Ready for the weekend
Friday, Nov. 6 — Between Halloween, the end of daylight saving time, and the midterm elections, this week feels like it lasted a month! 😅
🧥 We have a beautiful weekend in store with sunny skies and daytime temps in the mid-60s. We’ll be in the 50s when you’re heading to dinner, so don’t forget to bring a jacket.
🗳️ Democrats’ sweep of Tuesday’s statewide elections includes Josh McLaurin, the Sandy Springs state senator who will be Georgia’s next lieutenant governor, as reported by the Fulton Neighbor. Hayden Sumlin has more Sandy Springs election news below.
🛍️ The Elegant Elf Marketplace returns this weekend featuring holiday decor, gifts, and sweet treats. The annual shopping event benefits the Sandy Springs Society.
👗 Update your wardrobe at Closet Confidential on Saturday, benefiting Dress for Success Georgia, located on Barfield Road in Sandy Springs.
🫡 Sandy Springs’ annual Veterans Day Tribute takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Byers Theatre. There is no cost to attend.
🐦⬛ Sandy Springs has been recognized nationally for its digital Bird Sightings system at Morgan Falls Overlook Park.
🍷 Last month’s Sandy Springs Wine Festival raised more than $10,000, which was a record amount for the annual event that supports Solidarity Sandy Springs in its fight against food insecurity.
❄️ Rough Draft has a list of events to get you in the holiday spirit, including “A Magical Cirque Christmas” at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
Enjoy the weekend!
The Rough Draft team
🎄 Your family’s holiday fun starts here! Make memories at Light Up Dunwoody with Santa photos, dance and musical performances, crafts, and the spectacular tree and menorah lighting. Don’t miss this beloved tradition on Nov. 15 at Donaldson-Bannister Farm. SPONSOR MESSAGE
City leaders approve upgrade for resident services
🧑🏽💻 The Sandy Springs City Council approved a five-year contract with Salesforce totaling $1.93 million to support the city’s resident services platforms at its Nov. 3 meeting, a cost increase of more than 800% from its current system.
Sandy Springs council members called the nearly $1 million annual expenditure “expensive,” but agreed that the top-rated, AI-integrated replacement system was worth it. According to staff, work on the phased nine-month project will begin after New Year’s.
The council later approved a $711,750 contract with StackNexus, the company tasked with setting up the new system. With Salesforce’s first-year license fee of $220,833, the total cost falls within the $1 million budgeted for the project, or Digital Innovation initiative, this fiscal year.
🖥️ Read more about the city’s new software system.
New $5.995M Morningside luxury estate
SPONSORED BY ATLANTA FINE HOMES
🏡 Built in 2026, this new estate in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood offers 10,500± square feet on 1.1± acres.
Listed for $5.995 million, the six-bedroom home on Wildwood Road features dual Calacatta Viola marble kitchen islands, a main-level primary suite, and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces. The finished terrace level features a wine room, a billiard lounge, a fitness studio, and a dedicated golf simulator space, opening to a resort-style pool and spa.
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty is Metro Atlanta’s No. 1 residential real estate company and No. 1 in luxury home sales above $1 million.
👉🏼 Explore our current listings.
Sandy Springs voters approve municipal redevelopment powers
🗳️ Sandy Springs voters resoundingly approved a municipal referendum during this week’s elections, granting the city government redevelopment powers by a margin of 63% to 37%, leading to potential tax allocation districts.
The referendum’s approval does not automatically create a redevelopment district, increase taxes, or approve a project. Any potential tax allocation districts, financing plans, or redevelopment plans require separate review and approval.
Sandy Springs will have legal authority under Georgia’s Redevelopment Powers Law to consider using new redevelopment tools in the future to support residents’ quality of life and the local economy.
✅ Read more about election results that impact Sandy Springs, including how different areas of the city voted. (pictured)
Hope for the Holidays
🎁 The Community Assistance Center is inviting individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to help local families facing financial hardship celebrate the holidays through its annual Hope for the Holidays program.
Unlike traditional toy drives, the program allows sponsors to purchase gifts from each participating child’s personal wish list.
The Central Perimeter nonprofit’s announcement said the holiday season may bring added financial stress for families already struggling with the rising costs of groceries, housing, and other everyday necessities. According to September 2026 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, toy prices rose 6.6% over the past year.
💝 Learn how you can participate.
🎄 Your family’s holiday fun starts here! Make memories at Light Up Dunwoody with Santa photos, dance and musical performances, crafts, and the spectacular tree and menorah lighting. Don’t miss this beloved tradition on Nov. 15 at Donaldson-Bannister Farm. SPONSOR MESSAGE
What’s doin’ around Sandy Springs
🌞 Nov. 7: Diwali Suncatchers at Sandy Springs Library
👔 Nov. 7:Perimeter Young Professionals night at Vino Venue
🧑🏼🎨 Nov. 8:Paint Like Bob Ross at Lost Corner Preserve
🦌 Nov. 10:Oh Deer! Co-existing with our Forest Friends at Lost Corner Preserve
The Sports Section
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCORE ATLANTA
🏈 FOOTBALL
- Holy Innocents’ (9-0): Friday @ North Cobb Christian (6-3)
- Lovett (7-2): Friday vs. Therrell (2-7)
- Mt. Vernon (7-2): Friday @ Mt. Pisgah Christian (3-6)
- North Springs (2-7): Friday vs. Douglass (7-2)
- Pace Academy (2-7): Friday @ Salem (1-8)
- Riverwood (0-9): Friday vs. Johns Creek (1-8)
- Westminster (3-6): Friday @ Greater Atlanta Christian (6-3)
🥎 SOFTBALL
- Holy Innocents’ (10-16): Season Complete
- Lovett (6-17): Season Complete
- Mt. Vernon (20-11): Season Complete
- North Springs (7-16): Season Complete
- Pace Academy (24-7): Season Complete
- Riverwood (15-7-1): Season Complete
- Westminster (15-14): Season Complete
🏐 VOLLEYBALL
Westminster (40-6): Season Complete
Holy Innocents’ (29-11): Season Complete
Lovett (36-6): Season Complete (GHSA Private State Champions)
Mt. Vernon (21-24): Season Complete
North Springs (9-19): Season Complete
Pace Academy (18-18): Season Complete
Riverwood (29-10): Season Complete
