🛶 Love Your Community

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Forsyth County.

There’s a specific kind of energy in Cumming this week. Between Chairman John’s update on our county’s record-breaking growth and the heavy machinery officially starting work on the Sharon Springs renovation, it’s clear we’re a community that isn't standing still. But as we head into Valentine’s weekend, it’s worth slowing down to appreciate the people who make all this expansion meaningful

If you’re looking to connect, the local scene is vibrant. You might find yourself caught up in the emotional storytelling of The Last Five Years at School Street Playhouse or heating things up at the Valentine's Salsa night at Golden Venue on Friday. For a more relaxed family vibe, there’s the simple, tactile joy of painting rocks for "Hugo" the rock snake at Hampton Park Library, a small gesture that literally builds onto a local landmark.

The "Love Your Community" theme isn't just a sentiment here; it’s our local currency. This weekend, that could mean exploring the Lunar New Year celebration at Sharon Forks on Sunday to appreciate our neighbors' traditions, or just being a little more patient with the lane closures on Sanders Road as our infrastructure catches up to our population. It looks like checking in on a neighbor who stayed hunkered down during the recent winter storm or grabbing a coffee for the person behind you at a local shop.

Let’s make this weekend about more than just the cards and candy. Let’s make it about the intentional connections that keep Forsyth County feeling like a home, no matter how fast it grows.

However you choose to spend it, make it count.

- Chad

Cards Over Clicks helps children disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the real world. Founded by local Navy veteran Dennis Loewer, this 501(c)(3) non-profit uses the excitement of card collecting to develop critical social and learning skills.

From Pokémon and Sports to Disney and Star Wars, every free card packet comes with a grade-specific educational worksheet tailored to Georgia standards. Whether for Pre-K or High School, these packs encourage students to achieve classroom goals and engage with their peers face-to-face.

They help educators and parents turn "social media timeouts" into fun, educational wins. Their mission is simple: inspire kids to put the phone down and learn through family-friendly collecting.

Ready to inspire your students or support the community? They are actively seeking teachers to challenge their classes, educators to help design worksheets, and local business sponsors to keep the packs free.

Take the next step now: Learn more at www.CardsOverClicks.org.

A 301-unit apartment complex is moving forward at the Cumming City Center development. Toro Development is expected to begin construction soon on the residential project, adding a significant housing component to the mixed-use center on Vision Drive. The development comes as Cumming continues to evolve its downtown area with a blend of residential, commercial, and entertainment uses. The project adds to the growing momentum at the City Center, which already features restaurants, retail, and entertainment venues drawing visitors from across the county.

Forsyth County's restaurant scene continues to expand with two notable additions. A second Tim Hortons location is currently under construction at the Midway Shopping Center on Atlanta Highway and is expected to open soon. Meanwhile, a national restaurant chain is building out the former Wild Wing Cafe space at The Collection at Forsyth, bringing another dining destination to one of the county's premier shopping centers. Both projects reflect the steady growth in demand for dining variety across the county.

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John delivered the 2026 State of the County address on Wednesday, February 11, highlighting a year of significant infrastructure investment and community growth. During the presentation, John emphasized the county's "commitment to quality of life," specifically pointing to the $52.7 million renovation of Sharon Springs Park and the successful partnership with Georgia Tech to mentor local engineering students. The address also touched on the county's continued efforts to manage rapid population growth through strategic residential moratoriums and the expansion of the "Your Forsyth" initiative to increase transparency with residents.

Spring '26 Sip 'n Sniff

When: Thursday, February 12, 4 PM - 7 PM

What: Sample candle fragrances and vote on the Spring 2026 collection at this local candle company's preview event. Enjoy complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres, enter giveaways, and shop the warehouse with exclusive discounts up to 40% off. Free admission.

Where: The First Burn Candle Co, 6580 Five Oaks Road, Cumming, GA 30040

The Great Puzzle Race

When: Thursday, February 12, 6:30 PM - 8:45 PM

What: Join a fast-paced team puzzle tournament and see if your crew can complete a 500-piece puzzle faster than the competition. Open to middle schoolers, high schoolers, families, and adults. Registration required. Free.

Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028

Forsyth Creates: Decorate compact mirrors

When: Friday, February 13, 2 PM - 3:30 PM

What: Design and decorate your own compact mirror at this adult craft program. All materials provided by the library. A creative way to kick off Valentine's weekend with a handmade keepsake you'll actually use. Free admission.

Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Family Fun Fridays

When: Friday, February 13, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

What: Drop by after school for hands-on activities the whole family can enjoy. Each week features a different theme with STEM, early literacy, and craft projects for toddlers through elementary-age children. Free and no registration required.

Where: Denmark Library, 108 Library Trail, Cumming, GA 30028

Sole Mates 5K: Run With Your Heart

When: Saturday, February 14, 8 AM (Kids Fun Run at 9 AM)

What: Celebrate Valentine's Day with a heart-themed 5K at Halcyon. Run with your partner, best friend, or four-legged Valentine — dogs and strollers welcome. Finisher shirts and medals for all participants. A portion of proceeds benefits EchoSneakers. $27.50 - $48.70.

Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Love at First Scent: Valentine's perfume-making experience

When: Saturday, February 14, 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM (90-minute sessions)

What: Craft three custom perfumes with your special someone in this intimate Valentine's experience. Guided by fragrance experts, explore scent families and take home a personalized 55ml bottle. Each guest receives a luxury gift bag valued at $75+. Ages 15+.

Where: Tijon Atlanta, 441 Vision Drive, Ste G104, Cumming, GA 30040

Birdwatching Basics with UGA Extension Office

When: Saturday, February 14, 10 AM - 11 AM

What: Learn the basics of birdwatching as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count weekend. The UGA Extension Office leads this educational session perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. Bring binoculars if you have them. Free.

Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Valentine Rock Painting

When: Saturday, February 14, 10 AM - 12 PM

What: Paint Valentine-themed rocks and add them to Hugo, the Hampton Park rock snake. All ages welcome, from preschoolers to adults. Event passes handed out 30 minutes before the program. A festive, family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday. Free.

Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028

Lunar New Year Celebration

When: Sunday, February 15, 2 PM - 5 PM

What: Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse at this annual cultural celebration featuring live performances, hands-on crafts, cultural exhibits, and food samples. Now in its fourth year, this community favorite showcases Forsyth County's diverse heritage. All ages welcome. Free.

Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

62°F 🌡️ 46°F | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 W 4 mph (3 knots)

53°F 🌡️ 40°F | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)

47°F 🌡️ 45°F | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 E 7 mph (6 knots)

52°F 🌡️ 41°F | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 NW 2 mph (2 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 51ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer! With temperatures holding in the low 60s through Friday, it’s a beautiful lead-in to a weekend of showing some local love. There’s no better time to slow down and appreciate the people who make this county feel like home.

Know someone who’d love to stay in the loop on all things Forsyth? Forward this their way. Spotted a new business opening or have a community event to share? Just hit reply to this email. We’d love to feature it and keep our community connected.

Stay safe on the roads (especially around that road construction), and however you choose to spend your weekend, make it count.