Ladies Alcohol & Drug Recovery Workshop welcomes  women who struggle with drug/alcohol addictions. Each Tuesday night during the months of August and September. August 31. September 7, 14, 21, 28. 6:30pm at Stony Point Church of Christ on County Road 24. For information, please call 256-366-5477.

Tuscumbia City Schools will be accepting applications for partnering with non-profit community organizations to plan and implement at-risk programs for students. If your organization is interested in an application, please call 256-389-2900 ext. 203, or pick up an application at the Tuscumbia City Board of Education, 303 N. Commons St. E. Tuscumbia, Deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 7.

The Colbert County Board of Education, in compliance with state law, is taking applications from non-profit community-service organizations to provide youth services (after-school tutoring, counseling, etc.) to at-risk students during the period of  October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011, Agencies must submit a 501(c)3 Certificate with the application. Completed applications must be received by 3pm on Friday, September 3. Please contact Gale D. Satchel, At-Risk Coordinator, at 1101 Highway 72, E. Tuscumbia, AL, 35674 or call 256-386-8565 for an application.

The Mars Hill Bible School Show Choir is presenting Celebration 2010 Tenth Anniversary, presented at Norton Auditorium on the campus of University of North Alabama. September 10 & 11, $7pm, September 12 at 2pm. (All seat are Reserved... cost is $10 per ticket.) No refunds or exchanges please. Reserved tickets will be available beginning Monday August 23 each weekday from 7:30-8am at Mars Hill’s auditorium and again at 3-5pm at the Mars Hill Book Store on Cox Creek Pkwy. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door prior to each performance. Tickets will go fast.... So make Your Plans Now to See a Great Show. Call Lisa at 256-335-6418 with questions.

The Tennessee Valley Art Association’s Center Stage presents "Leading Ladies," a comedy by Broadway playwright Ken Ludwig, at 7:35pm,  Thursday-Friday, Sept. 2-3, at the Ritz Theatre, 111 W. Third St., Sheffield. Directed by local theater veterans Andrew Maples and Laura Connolly, the play is about two failing Shakespearean actors who pass themselves off as a wealthy woman?s long-lost English nephews in order to inherit her fortune. The TVAA has rated this production as "PG-13 equivalent." The theatre opens at 7pm each night. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students in advance and $12 for adults and $10 for students at the door. To buy tickets in advance, call the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art at 256-383-0533 or visit www.ritztheatre.ticketleap.com

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers ECM Center, 205 Marengo St. Florence, 256-765-7038. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm, Tuesday, Thursday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Sunday,  1-5pm. Keller Center, 1208 S Jackson Hwy, Sheffield. 256-383-3535. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm, Tuesday, Thursday 9am-7pm.
 Tuesday, August 31, 1-6pm, Comcast Cable, 502 S. Court St. Florence
Wednesday, September 1, Noon-6pm, Rick’s Produce, 106 Hollywood Ave. Muscle Shoals
Thursday, September 2, Noon-7pm, Wal-Mart, 517 W. Avalon Ave. Muscle Shoals
Friday, September 3, 5-10pm, First Firday’s, Downtown Florence
Saturday, September 4, 10am-4pm, Foodland 1161 Hwy 72, Killen
Monday, September 6, Noon-6pm, White Oak Market, 4395 Hwy 157, Leighton
Tuesday, September 7, 11am-6pm, Warren’s BP, 16337 Hwy 72, Rogersville
Wednesday, September 8, 4-9pm, First Baptist Church of Killen, 504 J C Mauldin Hwy, Killen
Thursday, September 9, Noon-7pm, Wal-Mart, Florence
Friday, September 10, Noon-6pm, Mapco Express, 2411 Darby Dr. Florence
Saturday, September 11, 9am-4pm, Lexington Founder’s Day, behind Lexington Town Hall
Monday, September 13, 1-7pm, Gold’s Gym, 780 Cox Creek Pkwy., Florence
Tuesday, September 14, 9am-3pm, Colbert County Department of Human Resources, 3105 George Wallace Blvd. Muscle Shoals
Wednesday, September 15, 7:30am-4:30pm, Hon Company, 6400 Co Rd 200, Florence
Thursday, September 16, 9am-5pm, UNA - Sponsored by the Student Nurses Association, behind Stephens Hall, Florence
Friday, September 17, 12:30-5:30pm, Rohling Dental Laboratory, 4010 Hatch Blvd. Sheffield
Saturday, September 18, 11am-6pm, Trail of Tears, McFarland Park, Florence
Sunday, September 19, 8am-12:30pm, Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ, 1207 Sherrod Ave. Florence
Monday, September 20, 1-6pm, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, 800 Cox Creek Pkwy., Florence
Tuesday, September 21, Noon-7pm, Lowe’s, Muscle Shoals
Wednesday, September 22, Noon-5:30pm, TVA - Power Service Shops, Hwy 133 TVA Reservation Rd. Muscle Shoals
Thursday, September 23 & Friday, September 24, 11am-9pm, International Paper, 16504 Co Rd 150, Courtland
Saturday, September 25, 10am-4pm, Salvation Army, Town Plaza Shopping Center, Sheffield
Sunday, September 26, 7am-12:30pm, Knights of Columbus, St Michael’s Catholic Church, 2781 Co Rd 30, Florence
Monday, September 27, 1-7pm, Long Lewis Ford, 2800 Woodward Ave. Muscle Shoals
Tuesday, September 28, 9am-6pm, First Metro Bank, 406 N. Avalon Ave. Muscle Shoals
Wednesday, September 29, 7:30am-3:30pm, Waterloo High School, 311 School House Ln. Waterloo
Thursday, September 30, 7am-5pm, Shoals Hospital, 201 W. Avalon Ave. Muscle Shoals

