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Good morning, Forsyth County.

You know how every 10 years the census asks us to count people? This weekend, the University of Georgia is asking us to count something much smaller.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census takes place Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22, and anyone can participate from home. Choose a flowering plant that is attracting insects, pull up a chair, set a timer for 15 minutes, and tally every insect visit to its flowers. You do not need to identify exact species. The census uses eight broad categories: bumble bees, carpenter bees, honey bees, small bees, wasps, flies, butterflies and moths, and other insects.

You can print the official tracking sheet here, use it to record each landing, and then scan the QR code on the sheet to upload your results digitally. Those individual counts become part of a regional citizen-science database that helps researchers understand which pollinators are active, where they are being seen, and how their populations may change over time.

So, if you have a blooming plant and 15 free minutes this Saturday, you can contribute to real research without leaving your yard. Not a bad excuse to sit outside and watch the bees work for a while.

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Roads, Parks, and More Projects Take Shape

Forsyth County officials reviewed several projects during the Board of Commissioners’ August 11 work session that could affect drivers, park users, and older residents. Plans include a new traffic signal on State Route 369 near the incoming Home Depot in north Forsyth. The county also discussed funding for improvements at Bannister Road and Elmo Road, an area expected to see continued growth. Recreation improvements are also under consideration, including additional tennis and pickleball courts at multiple county parks. Forsyth County Senior Services is separately working on resources designed to connect residents with information and support related to chronic illnesses. The projects remain at different stages of planning and approval, but together they show how the county is working to keep transportation, recreation, and support services aligned with a growing population.

New Storage Space Will Support Forsyth County Seniors

Age Well Forsyth has donated two large storage buildings to Forsyth County Senior Services, giving the department additional room to organize supplies for residents who need assistance. Each structure measures 12 by 20 feet and is located at Central Park Senior Recreation and Services in Cumming. The buildings will be used to safely store donated items that support older adults across the county. The additional space may not be the most visible community improvement, but it solves a practical problem for employees and volunteers responsible for managing those donations. Supplies can now remain protected and organized until they are needed. Age Well Forsyth works with local organizations to improve the quality of life for older residents. The donation gives Senior Services more capacity to manage its assistance programs and better serve local seniors.

Young Artists Show Why Every Drop Counts

Cumming Utilities is using art to help younger residents think about the importance of protecting the community’s water supply. The department recently announced the winners of its Water Conservation Poster Contest, which invited elementary, middle, and high school students to create artwork inspired by the theme “Every Drop Counts.” Shreyan Gosh earned first place, Jessica Alfred finished second, and Mishri Patel took third. Mithila Rajshankar and Shakthi Ananthanarayan received honorable mentions for their entries. The winning posters will be displayed at the Cumming Utilities Department inside City Hall and featured on the department’s website. The students will also be recognized by the mayor and Cumming City Council. The top three finishers received prizes including Chick-fil-A gift cards, reusable water bottles, and Cumming Utilities merchandise.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Thursday

Paws to Read
When: Thursday, August 20, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Children and other patrons can practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog in a relaxed, encouraging environment. The program is designed to help readers improve their literacy skills and confidence while spending time with a friendly canine listener. Open to all ages and free to attend.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Friday

Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn
When: Friday, August 21, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: Start Friday with a free outdoor Jazzercise class combining cardio exercise and strength work. All fitness levels are welcome. Participants should bring water, an exercise mat, and handheld weights between five and 10 pounds if available. Weather-related changes will be posted by Jazzercise Cumming.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Summer Fridays in Forsyth
When: Friday, August 21, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The Collection at Forsyth continues its weekly summer series with live outdoor music on The Green. Visitors can bring a lawn chair or blanket, pick up dinner from one of the surrounding restaurants, and take advantage of to-go cocktails and other drink specials offered by participating businesses.
Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

Rockin for a Reason: LANDSLIDE, A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
When: Friday, August 21, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Landslide will perform Fleetwood Mac favorites during a free outdoor concert supporting Keystone Village, a planned Forsyth County residential community that will provide homes and support for 90 adults with disabilities. Admission and parking are free, and the evening will also include a golf cart raffle. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 421 Vision Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

