning Board of Appeals Regular Meeting and Public Hearings
When: Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 PM
What: Public hearings cover five variance requests involving setbacks, buffers, landscaping, parking and building design, including properties on Bentley Road, Martin Road and near Haw Creek Circle East and State Route 20.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 PM
What: Agenda topics include 2027 booster club facility agreements, the Polo Fields lease, after-school and summer-program funding, and updates on recreation operations and park projects.
Where: Fowler Park Recreation Center, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, GA 30040
Whitlow Elementary Local School Council Meeting
When: Thursday, October 8, 9:30 AM
What: The public school council brings parents, teachers and business representatives into school decisions and supports student achievement.
Where: Whitlow Elementary School, 3655 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Civil Service Board Regular Meeting
When: Thursday, October 8, 10:00 AM
What: The county’s Civil Service Board holds its regular meeting. A detailed agenda was not posted when checked.
Where: Forsyth County Juvenile Court Building, 875 Lanier 400 Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Board of Assessors Regular Meeting
When: Thursday, October 8, 2:00 PM
What: The board considers commercial and residential assessment appeals, personal property appeals, assessment corrections, a conservation-use property matter, and appointing a board secretary.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Assessors Building, 426 Canton Highway, Cumming, GA 30040
Monday Mood: Yoga on the Green
When: Monday, October 5, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Enjoy a free outdoor yoga class at Cumming City Center’s Lou Sobh Amphitheater. All experience levels are welcome, and the class finishes with meditation. Bring a yoga mat and water. Check The Heart Studio Yoga’s social media for weather-related changes.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Pinecrest Academy Fall Informational Coffee
When: Tuesday, October 6, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
What: Families considering Pinecrest Academy can meet administrators, teachers, and students and tour the school’s 68-acre campus. The informational coffee offers an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the school’s Catholic education programs. Families of all faiths are welcome. Registration is available through the school’s admissions page.
Where: Pinecrest Academy, 955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041
Once Upon a Tuesday: Storytime with Forsyth County Public Library
When: Tuesday, October 6, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Forsyth County Public Library brings stories, music, and a puppet show to Cumming City Center. Families can settle in at the amphitheater for a free morning program. This is the final scheduled gathering in the April-through-October storytime series.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Forsyth County Drug Summit 2026
When: Tuesday, October 6, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: The Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council hosts an evening focused on education, prevention, and protecting young people. Featured speaker Dr. Kristen Gilliland will discuss the effects of marijuana and vaping on the teenage brain. Parents, educators, community members, and local leaders are invited. Free dinner is provided, with the program scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM.
Where: Local Church Forsyth, 3105 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040
Cumming City Council Work Session
When: Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Cumming City Council holds its October work session at City Hall. Residents interested in city business can follow the discussion and review the agenda, which the city says will be posted the Monday before the meeting.
Where: Council Chambers, Third Floor, Cumming City Hall, 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Singles Social Tuesdays at Cumming City Center
When: Tuesday, October 6, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Meet other local singles during this weekly social gathering at Cumming City Center. The meetup offers a casual setting to mingle and make connections. The host venue rotates each week, so check City Center’s event updates or social media for Tuesday’s exact location.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040; specific host venue varies weekly
Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 7, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
What: The Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council holds its scheduled October meeting at the United Way offices. The meeting is a calendar item for community partners following the coalition’s local substance-use prevention work.
Where: United Way, 240 Elm Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Pinecrest Academy Pala-Teenies Fall Program
When: Wednesday, October 7, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Pinecrest Academy’s seven-week fall program begins with activities for children ages 1 to 4 and their parents. Sessions include gym time, stories, crafts, and chapel visits, with opportunities for families to meet others in the community. The full seven-week session costs $80. Registration is available through the school’s website.
Where: Pinecrest Academy Lower School campus, 955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041
Kids Club at Halcyon
When: Wednesday, October 7, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to Halcyon’s free weekly Kids Club. Activities rotate and may include crafts, music, dancing, animal encounters, stories, or special guests. No registration is required, and a parent or guardian must remain with each child. Weather permitting.
Where: Village Green at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Master Naturalist Tree Walk at the Halcyon Trailhead
When: Thursday, October 8, 9:30 AM; approximately 1 to 1½ hours
What: Join Forsyth County Master Naturalist Extension Volunteers for an educational walk along the Big Creek Greenway. Volunteers will explain how to identify local trees, stopping to examine the characteristics of different species. Walks cover approximately 1 to 1½ miles. Register through UGA Extension’s event page to receive meeting details and weather updates.
Where: Big Creek Greenway Halcyon Trailhead, 6265 Cortland Walk, Alpharetta, GA 30005; exact meeting instructions provided by email
Cumming Country Fair & Festival: Opening Night
When: Thursday, October 8, beginning at 4:00 PM
What: The Cumming Country Fair & Festival opens with carnival rides, games, fair food, farm animals, entertainment, and the Heritage Village. Opening-day gate admission is free courtesy of Northside Hospital Forsyth. Rides cost extra, with a $25 unlimited-ride special advertised for Thursday. The fair continues through October 18.
Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Cherry Street Brewpub Live Music
When: Thursday, October 8, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music at Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon. The Thursday series features a rotating lineup of solo and duo performers throughout October. If rain moves the performance indoors, the backup location is the Brewhouse, which is restricted to guests ages 21 and older.
Where: Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon, 6640 Town Square, Suite 510, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Fall Cornhole League at Cumming City Center
When: Thursday, October 8, play begins at 6:15 PM
What: Georgia Cornhole Leagues continues its fall season at Cumming City Center. October 8 is a scheduled league night, with the season leading to an October 29 tournament. The league is for adults ages 21 and older. Players should consult the organizer’s schedule for matchups and participation details.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Halcyon Movie Series
When: Thursday, October 8, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Bring lawn chairs and blankets for an outdoor Halloween movie on Halcyon’s Village Green. The organizer describes a classic featuring three witch sisters returning to Salem after 300 years. Snacks and treats will be available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Where: Village Green at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005
78° 🌡️ 57° | 🌫️/☁️ | 15% | 💨 0–5 mph NE
74° 🌡️ 52° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 10–15 mph E
78° 🌡️ 54° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 0–5 mph E
82° 🌡️ 57° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 0–5 mph NE
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 75ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication
That’s it for today’s Forsyth Flyer. Thanks for making us part of your morning.
As you head into the week, I hope you’ll find a reason to explore somewhere new, stop by a local favorite, or check out an event you spotted here.
Have a story we should cover, an event coming up, or a neighbor who deserves a little recognition? Just hit reply. Some of the best things we share start with a note from a reader.
And if you enjoyed today’s edition, pass it along to a friend. There’s always room for another neighbor.
See you in the next Flyer!
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