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

Weekly edition
Cow Spots Welcome at Chick-fil-A’s October 1 Debut, Global Training Company Opens New South Forsyth Headquarters, and Cumming’s Own Ninja Warrior. Local Forsyth County News.
Good morning, Forsyth County,
These cooler mornings and evenings have me opening the windows and letting fresh air fill the house. We’ve finally reached that brief, wonderful stretch when opening a window cools things down instead of inviting Georgia’s humidity to come sit on the couch.
It always reminds me of a story John Adams told about traveling with Benjamin Franklin. In September 1776, they stopped at a crowded inn in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Only one bed was available, in a room barely larger than the bed itself, with no chimney and one small window.
Naturally, they disagreed about the window. America had barely declared independence, and we were already arguing about the bedroom temperature.
Adams wasn’t feeling well and worried the night air would make him sick, so he closed it. Franklin objected, convinced the stuffy room was the bigger problem. Adams reopened the window and climbed into bed to hear Franklin’s explanation.
Franklin then launched into a lecture about air, breathing, and perspiration. Adams fell asleep before it was over. He suspected Franklin drifted off shortly afterward, since his last words sounded half asleep.
Apparently, even Benjamin Franklin couldn’t stay awake through an entire Benjamin Franklin lecture.
– Chad
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West Forsyth’s newest Chick-fil-A will open at 6 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at 5580 Wren St., near Bethelview and Castleberry roads. The opening comes with a wardrobe incentive: Customers wearing cow spots can receive a free eligible entrée or kid’s meal, with no purchase required. The offer is limited to one per person while supplies last. Owner-operator Kristie Bergstrom, who also runs the Larry Mulkey at Memorial Road restaurant, will lead the location. Chick-fil-A expects it to create about 110 jobs. Regular hours will be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with dine-in, drive-thru and mobile ordering available. The company is also marking the opening with a $25,000 donation to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
A company supplying military and public safety training systems around the world has opened a new headquarters in south Forsyth. InVeris Training Solutions celebrated its headquarters and production facility at 1320 Ridgeland Parkway with a Sept. 17 ribbon cutting. Its products range from virtual training environments and weapon simulators to equipment for live-fire ranges. The company reports that its systems operate in more than 40 countries. The opening is part of a broader relocation, with the Caswell live-fire division moving to a separate site in Duluth. InVeris says the new facilities give it more space and capabilities to serve customers as the business grows. Existing customer contacts and support channels will remain in place.
Six knee surgeries have not ended Dr. Alyssa Rives’ competitive ambitions. The Cumming physical therapist is preparing for her third appearance on American Ninja Warrior, this time competing as a mother with her daughter watching. Rives already has two semifinal appearances behind her, from the 2019 and 2021 competitions. Her athletic background began with gymnastics at age 8, and an ACL injury at 16 helped steer her toward a career in physical therapy. Away from the obstacle course, she runs Momumental Physical Therapy & Performance in Cumming, helping women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery and beyond. Now the therapist who helps other women rebuild strength is preparing for another demanding test of her own.
Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting and Public Hearings
When: Thursday, October 1, 5:00 PM
What: The Board of Commissioners oversees county government, including spending, public services, infrastructure and land-use decisions. This meeting is scheduled for regular business and public hearings.
Where: Commissioners’ Meeting Room, second floor, Suite 220, Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040.
Craft with Me: Iris Paper Folding
When: Monday, September 28, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Create a pumpkin design while learning iris paper folding at this craft program for families and friends. Adults and children of elementary-school age and older can work together. Free event passes are required and will be distributed at the Ask Us desk beginning at 10:30 AM, while available.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Sports, Fitness, & Fun
When: Monday, September 28, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
What: Amazing Athletes of North Georgia leads a session of sports, movement, and fitness games for children in grades K–5. Activities introduce sports and healthy habits in a noncompetitive setting. Free event passes are required and will be distributed beginning at 1:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Warrior Cats Party
When: Monday, September 28, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Fans of Erin Hunter’s Warriors books can celebrate the series with themed crafts, games, and activities. Participants will discover their cat clan and create a warrior name. Designed for students in grades 3–7. No registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Monday Mood: Yoga on the Green
When: Monday, September 28, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Head to the amphitheater lawn for a free outdoor yoga class welcoming all experience levels. The session finishes with meditation. Bring a yoga mat and water, and check The Heart Studio Yoga’s social media for weather-related updates.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival at Hampton Park Library
When: Monday, September 28, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Watch 10 short films by international filmmakers and vote for your favorite as part of this worldwide film festival. Admission is free. The screening is intended for adults because the films contain strong language and mature themes; minors must attend with a parent or guardian.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Forsyth Creates: Dice Bags
When: Monday, September 28, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Make a bag for your tabletop gaming dice during this craft program for adults and teens ages 14 and older. Free event passes are required and will be distributed beginning at 6:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Power Up at Post
When: Tuesday, September 29, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Elementary-school children can tackle superhero challenges, navigate a training obstacle course, make crafts, and play themed games. The program is designed for grades K–5. Free event passes are required and will be distributed beginning at 1:30 PM, while available.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Teen Toolkit: Garden to Pizza
When: Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Teens in grades 6–12 can learn gardening basics with University of Georgia experts and plant a miniature herb garden to take home. The workshop covers soil health, plant care, and growing pizza-friendly herbs such as basil and oregano. No registration is required, but supplies may be limited.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Animation for Teens
When: Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Students in grades 6–12 can explore the basics of creating animations during this introductory program. Free event passes are required and will be distributed beginning at 6:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Grown-Up Game Night: Puzzle Race
When: Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test in a friendly race to finish first. The library supplies the puzzles for this adults-only game night. A chance to enjoy some competition and meet fellow puzzle fans.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Taste & See at St. Brendan the Navigator
When: Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Parishioners can learn about the new St. Vincent de Paul ministry forming at St. Brendan and meet the volunteers organizing it. The gathering introduces service opportunities for teens, families, and adults interested in helping neighbors. Register through the event page before noon on Monday, September 28.
