🛶 The Flashing Lights

Good morning, Forsyth County.

With school back in session, it is probably a good time to talk about Georgia’s school-zone speed camera laws because a few important rules changed this summer.

The biggest thing to understand is that a camera may issue a citation even when the school-zone lights are not flashing. When the lights are flashing, the reduced school-zone speed limit applies. During the rest of the authorized school day, the camera may enforce the regular posted speed limit. In either case, a citation can be issued only when a driver is traveling more than 10 mph over the applicable limit. The cameras may now issue citations only on school days, beginning one hour before classes and ending one hour after dismissal.

Another round of changes arrives July 1, 2027. Camera warning signs will need to display approaching vehicles’ speeds and flash whenever the camera is authorized to issue citations. Local governments will also need voter approval before entering into or renewing a camera contract.

So, when passing through a school zone, do not use the flashing lights as your only guide. Check the regular speed-limit sign too. Georgia’s new law is meant to make the system clearer and more accountable, but drivers still need to know which speed limit applies.

- Chad

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Forsyth County Senior Services will host its fourth annual Community Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, August 19, giving residents a chance to connect with local organizations looking for volunteers. More than 15 nonprofits, government offices and service groups are expected to participate, with opportunities ranging from helping animals to assisting with meal programs and other community services. The fair is open to adults of all ages, not just seniors, and admission is free. The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, located at 2115 Chloe Road in Cumming. Residents can stop by to learn about different organizations, ask questions and find volunteer opportunities that fit their interests and availability.

Osteria Bella, a new Southern Italian restaurant from the family behind Marietta’s longtime Mezza Luna, is preparing to open this fall at Halcyon. Owners Daniele and Bella Furfaro are taking over the former Butcher & Brew space overlooking the Village Green. The couple moved to Georgia from Calabria, Italy, in 2014 and took full ownership of Mezza Luna in 2023. The menu will draw heavily from their Calabrian roots, with planned dishes including squid-ink tagliatelle with mussels, shrimp, calamari and clams; pasta with slow-braised duck ragù; and branzino with lemon-butter sauce, capers and cherry tomatoes. Calabrian peppers, seasonal ingredients and house-made limoncello will also be featured. Osteria Bella will be located at 6690 Town Square, Suite 410. An exact opening date has not yet been announced.

Forsyth County students posted strong results on the 2025-26 Georgia Milestones, with most tested subjects improving from the previous year. In math for grades 3 through 8, 73% of students scored proficient or distinguished, up from 71% last year. Algebra saw one of the biggest gains, with 77% reaching proficient or distinguished compared with 71% a year earlier. Biology improved from 73% to 75%, while fifth- and eighth-grade science increased slightly from 62% to 63%. The one notable decline came in eighth-grade social studies, where 59% of students scored proficient or distinguished, down from 66% last year. English Language Arts achievement results have not yet been released as Georgia completes standard-setting work tied to its new ELA curriculum.

Monday Mood: Yoga on the Green
When: Monday, August 10, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: The Heart Studio Yoga is hosting a free, all-levels outdoor yoga class at Cumming City Center. The hour includes yoga followed by a meditation session. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water, and friends and family are welcome to join.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Chinese Dance Lessons
When: Monday, August 10, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Forsyth County Public Library is offering an introductory Chinese dance lesson as part of its dance series at Sharon Forks Library. The program gives participants an opportunity to learn basic movements and explore Chinese dance in a welcoming group setting.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Spavia Kids Club
When: Tuesday, August 11, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Spavia Day Spa and The Collection at Forsyth are hosting a free monthly Kids Club designed especially for children. Families can stop by for a relaxed morning of kid-focused activities on the green while enjoying time at The Collection. The event is open to the public and offers an easy midweek outing for parents looking for something free to do with younger children.
Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041.