33rd Annual Auto Crusade Car Show and Autocross
When: Friday, August 21, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday, August 22, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What: Auto Crusade returns for two days of automotive fun at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Friday features autocross racing during the day and a cruise-in that evening. Saturday brings another round of autocross, the main car show and swap meet, and Hot Wheels racing for children 13 and younger. Spectator admission is free.
Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Saturday

Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, August 22, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Shop from local vendors offering fresh produce, farm-raised meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, jams, plants, handmade crafts, and other locally produced items. The market will be set up in the Vision Parkway parking lot, with parking available in the same lot and along Vision Parkway.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Great Southeast Pollinator Census
When: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Residents can become citizen scientists by observing pollinator plants and recording the insects that land on them. Participants will receive a census sheet and instructions for identifying and counting bees, butterflies, flies, and other pollinators. The collected information contributes to a regional research project focused on pollinator populations. This is a free, drop-in program for families and adults.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

TORQ: Summer 2026 Car Event
When: Saturday, August 22, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: TORQ Events is bringing its first automotive showcase to Cumming City Center. The afternoon will feature rare luxury vehicles, customized builds, automotive vendors, brand displays, a Red Bull activation, and opportunities for enthusiasts to connect. General admission is free, while optional ticket packages include event merchandise and a VIP lanyard.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Hardwired: A Tribute to Metallica
When: Saturday, August 22, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Hardwired, a Metallica tribute band based in Tampa, will perform music spanning the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group’s career. The concert is part of the City Center’s free summer series. Admission and parking are free, and guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets. Outside food, beverages, coolers, glass containers, tents, and smoking are not permitted.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Sunday

Slide Into Sundays
When: Sunday, August 23, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Children can spend the afternoon playing on bounce houses, water slides, and other inflatable attractions provided by Jump N Jacks Moonwalks. Admission is $10 per child for access to the activities. Families should come prepared for water play and outdoor conditions.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Revolutionary War with Lisa Russell
When: Sunday, August 23, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: North Georgia historian and author Lisa Russell will discuss Georgia’s role in the Revolutionary War as part of the library’s America 250 programming. Russell has written five books focused on overlooked people, places, and stories from North Georgia history. The program is free and open to the public.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Upcoming

Maple & Moss Artisan Market
When: Sunday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What: Makers + Markets ATL is bringing its annual fall market back to Forsyth County with more than 75 artisans from across metro Atlanta. Visitors can shop for handmade art, crafts, home goods, and other locally produced items while enjoying live music, food, and sweet treats. The market will be held indoors and is designed as a family-friendly community event. Admission and parking are free.
Where: Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30041

Cumming City Center Fall Market
When: Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: The fifth annual Fall Market will bring more than 100 local vendors to Cumming City Center for a full day of shopping, food, and entertainment. Visitors can browse artisan goods, fall decorations, and handcrafted gifts while enjoying live music, food trucks, sweet treats, and drinks. Children’s activities will include a Toy Story dance party, miniature pumpkin decorating, games, and a dedicated Kids Zone. Pets can join the fun during a costume contest with prizes. Admission is free and open to the public.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

WEATHER

Thursday

94° 🌡️ 72° | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 5 mph NW

Friday

91° 🌡️ 69° | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 5 mph NW

Saturday

90° 🌡️ 68° | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 10 mph NW

Sunday

90° 🌡️ 67° | ☀️ | 4% | 💨 5–10 mph NW

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 80ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

THANKS!

Thanks for reading today’s Forsyth Flyer.

If you have 15 quiet minutes this weekend, consider pulling up a chair beside a flowering plant and joining the pollinator count. It is a simple way to contribute to real research, and you may be surprised by how much activity is happening in your own yard.

If you enjoyed today’s issue, please forward it to a neighbor or friend who would enjoy keeping up with Forsyth County too.

You can always reply with an upcoming event, a local story idea, or something happening in the community that deserves more attention. I personally read every message.

Have a great weekend!

P.S. Local businesses interested in reaching Forsyth County readers can reply here or email me at forsythflyer@welldiem.com.