🌱 Catoberfest + Meet The Paladians + Friday Night Lights

Morning, everybody. Happy Friday! I'm back in your inbox with the most important things happening in Cumming today. In today's Daily, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Catoberfest.
• Meet the Paladians.
• Friday Night Lights.

Fun Fact: On this day in 1980, Bob Marley performed his last concert, a sold-out show in Pittsburgh. He died in Miami of melanoma the following year at age 36.

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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%)
• Prices are way up (Median home prices are up nearly 50%)
• 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.

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Now, today's weather:

Sunny and not as warm. High: 79 Low: 54.

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Top stories in and around Cumming today:

1. If humans get an Oktoberfest, then cats should get a Catoberfest, right? Well, on Saturday Oct. 8, the Feral Cat Program of Georgia (FCPGA) will host its annual Catoberfest fundraiser at Fowler Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature over 30 artists and vendor booths, food trucks, a DJ, family-friendly fun and a silent auction with over 50 baskets, original artwork, jewelry, gift cards and more. Admission is free. (Dawson News)
2. Interested in a Catholic education for your child? Well, Pinecrest Academy will host "Meet the Paladians" Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 9:30-11 a.m. Meet the Paladians is an informational coffee session and tour of the 68-acre campus located at 955 Peachtree Parkway for families with rising Pre-K through 11th grade students. (Pinecrest Academy)
3. Week 6 of Friday Night Lights kicks off tonight with some marquee matchups going on around the county. The Denmark Danes (3-1), winners of three straight, travels to Dacula to take on the 1-3 Falcons. Walnut Grove (3-1) heads to Gainesville to battle the undefeated East Forsyth Broncos (3-0). Fidelis Christian (3-1) travels to Loganville to take on Victory Baptist (3-1). The 1-3 Forsyth Central Bulldogs heads to Buford to play Seckinger, who is seeking its first win. Lafayette Christian (3-1) plays Horizon Christian (1-3). Undefeated Lambert (4-0) plays East Coweta (4-1). Shiloh (1-3) heads to Cumming to take on North Forsyth (3-2). Pinecrest (2-2) will play Lanier Christian (3-1) and the South Forsyth War Eagles (3-1) travels to Snellville to play Brookwood (1-3). (Forsyth County News)

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Today in and around Cumming:

• Explorer Tots at Cumming Library (11 a.m.)
• Preschoolers at Post Road Library (11 a.m.)
• LEGO Club at Hampton Park Library (4 p.m.)
• September Sunset Concert at West Milford Farm: The Gold Standard Band (7:30 p.m.)
• Flashlight Corn Maze at Warbington Farms (7:30 p.m.)
• Comedy and Cocktails at Legends Distillery (8 p.m.)
• "Little Shop of Horrors the Musical" at School Street Playhouse (8 p.m.)
• Live Music: Falling Rocks at Stillfire Brewery (8 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Big Creek Elementary is holding its annual lemonade stand fundraiser to support childhood cancer research. Donations are appreciated. (Big Creek Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Schools is seeking business and industry professionals for the Forsyth County Schools College Career Student Career Exploration and Pathway Discovery on Oct. 11 and 12 at the Forsyth Conference Center. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Who's hiring in the Cumming area? Check out new local jobs. (Cumming Patch)
• Forsyth County Government is offering free fitness, art and wellness classes as part of the improved Forsyth County Senior Services membership. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Forsyth County is looking for poll workers for the upcoming election season. Serve the community, meet neighbors, make new friends and even get paid. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• If you enjoy singing, visit Cummings Barbershop Chorus. It meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lanier United Methodist Church. (North GA Barbers Singers)
• Interested in becoming a mentor in Forsyth County Schools? Check the link training dates and more information. (Shiloh Point Elementary via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Forsyth County is looking for folks to join its Street Team, a group of volunteers who attend community events, man the booths and spread the word about what the shelter and HSFC does. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• If you need help, get it! A new mental health hotline is now active. You can now call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Prevention Hotline and get the care you need 24/7. You can also visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a caring counselor. This shortcut is not replacing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) but will serve as an easy alternative for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. (United Way Of Forsyth County via Instagram)
• Tickets are now available for the 18th Annual Bark & Boogie Ball. This is the premier fundraising event for the Humane Society of Forsyth County. The ball will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• K-12: Innocence Under Siege — Parents Rights (September 24)
• Howl-O-Weenie DREAM Dachshund Rescue Picnic (September 24)
• Add your event

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow morning for 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