🌱 Tossed Out Treasures + Wellstar Investigation + New Foster Kid Laws

Hey, everybody! Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 66 Low: 49.

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Here are the top four stories today in and around Sandy Springs:

1. Tossed Out Treasures is returning for its 30th year from Mar. 17 to 20, 2023, at the Hammond Exchange Shopping Center in Sandy Springs. The event sells gently used upscale items donated by the community and serves as the ultimate guilt-free shopping experience. The event begins with a preview party that is open to the public, and the best items are often featured in a silent auction. (Sandy Springs Society)
2. Fulton County is set to request an investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into Wellstar Health System’s decision to close two hospitals, including Atlanta Medical Center, citing discriminatory practices. The county has filed complaints with two federal agencies claiming that the healthcare provider worked with others to find a solution that did not involve hospital closures. However, Wellstar reportedly pushed back against the claims, insisting it had not discriminated against patients or communities of color. (WSB Atlanta)
3. A man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Margarita Cabrera-Maldonado, at a children's party in nearby Roswell in 2019. Pedro Navarro-Zelaya stabbed Cabrera-Maldonado six times in front of multiple witnesses before being disarmed by some of them and then stabbing himself in the chest. The DA's office said that Navarro-Zelaya was convicted of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. Subscription (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
4. Georgia lawmakers are introducing measures to reduce the number of foster children entering the system and make it easier for children to stay with their parents, but some foster families say more needs to be done to address the dozens of kids currently sitting in hotels. One foster parent has been trying to get a child out of the state’s hoteling system for seven months and into a loving home. The Georgia Department of Human Services has spent around $28 million to house foster children in hotels. (WSB Atlanta)

Today in Sandy Springs:

• Virtual Workshop: Using Virtual Platforms for Interviewing Online (11:00 AM)
• Networking at Noon at Hudson Grille, Sandy Springs (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Sandy Springs Education Force hosted its 13th annual STEAM Showcase
  yesterday at North Springs High School. The event featured a variety of exciting and interactive exhibits, including investigation tools, virtual reality, robotic systems, and electric cars. (Sandy Springs Education Force via Facebook)
• The Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber invites the community to the grand opening of its new members location, worCPlaces by CP Group. The event which will include a tour and refreshments, is planned to begin at noon on Mar. 21. (Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber via Facebook)
• Did you know the City of Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department offers a variety of classes and even private parties? Check out other classes offered on their website. (City of Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 17)
• Irish Song and Dance (March 17)
• Saint Patricks Day Latin Night Atlanta - Ladies in free b4 midnight w/ FB check in (March 17)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp at HDC Studio + Evening Latin Night Tonys Johns Creek (March 18)
• Rugby ATL's Bark In The Park (March 18)
• Music from Seven Continents (March 18)
• Saint Patrick's Weekend Latin Night @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat Mar 18th (March 18)
• Open house: free class (stretching and meditation) + Aura Readings (March 19)
• Meet the Winners! DeKalb Symphony Orchestra (DSO) (March 21)
• Gent's Lunch - A Benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 22)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.