Where: St. Brendan the Navigator, 4633 Shiloh Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Zumba Sunset Sweat with Allyson
When: Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Onelife Fitness presents a free outdoor Zumba class with Allyson on the amphitheater green. The Latin-inspired dance workout welcomes all ages. Bring water and a small towel, and wear tennis shoes.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Movement and Meditation: An Introduction to Tai Chi
When: Wednesday, September 30, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
What: Instructor Cotter Kelsey introduces adults to tai chi through controlled breathing and flowing movements. The program takes place in the library’s outdoor amphitheater and offers an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the practice.
Where: Denmark Library amphitheater, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Kids Club at Halcyon
When: Wednesday, September 30, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to Halcyon’s free weekly Kids Club. Activities vary and may include crafts, music, stories, dancing, puppet shows, or special guests. No registration is needed, and a parent or guardian must remain with each child. Weather permitting.
Where: The Green at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005
MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival at Cumming Library
When: Wednesday, September 30, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Enjoy a free screening of 10 international short films and help choose a festival favorite by casting your vote. This is the same film selection shown at the other participating library branches. Intended for adults; minors must attend with a parent or guardian because of mature themes and strong language.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Crochet Bag Charms for Adults
When: Wednesday, September 30, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Learn basic crochet techniques and create a charm for your bag during this beginner-friendly class for adults. Materials are provided. Free event passes are required and will be distributed beginning at 6:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Post Road Library, Meeting Room Side B, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Puzzle Picasso
When: Wednesday, September 30, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Turn puzzle pieces into artwork by arranging and mounting them on canvas. All materials are supplied for this craft program welcoming adults and families with elementary-school children and older. No registration is required, but supplies are limited.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, Meeting Room Side B, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Winterize Your Landscape
When: Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: UGA Extension educator Shannon Henderson explains how to prepare your yard for colder weather. Topics include seasonal mowing, fertilization, soil improvement, leaf management, and maintaining interest in the landscape through winter. A practical program for adults planning fall yard work.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Super Storytime!
When: Thursday, October 1, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM; a second session runs 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
What: Families can enjoy superhero stories followed by a visit from a web-slinging character, presented by Southern Belle Character Company. Children will have an opportunity to meet the character and take photos. Both sessions welcome all ages.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040
American Stories with Barry Stewart Mann
When: Thursday, October 1, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
What: Storyteller Barry Stewart Mann brings American history to life with humorous and surprising stories in celebration of America 250. Topics include the Statue of Liberty, the Battle of the Kegs, and the debate over the nation’s symbolic bird. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Family Fun Fall Festival
When: Thursday, October 1, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
What: Celebrate the season with an afternoon of crafts and family activities in the library’s children’s area. Drop in during the three-hour event to join the fun. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, Children’s Area, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival at Sharon Forks Library
When: Thursday, October 1, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Catch the library’s international short-film screening and vote for your favorite among 10 selections. Admission is free, and the lineup matches the other participating branches’ screenings. The films contain mature themes and strong language; minors must attend with a parent or guardian.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Gather and Game
When: Thursday, October 1, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Adults can enjoy a relaxed evening of board and card games at this weekly meetup. Bring a favorite game, try something from the library’s collection, or join a table to learn a new game. Come alone or with friends; no experience is necessary.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Teen No-Sew Pillows
When: Thursday, October 1, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Teens in grades 6–12 can make a small decorative throw pillow without sewing. All materials are provided, making this an accessible craft for beginners. No registration is required, though space may be limited.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004
82° 🌡️ 57° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 0–5 mph NW
83° 🌡️ 61° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 0–5 mph E
86° 🌡️ 64° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 5 mph E
87° 🌡️ 67° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 5–10 mph E
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 77ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication
Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer!
I hope you find a little time this week for an open window, a walk in the cooler air, or something fun happening around town. These comfortable mornings don’t last forever in Georgia, so enjoy a few before the weather changes its mind.
If you hear about something happening around the county, hit reply and send it my way. And if a neighbor would enjoy keeping up with our community, pass the Flyer along.
Have a great week, and may your household settle the window debate peacefully!
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