Red Cross Calendar of events for August. 256-764-2911. 318 S. Court St. Florence.
Tuesday, August 31, First Aid w/ Adult/Child CPR plus AED and infant CPR part 2, 6-10pm, Red Cross Chapter office. Bloodmobile, Brooks High School, 4300 Hwy 72, Killen, from 8:30am-2pm.
Thursday, September 2, Bloodmobile, Prelude Musical Arts Building, 505 Seminary St. Florence, 11am-3:30pm
Friday, September 3, Blood pressure screening at the Red Cross Chapter, 9am-11am, call to confirm availability.
Monday, September 6, Blood pressure screening at Courtview Towers, 9am-11am
Thursday, September 9, Bloodmobile, Rogersville Fire Dept. 36 Wheeler St. Rogersville, 1:30-5:30pm
Friday, September 10, Blood pressure screening at the Red Cross Chapter, 9am-11am, call to confirm availability.
Friday September 10, Bloodborne Pathogens/Preventing Disease Transmission class, Red Cross Chapter, 12pm, preregistration required.
Saturday, September 11, Bloodmobile, Prelude Musical Arts Building, 505 Seminary St. Florence,9am-2pm
Monday, September 13, Blood pressure screening, Magnolia I, 3:30-4:30pm
Tuesday, September 14, Blood pressure screening Regency Square Mall, 10am-4pm
Thursday,  September 16, Bloodmobile, Prelude Musical Arts Building, 505 Seminary St. Florence, 11am-3:30pm
Friday, September 17, Blood pressure screening at the Red Cross chapter, 9-11am, call to confirm availability.
Friday September 17, Lay Responder First Aid Review class, Red Cross Chapter office, 12pm, preregistration required
Friday, September 17, Bloodmobile, Phi Gama Delta (Fiji), University of North Alabama, 523 Oakview Circle, 11am-4pm
Saturday, September 18, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer clas, Red Cross Chapter office, 9am, preregistration required.
Tuesday, September 21, Bloodmobile, Mars Hill Bible School, 698 Cox Creek Pkwy., Science Lab room, 12:30-6pm.
Friday, September 24, Blood pressure screening, at Red Cross Chapter, 9-11am, call to confirm availability
Friday, September 24, Lay Responder CPR Review class, Red Cross Chapter office, 12pm, preregistration required.
Monday, September 27, First Aid w/ Adult/child CPR, plus AED and infant CPR part 1, 6-10pm, Red Cross Chapter office, preregistration required.
Tuesday, September 28, First Aid w/ Adult/Child CPR plus AED and Infant CPR part 2, 6-10pm, Red Cross Chapter office, preregistration required.
Tuesday, September 28, Bloodmobile, Russellville Fire Dept. Training room, 1100 S. Jackson, 1-6pm
Wednesday, September 29, Bloodmobile, NOrthwest Shoals Community College, 2080 College Rd. Student Center, Phil Campbell, 9am-2:30pm
Thursday, September 30, Bloodmobile, Northwest Shoals Community College, Hospitality Center, 800 George Wallace Blvd. Muscle Shoals, 9am-7pm

Chief Colbert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution meets the first Wednesday of each month, September 1. The meetings are at 11:30am at Park Place in Sheffield. Any woman who is not less than 18 years of age, and who is lineally descended from a man or woman who, with unfailing loyalty to the cause of American Independence, served as a sailor, soldier or civil officer in one of the several Colonies or States is eligible for membership. For more information call 256-381-0934 or 256-381-0968.

