🛶 Where Our Trip Begins

In partnership with

Good morning, Forsyth County.

I don’t usually put the drive to the Atlanta airport on my list of things to be thankful for. But a recent conversation reminded me that maybe I should. A friend from out of town was describing how getting somewhere in the Midwest meant spending most of a day on connecting flights. Not a remote island. Not a tiny village halfway around the world. The Midwest.

Meanwhile, I’ve gotten so accustomed to flying nonstop that when a connecting flight shows up in the search results, I scroll past it like someone has made a mistake. We are a little spoiled.

Now, from Forsyth County, getting to Hartsfield-Jackson is its own undertaking. You have to account for traffic, parking, security, and the possibility that your gate is somewhere near the Alabama line. By the time you sit down on the plane, you feel like you’ve already completed the first leg of the trip. But having so many nonstop options within driving distance is something I probably don’t appreciate enough. It can mean another afternoon with family, a shorter work trip, or a weekend away that actually leaves time to enjoy the weekend.

So the next time I’m heading south toward the airport, I’ll try to complain a little less. Plenty of people have to catch a flight just to get to where our trip begins.

- Chad

Protect your identity now with Coveron comprehensive coverage

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America. Criminals don't wait to steal everything, they test stolen identities with small charges before launching major fraud. By the time you notice, they've opened credit cards, taken out loans, or claimed tax refunds in your name.

Coveron watches your credit 24/7, monitors the dark web, and alerts you immediately when suspicious activity is detected. We watch, we warn, we help recover:

• Up to $1M to cover identity theft recovery costs.

• Up to $10K for losses from online scams.

• Up to $50K to cover eligible costs, including payments made in response to the threats.

And with dedicated case managers to handle the legal and financial mess.

One scam can cost you everything - protect yourself now. The first 100 users get 20% off with code beehiivenewsletter.

Protect your identity now

30-day money-back guarantee. Terms and conditions apply.

THE DIGEST

Maepole Brings Build-Your-Own Comfort Food to Cumming

Dinner at Bethelview and Castleberry roads will soon come with a few more choices. Athens-based Maepole plans to open its first Forsyth County restaurant in late 2026, adding a dining room, patio and the company’s first lane for picking up advance orders. The menu lets customers assemble a plate around a base, two sides, a protein and sauce. Current choices include mashed sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, lemon-pepper broccoli, chicken, pork and tofu. Diners can also swap the protein for another vegetable side. Cumming will become Maepole’s fourth Georgia location, joining two Athens restaurants and one in Atlanta. The expansion has backing from Zaxby’s co-founder Tony Townley, and the new building will help shape future locations. An exact opening date has not been announced.

The Gathering Sets September Start for Major Site Work

Residents could soon see substantial activity at the future home of The Gathering at South Forsyth. Krause Sports and Entertainment says crews will begin grading more than 90 acres on September 7, preparing the property for the proposed $3 billion entertainment district. The developer expects grading to take five months, with utility and electrical work following. Building construction is targeted for summer 2027. At Union Hill Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard, the plans extend beyond the proposed 700,000-square-foot arena. The project’s website also describes restaurants, shops, community greenspace, walking trails and a connection to the Big Creek Greenway. Professional hockey remains a goal, rather than a confirmed tenant. The NHL has not awarded Georgia an expansion or relocated franchise, so the construction schedule should not be read as a team announcement.

YAVA Prepares for a Second Welcome in Cumming

YAVA Kitchen and Brewhouse is preparing for a comeback after a July kitchen fire interrupted its first year in business. Forsyth County News reported on the restaurant’s recovery plans September 3, bringing renewed attention to the Westshore dining spot. Located at 3001 Market Place Boulevard, YAVA first opened February 17. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant was designed to accommodate more than 300 guests, pairing cooking over a wood fire with beer brewed on-site. Its layout includes a taproom, lounge and outdoor beer garden, giving the restaurant space for everything from family meals to larger gatherings. The menu centers on familiar dishes, including burgers, sandwiches and grilled entrees. Diners planning a return visit should check directly with YAVA for reopening details and reservation availability.