Singles Social Tuesdays
When: Tuesday, August 11, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Singles Social Tuesdays continues at Cumming City Center with this week’s gathering at Tin Cup Grill. The weekly meetup rotates among City Center restaurants and businesses, giving local singles of all ages a casual place to meet people, have dinner or drinks, and spend an evening out.
Where: Tin Cup Grill, 450 Vision Drive, Cumming, GA 30040.

Forsyth Creates: Snail Plant Stakes
When: Wednesday, August 12, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Adults can get creative at Sharon Forks Library during a hands-on Forsyth Creates session centered around making decorative snail plant stakes. The Forsyth Creates series gives adults a chance to work on approachable craft projects while meeting other creative members of the community.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041.

Forsyth Creates: Library Junk Journal
When: Thursday, August 13, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
What: Cumming Library is hosting an afternoon adult craft program centered around creating a junk journal. The event is part of the Forsyth Creates series, which offers hands-on projects and an opportunity for local adults to spend time creating alongside others.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

Twilight Tales
When: Thursday, August 13, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
What: Families can wind down the evening with stories, music, and activities in the children’s area at Cumming Library. Twilight Tales is designed as a family-friendly evening storytime, and no registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

MomCo Consignment Sale Preview Night
When: Thursday, August 13, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Creekside Church’s MomCo Consignment Sale opens Thursday evening with a special preview sale before the regular Friday and Saturday shopping hours. Shoppers can browse secondhand children’s clothing, gear, toys, and other family items. Admission to Thursday’s preview is a $5 donation, and debit and credit cards are accepted. The sale also supports MomCo’s community outreach efforts. If you are a teacher, bring your educator ID and get in for free!
Where: Creekside Church, 673 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041.

MomCo Fall 2026 Consignment Sale
When: Friday, August 14, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM and Saturday, August 15, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: Creekside MomCo’s annual Fall Consignment Sale returns with children’s clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, car seats, nursery items, maternity wear, feeding supplies, home décor, and more. Friday is the first full day of shopping, while Saturday is the sale’s half-price day, with many items marked 50% off. Proceeds support Creekside MomCo and Confident Threads, a nonprofit that provides clothing for children in foster care throughout Forsyth County and surrounding communities.
Where: Creekside Church Gym, 673 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041.

Georgia Mountain Tractor & Engine Club Show
When: Saturday, August 15, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What: The Georgia Mountain Tractor & Engine Club is bringing a full day of tractors, engines, food, and family-friendly fun to Warbington Farms. Visitors can check out displays of old tractors and engines while spending the day on the farm with fellow equipment enthusiasts. The club encourages families, friends, and anyone interested in vintage machinery and agricultural history to attend.
Where: Warbington Farms, 5555 Crow Road, Cumming, GA 30028

Rockin for a Reason: LANDSLIDE, A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
When: Friday, August 21, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Landslide will perform Fleetwood Mac favorites during a free outdoor concert supporting Keystone Village, a planned Forsyth County residential community that will provide homes and support for 90 adults with disabilities. Admission and parking are free, and the evening will also include a golf cart raffle. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 421 Vision Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

90° 🌡️ 72° | ⛈️ | 30% | 💨 5 mph W

90° 🌡️ 72° | ⛈️ | 30% | 💨 8 mph WNW

90° 🌡️ 73° | 🌦️ | 20% | 💨 9 mph W

91° 🌡️ 73° | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 9 mph WNW

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 83ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

Thanks for reading today’s Forsyth Flyer.

With students back in class and school buses once again making their rounds, mornings across Forsyth County may take a little longer than they did a few weeks ago. Leave yourself an extra minute, watch for children near the road, and be patient with everyone settling back into the routine.

If you enjoyed today’s issue, please forward it to a neighbor or friend who would enjoy keeping up with Forsyth County too.

You can always reply with an upcoming event, a local story idea, or something happening in the community that deserves more attention. I personally read every message.

Have a great week!

P.S. Local businesses interested in reaching Forsyth County readers can reply here or email me at [email protected].