🛶 The Landscaping Marathon

Good morning, Forsyth County.

I hope your week is off to a good start. April has arrived, and with it comes the annual Georgia tradition of spending more on pine straw than groceries. Every weekend turns into a landscaping marathon. Edging. Mulching. Mowing lines so straight you could land a plane on them. All for a yard you sprint past on your way to the car every morning.

Here is my challenge to you this week. For every hour you spend working on your yard, spend ten minutes just sitting in it. Watch the kids ride bikes. Talk to the neighbor who always waves but you never stop for. The best looking yard in the neighborhood means nothing if you never slow down long enough to enjoy it.

- Chad

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After a yearlong pause designed to give planners breathing room amid rapid growth, Forsyth County commissioners voted unanimously April 2 to release the Residential 1 zoning category from a development freeze enacted in 2025. It's the first of several zoning categories to be freed. Commissioners have been using the pause to update the Unified Development Code. Separately, a vote on proposed tree ordinance changes was delayed after nonprofit Smart Growth Forsyth County argued the revisions don't go far enough to protect the county's tree canopy. "One thousand bucks is nothing" for developers, founder Bob Slaughter said of proposed fines.

Forsyth County residents could decide in November whether to cap their county commissioners to two four-year terms, eight years maximum in office. The Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 469 on April 2, sending the term-limit question to the ballot rather than enacting it directly. The House tightened an earlier version that would have allowed three terms. Commissioners across the board expressed support. Commissioner Kerry Hill, who has pushed for the measure for years, called the board "unified on the need for term limits." If voters approve in November, the limit would take effect beginning in 2027.

A Forsyth County road will soon bear the name of Zachary Steele, a soldier killed in a motorcycle crash on July 22, 2025. The dedication ceremony is planned for later this month, on what would have been Steele's 22nd birthday, a milestone his family has been working toward since his death. County officials have been coordinating with the family to honor his service through the road naming, a recognition that means his name will remain woven into the streets he called home. Details on the ceremony location will be shared closer to the date.

The Light of Leonardo - Shadow Puppet Theater

When: Thursday, April 9, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (second performance at 2:00 PM)

What: Watch Mr. Damon's Shadow Puppet Theater bring Leonardo da Vinci to life in a captivating performance celebrating the Renaissance artist and inventor. Designed for preschoolers through elementary-age kids and their families. Free event passes distributed 30 minutes before showtime. No registration required. Free to attend.

Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Chess for Kids

When: Thursday, April 9, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

What: Join this monthly chess meetup for kids in grades 2 through 8. Beginners are warmly welcomed alongside returning players looking to sharpen their strategy. All skill levels encouraged. Free event passes distributed 30 minutes before start time. Free to attend.

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

Brooklyn Boys Live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater

When: Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

What: The Spring Concert Series at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater continues with the Brooklyn Boys, one band performing two tribute acts in one night. Jonathan Elgart channels his childhood heroes with spot-on vocals, costumes, and all the '70s energy you can handle. Expect sing-along songs, great stories, and one of the most fun tribute shows you'll see this spring. Brought to you by The Providence Group. Free admission and free parking. BYO lawn chairs or blankets. No coolers, outside food or alcohol, cans, glass bottles, or smoking. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome. Tents are not allowed.

Where: Cumming City Center (Lou Sobh Amphitheater), 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Cost: Free

Creepy Crawlies!

When: Friday, April 10, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

What: Learn all about creatures that crawl, creep, and slither in this family-friendly educational presentation from the Arrowhead Environmental Education Center. Designed for families and elementary-age children. Event passes distributed 30 minutes before program start time. Free to attend.

Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Touch a Truck

When: Friday, April 10, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

What: Climb aboard, honk the horn, and explore big rigs and heavy equipment up close at this beloved outdoor family event hosted by the Forsyth County Public Library. A wonderful hands-on outing for toddlers through elementary-age kids. Rain or shine at Fowler Park. Free admission.

Where: Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, GA 30040

Hampton Smith Live at Cherry Street Brewing

When: Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Doors at 6:00 PM)

What: Enjoy a free evening of live music from Hampton Smith at Cherry Street Brewing's Vickery Village taproom, just over the Forsyth County line. Craft beers and a full menu available. No cover charge. Show up and settle in. All ages welcome before 9:00 PM.

Where: Cherry Street Brewing, 5815 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Rise and Thrive Morning Wellness Event

When: Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

What: Start your Saturday with this wellness-focused morning gathering at The Collection at Forsyth. A great way to connect with the community over health and wellbeing before the day gets going. RSVP required. Registration available via Eventbrite at collectionforsyth.com.

Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041

Sidewalk Sale at The Collection at Forsyth

When: Saturday, April 11, 10:00 AM

What: Browse spring deals from your favorite Collection at Forsyth shops and boutiques during this seasonal sidewalk sale. Fashion, home goods, gifts, and more spill out onto the walkways for easy browsing. Free to shop. Parking on site. A perfect excuse to make a morning of it.

Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041

The Gold Standard Band at Lou Sobh Amphitheater

When: Saturday, April 11, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

What: Enjoy a full night of Motown, Carolina Beach Music, and Classic Soul from The Gold Standard Band, widely called the South's best party band. They have something for everyone and guarantee a packed dance floor. Beautiful outdoor amphitheater setting at Cumming City Center. Free admission.

Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

The Queen's Joust - Post Road Renaissance Faire

When: Sunday, April 12, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

What: Cap your weekend with a jousting presentation from the Post Road Library's Renaissance Faire series, part performance, part education. Designed for ages 10 and up, and genuinely fun for older kids, teens, and adults. Event passes distributed 30 minutes before start. Free to attend.

Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

68° 🌡️ 45° | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 E 11 mph (10 knots)

76° 🌡️ 45° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 E 5 mph (4 knots)

81° 🌡️ 50° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 N 4 mph (3 knots)

80° 🌡️ 54° | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 SE 9 mph (8 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 66ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer. If you see an event in here that makes you think of someone, go ahead and send this their way.

This weekend has something for just about everybody. Touch a Truck for the kids on Friday, The Gold Standard Band at the amphitheater Saturday night, and a Renaissance jousting show at the library on Sunday. Not a bad stretch for Forsyth County.

And if you spot something worth knowing about, like a new business opening, an event that you really want people to know about, or a local story that deserves more attention, just hit reply and let me know. Or reply even if you just want to say hi, complain about your boss, or tell me how many bags of pine straw you went through this week. I am here for all of it.

Have a great weekend!