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Operation Silent Night: Maury County Animal Shelter Empties for the First Time Ever

Issue #315

02 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌥 Columbia Weather - Mostly cloudy w/ high of 46 / low of 31. Wind gusts up to 4 mph.

🐕 Operation Silent Night: Maury County Animal Shelter Empties for the First Time Ever

📰 Protecting Children Act: Social Media Platforms Struggle with Age Verification

🚭 Kick the Habit: Free Smoking Cessation Classes Begin Jan. 7 in Columbia

🎵 This Week’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!

Friday, January 3rd

Saturday, January 4th

Sunday, January 5th

Monday, January 6th

Thursday, January 9th

Operation Silent Night: Maury County Animal Shelter Empties for the First Time Ever

Maury County Animal Services experienced a historic milestone when its adoption floor was completely empty for the first time ever, thanks to "Operation Silent Night." Over the holidays, 30 animals were placed in foster or adoptive homes, creating an unprecedented silence at the usually noisy shelter. However, the respite was brief, as new intakes like Miracle—a dog found injured and shot—quickly filled the kennels again.

The shelter continues to face challenges due to its limited capacity in a rapidly growing community. Director Kim Raffauf emphasizes the need for more fostering and adoptions, especially with New Year's fireworks—a peak time for runaway pets—approaching. She advises pet owners to keep pets indoors, write their phone number on collars, and ensure they are microchipped. Despite the challenges, the success of the holiday initiative proves that miracles are possible.

Protecting Children Act: Social Media Platforms Struggle with Age Verification

Tennessee's Protecting Children Against Social Media Act, signed by Governor Bill Lee last May, took effect on January 1. The law requires social media companies to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18. However, a test by News 2 found some platforms failed to enforce age verification or request parental permission for an account with a birthdate indicating the user was 15.

The law does not specify how companies must verify ages, leaving compliance methods open to interpretation.

Kick the Habit: Free Smoking Cessation Classes Begin Jan. 7 in Columbia

For those seeking to kick the habit of smoking or nicotine use, Maury Regional Health will offer a free four-part nicotine cessation program in January 2025.

The nicotine cessation program will meet on Tuesdays in the new year, with classes beginning Jan. 7 and continuing Jan. 14, 21 and 28. Each class begins at 6 p.m. and will be held in Maury Regional Medical Center’s Medical Office Building (1222 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia). Meetings will take place in the conference room on the first floor.

“Quitting cigarettes, vaping products and smokeless tobacco may be the single most important thing a person can do to improve their health,” said Sharon Dobbins, a respiratory therapist who will lead the sessions. “As a former smoker, I can personally relate to the challenges that come with trying to stop using tobacco products and encourage those who are trying to quit to join this supportive group session.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking and tobacco use is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. More than 16 million Americans are also living with a serious disease or health condition caused by smoking, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

Over time, people who quit smoking or other nicotine products see many benefits to their health. After you stop using nicotine products, your body begins a series of positive changes that continue for years, including:

  • Improves health status and enhances quality of life

  • Reduces the risk of premature death

  • Reduces the risk of many adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer

Advance registration for the nicotine cessation program is required so that course materials may be prepared. To register, visit MauryRegional.com/Quit or call 931.381.1111, ext. 7011.

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, January 2nd

Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Elana Clement, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Friday, January 3rd

Open Mic Night, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Scott Southworth & The Honky Tonk Anonymous Band, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Wentzel Brothers Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, January 4th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Herrick, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
South Bound Crows, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, January 5th

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

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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