Briefs: Red Cross blood drives, Marion Women’s Club program, Prospect Street UMC free meal

Additional donations needed to replenish Red Cross blood supply

The Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood and platelet donations each week over the next month to sufficiently meet hospital needs. Donors of all blood types are urged to book a time to give now, especially those with type O blood or those giving platelets.

There are currently seven blood drives scheduled in Marion County now through Nov. 6, including four at The Alber Red Cross Center in Marion.

To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Flu and COVID-19 vaccines don’t affect donor eligibility

To encourage more blood and platelet donations, the Red Cross is offering new incentives to donors over the next month. All who come to give Oct. 21-Nov. 9 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a restaurant merchant of their choice. They’ll also be automatically entered to win a $5,000 gift card.

Marion Women’s Club celebrates history through music

The Marion Women’s Club is celebrating its rich history through music at “Ladies, Life & Lyrics” on Sunday, inviting the community to experience over 100 years of local and national history.

The program, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Abigail Harding Lewis Auditorium at the Marion Women’s Club Home, 1126 E. Center St., Marion.

A strings duet featuring local musicians Sara Konvalinka and Alysse Morgason begins at 1:30 p.m. with opportunities to socialize while enjoying complimentary mimosas and appetizers. At 2 p.m. the program will feature a journey through the Women’s Club — and nation’s — history with corresponding music pieces being played on the piano.

Local pianists and Marion Women’s Club members Kathleen Hill and Merrill Bender, who together have over 100 years’ experience playing and teaching piano, will grace the “ivories” throughout the show, while Marion vocalist Victoria Meadows will sing lyrics from all genres of music, ranging from classical to country, and from jazz to rock and roll.

Singer, humorist, songwriter and inspirational speaker Mary Stiers Miller will close the program sharing songs and stories about how music and laughter can “create connection” and healing. The Utica native will lead attendees in a sing-along of beloved classics and songs that are sure to stir up happy memories.

Archival music items, including scrapbooks, music arrangements and awards for musical achievements from the Marion Lecture Recital Club, which were recently donated for archiving to the Marion Women’s Club, will be on display.

Marion church offering free meal Friday

Prospect Street United Methodist Church, located at 185 S. Prospect St., will hold its free monthly neighborhood supper from 5-6 p.m. Friday, as a carryout meal.

Upcoming meeting:

● Pleasant Local Board of Education, 6 p.m., Oct. 30 (changed from Oct. 23), Secondary Building, Owens Road W., Marion

Marion Star