🌱 Cumming Costco Rated #1 In US + $33K Raised at Catoberfest

Hello again, everybody! It's Thursday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community, including updates on...

• Cumming Costco highest rated store in US
• Catoberfest raises $33K
• 2022 North Georgia Home Show

Birthdays: Happy 51st birthday to Snoop Dogg and 43rd birthday to John Krasinski.

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But first, today's weather:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 62 Low: 36.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Cumming Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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Here are the top stories today in and around Cumming:

1. Finance Buzz surveyed more than 6,000 Costco shoppers and Cumming Costco ranked as the highest-rated store in the country. The stores were judged on six criteria (cleanliness, friendliness, stock, quality of samples, quantity of samples and parking lot quality/availability) and Cumming Costco scored 54.5 out of 60. It had the highest rating in the entire country for three different categories: friendliness (9.5/10), stock (9.4/10), and quantity of samples (8.8/10). Costco warehouses can be found in 46 different states. Maine, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Wyoming don't have, so there is plenty of competition when it comes to determining which state has the "best" locations. (Finance Buzz)
2. Meow! The Feral Cat Program of Georgia hosted its fourth annual fall fundraiser at Fowler Park Oct. 8 and raised $33,000 to assist with rescue efforts and care until the felines are adopted. Proceeds were raised via event sponsorships, concessions and auctions, making this year's Catoberfest total the highest ever. Attendees enjoyed food trucks, artists and vendors and local DJ CNote. (Subscription: Forsyth County News Online)
3. Like home improvement projects? Well, the 2022 North Georgia Home Show will be held Oct. 21-23 at Lanier Technical College's Gainesville Campus. There will be speakers, demonstrations, entertainment and more. Tickets are $3 for those 15 and older or bring a bag of nonperishable food to donate at the door. The times are Friday 12-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. at the Ramsey Conference Center, 2535 Lanier Tech Drive, Gainesville. (Eventbrite)

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Today in Cumming:

• Service, Citizenship, and Civil Rights Exhibit at Hampton Park Library (All Day)
• "Never Stop Learning" Art Exhibit at Cumming Arts Center (11 a.m.)
• Library Mini Golf at Sharon Forks Library (12 p.m.)
• Strong Families in Stressful Times at First Redeemer Church (6 p.m.)
• Atlanta's Best Music Bingo! at Legends Distillery (6 p.m.)
• Up and Cumming Writers at Cumming Library (6:30 p.m.)
• Post Road Writers' Group at Post Road Library (6:30 p.m.)
• Music Bingo Sound Check at Freedom Mill (7 p.m.)
• "The Sound of Music" Performance at FoCAL Arts Center (7:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Vickery Creek Elementary congratulates Mrs. Tiffany DePanicis on being named Instructional Aide of the Month for Forsyth County Schools. (Vickery Creek Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth Central High School is hosting its Thrifting Extravaganza again this year. Donate your coats, jackets or hoodies by Dec. 8 for the school's Extravaganza running Dec. 12-14. The club with the most donated items wins a pizza party. (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• Neighbors in Fieldstone Preserve are in need of four high schoolers to help move boxes from current home in Fieldstone Preserve to new home 25 minutes north in Jasper on Saturday, Oct. 29th at 11 a.m. Will pay $30/hr cash. Will be roughly 4-6 hours worth of work. (Nextdoor)
• Check out the new job openings in and around Cumming. (Cumming Patch)
• Forsyth County Fire Department is hosting a Trunk or Treat event for children to have fun and learn Halloween-themed safety tips. Join the Fire Department and local vendors on Saturday, Oct. 22. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Relay For Life of Forsyth County is hosting a "Thriller" performance at this year's Cumming Lantern Parade Nov. 22 at the Cumming City Center Amphitheater. (Relay For Life of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Schools wants residents to review the 2024-25 draft student calendar and provide feedback by Oct. 28 http://ow.ly/2mLE50L9e8N" (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• Daves Creek Elementary is hosting "Fall into STEM" Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. Registration is open to purchase tickets. (Daves Creek Elementary 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)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Heidi's Heavenly Cookies 20 Year Anniversary Celebration! (October 20)
• "Never Stop Learning" Art Exhibit at the Cumming Arts Center (October 20)
• Leather Crafting - Shoulder Bags, Totes, Phone Pouches, Belts and More (October 21)
• Mount Pisgah Christian School: Parent Preview Day (Grades 5-12) (October 25)
• Mount Pisgah Christian School Parent Preview Days (Grades JK-4th) (October 27)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another 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