🛶 Rough Day For The Internet

Good morning, Forsyth County,

Wednesday was a rough day for the internet. Security researchers confirmed two serious holes in PHP, the behind-the-scenes code that powers most of the websites you visit, including every WordPress site out there. The pair has been nicknamed “PHP2Shell,” and the people who track this stuff for a living aren’t mincing words. One well-known researcher called it one of the biggest security holes in years.

Why does it matter? These holes could let a hacker take over a website without ever needing a password. To make matters worse, the details leaked online a day early, and at least one security firm spotted attackers trying them out before the fix was even ready. The federal government’s cybersecurity agency is telling everyone to patch immediately.

The good news: the fix came out Wednesday morning, and web hosting companies are rolling it out now.

If you have a website, here’s your to-do list:

Around here, the shop downtown, the youth ball league, your church’s online giving page, and the HOA website all run on the same software as the big guys, just without a big-company IT department watching the door. Think of this like a recall notice for your car: the fix is free, but it doesn’t do you any good until somebody actually gets it done.

Now, on to the good stuff...

– Chad

A single ebook can cost $15 or more. This site offers bestsellers starting at $2.

It’s changing the way people buy ebooks. Readers no longer have to pay top dollar or spend months on a waitlist for the books they want.

Free to join and simple to use, this site helps readers find bestsellers for a fraction of the price. It’s called BookBub, and it’s an open secret for 15 million readers who are saving on today’s biggest ebooks.

Readers can expect:

Each deal is only available for a limited time. Sign up for free to see them before they’re gone.

See today’s $2 bestsellers

Forsyth County Schools’ Class of 2026 just posted the best SAT results the district has ever recorded. Graduates averaged 1195, up 17 points from last year and 164 points above Georgia’s public-school average of 1031. The national mean was 1011. Both halves of the test were strong. Students averaged 600 in reading and writing and 595 in math, where the gap over the state was widest at 89 points. On the ACT, the class posted a 24.9 composite, four points better than Georgia and nearly six better than the nation, with reading and science each at 25.5. The district announced the results Oct. 19, a few weeks after reporting a record 97.47% graduation rate. The numbers carry real weight here: UGA and Georgia Tech require SAT or ACT scores, and the Zell Miller Scholarship’s test-score route pairs a 3.7 GPA with at least a 1200.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve just became a lot more accessible. Through a new program called Wheels in the Wild, Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is lending out an Action Trackchair, an all-terrain mobility device that rolls on tank-style treads over the roots, gravel and dirt paths that stop ordinary wheelchairs. The chair was donated by the Forsyth County Parks Foundation and is free to use by reservation for people whose disabilities or medical conditions keep them off natural-surface trails. Riders complete an eligibility form and orientation, and a Trail Buddy stays with them the whole time. Routes run up to 2.4 miles, about a two- to three-hour outing, starting from the visitor center on Spot Road. The county hopes to add more chairs across its 55-plus miles of trails. Georgia State Parks runs a similar program through All-Terrain Georgia, including at Don Carter State Park on Lake Lanier.

One of Cumming’s homegrown healthy-eating spots is closing its doors. ReFresh Superfood Cafe, the shop at 1050 Market Place Boulevard, will close for good next week after five years in business. Run by the Wilkie family, ReFresh built its following on simple, wholesome fare: smoothies blended from real fruit with no added sugar, acai and pitaya bowls, avocado toasts, and salads like its popular spinach-strawberry. Coffee drinkers knew it for lattes made with locally roasted Valor Coffee, and the menu offered plenty of gluten- and dairy-free choices. Regulars hoping for one last smoothie have only a few days left, so check the cafe’s social pages for its final hours before heading over.

Toddler Tales
When: Thursday, October 22, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
What: Toddlers ages 18–36 months and a caregiver can enjoy age-appropriate books, action rhymes, songs, and movement designed to support early literacy at Post Road Library.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Haunted Cruise-In Halloween Edition
When: Thursday, October 22, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Classic car owners deck out their rides for Halloween and hand out candy at this family-friendly car show sponsored by Garden District at City Center. Costumes are encouraged, for kids and cars alike. Admission and parking are free, with space in the parking deck and overflow lots. Some cars hand out candy from the back, so walk all the way around. Want to show your car? Participants enter through the Canton Road entrance starting at 4 PM, must bring candy to share, and should arrive early, since spots are first-come, first-served and the road closes once full.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Cherry Street Brewpub Live Music
When: Thursday, October 22, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Cherry Street’s beer garden at Halcyon hosts a rotating lineup of solo and duo performers every Thursday through October, so only a couple of shows remain this season. Grab dinner and a drink and settle in. Check Cherry Street’s social media for this week’s act.
Where: Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon, 6640 Town Square, Suite 510, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Gather and Game
When: Thursday, October 22, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Hampton Park Library’s weekly meetup for adults who love board and card games. Bring a favorite from home, borrow from the library’s collection, or join a table and learn something new. No experience is needed, so come solo or bring a friend.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Spooky Poetry Night
When: Thursday, October 22, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Adults team up to write Halloween-season poems using Exquisite Corpse, the surrealist game where each writer adds a line without seeing the whole poem. Once the poems come together, stick around to read the results aloud.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Winterize Your Home
When: Thursday, October 22, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: A UGA Extension volunteer walks adults through getting a home ready for freezing temperatures and tornadoes, covering food safety, indoor prep, and how to put together a safety kit for power outages.
Where: Denmark Library, Denmark Meeting Room, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Groovin’ on the Green
When: Friday, October 23, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (also Saturday, October 24, same time)
What: Local musicians play live acoustic sets on Halcyon’s Village Green every Friday and Saturday evening through October. Pick up dinner, drinks, or dessert from a Halcyon restaurant and picnic on the lawn. No outside food or coolers. Halcyon posts each weekend’s performers and any cancellations on its social media and Facebook event page.
Where: Village Green at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Four Scythes Haunted Attraction
When: Friday, October 23, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (also Saturday, October 24)
What: The haunted attraction at the Cumming Fairgrounds is open for its post-fair weekends. Tickets are sold for timed entry in 60-minute windows; when your slot comes up, you check in and join the queue line. Buying online in advance is strongly recommended, though walk-up tickets will be available. All sales are final.
Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Murder of Crowes – Tribute to the Black Crowes
When: Friday, October 23, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: This nine-piece Black Crowes tribute band from Chattanooga plays hits like “Remedy,” “She Talks to Angels,” and “Hard to Handle,” plus deeper cuts, as part of the Fall Concert Series presented by The Providence Group. Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; tents, coolers, outside food and alcohol, cans, glass bottles, and smoking are not allowed. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, October 24, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Shop farm-fresh produce; locally raised meats, eggs, and honey; homemade breads, desserts, jams, and jellies; potted plants; and handmade arts and crafts. The market sets up in the Vision Parkway parking lot.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Forsyth County Out of the Darkness Walk
When: Saturday, October 24, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What: Part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness series, this local walk offers a supportive community for anyone affected by suicide. The program includes an opening ceremony, activities of hope and healing, resource tables, and complimentary honor beads for every participant. Funds raised support research, advocacy, and education programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across Georgia.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Halloween at Halcyon
When: Saturday, October 24, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What: Halcyon’s 8th annual trick-or-treat event sends kids to more than 20 participating businesses, with farm animals to pet and groom from Wildlife Wonders, character meet-and-greets, a DJ on the Green, and Halloween cotton candy. Registration is required for an 11 AM or 1 PM entry time, and no walk-ups can be accommodated. Tickets are $25 per child this week; infants under one and adults who aren’t trick-or-treating don’t need one. All ticket proceeds benefit Bald Ridge Lodge. The event typically sells out, so check availability first. Rain or shine; no refunds.
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Spooky Drop-In Crafts
When: Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Families can stop by anytime for Halloween-themed crafts at Cumming Library. Projects are designed for grades 2–5, but all ages are welcome, and no registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, Cumming Meeting Room, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

