🛶 Dark So Early

Good morning, Forsyth County,

I hope you had a wonderful Halloween weekend and got out to enjoy that beautiful weather!

Now that the costumes are put away, the real challenge begins: deciding how much candy is an acceptable breakfast. If your house is anything like mine, there’s enough left over to keep that debate going well into 2027.

Out on the porch, the jack-o’-lanterns are entering their final days. They looked charming on Saturday, but give them another week and they may have scarier faces than anything we carved into them.

And with the clocks falling back, we’ve officially entered the season of wondering why it’s dark so early. We may have gained an hour, but I’ll spend at least part of mine trying to remember how to change the clock in my truck.

- Chad

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Send an “I’m OK” check-in message, share your location, and use the companion app to message loved ones along the way. A simple addition to your preparation for a day outside. 

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Not valid on sale-priced devices or with other discounts. Valid outside promotional sale periods.

Seventy years after graduation, 16 members of Forsyth County High School’s first graduating class gathered around the table again. The class of 1956 met October 21 at Reveille Café for a reunion luncheon, revisiting memories that reach back to the school’s opening year. Their class holds a special place in local education history. The school opened in fall 1955 under principal Clarence Lambert, and 73 students graduated the following June. It became Forsyth Central High School in 1989. The campus has undergone 23 renovations and additions, according to the school’s history. The luncheon connected alumni who experienced that campus at its beginning. Buildings have changed, and the school has a different name, but members of its first graduating class are still making time for one another.

A free evening workshop in Cumming will give local tile installers a chance to sharpen their skills before the next job. The National Tile Contractors Association is bringing its training program to Floor & Decor on Tuesday, November 3, beginning at 5 p.m. The three-hour session focuses on recognizing and preventing installation failures. It combines instruction with live demonstrations, small-group discussion and time to connect with others in the trade. Catered networking and prize giveaways are also part of the association’s workshop format. Contractors and installers are the primary audience, but the program welcomes people across the tile industry. Its approved educational component also qualifies for American Institute of Architects continuing education credit. Attendance is free, and registration is available through the NTCA event calendar.

North Forsyth has put the county on Georgia’s volleyball championship map. The Raiders defeated Brookwood 3-1 on Saturday, October 31, earning the program’s first Class 7A state championship and Forsyth County’s first GHSA volleyball title. Brookwood took the opening set 26-24, but North answered with three straight wins: 25-16, 25-16 and 25-19. The Raiders finished 35-2, with the championship extending their winning streak to 31 matches. Their path included sweeps of Colquitt County, Northgate and Denmark before a five-set semifinal against Walton. Down two sets in that match, North rallied to keep its season alive. Three days later, the Raiders again faced an early deficit and recovered. This time, the comeback ended with a state trophy and a first for the county’s volleyball programs.

Cumming City Council Work Session
When: Tuesday, November 3, 6:00 PM
What: The mayor and council hold their monthly work session. A detailed agenda had not been posted as of November 1; check the city's agenda page before attending.
Where: Cumming City Hall, Council Chambers, Third Floor, 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Zoning Board of Appeals Work Session
When: Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 PM
What: The board reviews the regular meeting agenda, including variance applications and appeals of administrative decisions, before the public hearings begin at 7:00 PM.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners' Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Zoning Board of Appeals Regular Meeting/Public Hearings
When: Tuesday, November 3, 7:00 PM
What: The board considers seven variance applications involving setbacks, lot widths and accessory structures, an appeal of an Engineering Department decision for 6970 Shady Grove Road, and adoption of its 2027 public hearing calendar.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners' Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations & Elections Computation and Canvassing Meeting
When: Tuesday, November 3, 7:00 PM
What: The board computes and canvasses votes from the General Election and Special Elections and considers approval to post unofficial, incomplete results. Canvassing may continue day to day until completed.
Where: Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections Office, 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting
When: Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 PM
What: The committee begins work on the Comprehensive Plan update by reviewing the 2022 plan and existing conditions, then discussing community vision, goals, needs, opportunities and future development and growth.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners' Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting/Public Hearings
When: Thursday, November 5, 5:00 PM
What: Commissioners hold their regular meeting and public hearings. The official notice confirms the time and location; a detailed agenda had not been posted as of November 1.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners' Meeting Room, 110 East Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations & Elections Special Called Meeting
When: Friday, November 6, 3:00 PM
What: The board reviews turnout, precinct returns and provisional ballot information before certification of the November 3 election results. It also begins processing accepted provisional ballots, which may continue at the November 9 certification meeting.
Where: Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections Office, 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