Sheffield High School students will have a chance to visit with more than a dozen college recruiters as well as representatives from the sixteen career clusters without leaving their campus on September 1. Representatives from various colleges throughout the state and professionals from our community will be held on hand to talk with students and their parents about admissions, scholarships, financial aid, preparation for various careers and how educational preparation and career choice are interrelated. The fair can also help parents learn what they need to do to support their student through the decision making process. Parents are encouraged to attend the fair from 4-5:30pm on Wednesday, Sept. 1 in the cafeteria. Interested students and parents from our neighboring schools are also welcome to attend.

First Wednesday of every month, September 1, Mystery Book Club, St. Florian Senior Center, 1-3pm, Call 256-760-6660.

The 2nd Annual United We Dine event for the United Way of Northwest Alabama will take place during the entire month of September. Participating local restaurants have agreed to donate 10% of their sales to United Way of Northwest Alabama.  Each participating restaurant chooses one day to participate.  This event was developed to ensure that the restaurant industry had the opportunity to be a part of the many local organizations which make a difference in United Way’s annual campaign and the 22 partner agencies.  Watch for the calendar in the Courier Journal during September.  For more information or to participate, please contact the United Way office at 256-764-5892.

The Colbert County Animal Shelter is starting a new Volunteer Program to help provide daily pet care, lots of love and socialization to help in their transition from abandonment to a new home.  Pet Care Attendant duties include: feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise our shelter pets, and clean/disinfect their cages/kennels. We also need Office/Administrative Assistants and Departmental Coordinators. Please visit our volunteer department website to submit an online application or register for our weekly orientation class. www.colbertcountyshelter.com  or send us an email at: saviaccas@gmail.com or call us at: 256-415-7329.

Gospel singing Thursday, Sept. 2, 7pm, Revival Tabernacle Church, 1511 Robertson Blvd. Sheffield. Singers will be the Community Church singers and others. Everyone welcome. 256-764-7570.

The Shoals Audubon Society will meet at 7pm, Thursday, Sept. 2 in the   Conference Room of the Florence Public Library.  Dr. Terry Richardson will   have a program about the ecological effects of the BP oil spill on the Gulf estuaries and systems.  The public is invited.

Clothes Give Away September 2, from 8-10am at the Care Center, First Baptist Church, Killen.

Are you a Mother of children age birth-kindergarten? Join us for the MOPS Kick-off Family Night on Thursday, September 2 at 6pm in McDowell Hall at Florence Florence UMC.  It will be a night of food, fun and fellowship.  Please bring your family!  We will have inflatables, face painting, pizza and more.  We will also have a special science experiment  with Dr. Brent Olive, Chair of Chemistry Department at UNA.  For more information, call 764-5072 or e-mail mops@fumcflorence.org.

Maud Lindsay Free Kindergarten will have registration for the 2010-2011 school year Friday, September 3, from 8:30-10:30am. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 2nd. Please bring birth certificate and blue immunization record to registration. Maud Lindsay Free Kindergarten is located at 1802 Cole Street in Florence and operates 8-11am, Monday - Friday. For more information, call 256-760-6421 beginning Aug. 30.

Swamp John’s, Saturday, September 4, Pleasant Hill UMC Family Life Center, 4-7pm, Fish, chicken, shrimp. 767-5605, srhodes4800@aol.com

Underwood-Petersville Community Center. Please join us for our, all you can eat, first Saturday breakfast September 4 from 6-9am. Menu:  Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, grits, biscuits, pancakes, chocolate gravy, sausage gravy, orange juice, regular and de-caf coffee.  Adult  plates are $5. Children 12 and under $3.  Proceeds for center expenses.

Smoked Boston Butts Sunday, September 5, 11:30-1:30, Pick up at Highland Baptist Church Christian Life Center on Eugenia St. All proceeds go toward SCS Flag Corps. Pre-order and Pre-pay, For more information or to place an order: Phone Beth Benson 256-335-3381, Email library@shoalschristian.org. Limited delivery available for an additional charge.

