Maury County Tornado Recovery: The Family Center Steps Up

Issue #137

03 Jul

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 95

📰 Maury County Tornado Recovery: The Family Center Steps Up

🏐 Apex Boys Volleyball Club Serves Up Opportunities

📱 Cell Phone Photography Contest

📌 Discovery Gym Gives Parents a Night Out!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, July 3rd

Thursday, July 4th 🇺🇸

For a more detailed list of July 3rd and 4th events, go here.

Friday, July 5th

Saturday, July 6th

Tuesday, July 9th

Friday, July 12th

Saturday, July 13th

Maury County Tornado Recovery: The Family Center Steps Up

Click to play News Channel 5’s Report on The Family Center

Over 50 days have passed since an EF 3 tornado ravaged Maury County, resulting in one fatality and the destruction of numerous homes. Despite the efforts of numerous volunteers, the recovery process has been frustratingly slow for many homeowners.

Several residents have reported ongoing struggles with their insurance companies. Without clear guidance on how to proceed, many are left in limbo, unable to rebuild their lives.

For those who can't afford to simply wait, The Family Center in Columbia has become a crucial resource. Led by Executive Director Dawn Taylor, the organization has expanded its focus to include disaster relief alongside its long-standing mission of helping the homeless. The Family Center now assists with rent and utility payments, operates a food pantry, and helps the homeless find permanent housing.

In response to the tornado, their office quickly transformed into a hub for disaster relief. Their conference room is now filled with water bottles, clothing, and non-perishable food items, as they accept all donations without hesitation. This flexibility has been vital in addressing the immediate needs of the community.

As the initial emergency relief efforts transition into a prolonged recovery phase, The Family Center is adapting to meet evolving needs. Many people remain in hotels, accumulating debt, so the organization collects gift cards for food and gas. They also assist homeowners with tree removal, particularly when insurance companies won't cover trees that haven't damaged structures.

Dawn Taylor emphasizes that The Family Center is committed to easing the burdens of those affected by the tornado. The organization aims to provide support and alleviate some of the stress and worry that residents are experiencing.

For those looking to contribute, monetary donations and volunteer sign-ups can be made through Maury County's official channels at www.maurycounty-tn.gov. To directly support The Family Center, visit www.familycenter.org.

Recently, Storm 5 Senior Meteorologist Lelan Statom presented a check for nearly $7,000 to The Family Center, donated by viewers through the NewsChannel 5 Cares Storm Relief Fund in partnership with the Scripps Howard Fund. This non-profit organization, which has been serving Maury County for over three decades, continues to play a pivotal role in providing emergency housing, utility assistance, and much more to the local community.

Apex Boys Volleyball Club Serves Up Opportunities

Apex Boys Volleyball Club, founded in 2023, is more than just a club—it's a movement bringing the exciting world of boys' volleyball to our community.

As the only competitive boys' volleyball club south of Nashville, Apex is pioneering the sport for young men in our region. The club offers both indoor and beach volleyball opportunities for boys aged 10 to 18, filling a gap in local sports offerings.

Under the leadership of Tim Cooper, the club's director and co-founder, Apex Boys Volleyball has seen tremendous growth in its first year. Tim, a seasoned volleyball player and coach with nearly a decade of coaching experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine love for the sport. His vision extends beyond just teaching volleyball; it's about shaping well-rounded individuals who excel on and off the court.

At Apex, young men are challenged to become leaders in all aspects of life. They learn to compete wholeheartedly, win with humility, and face defeats with dignity.

What sets Apex apart is its commitment to holistic development. Coached by former collegiate players, the athletes enjoy engaging practices and competitive games while being part of a supportive community. Cooper's experience is particularly inspiring—he's coached players from age 7 to 60+ and even led two teams overseas to Thailand and Ivory Coast for competitions and humanitarian work.

The club offers a comprehensive program that includes a full Fall season from August to February, Beach Volleyball in June and July, indoor camps, and private lessons.

Looking ahead, Apex Boys Volleyball plans to expand within Maury County and surrounding areas, advocating for boys volleyball in schools and working closely with the TN Boys Volleyball Association to establish school teams. This club is not just about volleyball; it's about creating opportunities, building character, and nurturing future leaders.

Tryouts: August 10 & 17
Available for ages 10-18yrs old. No previous experience necessary just a desire to learn one of the most exciting and fun sports around.

9 AM - 12 PM
Hustle Factory Sports Complex
5191 Joe Peay Rd, Spring Hill

Cell Phone Photography Contest

Enter our cell phone photo contest and showcase your creativity!

In honor of Parks and Recreation Month. the categories are Recreation Activities or City Parks.

This contest will be July 1st - 25th. The top 5 will be added to Facebook for the community to vote. Voting will begin on July 26th and will end on July 30th. The photograph with the most "LIKES" will be the "WINNER." The winner will be announced on July 31st via Facebook and will receive a prize.

To submit an entry send to [email protected]. (1 entry per participant)

Discovery Gym Gives Parents a Night Out!

Got plans Friday, July 5th? Bring your kids to us!

For only $20 per child, we provide pizza and snow cones for your kids at this action-packed event, designed for three and a half hours of pure fun, while adults enjoy some time out! Parent’s Night Out runs from 6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

This event is designed for ages 4-11. All children must be independently potty trained to attend. Reservations should be made in advance and must be paid in full at the time of reservation. Space is limited!

Call 931-388-3679 to make a reservation.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Wednesday, July 3rd

Troy Castellano, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Friday, July 5th

Jazz with Stephanie Adlington, Farmstead Roots Market & Cellar, 6 PM
Justin Bowman & The Drifters, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Brother Maven, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, July 6th

Khris Glaring Band, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Jake Leg Stompers, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, July 7th

John Eason, The Tilted Mule, 3 PM
2 Bad Sons, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
Dustin Kines, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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