🌱 Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees For Holidays + BBQ Competition

Hello, everybody. It's Friday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today we'll cover:

• Forsyth County Animal Shelter waives adoption fees for the holidays
• Atlanta BBQ Store Classic comes to Cumming Fairgrounds
• Early morning accident shuts down Highway 20, leaves two in critical condition

Note: There will be no newsletter Saturday, Nov. 19. I'll be back in your inbox Tuesday, Nov. 22.

---

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Heart & Hammer Realty

Has the local real estate market changed? Yes. But probably not how you think.

If you listen to some gloomy types, you might think the current Atlanta-area real estate market is in free fall. Guess again.

Compared to July 2019, in July 2022:

• Inventory is tighter (Listings are down by nearly 50 percent)
• Prices are way up (Median home prices are up nearly 50 percent)
• Time on the market is shorter (11 days vs. 28 days)

Oh, and interest rates? They're up, but by historical standards, they're still low as well.

The Atlanta market though is changing. And whether buying, selling or investing, you need a Realtor with enough experience and local knowledge to turn market data into insights that create value for you. And if that Realtor comes with a homebuilder who can help you evaluate a property or to prep a home for current market demand, odds of success go up.

Fortunately, Amanda Shelton and her husband Andy Shelton of Heart & Hammer Realty have you covered. She's a Top 20 percent Keller Williams agent. He's a top-notch builder who knows houses from the inside out.

To get a read on your home's value or to learn about current market opportunities, call or text Amanda today at 770.572.0722 or email her at amandashelton@kw.com.

---

Now, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine, but cool. High: 51 Low: 29.

---

Here are the top stories in Cumming today:

1. Looking to adopt a fur friend this holiday season? Well, Forsyth County Animal Shelter is waiving its standard $85 pet adoption fee from Nov. 26 until Jan. 3. The Home for the Holidays promotion includes microchipping for all pets, altering and age-appropriate vaccinations. Adoptions will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only. (Forsyth County Government)
2. Ready to see some barbecue pitmasters? More than 80 competition barbecue teams from across the nation will come to Cumming Fairgrounds Nov. 18-19 for the Atlanta BBQ Store Classic. The public is invited to attend Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Vendors, food trucks, kids' activities, and a peek into BBQ competition will be available. Admission and parking are free. Canned food donations for the Northeast Georgia Foodbank and Toys for Tots donations will be collected by the participating organizations. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Northeast Georgia Foodbank. (Patch)
3. An accident shut down Canton Highway between Friendship Circle and Chamblee Gap Road and left two people in critical condition early Thursday morning. Just before 7 a.m., an ambulance responding to an emergency call traveling eastbound on Route 20 went into the center lane to pass traffic. A tractor trailer hauling a tanker was traveling in the opposite direction when the driver slammed on the brakes to let the ambulance pass. This caused the driver of a Mustang behind the tractor trailer to swerve into the center lane to avoid running into the tanker. The Mustang and the ambulance hit head-on. The drivers of the ambulance and the Mustang were transported to North Fulton Hospital in critical condition. (WSB)

---

Today in and around Cumming:

• Explorer Tots at Cumming Library (11 a.m.)
• 1/2 Price Family Fridays at Cumming Aquatic Center (2 p.m.)
• Masterminds LEGO® Lounge at Post Road Library (4 p.m.)
• Community Block Party at Big Blue Marble Academy (4:30 p.m.)
• Sunset Sessions at The Collection (6 p.m.)
• Comedy and Cocktails at Legends Distillery (8 p.m.)

---

From my notebook:

• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office would like to congratulate these members on their recent promotions. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Atlanta-based filmmaker David Rakoczy spoke to Central High School's Film Academy about working as a camera operator and director of photography in film and television. (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• Chattahoochee Elementary students are invited to participate in the school's Toy Drive to benefit The Place of Forsyth. The school will be accepting new, unwrapped toys from Nov. 28 - Dec. 2. (Chattahoochee Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Schools is seeking substitute nurses. Apply today at http://ow.ly/xt8M50LFWRQ. (Matt Elementary via Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Cumming City Center Winter Pop-Up Market (November 19)
• Salsa ATL Dinner & Latin Night @ Tony's John's Creek Saturday, Nov. 19 (November 19)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (November 22)
• Add your event

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Phil Giltman

About me: I've lived in Cumming since 2010. I'm married with two kids, both in Forsyth County Schools. I consider myself a jack of all trades. I love solid news reporting, scoring baseball games, playing golf, watching movies, reading books, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, competing in fantasy leagues, commissioning said fantasy leagues, playing poker, trying new foods, traveling, and hanging with friends and family. I appreciate you stopping by.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cumming Daily? Contact me at phil.giltman@Patch.com