In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌨 Columbia Weather - Cloudy with showers this morning - high of 56 / low of 55

📰 Remembering Claude Hillenbrand: Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshall & Local WWII Hero

📰 Good Citizen Gives CPR at Spring Hill Texas Roadhouse

📌 Friday: Free Community Event at The Mulehouse

👉 Check Out The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Maury County & More Here

🎵 Today’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Sunday, December 15th

• 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas (Franklin) - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Donuts With Santa at BAD Bakery - 10:00 - 11:30 AM

• Christmas Cantata - Candles & Carols at Riverside United Methodist Church - 10:30 AM

• Kids Christmas Cookies, Cocoa & Karaoke at The Rebel Bar & Grill - 1:00 - 4:00 PM

• Lessons & Carols at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church - 3:00 PM

• Christmas Cantata - “A Christmas Celebration” at St. Luke UMC (Santa Fe) - 5:00 PM

Monday, December 16th

• Vet 2 Vet Breakfast Meet Up at Puckett’s - 7:00 - 9:00 AM

Tuesday, December 17th

• Network Columbia - Business Networking at The Factory - 9:00 AM

• Christmas Cookie Class at Muletown Lumberyard - 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, December 18th

• Vet 2 Vet Meet Up at McCreary’s Irish Pub - 5:30 - 7:30 PM

More events coming soon!

👉 Be sure to check out our MEGA list of holiday events in Maury County (& beyond) here! 👈

Remembering Claude Hillenbrand: Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshall & Local WWII Hero

A local hero has passed.

Claude Hillenbrand was the Grand Marshall of the Columbia Veterans Day parade this year. The World War II veteran served as a flight engineer and gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, completing a remarkable 35 missions across Europe during the war.

He lived in Spring Hill and had just turned 101 in November.

Maury County Mayor, Sheila Butt, posted about him on December 7th…

“Mr. Claude was not just a veteran but a distinguished member of the WWII Army Air Force. His stories, filled with vivid detail and emotion, captivated everyone who had the pleasure to listen. 

With a heart of gold, he was eager to recount his experiences during the war, sharing everything from the challenges he faced to the camaraderie he cherished. His spirit and kindness will be deeply missed, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us all.” 

He is survived by sons, Richard (Susan) Hillenbrand, John (Jan) Hillenbrand and Michael (Diane) Hillenbrand; grandchildren, Misty (Steven) Skelton, Angie (Jason) Ward, Cody Hillenbrand, Casey Hillenbrand, James Orrand, Paul (Alison) Hillenbrand and Melody (Jeremy) Mahala; twelve great-grandchildren and other loving family members. 

Claude passed on Dec. 3rd and services were held on Dec. 6th. He is buried at Williamson Memorial Gardens in Franklin.

To plant a tree in memory of Claude Hillenbrand as a living tribute, please visit here. 

Read more about Claude’s life in our Nov. 11th issue.

Good Citizen Gives CPR at Spring Hill Texas Roadhouse

Derek Reynolds shared this heartwarming story in the I Heart Columbia Facebook group this week…

Friday: Free Community Event at The Mulehouse

The Mulehouse is hosting a free community event to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee!

• Your fave Christmas carols performed by GARY CHAPMAN & friends *Chapman has earned five Dove Awards and seven Grammy nominations throughout his career.

• Local artists – acoustic performances for a night of joy and celebration

• SANTA 🎅🏼 will be on site!

• HOT COCOA bar!

Please BRING A GIFT for ages Pre-K – 18
Boys & Girls Club of Columbia’s Gift Drive 

Make your plans and bring the WHOLE FAMILY! 

6:00pm – 8:30pm
812 S. High St, Columbia

🎵 Today’s Live Music

Sunday, December 15th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM