Urgent Appeal for Blood Donations Ahead of Summer Surge in Demand

Issue #101

28 May

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 85

🗳 Secretary of State Calls for Poll Workers

🩸 Urgent Appeal for Blood Donations Ahead of Summer Surge in Demand

⛳️ Junior Beginner Golf Clinic

💦 Fischer Park Splash Pad is Open!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🎬 VidAngel’s Memorial Day Sale - Watch more stuff, without the bad stuff!

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, May 28th

Wednesday, May 29th

Thursday, May 30th

Friday, May 31st

Saturday, June 1st

Sunday, June 2nd

Secretary of State Calls for Poll Workers

In preparation for the Aug. 1 State and Federal Primaries and the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett urged all Tennesseans meeting eligibility requirements to consider becoming poll workers for the 2024 election cycle. 

“Poll workers are essential to conducting elections in Tennessee, and I hope all eligible Tennesseans will consider answering the call to serve our fellow Tennesseans,” said Secretary Hargett.

During early voting and on Election Day, poll workers help polling sites run smoothly by conducting various tasks — including greeting voters, answering questions, explaining how to cast a ballot, and counting votes at their community locations. They are paid for their work and for attending required training sessions. 

Most Tennesseans are eligible to work at polling locations, regardless of their political affiliation. The minimum age for poll workers is 16. Anyone over 18 must be a registered voter in the county they desire to serve.

Other qualifications include:

Be able to read and write in the English language.

Cannot be a candidate or close relative of a candidate.

Cannot be supervised by a county or municipal elected official on the ballot.

All City, County, and Metropolitan government employees (unless working directly under the supervision of an elected official on the ballot) are eligible, as are state employees. Federal employees should consult with their individual Human Resources Departments to determine eligibility. 

“Poll workers are an essential part of the electoral process, and Tennessee would not be able to hold successful elections without them,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “By serving as a poll worker, citizens can help voters in their communities confidently cast a ballot, so all registered Tennesseans know our results are accurate and Tennessee elections are secure.” 

Tennessee has been ranked number one in election integrity for three consecutive years; the Secretary of State’s office is also the trusted source for all election information. 

Press Release

Urgent Appeal for Blood Donations Ahead of Summer Surge in Demand

As summer approaches, Blood Assurance is urging community members to donate blood to prevent supplies from reaching critical levels.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” typically sees a decline in blood donations while the need for blood increases due to a rise in traumatic car crashes. This situation can strain the blood supply, creating a critical need for donations. To maintain an adequate supply for the hospitals served by Blood Assurance, more than 540 volunteer blood donors are needed daily.

Dr. Liz Culler, the President and CEO of Blood Assurance, stresses the importance of healthy individuals stepping up to donate blood during the summer. Despite busy schedules and vacations, there is a great need for blood transfusions. Even a single donation can save up to three lives.

Donors who contribute now through May 31 will receive a special Memorial Day T-shirt while supplies last. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, calling 800-962-0628, or texting BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Junior Beginner Golf Clinic

Graymere Country Club’s annual Junior Beginner Golf Clinic is only days away! This clinic is open to members AND the public and is a great instructional camp for golfers ages 5-17. If you have a young golfer who’s looking to learn the game and sharpen their skills, please call the golf shop for more information or to sign up: 931-388-4455.

💦 Fischer Park Splash Pad is Open! 💦

Cool off at the splash pad!

The Splash Pad is located at Fischer Park and is open from Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Normal hours of operation are from 10 AM - 7 PM daily and FREE to the Community.

The tables near the splash pad are on a first come, first served basis and are NOT reservable. You can reserve a shelter nearby here.

🎵 Next Week’s Live Music 🎵

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