Shoals Christian School Heathrow Dr in Florence will be selling chicken stew and cheese biscuits, Monday, September 6, Labor Day, 6am-until sold out. Stew is $18 a gallon, Containers are provided. Order at 256-767-7070, ext. 209

Shoals Area Labor Day Celebration  September 6, Tuscumbia, A parade through downtown Tuscumbia will open the day’s festivities at 9am.  Musical entertainment and a “Miss” and “Little Miss Labor Day” pageant are scheduled. For more information, call 256-383-0783.

St Michael’s Church, in St Florian, will be celebrating Labor Day, Monday, September 6. There will be BBQ, chicken stew, BBQ chicken (halves & whole), coleslaw, hot slaw, potato salad, desserts, and crafts for sale beginning 6am. Containers for chicken stew are available (no charge). There will be other activities during the day. Just follow the signs when you get to St Florian. Call the church office for more information at 256-766-1885 or MaryAlice Meyer 256-766-4125.

Northwest Alabama Senior Conference A Successful Aging Initiative Wednesday, September 15, 9am-2pm, Florence/Lauderdale Coliseum. Free to seniors 60 or older. Pre registration is required by September 7. 256-766-6223. Lunch will be provided. Presiding Dr Wilma Ruffin, Extension Specialist, Family and Child Development, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Special appearance by Miss UNA Erica Gholson. Keynote Speaker Tammy L. Irons, State of Alabama House of Representatives, District 1. Conference topics:
• Yellow Dot Program.
• Making a Will.
• Update on Social Security
• All Safe
• Sleep
• Life Link/Home Instead
• Fitness
• Stress Management
• Recreation for Seniors
• Nutrition
• Update on Medicaid/Medicare.
Information booths and door prizes.
 
Walkin’ with Outlaws Monday, September 6 and Tuesday, September 7, 6pm. Join the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library for our second Walkin' with Outlaws, a local history walk through downtown Florence. The stroll is themed around the life and lynching of Thomas Marion "Mountain Tom" Clark (1828-1872) who led an infamous gang of thieves, guerillas, and bushwhackers who terrorized residents of Lauderdale, Limestone, and Wayne Counties during the Civil War.   Talented local actors, stationed at historical sites downtown connected with this saga, will portray Tom and historical figures associated with his life. Although we will explore the legends surrounding Tom, great care has been taken by director Amanda Perry and FLPL historian Lee Freeman to insure not only the excitement, but also the historical accuracy of the event. Meet at the Library main entrance at 6pm. Admission is $10 per person.  Tickets will be available at the library the week before the event.  Call Lee Freeman at 256-764-6564, ext. 30 for more information.

If the Legends Fade Local author:  Tom Hendrix, Tuesday, September 7, 6-7pm Historical presentation on “The Stonetalker”, the story of his Euchee Indian grandmother. Copies of If the Legends Fade will be sold at this event, which are otherwise available directly from the author only. Cold Water Books, 256-381-2525 or sandi@coldwaterbooks.net

Sharon McGee Book Signing, Wednesday, September 8, 10:30am-noon, lunch at noon, St Florian Senior Center, all welcome. Call 256-760-6660.

Sock Hop Benefit presented by the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4919. Friday, September 10, 7-11pm, VFW, 419 Raleigh Ave. Sheffield, Cost $5 per person. Ladies, dust off your dancing shoes and drag out that poodle skirt. Men, pull out that leather jacket and grease back that hair. Let’s go back in time and enjoy some 50’s & 60’s sock hop music. This is a benefit for the VA Hospital so please come and show your support for our Veterans. For more information, contact Rita Brackin 256-764-2321.

Spaghetti Dinner September 10, 4-7pm, Tickets $5. Spaghetti & meat sauce, dessert, garlic bread, slaw, beverage. Muscle Shoals Living Center, 994 Gattman Park Dr. 256-386-9280, 256-386-9281. Purchase tickets at door or from a member of Center. All proceeds will aid the MS seniors attending the Master Games of Alabama in October 2010.

We’re celebrating the end of the long, hot summer on Saturday, September 11 at the St. Florian Senior Center, 81 St. Florian Road, Florence.  Casual dancing from 6-8pm, followed by socializing at a local restaurant.  The cost is $6 for the dance to help support the Center.  DJ Music provided by Larry & Carla Crowell.  This is a monthly smoke-free dance for adults with many of your favorite dance songs!  For more information, please call 256-483-5379.

