🌱 Christmas Tree Recycling + Taqueria Opening + Ready To Go Solar?

Hello! It's me, Phil Giltman, your host of the Daily. Just wanted to let you all know this will be my last edition as Cumming Patch curator. Thank you all for your readership. Happy holidays and Happy New Year to you all. Now, let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on in Cumming. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• What to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays
• A new taqueria to open in Cumming City Center
• Deadline for property owners to sign up for discount solar energy proposal

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Today's newsletter is sponsored by Heart & Hammer Realty

How is the Atlanta-area real estate market changing? The numbers are in.

We all know the real estate market in the Atlanta area has been slowing. But in October, the market hit the emergency brake.

Consider:

• Home sales dropped by 35 percent vs. October of last year
• 4,415 homes sold in October — the lowest October number since 2011
• Active listings are up nearly 80 percent

Fortunately, demand in Cumming hasn't fallen as much as in the greater Atlanta area. But in a more challenging market, your agent matters more than ever. And if that Realtor comes with a homebuilder who can help you evaluate a property, odds of seller concessions — and buyer 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:

Cloudy, a shower in the p.m. High: 47 Low: 16.

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👂 Hear me out: Advertising your local business doesn't have to be complicated. We have a limited number of light-lift, high-impact sponsorships available to introduce our Cumming readers to local businesses they need to know. Want to learn more? Click here.

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Here are the top stories in Cumming today:

1. Wondering what to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays? Well, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) is inviting folks to recycle their trees during the annual Bring One for the Chipper event running Dec. 26 - Jan. 28. Started in 1994, Environmental Program Manager Tammy Wright said Forsyth County has recycled 100,000 Christmas trees since the County began participating in the program. A list of where to drop off trees can be found in the link. (Patch)
2. A new taqueria that is also known as a music venue and sports bar will be coming to Cumming City Center. Roswell's Rock 'N' Taco will be adding a second location that will have a capacity of 200 and a rooftop bar overlooking the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. The Cumming location will have live music Wednesday through Saturday nights and air sporting events as well as select pay-per-view events. The grand opening is slated for September. (Newsbreak)
3. Interested in solar power? Well, Solarize Forsyth, a campaign led by a volunteer renewable energy coalition, is nearing its Dec. 31 deadline for property owners to receive a free solar energy proposal. The Solarize campaign aims at making solar energy more affordable for homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits for Forsyth County citizens. Time is limited to access the low prices made available through the campaign. To enroll, business owners or residents can sign up to receive a free, no obligation proposal by Dec. 31. (PR Newswire)

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Today in and around Cumming:

• Scavenger Hunt: Journey into Narnia at Hampton Park Library (All Day)
• RGA NETWORKING at Black Diamond Grill (11:30 a.m.)
• Puppetpalooza! at Cumming Library (6:30 p.m.)
• Making Financial Decisions When Life Seems Up in the Air at Post Road Library (7 p.m.)
• Live Music: Johan Rodriguez at Pies on Post (7:30 p.m.)
• Christmas Karaoke & Ugly Sweater Contest at Good ol' Days Bar & Grill (8 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Have customer service experience and looking for employment? Check out who's hiring as well as the new local jobs posted in Cumming and the surrounding areas. (Cumming Patch)
• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office would like to wish those who celebrate a Happy Hanukkah. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office announced there have been some burglaries on the South end of the county and they are asking for the community's assistance. If you see anyone suspicious in your neighborhood or a car you do not recognize "slow rolling" through your neighborhood, please call 911 immediately. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Georgia Government wants you to see the latest updates on the SR 369/400 bridge and widening project in the latest episode of "On the Move." (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Lakeside Middle would like to congratulate the Teacher of the Month, Traci Wallace (6th grade Social Studies). (Lakeside Middle via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Christmas Eve Carols Service at Influencers Church Alpharetta (December 24)
• Add your event

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That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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 Cumming@Patch.com