All About Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Herding Dogs
When: Saturday, October 24, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
What: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of Greater Atlanta brings its dogs to Post Road Library to explain what it takes to care for the breed. Whether you’re thinking about getting a corgi or just want to pet a few, this all-ages program is part of the library’s Pets at Post Road series.
Where: Post Road Library, Post Road Meeting Room, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

4th Annual Howl-oween at Cumming City Center
When: Saturday, October 24, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Local businesses dress up their storefronts and stock up on treats for ghosts, goblins, and four-legged friends at this pet-friendly trick-or-treat. Meet adoptable pets, shop vendors with finds for animal lovers, enjoy spooky tunes, and vote in the storefront decorating contest.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

After-Hours Ghost Hunt
When: Saturday, October 24, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Once the doors lock, the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research leads adults through a hands-on investigation of Hampton Park Library. Learn how investigators measure electromagnetic fields, gather evidence, and cross-check it against historical records, then join a guided walk through the building in search of ghostly activity. Adults only; regular library services are unavailable during the event.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Forsyth County Fire Department Trunk or Treat
When: Saturday, October 24, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The fire department pairs candy with Halloween safety at its annual Trunk or Treat, where families learn about costume safety, pedestrian safety, and stranger danger while collecting treats from community partners. The event draws an average of more than 2,000 families. Admission is one bag of unopened candy.
Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Movies Alfresco – Addams Family Values
When: Saturday, October 24, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Cumming City Center’s outdoor movie series, sponsored by Foresite Group, brings a spooky-season family favorite to the big screen. Admission and parking are free, and snacks and drinks are sold on site. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; tents, coolers, outside food and alcohol, cans, and glass bottles are not allowed. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Fall Sunday Music
When: Sunday, October 25, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Galaxy Music and Arts presents live music on the green every Sunday afternoon this fall. Make it a brunch outing with participating restaurants Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar, Cherry Street Brewpub, CT Cantina & Taqueria, Eclipse di Luna, and HOBNOB. Halcyon announces each week’s performer on Wednesdays via its Facebook event page and Instagram stories.
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

H. P. Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu”: A Race and American Culture Discussion
When: Sunday, October 25, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: University of North Georgia associate professor Dr. Ian Afflerbach leads adults through Lovecraft’s most famous story, how the author’s xenophobia shaped his cosmic horror, and why Black writers like N. K. Jemisin and Victor LaValle have rewritten his stories to confront that legacy. Read the story ahead of time on Project Gutenberg or pick up a copy at any branch. This is the 23rd program in the library’s Race and American Culture series.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, Sharon Forks Meeting Room, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

HallowClean!
When: Sunday, October 25, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Keep Forsyth County Beautiful hosts its first Halloween-themed litter cleanup, a chance to pitch in on a fall afternoon and leave the area a little tidier before trick-or-treat night. A printable volunteer waiver is available on KFCB’s calendar page.
Where: Cumming Fairgrounds Lot 3, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

75° 🌡️ 49° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 3 mph N

69° 🌡️ 47° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 8 mph E

66° 🌡️ 45° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 11 mph E

66° 🌡️ 45° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 11 mph ENE

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 68ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

That’s a wrap, Forsyth County.

Before you close this email, do two things. First, if you have a website, send that text to whoever runs your website (or forward this to the friend who owns a small business and has no idea what PHP is). Second, take a look back at this week’s Dog of the Week. Somebody out there is waiting for a couch to call their own, and it might be yours.

Got a story we should be covering, an event we missed, or a local business doing something worth bragging about? Just hit reply. Every email lands in my inbox, and I read them all.

If the Flyer made your morning a little better, the best compliment is sharing it with a neighbor. That’s how a local newsletter grows: one Forsyth friend at a time.

Have a great weekend!