The Northwest Alabama Korean War Veterans will host a picnic for all Korean War veterans and their families on Saturday, September 11, from 11am-2pm.   The theme for the event is the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War.  Korean veterans need only bring themselves. Lunch is provided.  For more information, call Jim Taylor at 256-383-8172.

All Ford Show and Shine Family Ford and Shoals Mustangs presents 1st Annual Shoals Area Mustang & All-Ford Show & Shine, Saturday, September 11 at Family Ford, 1602 Florence Blvd. Florence, 10am-4pm. Registration 9am-12pm, registration fee $10. Drawings will be made for cash and door prizes. Trophys for Mayor’s Choice, Dealer’s Choice and People’s Choice. This is not a judged event. Goody bags (1st 100 entries). www.shoalsmustangs.com

Buy A Chance to win a knife. Supporting our community. Fire & Rescue & Police. Each chance is $1. All proceeds go to local Killen agencies. Drawing held on Sept. 11. Tickets can be purchased at Builders Choice Hardware - Home Center. 1929 Hwy 72, Killen. 256-757-3012

"The Walk, The Return" is scheduled for September 11 at 9am. The Trolley will be in Tuscumbia's Spring Park at 8:30am to take participants to the Landing site.  The Walk is sponsored by the Tuscumbia Landing Museum and Archives, a non profit organization.  For more information, call Gail King 256-381-0700.

The Creek Nation in the Shoals. Saturday, September 11, 2pm. In honor of the 2010 Oka Kapassa Festival, the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is hosting a lecture on the Native American heritage of the Shoals.  Dr. Chris Haveman, an Auburn alum and Assistant Professor of History at the University of West Alabama, will discuss the journey of the Creek nation as they passed through local towns such as Tuscumbia, Florence, Courtland, and Waterloo.  This event is sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association.   The Oka Kapassa Festival is an annual Native American gathering held in Spring Park in Tuscumbia.  Call 256-764-6564, ext 28 for more information about this program.

Florence First United Methodist Church will kick off Fall with "The Event", Sunday, September 12.  Worship will be at 11am in both traditional and contemporary settings and the new Children's Worship experience begins at the same time.  A picnic follows the service, across the street, in Wilson Park.  Then acclaimed, award-winning songwriter/singer Lenny LeBlanc performs at 3:30pm. Small group studies begin the following week for all ages.  All the activities are free of charge and everyone is welcome.  For more information call the church office at 256-764-5072 and find us on Facebook at Florence First United Methodist Church

Smith Family Reunion Sunday, Sept. 12, 11am-3pm. Lunch at 12:15, Central Community Center. For more info or directions call 256-764-6863.

Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation & Development Council  Members, Northwest AL Executive Board, Members, Partners and Friends quarterly meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 15 at 10am at Muscle Shoals City Hall, 2010 E. Avalon Ave. Registration at 9:30am. The meeting will end at 11:30am with lunch following. An agenda will be distributed prior to the meeting. Please RSVP your attendance by Thursday, September 9 by calling 256-383-1446.

Christmas in September: Ornament Wreaths Demonstration Thursday, September 16, 6pm. It’s never too early to start your holiday planning!  The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is hosting events this September to help you get started.  Library Director Nancy Sanford will demonstrate how to make colorful holiday wreaths out of ornaments.  Call 256-764-6564, ext. 28 to learn more.

The 2010 Alabama Treasure Forest Association Conference and Tour will be held at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Park, Hwy 231 S. in Troy, Alabama, Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18. The theme for the conference is “The Year for Family and Friends.” Registration is from 8:30am until 10am. Participants will be treated to lunch followed by a rodeo performance. The afternoon learning sessions will include: Land Management; The Role Birds of Prey Play, to include the Calaway Farm Birds of prey demonstration, Ferrell Hog Management and Self-Reliance and Sustainability on Your Land. At 7pm the ATFA Banquet and a most entertaining live auction will be held. Saturday will begin with a prayer breakfast, then a tour of the beautiful Renfroe Family Treausre Forest in Pike County, AL. The Renforoe Farm, called “Joyes” provides an educational opportunity to see and learn about wildlife, timber, and recreation management. Participants will view pine and hardwood forests, pecan orchards, feeding plots, wetlands and experience walking across a duck pond. conference reservations can be made on line at http://www.atfa.net or call 1-888-240-4694 (toll free). Contact the ATFA office at ATFA, P.O. Box 189, Chunchula, AL 36521.  The conference primary hotel will be Courtyard by Marriott, 115 Troy Plaza Loop. When making reservations please ask for the “Alabama Treasure Forest Association” group room block. To receive the special rate of $89, register by September 3. To make room reservations call 334-566-0540 or visit http://cwp.marriott.com/<marsha>/aftaconference.