Sensory Storytime
When: Monday, November 2, 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
What: Share stories, songs, and play in a storytime welcoming children of all abilities. Activities are designed for ages 2–5, but children of all ages may attend. Registration is free and required through the library’s event page, with spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Cumming Library, Cumming Meeting Room, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Building Wealth: Tax Planning in Retirement
When: Monday, November 2, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Nick Fazio of Chattahoochee Wealth presents a session on retirement tax planning, including withdrawals, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and common Medicare and required-distribution pitfalls. The program is for adults, and no registration is required.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, Sharon Forks Meeting Room, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Conversational English
When: Monday, November 2, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Adult English learners can practice reading, listening, speaking, and grammar while exploring cultural topics and meeting other learners. The free class welcomes participants regardless of country of origin, reading level, or citizenship status. No registration is required.
Where: Denmark Library, Denmark Meeting Room, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Family Storytime
When: Monday, November 2, 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Bring the family to Denmark Library for an evening of stories, songs, dancing, and puppets. This storytime offers a short outing for children and caregivers before bedtime. No registration is required.
Where: Denmark Library, Denmark Meeting Room, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Craft a Story: The Foundations
When: Monday, November 2, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Get a story started or sharpen your writing skills at the first workshop in a three-part series. Beginning and experienced adult writers will explore the rough-draft process and practice with writing prompts. Later sessions cover workshopping on November 23 and editing on December 7.
Where: Cumming Library, Cumming Meeting Room, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Crochet Granny Squares: Book Covers
When: Tuesday, November 3, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
What: Learn to crochet granny squares inspired by favorite book covers, which can become part of a book-themed blanket. This adults-only program requires no experience, and supplies are provided. Free event passes will be distributed at the library beginning at 4:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Cumming City Council Work Session
When: Tuesday, November 3, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Follow city business at the council’s November work session. The city directs residents to check its City Council Agendas and Meeting Minutes page on the Monday before the meeting for the agenda. A useful opportunity to hear the council’s discussions in person.
Where: Cumming City Hall, Council Chambers on the third floor, 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Forsyth Creates: Winter Garland
When: Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Make a winter garland from twine and fabric scraps for a touch of seasonal home decor. This adult craft program is part of Forsyth Creates, which brings community members together for hands-on projects. All supplies are provided, and no experience is needed.
Where: Denmark Library, Denmark Meeting Room, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Singles Social Tuesdays at Cumming City Center
When: Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Meet other local singles at this weekly social gathering among Cumming City Center’s restaurants and venues. The meetup offers a casual setting to mingle and make connections. The host location rotates, so check City Center’s event updates or social media for this week’s exact venue before heading out.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040. Exact venue varies weekly.

Mexican Train Dominoes
When: Wednesday, November 4, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Join other adults for a morning of Mexican Train Dominoes at Hampton Park Library. New and experienced players are welcome, and all supplies are provided. Learn the game, enjoy some friendly competition, and meet neighbors at this weekly open-play session.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Inquisitive Homeschool Society: Historical Fiction
When: Wednesday, November 4, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
What: Elementary-age homeschool students can explore historical fiction through a short library-led presentation and related activity stations. Participants may also share a book report in a format of their choosing, giving them a chance to practice presentation and public-speaking skills.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

American Red Cross Blood Drive
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Help replenish the blood supply at Sharon Forks Library’s American Red Cross drive. Make an appointment through RedCrossBlood.org using the sponsor keyword “sharonforks,” or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors must bring photo identification.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, Sharon Forks Meeting Room Side B, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Chess Club
When: Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Children in grades 3–8 can learn chess basics or build on existing skills with certified Championship Chess coaches. Beginners and intermediate players are welcome. Free event passes will be distributed at the library beginning at 5:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Adult Special Needs Craft & Story Hour
When: Thursday, November 5, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
What: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are invited to enjoy stories and simple crafts designed for a range of abilities. November’s fall-themed project is a paper wreath. The program is designed specifically for adults.
Where: Cumming Library, Cumming Meeting Room, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Gather and Game
When: Thursday, November 5, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Unplug with board and card games at Hampton Park Library’s weekly adult meetup. Bring a favorite from home, explore the library’s collection, or join a table and learn something new. Come solo or bring a friend; no experience is required.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Twilight Tales
When: Thursday, November 5, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
What: Gather in Cumming Library’s children’s area for an evening of stories, music, and activities for the whole family. It’s a chance to share books and spend time together before bedtime. No registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, Children’s Area, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Kitchen Lithography
When: Thursday, November 5, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Discover how lithography works using everyday household materials, then create a design and make a print to take home. This program is for adults. Free event passes will be distributed at the library beginning at 6:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Crafting Great Villains
When: Thursday, November 5, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Author Emily Matheis shares techniques for writing villains with clear goals, believable motives, and enough humanity to keep readers interested. This Forsyth Writes Together program explores the craft of creating memorable antagonists. Books will be available for purchase and signing afterward.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, Sharon Forks Meeting Room Side B, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Glitter Star Fest
When: Sunday, November 8, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Enjoy an afternoon of music and art supporting the American Cancer Society and the fight against pediatric cancer. Tori Gideon headlines at 5:30 PM, with additional entertainment from Dr. P & the Groove and DJ Mr. Inspiration. An art contest offers a $1,000 prize; submit artwork by 3:30 PM, and the winner must be present to collect. Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome; no coolers, outside food or alcohol, or tents.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

68° 🌡️ 54° | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 10-15 mph E

72° 🌡️ 60° | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 10-15 mph E

70° 🌡️ 60° | ⛈️ | 70% | 💨 10-15 mph SE

72° 🌡️ 54° | ⛈️ | 60% | 💨 5 mph SW

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 63ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer today.

I hope you had a fun Halloween weekend and got to enjoy some of the beautiful weather around Forsyth County.

Have a local story, an upcoming event, or a new business your neighbors should know about? Hit reply and send it my way. I read every email, and your tips help make the Flyer better.

If you enjoyed today’s edition, forward it to a friend or neighbor. I always appreciate you helping spread the word.

Have a great week, and enjoy that extra hour, even if it takes a few days to get used to it!