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Good morning, Forsyth County,

Fall is up in the mountains already, and I’m a little jealous. A quick trip this week came with highs in the 70s, air as crisp as an apple, and a black bear cub sighting. Though this cub was big enough to make me think we need a different word for baby bears.

It was a sweet little taste of the season we’re still waiting on here. Coming home, I could practically watch it slip away as the elevation dropped and the temperature climbed.

I didn’t need to bring much back from the trip. A few days of that weather would’ve been plenty.

– Chad

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THE DIGEST

Brief Algae Scare Puts Lake Lanier Water Conditions in Focus

A suspected algae bloom in Lake Lanier’s Bald Ridge Creek disappeared within a day, but the sighting has renewed reminders to check the water before swimming. Reported September 2, the bloom had dissipated by that evening, with no additional activity reported as of September 8. The association’s volunteers sample 25 locations monthly to track algae and water clarity. Those results measure lake conditions; they do not certify that water is safe for swimming. For visitors, the practical advice is straightforward: avoid water with unusual discoloration, surface scum or strong odors, and keep pets away. The CDC notes that some blooms produce toxins, although not every bloom is harmful. Anyone exposed should rinse with tap water.

Wednesday’s New Romance Brings Family Chaos to Cumming’s Stage

Meeting the parents gets considerably stranger when the Addams family hosts dinner. Beginning September 11, LCS Productions brings The Addams Family Musical to Tam’s School Street Playhouse in Cumming for a run through October 4. The story follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for a young man whose family could hardly be more different from her own. Her decision to confide in Gomez while keeping Morticia uninformed sets up an evening of secrets, clashing expectations and family upheaval. Performances take place at 101 School Street, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30–$35, and groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount with code GROUP10. Opening weekend offers Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances; Thursday shows begin September 17.

Auntie Kim’s Closes Its Cumming Bakery After a Family-Inspired Run

Auntie Kim’s Pound Cakes has permanently closed its Cumming bakery, ending what owners initially described in August as a temporary shutdown for renovations. By September 8th, the shop’s signage had been removed. Behind the business was founder Kimberly Boyd’s childhood experience cooking with her grandmother. In a previously published interview, Boyd discussed launching the company shortly before the pandemic, adapting through challenges and eventually opening a storefront. The bakery built its menu around pound cake, offering whole cakes, smaller loaves and individually wrapped slices. Its range stretched from classic butter cake to strawberry, lemon, coconut and brownie varieties. That focused menu gave customers several ways to enjoy the same family-inspired specialty, whether buying a single serving or bringing dessert to a gathering.

Griswold - Male
FCSO Pet Adoption & Resource Center (PARC)

CIVIL NEWS

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’

Thursday

Master Naturalist Tree Walk at Old Atlanta Park
When: Thursday, September 10, 9:30 AM; approximately 1–1½ hours
What: Join Forsyth County Master Naturalist Extension Volunteers for a guided walk focused on identifying local trees. Volunteers will explain identifying features along an easy route covering approximately 1–1½ miles. Register through the organizer’s page to receive meeting instructions and weather updates.
Where: Old Atlanta Park, 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee, GA 30024.

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. Players can enjoy friendly competition and compete for prizes. Registration and league updates are available through Georgia Cornhole Events, linked on the event page.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Friday

Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn
When: Friday, September 11, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: Start Friday with a free outdoor Jazzercise class welcoming all fitness levels. The workout combines movement and muscle conditioning. Bring water, an exercise mat, and handheld weights; the organizer recommends weights of 5–10 pounds.
Where: Cumming City Center lawn, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

The Addams Family – The Musical
When: Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, 7:30 PM; Sunday, September 13, 2:30 PM
What: LCS Productions opens this musical comedy about Wednesday Addams falling in love with a young man from a conventional family. When the families meet for dinner, Gomez’s secret and the Addams household’s eccentricities set the stage for trouble. Tickets are listed at $30–$35.
Where: Tam’s School Street Playhouse, 101 School Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Saturday

Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, September 12, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Browse seasonal produce, locally raised meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, preserves, plants, and handmade crafts. The market offers an opportunity to shop directly from local growers and makers. Parking is available in the market lot and along Vision Parkway.
Where: Cumming City Center, Vision Parkway parking lot, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Spaces & Places Reception
When: Saturday, September 12, noon – 3:00 PM
What: Celebrate an exhibition created in partnership with the Forsyth County Historical Society. Local artists explore meaningful places, including locations connected to Forsyth County’s history. The public reception includes light food, refreshments, wine, and desserts, with opportunities to meet artists and other community members.
Where: Cumming Arts Center, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

GA Back Porch Band at Stoney J’s Winery
When: Saturday, September 12, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: GA Back Porch Band performs an afternoon set at Stoney J’s Winery. The venue welcomes guests ages 14 and older, with an exception for infants. Admission pricing is not specified on the event listing.
Where: Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Elevation – The Ultimate Tribute to U2
When: Saturday, September 12, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Atlanta-based Elevation brings U2’s music to the outdoor stage, including favorites such as “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; outside food, coolers, and outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Sunday

Maple & Moss Artisan Market
When: Sunday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What: Makers + Markets ATL hosts its annual indoor fall market featuring approximately 75 artisans from greater Atlanta. Visitors can browse handmade goods, enjoy local food and treats, and listen to live music. The event is family-friendly, and free parking is available beside and in front of the building.
Where: Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30041.

Community Project – Trail and Park Cleanup
When: Sunday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: Join Leave No Trace, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and community partners for a volunteer day improving Little Ridge Park and its trail. Participants will learn outdoor stewardship principles while helping with cleanup and trail improvements. Tools and equipment are provided.
Where: Little Ridge Park, 3295 Lanier Beach South Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Halem Albright at Stoney J’s Winery
When: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Enjoy an afternoon performance by Halem Albright at Stoney J’s Winery. The venue welcomes guests ages 14 and older, with an exception for infants. Admission pricing is not specified on the event listing.
Where: Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Mahjong Open Play at Stoney J’s Winery
When: Sunday, September 13, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
What: Choose mahjong seating suited to your experience: open play for $25, guided play for $35, or an introduction to the basics for $45. Each option includes a $10 food or drink voucher. Open and guided play require previous lessons. Register through the event page.
Where: The Barn at Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point 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

91° 🌡 69° | 🌤 | 5% | 💨 2 mph SW

Friday

90° 🌡 70° | ⛈ | 55% | 💨 5 mph WSW

Saturday

83° 🌡 70° | ⛈ | 88% | 💨 4 mph SSE

Sunday

85° 🌡 70° | ⛈ | 55% | 💨 1 mph WSW

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

THANKS!

Thanks for reading today’s Forsyth Flyer.

I came home from the mountains wishing I could bring the weather with me, but it’s good to be back. Putting this newsletter together always gives me something to look forward to here, whether it’s a show opening, an event coming up, or a story I might otherwise have missed. I hope you found something in today’s edition to look forward to, too.

Some of our best stories come from readers who notice what’s happening around them. If you’ve spotted a new business, heard about an upcoming event, or know someone doing good work in Forsyth County, hit reply. I’d love to hear about it.

Have a friend or neighbor who likes keeping up with the community? Send the Flyer their way. Every time you share it, you help this little publication reach another person who calls Forsyth County home.

Until next time, enjoy your week, and keep an eye out for that first hint of fall!