🛶 Very Different Calendars

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Good morning, Forsyth County,

I was out running errands the other day when I discovered that the big box stores and I are working from very different calendars.

I expected pumpkins, black cats, and a skeleton or two. Instead, I found Santa Claus and his reindeer, surrounded by Christmas lights, holiday pajamas, and inflatable snowmen tall enough to wave at passing traffic. I’m still deciding which Halloween candy to buy, and apparently it’s time to furnish the North Pole.

Now, I love Christmas. Give me the lights, the music, and a good excuse to eat cookies for breakfast. But I’d like to enjoy fall before we start decking the halls. In my yard, the snowman’s first day of work is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Until then, can we let the trick or treaters have their moment?

– Chad

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THE DIGEST

Forsyth Graduates Raise the Bar Again

Forsyth County’s Class of 2026 has delivered the district’s strongest graduation result yet. The school system recorded a 97.47% graduation rate, setting a new high for the second consecutive year, according to Georgia Department of Education data. Forsyth finished nearly nine percentage points above Georgia’s statewide rate of 88.5%, which also reached a record this year. It joins 69 school districts across Georgia with graduation rates of at least 95%. The figures measure how many students earn a diploma within four years. Georgia follows each class from ninth grade, adjusting for transfers into and out of the group. The statewide results were released September 28.

Lambert Student Earns National Honor for Astronaut DNA Proposal

A Lambert High School student has earned national recognition for an idea aimed at one of space travel’s biggest challenges: radiation damage. Rithik Satarla and Arjan Khadka, a senior at Paris High School in Texas, received an honorable mention in the 2026 Genes in Space competition. Their team was one of just 10 to earn that distinction among 980 entries from 369 schools across 40 states and territories. Their proposal explores whether proteins that repair DNA in the human body could help repair radiation-damaged DNA in space. The proposed experiment would send DNA fragments to the International Space Station, treat them with repair proteins and test whether the repaired material could still be copied and analyzed. The research question has implications for astronaut safety on future missions to Mars and beyond.

Pinecrest Tops Georgia’s Catholic School Rankings

Pinecrest Academy has earned top state honors and a place among the nation’s leading Catholic schools in Niche’s 2027 rankings. The Cumming school ranks first among Georgia’s Catholic high schools and Catholic K-12 schools, and first among private high schools in Forsyth County. It also places eighth among private K-12 schools in Georgia and Catholic K-12 schools nationwide. Pinecrest received an A+ in the private high school rankings, a grade representing roughly the top 2.5% of schools receiving a grade. Niche’s evaluations combine academic data, extracurricular opportunities and feedback from students, parents and alumni, among other factors. The recognition follows another academic achievement: Platinum distinction on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll. Pinecrest earned the program’s highest honor for the third consecutive year, adding to its record of success in advanced coursework.

CIVIL NEWS

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Thursday

Fall Break at Warbington Farms
When: Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day
What: Warbington Farms is opening for weekday fall fun with its pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, barnyard, and Fun Park activities. Families can also pick flowers and purchase sandwiches, hot dogs, slushies, and ice cream. A daytime outing for children enjoying fall break. Paid admission; pumpkins and flowers cost extra.
Where: Warbington Farms, 5555 Crow Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Cherry Street Brewpub Live Music
When: Thursday, October 1, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Cherry Street’s weekly music series brings solo and duo performers to its beer garden at Halcyon. Grab dinner or drinks and settle in for an evening of live music under the lights. If rain moves the performance indoors, the backup location is the Brewhouse, which is restricted to guests 21 and older.
Where: Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon, 6640 Town Square, Suite 510, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Fall Cornhole League
When: Thursday, October 1, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: The ongoing fall cornhole league continues at Cumming City Center, with weekly competition leading up to an October 29 tournament. The series includes prizes and a chance to connect with other local players. This is a scheduled league session; check the organizer’s registration information before planning to participate.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Friday

Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn
When: Friday, October 2, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: Start Friday with a free outdoor Jazzercise class at Cumming City Center. The session welcomes all fitness levels and combines movement with muscle-toning exercises. Bring water, an exercise mat, and handheld weights if you have them. Check Jazzercise Cumming’s updates for weather-related changes.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Farmyard Fidget Frenzy: Squishy Swap
When: Friday, October 2, sessions at 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM, and 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
What: Children can meet fellow collectors and trade clean, gently used fidgets and squishies during supervised sessions at Warbington Farms. Bring approximately five to ten items your child is comfortable trading, and keep an adult nearby. Trading is included with paid Fun Park admission. Advance registration for a specific session is required, with space limited to 30 children per session.
Where: Warbington Farms, 5555 Crow Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Groovin’ on the Green at Halcyon
When: Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM each evening
What: Halcyon’s Village Green hosts live acoustic music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Pick up dinner, drinks, or dessert from one of the development’s restaurants and enjoy the music outdoors. Performer announcements and cancellation updates appear on Halcyon’s social pages. Outside food and coolers are not permitted.
Where: Village Green at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Pandora’s Box: The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute
When: Friday, October 2, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Pandora’s Box brings its tribute to Aerosmith to the Lou Sobh Amphitheater as part of Cumming City Center’s fall concert series. Frontman Nathan Utz channels Steven Tyler’s voice and stage presence for an evening celebrating the band’s music. Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; outside food, alcohol, and coolers are not allowed.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Saturday

Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, October 3, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Shop for farm-fresh produce, locally raised meats, eggs, honey, homemade breads, desserts, jams, and jellies at the Cumming Farmers Market. Vendors also offer plants and handmade arts and crafts. The market sets up in the Vision Parkway parking lot, on the left as you enter the City Center from Canton Highway.
Where: Vision Parkway parking lot at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Fall Boutique Sidewalk Sale at Halcyon
When: Saturday, October 3, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Halcyon’s boutiques are bringing sale merchandise into their stores and onto the sidewalks for a day of discounted shopping. The event focuses on spring and summer styles, with participating shops offering individual deals. Browse the boutiques and make an afternoon of shopping and dining around Halcyon.
Where: Participating boutiques at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

An Evening of French & Italian Wines with Mary Taylor
When: Saturday, October 3, wine tasting from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM; dinner begins at 7:30 PM
What: Cork & Glass welcomes Mary Taylor for a wine tasting followed by a multi-course dinner catered by Casa Nuova. The tasting features wines from France, Italy, and Spain, while dinner pairs French and Italian selections with dishes including meatballs over creamy polenta and chicken rollatini. The dinner is $99 per person, including the tasting. Reservations are required, and participants must be 21 or older.
Where: Cork & Glass, 5670 Atlanta Highway, Suite A2, Alpharetta, GA 30004

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
When: Saturday, October 3, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band brings its recreation of Dave Matthews Band’s sound to Cumming City Center. The group draws from the original band’s classic material and later releases for an evening of familiar songs and musical improvisation. Admission and parking are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; outside food, alcohol, and coolers are not permitted.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Sunday

Run Your Bundts Off 5K & Baby Bundt Run
When: Sunday, October 4, Baby Bundt Run at 8:00 AM; 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 AM
What: This ninth annual event combines a timed 5K run or walk with a children’s race for ages ten and younger. Participants receive a Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundtini, a finisher medal, and race apparel. Bring gently used sneakers for the Eco Sneakers collection. Listed registration prices are $40 for the 5K and $25 for the children’s run, before applicable fees.
Where: Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30041

Slide into Sundays with Jump N Jacks
When: Sunday, October 4, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Cumming City Center and Jump N Jacks Moonwalks are hosting an afternoon of bounce houses, water slides, games, and activities for families. Unlimited bouncing costs $10, and participants need a waiver and wristband. The event takes place weather permitting. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Fall Sunday Music at Halcyon
When: Sunday, October 4, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Galaxy Music and Arts presents an afternoon of live music on Halcyon’s Village Green. Pick up a drink or combine the performance with brunch at a participating restaurant, including Cattle Shed, Cherry Street, CT Cantina, Eclipse di Luna, or HOBNOB. Halcyon posts performer information and event updates on its social pages.
Where: Village Green at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

UPCOMING

Fall Informational Coffee at Pinecrest Academy
When: Tuesday, October 6, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
What: Families seeking a new school for their children are cordially invited to a Fall Informational Coffee at Pinecrest Academy. Pinecrest is a private PreK3–12th grade Catholic school serving families of all faiths. Guests will hear from administrators, learn about the school’s four-pillar approach to education through Integral Formation, and meet students and teachers. Attendees are also encouraged to tour the beautiful 68-acre campus, tucked just down the hill off Peachtree Parkway in South Forsyth County. RSVP at www.pinecrestacademy.org/admissions/events-and-tours
Where: Pinecrest Academy, 955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

WEATHER

Thursday

86° 🌡️ 65° | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 6 mph ESE

Friday

86° 🌡️ 69° | ⛅ | 25% | 💨 5 mph SSE

Saturday

83° 🌡️ 66° | ⛈️ | 100% | 💨 5 mph NW

Sunday

71° 🌡️ 64° | ⛈️ | 90% | 💨 7 mph ENE

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 74ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

THANKS!

That’s all for today, Forsyth. Thanks for spending a little of your morning with the Flyer.

If you enjoyed this edition, pass it along to a friend or neighbor. The best part of putting it together is knowing it helps people feel a little more connected to the place we call home.

Until next time, stop into a local shop, say hello to someone you haven’t seen in a while, and enjoy these fall days.

And if you see Santa in the seasonal aisle, tell him we’re glad he’s coming. We’re just not quite finished with the pumpkins.