Briefs: Palace Theatre Christmas comedy, Red Cross blood drives, winter safety awareness

‘A Church Basement Ladies Christmas’ coming to the Palace Theatre

Troupe America Inc., the producer of the musical comedy “Church Basement Ladies” and “Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping” opens the holiday season with the new musical comedy “Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Marion Palace Theatre.

“Away in the Basement” will goes back to 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas program. All three installments of the musical comedy “Church Basement Ladies” are inspired by the books of author/humorists Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson.

Tickets may be purchased at the Palace Theatre Box Office, by calling 740-383-2101 or online at marionpalace.org. There is a $5 convenience fee per ticket when purchasing tickets online.

Red Cross seeks blood donors, celebrates 20th anniversary of ‘Elf’

The American Red Cross is encouraging people to add a new tradition as the holiday season begins: Spread cheer with a blood or platelet donation.

Donations are critical to the blood supply as the holiday season draws near — a time when blood donations often decline. Donors of all blood types are urged to give, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets.

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the film “Elf,” all who come to give now through Nov. 30 will receive an exclusive pair of “Elf” + Red Cross socks, while supplies last.

There are two blood drives currently scheduled in Marion County:

• Nov. 24, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., The Alber Red Cross Center, 1849 Summerset Drive
• Nov. 29, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., OhioHealth Marion Medical Campus, 1040 Delaware Ave.

You can book a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

This is Winter Safety Awareness Week in Ohio

In a coordinated effort, Gov., Mike DeWine and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) recognize Nov. 12-18 as Winter Safety Awareness Week.

Winter can be a fun and exciting time of the year to go sledding, skiing, and ice skating, but winter can also bring snow, ice, blizzard conditions, freezing rain and flooding. Residents should be prepared for the harsher side of the season by creating an emergency plan that includes every member of your household, including pets. Build an emergency kit and practice your plan.

It’s also suggested you winterize your home by checking batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and having your furnace system checked. Also winterize your vehicle by checking the tires and fluids, keeping your gas tank full and keeping an emergency kit in each vehicle. You should also allow for extra travel time.

In addition, Ohioans are reminded to dress in layers, avoid overexertion when engaging in outdoor tasks and to bring pets indoors.

Upcoming meeting:

● Marion County Park District, noon, Thursday, Prospect Room, lower level of the Marion County Building, 222 W. Center St, Marion

Marion Star