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Hope Takes the Stage: Benefit Concert & Auction for Hurricane Relief at The Mulehouse

Issue #498

July 17, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 93, low of 73. HEAT ADVISORY

📰 Hope Takes the Stage: Benefit Concert & Auction for Hurricane Relief at The Mulehouse

🐕 Columbia Fire & Rescue Welcomes Peer Support Service Dog to Support First Responder Mental Health

🏀 7/21 & 7/28: FREE Basketball Fundamentals Clinic

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

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

Hope Takes the Stage: Benefit Concert & Auction for Hurricane Relief at The Mulehouse

Join The Mulehouse on Wednesday, July 30th, for a heartfelt evening filled with inspirational live music and a thrilling silent and live auction — all in support of North Carolinians rebuilding their lives and communities after devastating hurricanes.

Hosted by the legendary Gary Chapman, the night will feature intimate performances by acclaimed singer-songwriters David Nail, Brandon Lay, and Bret Harris, who will share songs of hope, resilience, and unity as we come together for a powerful cause.

David Nail is a Grammy-nominated country artist known for emotionally powerful, mature songs with lush arrangements. Influenced by artists like Elton John and Glen Campbell, his style leans into dramatic, heartfelt storytelling rather than party anthems. His hits include "Red Light," "Let It Rain," "Whatever She's Got," and "Turning Home." Nail is known for his strong vocals and a focus on songs that resonate emotionally with listeners.

Brandon Lay is a country singer/songwriter from Jackson, Tennessee, blending small-town roots with a rock & roll edge. Inspired by artists like John Mellencamp and Alan Jackson, his music captures life lessons and personal experiences. His debut single "Speakers, Bleachers and Preachers" reflects his upbringing shaped by church, sports, and Southern values. Signed to EMI Records Nashville, Lay aims to write songs that feel real and relatable—because he’s lived them.

Bret Harris is a local singer/songwriter based in Columbia, Tennessee! He plays in surrounding areas and will be performing a few of his country/American songs acoustically for your enjoyment!

Leigh Cappillino from Point of Grace will be performing along with her talented daughter DARBY! With total sales in excess of 8 million units, Point of Grace has garnered two Platinum records; three GRAMMY® nominations; 27 No. 1 singles and numerous Dove Awards. Inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2018, the group has released 10 best-selling studio recordings, four Christmas albums and such Christian radio standards as “I’ll Be Believing,” “Keep the Candle Burning,” “How You Live (Turn Up the Music),” “Circle of Friends,” and “Jesus Will Still Be There.”

💙 100% of proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and auction purchases will go directly to support victims across North Carolina.

You'll also have the chance to bid on a variety of exciting items during both the silent and live auctions — knowing every dollar will help families, small businesses, and communities rise again. There will be a variety of items from local businesses to items donated by artists such as For King and Country!

There will be more added to this list :

*** SIGNED GUITAR BY TRACE ADKINS!

*** ONE ROUND OF GOLF AT TOWHEE

*** KENDRA SCOTT PIECE(S)

*** ITEMS AND OR GIFT CARDS FROM :

LOWE'S, WALMART, FIREBIRDS, CULVERS, TEXAS ROADHOUSE, MASSAGE ENVY, POLK HOUSE, SOUTHERN TRE, NATIONAL CONFEDERATE MUSEUM, LOWES, ELIA DAY SPA, CHICK FIL A, BLUE 32 VINTAGE MARKET PLACE, COLUMBIA HEALTH FOODS, ANEW AESTHETICS, WILD ROOT FLORIST, ORANGE THEORY, THE LINEN DUCK, NEEDLE AND GRAIN, VARIETY RECORDS, SPRING HILL FORMALS, MCALISTER'S, COLUMBIA HEALTH FOODS, FIRST WATCH, LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE AND MANY MORE!

*** POINT OF GRACE WILL BE DONATING AUCTION ITEM(S) AS WELL!

** FOR KING AND COUNTRY PACKAGE!

This meaningful event was brought to you by Betty Werne and is supported by The Rivers Edge Ministry and Spring Hill United Methodist Church, ensuring that all funds are distributed with care to those who need it most.

How to Give:

QR codes will be available at the event for quick, secure donations. Prefer to write a check? Please make it payable to Spring Hill United Methodist Church.

🎶 Come for the music. Stay for the mission. Leave with your heart full.

Columbia Fire & Rescue Welcomes Peer Support Service Dog to Support First Responder Mental Health

To help firefighters cope with the intense stress, trauma, and emotional toll of emergency response, Columbia Fire & Rescue has introduced a new mental health resource: a trained peer support service dog. Darby, a gentle and affectionate goldendoodle, will be stationed at Fire Station 3 and serve as a source of comfort and emotional support for first responders processing the daily realities of their high-stress work.

Every day, firefighters are exposed to devastating scenes—tragic accidents, loss of life, and moments of unimaginable grief. Over time, these experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Firefighter Deja Dixon recognized the need for proactive mental health support and led the effort to bring Darby to the department.

“Darby brings a sense of calm that you can feel the moment she walks into the room,” said Dixon. “We deal with things that most people never see. Having her at the station gives us a source of peace and support during the toughest moments.”

Peer support service dogs like Darby are specially trained to provide comfort after traumatic calls, help reduce anxiety, and assist first responders in processing the emotional weight of their job. Her presence offers day-to-day support in ways traditional tools sometimes cannot.

“Darby is more than a station companion—she’s an important part of our department’s mental wellness strategy,” said Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “She’s already made an impact, and we’re proud to have her as part of the Columbia Fire & Rescue family.”

A growing body of research supports the use of service dogs in trauma recovery. A recent National Institutes of Health-supported study found that service dogs significantly reduced PTSD symptoms and improved emotional well-being in individuals exposed to high-stress environments.

“Supporting our first responders means taking care of their mental health, too,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “Darby is a meaningful addition to that effort, and we’re proud to have her as part of the team.”

Darby will remain based at Station 3, always ready to lend a calming presence to the team that serves Columbia with courage and compassion.

7/21 & 7/28: FREE Basketball Fundamentals Clinic

Calling all young athletes ages 10–14! Join us at Macedonia Recreation Center for a skills-focused clinic covering the basics:

• Passing
• Dribbling
• Shooting
• Defense
• Offense
• Rebounding/Box Out

We’ll run drills, play games, and build confidence on the court!

Macedonia Recreation Center | 9:30–10:30 AMJuly 21 & 28

Spaces are limited—sign up now!

Upcoming Local Events

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

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, July 17th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, July 18th 

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Rubiks Groove, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM
Jason Acy, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Kristy Cox, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
The Outliers, The Boondox, 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 19th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Pickin’ in the Park, Harvey Park, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
MFT, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
8-Track, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Dust & Daisies, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, July 20th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Aaron Sizemore Band, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM 
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Reba’s Hairdo, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill 4:00 - 7:00 PM

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