🛶 The Heat Kicked On

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Good morning, Forsyth County,

Saturday’s cold front certainly knew how to make an entrance. Based on the large limbs scattered across my yard, I’m starting to think the hurricane earlier this month could have taken notes.

By bedtime, I finally switched the thermostat from AC to heat. That first furnace startup of the season always feels like a small financial gamble. There’s the familiar smell of a system waking up after months off, followed by a few suspenseful seconds while I wonder whether I’m about to get warm or get acquainted with an HVAC technician.

Thankfully, the heat kicked on, the house warmed up, and I slept comfortably. The yard still needs work, but at least the thermostat and I are on good terms.

– Chad

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THE DIGEST

Cumming Celebrations Help Shelter Animals Start Over

A wedding or work party at Shiloh Gardens can help a shelter animal find its next home. The nonprofit venue at 5235 Union Hill Road in Cumming directs all event proceeds to Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters. Founder Samantha Shelton told CBS Atlanta the venue raises more than $500,000 a year for animal rescue. Its gardens have a comeback story of their own. Furkids purchased the former Wakoola Gardens property in 2018, restored the neglected grounds and opened its headquarters to the public in 2019. The event facility followed in 2022. The same campus welcomed the Sutherlin Dog Shelter this August, expanding the rescue operation. For residents planning a wedding, reunion or company gathering, the venue makes support for homeless animals part of the celebration.

Thrive Center Opens New Possibilities for Forsyth Families

Forsyth families have a new place for recreation designed around a wider range of abilities. The Thrive Center opened Oct. 15 at 595 Dahlonega Street in Cumming, giving the county’s therapeutic recreation programs a dedicated home inside the former Charles Place Senior Services Center. The approximately $744,000 renovation created updated activity spaces, a covered patio, an accessible backyard and an outdoor court for basketball and pickleball. Participation in the county’s therapeutic recreation programs has grown 40% since the division began in 2018. Families can already look ahead to Thanksgiving break camp at the center, scheduled for Nov. 23–25 for enrolled students ages 8–22. The program combines games, arts and crafts, music and sports. Registration information and accommodation guidance are available through the county’s recreation catalog.

Four Forsyth Students Take Their Classroom Perspective Statewide

Four Forsyth County students will bring their classroom experience directly to Georgia’s top education official this school year. Lambert seniors Elliot Wilson and Nikhil Fernandes, South Forsyth junior Monish Kundeti, and Alliance Academy for Innovation senior Shreyansh Waghole were selected for State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2026–27 Student Advisory Council. They join an 85-member group chosen from 1,427 applicants statewide. Throughout the year, members will meet with Woods to explain how education decisions affect their schools, raise concerns and offer ideas for improvement. Their responsibilities also extend beyond those meetings. Council members will complete service projects benefiting their schools or communities. The appointments give Forsyth students a chance to connect everyday classroom experiences with statewide conversations, then put their ideas to work closer to home.

CIVIL NEWS

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Work Session
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2:00 PM
What: Commissioners review items ahead of votes, including more than $2.3 million in Old Atlanta Road Phases 4 & 5 contracts, a $451,500 County Way Campus master plan task order, updated water and sewer specifications, and possible rezonings of three stalled projects.
Where: Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040.

City of Cumming Planning Board Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 20, 5:00 PM
What: The Planning Board reviews rezoning and land-use requests inside city limits and makes recommendations to the City Council.
Where: Cumming City Hall, 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Forsyth County Board of Education Regular Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 20, 5:00 PM (public portion begins at 6:00 PM)
What: The five-member board sets policy and budget for Forsyth County Schools. It opens in executive session at 5 PM and returns for the public agenda at 6 PM.
Where: Board of Education/Professional Development Center, 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040.

City of Cumming City Council Regular Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 PM
What: The Mayor and City Council vote on city business, including zoning cases, contracts and appointments.
Where: Cumming City Hall, 3rd Floor Council Chambers, 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Forsyth County Planning Commission Work Session
When: Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 PM
What: The Planning Commission reviews rezoning, conditional use and variance applications scheduled for its October 27 public hearing.
Where: Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Monday

Craft with Me: Haunted Houses
When: Monday, October 19, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
What: Grab a grandparent, child, cousin, neighbor or best friend and build a Halloween haunted house together at Post Road Library. The program is designed for crafters elementary age and up to create side by side. Free event passes are handed out first-come, first-served at the Ask Us desk starting 30 minutes before the program.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Monday Mood: Yoga on the Green
When: Monday, October 19, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: The Heart Studio Yoga leads a free, all-levels outdoor class at the amphitheater that wraps up with a meditation session. Bring a mat, water, and friends. The weekly series ends October 26, so only two sessions remain. Check The Heart Studio Yoga’s social media for any weather-related delays or cancellations.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Family PJ Storytime
When: Monday, October 19, 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Snuggle in for an evening of books, songs, and activities for the whole family at Sharon Forks Library. All ages are welcome.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, Sharon Forks Meeting Room, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Tuesday

Preschool Pals
When: Tuesday, October 20, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
What: Children ages 3–5 and a caregiver join in stories, singing, and movement activities that build vocabulary, listening, and pre-reading skills at Cumming Library.
Where: Cumming Library, Cumming Meeting Room, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Kid Writers Club: Homeschool Edition
When: Tuesday, October 20, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
What: Young writers in grades 1–5 can sharpen their skills through activities and lessons, whether they’re aspiring authors or just want to improve. This edition is geared toward homeschool families.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Paws to Read
When: Tuesday, October 20, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Kids in grades K–5 can practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Sign up at the door for a 15-minute session; no advance registration is required.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Bite-size Books: A Short Story Book Club for Adults
When: Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: This book club sticks to stories you can finish in one evening, making it a good fit if you’ve fallen out of your reading routine. In honor of Halloween, October’s pick is “The Dreamers,” a 30-page story from Stephen King’s newest short story collection. H.P. Lovecraft’s “Beyond the Wall of Sleep,” which inspired it, is an optional second read.
Where: Denmark Library, Denmark Meeting Room, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Wednesday

Movement and Meditation: An Introduction to Tai Chi
When: Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
What: Licensed acupuncturist Cotter Kelsey, who has studied tai chi since 2004, teaches adults the fundamentals of the practice, with a focus on controlled breathing and fluid motion. The weekly class meets outdoors.
Where: Denmark Library Amphitheater, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Kids Club at Halcyon
When: Wednesday, October 21, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy a free morning of rotating activities that may include crafts, dance, story time, puppet shows, animal encounters, and special guests. No registration is needed, but a parent or guardian must stay with each child. Weekly themes are announced on Halcyon’s Facebook event page and Instagram stories, and the program runs weather permitting through October 28.
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Heritage Hunters: A Genealogy Club
When: Wednesday, October 21, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Adults tracing their family trees can get research help and swap advice with fellow genealogy enthusiasts. Each meeting opens with a short presentation, and October’s topic is Archives 101. Laptops are available, but bringing your own is encouraged.
Where: Denmark Library, Quiet Room, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Forsyth Creates: Halloween Sock Gnomes
When: Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Adults can make a Halloween sock gnome at this hands-on craft program. All supplies are provided and no experience is needed. Free event passes are handed out first-come, first-served starting 30 minutes before the program.
Where: Hampton Park Library, Hampton Park Quiet Room, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Chess Club
When: Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Certified coaches from Championship Chess teach beginners the basics and help intermediate players learn new moves. The meetup is suggested for grades 3–8. Free event passes are handed out first-come, first-served starting 30 minutes before the program.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

The Art of Butchery: From Pasture to Plate
When: Wednesday, October 21, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Local butcher Meatbone Market takes adults behind the butcher’s block to explain the history, tools, and skills of the craft. A good pick for backyard grillers, curious foodies, or anyone who wants to choose better cuts at the grocery store.
Where: Denmark Library, Denmark Meeting Room, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Thursday

Toddler Tales
When: Thursday, October 22, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
What: Toddlers ages 18–36 months and a caregiver can enjoy age-appropriate books, action rhymes, songs, and movement designed to support early literacy at Post Road Library.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Haunted Cruise-In Halloween Edition
When: Thursday, October 22, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Classic car owners deck out their rides for Halloween and hand out candy at this family-friendly car show sponsored by Garden District at City Center. Costumes are encouraged, for kids and cars alike. Admission and parking are free, with space in the parking deck and overflow lots. Some cars hand out candy from the back, so walk all the way around. Want to show your car? Participants enter through the Canton Road entrance starting at 4 PM, must bring candy to share, and should arrive early, since spots are first-come, first-served and the road closes once full.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Cherry Street Brewpub Live Music
When: Thursday, October 22, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Cherry Street’s beer garden at Halcyon hosts a rotating lineup of solo and duo performers every Thursday through October, so this is one of the last shows of the season. Check Cherry Street’s website or social media for this week’s act. If it rains, the music moves inside to the Brewhouse, which is restricted to ages 21 and older.
Where: Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon, 6640 Town Square, Suite 510, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Gather and Game
When: Thursday, October 22, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Hampton Park Library’s weekly meetup for adults who love board and card games. Bring a favorite from home, borrow from the library’s collection, or join a table and learn something new. No experience is needed, so come solo or bring a friend.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

WEATHER

Monday

70° 🌡️ 45° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 5 mph NE

Tuesday

74° 🌡️ 48° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 5 mph W

Wednesday

74° 🌡️ 47° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 4 mph E

Thursday

75° 🌡️ 49° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 2 mph ESE

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 72ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

THANKS!

Thanks for making the Forsyth Flyer part of your morning.

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Have a great week!