Welcome to the team
Jan. 9 — TGIF. The first days back from a holiday are always a doozy.
👏🏼 We are excited to announce the newest member to the Rough Draft Sandy Springs team, Hayden Sumlin. Hayden is an Atlanta native who graduated from North Atlanta High School and the University of Georgia. He has been honing his journalism skills for a few years, focusing recently on Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. When Hayden isn’t on the hunt for his next scoop, he is enjoying the outdoors and cheering for his favorite Atlanta sports teams. Sorry about the recent loss for your Dawgs, Hayden. ☹️
👋🏼 Please help us welcome Hayden to Rough Draft Sandy Springs.
Now for some local headlines…
✅ Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett, who represents part of Sandy Springs, announced she plans to run for Georgia secretary of state.
🏡 If you’re thinking about buying or selling your home this year, local real estate agents predict Sandy Springs will be in demand.
🥳 Congratulations to the Sandy Springs Police Headquarters & Municipal Complex for its recognition as a Silver Honoree in the 2025 OFFICER Station Design Awards, a national program celebrating excellence in law enforcement facility design.
🎺 The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center will launch Joe Alterman’s Toast & Jam Jazz Brunch series in the Studio Theatre this Sunday, Jan. 11. This month, pianist Joe Alterman’s guest is Lavahi.
⬇️ Check out what else is happening in Sandy Springs this week below.
Thanks for reading,
The Rough Draft Team
❤️ Do you have a sentimental fur, stole, jacket, or coat collecting dust and not being worn? Restyle Your Fur is holding a fur recycling and mink restyling event at Magnolia Moon in Alpharetta City Center on Thurs., Jan. 15, and Fri, Jan. 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Fresh faces join the Sandy Springs City Council
👋🏼 Georgia Supreme Court Justice Shawn Ellen LaGrua swore in Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and all six council members Jan. 6, putting three new faces on the dais, including Frank Roberts (District 4), Mary Ford (District 5), and Andrew Chinsky (District 6) pictured above.
The City of Sandy Springs, coming off its 20th anniversary in December, now has half of its panel as first-timers, bringing in some fresh air after several competitive races for each of the city’s seven elected positions.
📌 Read more about the first council meeting of the year.
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Sandy Springs Arts Foundation to host ARTBEAT 2026
👩🏼🎨 The Sandy Springs Arts Foundation (SSAF) will host ARTBEAT, a free public celebration of student artistry, on Feb. 7, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the Byers Theatre.
The event will showcase the work of more than 415 students from Ridgeview Charter Middle School, Riverwood International Charter High School, Sandy Springs Charter Middle School, and North Springs Charter High School.
The afternoon will feature more than 100 pieces of 2D and 3D visual art displayed in the Byers Theatre lobby, alongside live performances including dance, chorus, band, orchestra, and a rock band.
Celebrate MLK Day in Sandy Springs
✊🏾 Families across the community are invited to honor the life, teachings, and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a family-friendly celebration at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center on Jan. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Featuring an educational film screening and hands-on children’s activities, the free community event is designed to inspire learning, reflection, and connection for audiences of all ages.
👉🏼 Learn more about the celebration here.
❤️ Do you have a sentimental fur, stole, jacket, or coat collecting dust and not being worn? Restyle Your Fur is holding a fur recycling and mink restyling event at Magnolia Moon in Alpharetta City Center on Thurs., Jan. 15, and Fri, Jan. 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. SPONSOR MESSAGE
What’s doin’ around Sandy Springs
🪩 Jan. 9 and 10:Daddy Daughter Dance at Sandy Springs City Hall
🐘 Jan. 10:Elephant in Crimson! at Painting with a Twist
🧘🏾♂️ Jan. 12: The New R&R: Sound Bath Meditation at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
☕️ Jan. 13: Perimeter Perks: AM Business Mixer at Dorothy C. Benson Senior Complex
🤝 Jan. 14:GPB Chamber 101 at the Greater Perimeter Chamber
🕺🏽 Jan. 14:“Mean Girls” auditions at City Springs Theatre Company
🗓️ Add your event to our free, online event calendar.
The Sports Section
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCORE ATLANTA
🏀 BOYS BASKETBALL
- Holy Innocents’ (12-2): Tuesday vs. Therrell (7-8)
- Lovett (9-5): Friday vs. Therrell (7-8); Saturday vs. Westminster (14-0)
- Mt. Vernon (12-1): Friday vs. Walker (13-1); Saturday vs. Darlington (11-1)
- North Springs (5-10): Friday vs. Southwest DeKalb (12-3)
- Pace Academy (6-7): Friday vs. Drew (5-6)
- Riverwood (9-6): Friday @ Sprayberry (10-3)
- Westminster (14-0): Saturday @ Lovett (9-5)
🏀 GIRLS BASKETBALL
- Holy Innocents’ (10-5): Tuesday vs. Therrell (5-1)
- Lovett (7-4): Friday vs. Therrell (5-1); Saturday vs. Westminster (13-2)
- Mt. Vernon (0-8): Friday vs. Walker (3-6); Saturday vs. Darlington (2-8)
- North Springs (2-11): Friday vs. Southwest DeKalb (13-2)
- Pace Academy (2-6): Friday vs. Drew (7-4)
- Riverwood (5-9): Friday @ Sprayberry (7-6)
- Westminster (13-2): Saturday @ Lovett (7-4)