CIVIL NEWS

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Work Session
When: Tuesday, September 8, 2:00 PM
What: Commissioners will consider funding for glass recycling, additional road paving, a proposed roundabout at Highway 9 and Hopewell Road, and water and sewer projects, along with employee health plan options.
Where: Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Suite 220, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Building, 110 East Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Water & Sewerage Authority Special Called Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 8, 3:00 PM, or later if the commissioners’ work session has not concluded
What: The authority will consider approval of its July 14 meeting minutes, with an executive session if needed. No other substantive discussion items appear on the posted agenda.
Where: Commissioners’ Large Conference Room, Suite 210, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Building, 110 East Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Board of Education Work Session
When: Tuesday, September 8, 5:00 PM
What: The school board will hold its scheduled work session on district business. Specific discussion topics could not be verified because the agenda portal was inaccessible.
Where: First-floor board meeting room, Board of Education/Professional Development Center, 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Civil Service Board Regular Meeting
When: Thursday, September 10, 10:00 AM
What: The Civil Service Board will hold its scheduled regular meeting. No detailed agenda was attached to the county’s meeting listing when checked.
Where: Forsyth County Juvenile Court Building, 875 Lanier 400 Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Board of Assessors Regular Meeting
When: Thursday, September 10, 2:00 PM
What: The board will consider real estate and personal property assessment appeals, homestead exemptions, conservation-use properties, vehicle appeals and revised assessments for CenturyLink Communications.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Assessors Building, 426 Canton Highway, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County / City of Cumming Land Bank Authority Called Meeting
When: Thursday, September 10, 3:00 PM
What: The authority will discuss the Greenleaf property and consider approval of its September 11, 2025, meeting minutes, with an executive session if needed.
Where: Azalea Conference Room, Room 1009, Forsyth County Administration Building, 2435 Freedom Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Monday

Labor Day Donut Dash 5K & Munchkin Run
When: Monday, September 7, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM; Munchkin Run starts at 9:00 AM
What: Start Labor Day with a chip-timed 5K or a shorter Munchkin Run for children ages 10 and younger, with donuts for finishers. Donations benefit Higher Journey. Registration remains available for $20 without a shirt or medal. Packet pickup must be completed before race day; there is no race-morning pickup.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Monday Mood: Yoga on the Green
When: Monday, September 7, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Wind down the holiday with a free outdoor yoga class for all experience levels. The session concludes with meditation, and participants should bring a yoga mat and water. 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

Tuesday

Sensory Friendly Movie: Onward
When: Tuesday, September 8, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: Watch Disney and Pixar’s Onward in a setting designed to accommodate sensory needs. The screening features dim lighting, controlled sound levels, room to move around, and permission to talk or vocalize. All ages are welcome.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

American Red Cross Blood Drive
When: Tuesday, September 8, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Denmark Library hosts an American Red Cross blood drive. Schedule an appointment through RedCrossBlood.org using the sponsor keyword “DenmarkLib,” or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors must bring a photo ID.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Paws to Read
When: Tuesday, September 8, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can practice reading with a certified therapy dog in a relaxed setting. Participants sign up at the door for individual 15-minute sessions. Advance registration is not required.
Where: Hampton Park Library, Children’s Area, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Teen Writers’ Club
When: Tuesday, September 8, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Students in grades 6–12 can connect with other young writers, exchange writing tips and strategies, and receive feedback on their work. New members are welcome, and no registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

FrogWatch Monitoring Walk at Fowler Park
When: Tuesday, September 8, 8:05 PM; end time not listed
What: Join Forsyth County Master Naturalist Extension Volunteers to identify frog calls and collect population data along the Big Creek Greenway. Walks can cover up to two miles and include five minutes of silence at each monitoring site. Register in advance and watch your email for weather updates.
Where: Big Creek Greenway trailhead at Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, GA 30040

