🌱 Firefighters Rescue Pets From Fire + New Performing Arts Director

Hello, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Times of sun and clouds. High: 82 Low: 65.
• Friday: Clouds and sun. High: 84 Low: 62.

Here are the top three stories in Sandy Springs today:

1. Sandy Springs firefighters rescued several pets from an apartment fire on Saturday. The firefighters responded to the fire at the Avia at North Springs around 2:30 p.m. where they found flames coming from the top two floors. Battling the high winds, the firefighters were able to rescue several family pets. A total of 28 units in the building were damaged, though no injuries were reported. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
2. The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center has hired William "Bill" Haggett as their new permanent executive director. He was the head of the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Florida, for seven years. Haggett takes over in late June for interim director Michael Pauken. Concerts coming to the center include John Hiatt and Grand Funk Railroad. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
3. The City of Sandy Springs wants to remind drivers that the intersection where Northside Drive meets Old Powers Ferry and Riverview Roads is now closed. The road will be closed until early August as crews finish building a roundabout. Drivers can take a detour to get access to I-285. (City of Sandy Springs via Twitter)

Are you a business owner or marketer in Sandy Springs? Attract new local customers with a sponsorship in the Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in and around Sandy Springs:

Thursday, June 1

• Ansley Stewart Live Music At Rays On The River (6:30 PM)

Friday, June 2

• The Arts First Friday At Underground Atlanta (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Sandy Springs Police Department wants to remind residents that a hot car during the summer is not a safe place to leave your pet. Dr. Arlene McKinstry DVM says that leaving a dog in a hot car for only a few minutes can be dangerous as they do not sweat like humans to relieve heat. If you see a pet in a hot car that looks in distress, please call 911. (Sandy Springs Police via Facebook)
• Act3 Productions in Sandy Springs has just started rehearsals for its summer youth series show "Seussical Kids." Ticket information will be announced soon. (Act3 Productions via Instagram)
• Sandy Springs Perimeter Center will be holding a grand opening for WaterWalk Atlanta on Monday, Jun. 12. WaterWalk is a brand-new hotel that also offers all-inclusive apartments for rent. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. (Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek