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Woodard Elementary Dedicates Buddy Benches to Honor Beloved Teen Will Spiess

Issue #316

03 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Mostly sunny w/ high of 42 / low of 23. Wind gusts up to 4 mph. Wind gusts up to 21 mph are making the temp feel like 34.

📰 Woodard Elementary Dedicates Buddy Benches to Honor Beloved Teen Will Spiess

📰 Columbia City Council 2025 Meeting Schedule

📌 Jan. 11: Hands-On Sausage Making Class with Light Hill Meats

🎵 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

***First Fridays Returns in April***

Saturday, January 4th

Sunday, January 5th

Monday, January 6th

Tuesday, January 7th

Wednesday, January 8th

Thursday, January 9th

Woodard Elementary Dedicates Buddy Benches to Honor Beloved Teen Will Spiess

J.E. Woodard Elementary School has unveiled two Buddy Benches in memory of Will Spiess, a cherished teen who tragically lost his life in a 2023 camper fire. Will had been part of the Maury County Public School system since preschool, and his mother served as a school nurse. His passing deeply impacted the community, inspiring the school to dedicate a fundraiser to honor his memory through these benches.

Here’s their Facebook post from yesterday:

In Loving Memory of Mr. Will Spiess

Last year, we set out to make our Wildcat Walk fundraiser especially meaningful, and it brings us immense pride to share the outcome of those efforts. With the funds raised, we were able to install two beautiful Buddy Benches in memory of Mr. Will Spiess, a beloved member of our community.

Over the break, the benches were installed on our playground. This morning, we had the privilege of inviting Will’s family to visit the school and see one of the benches in person. It was a deeply moving moment for all of us.

Will touched countless lives with his kindness, warmth, and friendship. He was truly a friend to everyone, and his spirit will always have a place here at Woodard Elementary. We look forward to a more formal unveiling of these benches in the near future as we honor the legacy of an extraordinary individual whose name and impact will forever live on our campus.

Protecting Children Act: Social Media Platforms Columbia City Council 2025 Meeting Schedule

Study Session: Held on the 1st Thursday of each month in the Council Chambers at City Hall, starting at 5:30 PM, this session offers an open forum where citizens can comment on any topic of interest.

*A Special Called Study Session for the month of January will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Voting Session: Held on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Council Chambers at City Hall, starting at 5:30 PM, this session focuses on Council discussions and voting, with public comments limited to items listed on the agenda.

Agendas are available in the City Manager’s Office and online one day before each meeting.

For a links to agendas and minutes and to the Voting Session livestream visit the link in bio.

Jan. 11: Hands-On Sausage Making Class with Light Hill Meats

Ever wondered how to craft the perfect sausage? Join the expert team at Light Hill Meats for an interactive, hands-on sausage-making experience that will ignite your culinary creativity!

In this fun and informative class, you’ll:

  • Learn the Basics of Sausage Making: Master the techniques of grinding, seasoning, and stuffing to create delicious, high-quality sausages.

  • Customize Your Flavor: Choose your seasonings and craft a sausage that matches your taste preferences.

  • Taste Our Specialty Variants: Sample a selection of our house specialty sausages for inspiration and flavor exploration.

  • Wine & Sausage Tasting at the end with our Sommelier!

  • Take Home Your Creations: Leave with the sausages you’ve made, ready to share or savor at home.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a grill master in the making, or just curious about the craft, this class will give you the skills and confidence to create exceptional sausages from scratch.

Tickets include: hands-on instruction, tastings of specialty sausages, wine pairings with our Sommelier, all materials and ingredients, and your own homemade sausages to take home.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now and get ready to roll up your sleeves for a deliciously rewarding experience!

Jan. 11 from 4-6 pm

Light Hill Meats - 150 Stephen P Yokich Pkwy Spring Hill, TN

Cost: $115 per person

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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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