Wednesday

Movement and Meditation: An Introduction to Tai Chi
When: Wednesday, September 9, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
What: Learn the fundamentals of tai chi with instructor Cotter Kelsey in Denmark Library’s outdoor amphitheater. This program for adults introduces the practice’s controlled breathing and flowing movements.
Where: Denmark Library Amphitheater, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Novel Diversions: A Book Club for Adults
When: Wednesday, September 9, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Join fellow readers for a friendly discussion of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston. The monthly book club offers adults an opportunity to exchange perspectives and connect over their reading.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth Creates: Stamped Clay Bowls
When: Wednesday, September 9, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Make a small decorative bowl using air-dry clay and stamped designs during this craft program for adults. All supplies are provided, and no experience is necessary. Supplies are limited.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Denmark Drafts: A Writers’ Group
When: Wednesday, September 9, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Local adult writers can share work, exchange constructive feedback, and discuss publication plans. The group welcomes novels, children’s books, short stories, memoirs, and articles. Registration is preferred because the number of writing submissions is limited.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Thursday

Educational Tree Walk at Old Atlanta Park
When: Thursday, September 10, 9:30 AM; approximately 1–1½ hours
What: Explore Old Atlanta Park with Forsyth County Master Naturalist Volunteers and learn how to identify trees by their distinguishing characteristics. The walk covers approximately 1–1½ miles on easily traversed terrain. Register in advance to receive the precise meeting location and any weather updates.
Where: Old Atlanta Park, 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee, GA 30024

Adult Special Needs Craft & Story Hour
When: Thursday, September 10, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are invited to enjoy stories and simple crafts designed for a range of abilities. This month’s pet theme includes creating dressed-up pet portraits. The program is specifically designed for adults.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Estate Planning: A Financial Planner’s Perspective
When: Thursday, September 10, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Nick Fazio of Chattahoochee Wealth presents an overview of estate-planning essentials, considerations when choosing an estate-planning attorney, and tax considerations for heirs. This is an educational seminar; the presenter is not an attorney.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Teen Cupcake Decorating Battle
When: Thursday, September 10, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Teens in grades 6–12 can test their decorating skills in timed rounds, using frosting and decorating tools to recreate a chosen cupcake design. Voting follows each round. No registration is required, but space is limited.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Twilight Tales
When: Thursday, September 10, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
What: Bring the family to an evening of stories, music, and activities in the library’s children’s area. No registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, Children’s Area, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

British No More: British Subject to American Citizen
When: Thursday, September 10, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: University of North Georgia history professor Eugene Van Sickle and UNG students lead an interactive workshop examining founding documents. Participants will explore how the American Revolution changed ideas about identity and citizenship through discussion and analysis of primary sources.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Post Road Writers’ Group
When: Thursday, September 10, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Adult writers can receive support and constructive feedback as they refine work for publication. The group welcomes a variety of forms, including novels, children’s books, short stories, memoirs, and articles. Registration is recommended.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Fall Cornhole League
When: Thursday, September 10, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Cumming City Center’s fall cornhole league begins its season, with league play leading to an October 29 tournament. Participants can sign up through Georgia Cornhole Events and check the league website for registration details and updates.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Chess for Kids
When: Thursday, September 10, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Certified coaches from Championship Chess introduce beginners to the game and help intermediate players develop new skills. The program is recommended for grades 2–8. Free event passes are required and will be distributed first come, first served beginning at 6:30 PM.
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

Monday

81° 🌡️ 67° | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 9 mph E

Tuesday

85° 🌡️ 66° | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 9 mph E

Wednesday

89° 🌡️ 67° | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 6 mph NE

Thursday

91° 🌡️ 67° | 🌤️ | 25% | 💨 6 mph WNW

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 78ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

THANKS!

That’s a wrap for today’s Forsyth Flyer.

For all the places we can go, there’s something to be said for knowing the place we come home to. Putting this publication together gives me a reason to pay closer attention to Forsyth County, and I hope reading it does the same for you.

Of course, some of the best stories start with a reader saying, “Did you hear about this?” If you’ve spotted a new business, heard about an upcoming event, or know someone whose work deserves a little recognition, hit reply. I’d love to hear about it.

Have a friend or neighbor who’s always asking what’s happening around here? Send the Flyer their way. Every person who passes it along helps us reach a little further into the community.

Until next time, enjoy your week!