17th Annual Trail of Tears Ride September 17-19, 3 day pow-wow. Free concert both  Friday and Saturday night. Vendor spots available. Call 256-764-3237 for more information.

Three day Trail of Tears Festival in Florence, AL, there will be plenty of fun to welcome all riders. The three day festivities, September 17, 18, 19 include Native Ameircan & Motorcycle vendors, a Pow Wow, storytellers, beadwork activities, flute-making opportunities, exhibition dancing and great food will be open from 10am-9pm. All area schools are invited on Friday afternoon for a day of education in Native American Culture. For more information visit www.trailortears-remembrance.org or call toll free 1-877-868-8747.

The Official Trail Of Tears Kickoff Party will be held on Friday, September 17 at Thunder Creek Harley Davidson on Lee Hwy. The party will feature love entertainment, vendors, lots of great food and cold beverages. Visit www.thundercreekharley.com or call 423-892-4888 for more information.

The Annual Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride, Trail of Tears Remembrance Association, Inc. Bill Cason, Ride Leader & Originator. Saturday, September 18, 7am, Rain or shine. The Official TOT Kickoff party is Friday, Sept. 17. Motorcyclists will need to travel west on Martin Luther King Blvd. to Riverfront Pkwy. in downtown Chattanooga. Traffic directors will be present to live everyone up. The ride will start in Chattanooga, TN and follow scenic Hwy. 41/72 around Lookout Mountain to Jasper, TN. In Jaspoer the ride will leave the Drane Hood route and follow Hwy 41 to Monteagle, TN. As the ride comes off Monteagle Mtn., it will pass thru Cowan, TN and take Hwy 64 at Winchester which is the Bell Removal route. We will stop in Fayetteville, TN for lunch, gas and restrooms.  We will depart at 11:30 to noon. We will continue on Hwy 64 through Pulaski to Lawrenceburg. From there we will head south on Hwy 43 to Florence, AL and end at McFarland Park around 2:30pm. No registration fee. The ride will be escorted by police and all riders are required to obey all law enforcement orders. For more information visit www.trailoftears-remembrance.org or call toll free 1-877-TOT-TRIP (868-8747).

North Alabama Dance Club and Florence Parks and Recreation Department invite you to a dance. September in the Rain! Saturday, September 18, Lessons 7pm (beginner & intermediate). 7-10pm, Bobby Clingan, DJ, Broadway Recreation Center, 300 Broadway St. Florence, Casual dress (you may bring your umbrella)

“Kiwaniscook” Backyard BBQ/Grilling Cook-off. Hosted by the Tuscumbia Kiwanis Club. Saturday, September 25, Spring Park, Tuscumbia. Do you cook the best pork ribs, pork butts, chicken or the best steak in town? Now is your chance to prove it once and for all. Cook off is open to cooks of all ages, amateur or professional. Gas grills are permitted. Pork Ribs, Butts, chicken, steak. 1st prize 40%, 2nd prize 20%, 3rd prize 10% (Of the total entrance fees collected for that category). This cook off has very simple rules: just cook your entry on site the day of the cook-off using gas or charcoal fired grills and submit it to the judges on time. For more information on how to enter, please contact Patrick Mitchell 256-412-9981 or email kiwaniscook@gmail.com.

The Shoals Training Alliance has a number of training classes currently scheduled.  Please review the list below and let us know if you have employees that would like to sign up for one or more classes.  Class size is limited for the computer classes, so enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Empowering Teams, September 27, 12:30-4:30pm, SEDA/Chamber Board Room, $10 per Person
Leadership Skills I, September 28-29, 8am-4:30pm on September 28, 8am-4:30pm on September 29, SEDA/Chamber Board Room, $25 per Person

Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett announced October 1, 2010, as the cutoff date for producers to sign up for the following conservation programs: Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP); Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which includes the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program, organic farming, and high tunnels; the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP); Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP); and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).  Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, selecting applications for funding is completed periodically through batching periods with specific cutoff dates.  Call 256-383-4323 Ext. 3

The 26th AL Infantry reenactment company will be having a Camp of Instruction on Oct. 2 for anyone interested in reenacting. If you have been interested in reenacting but don't know how to get started this your opportunity to learn. If you like the outdoors and love history we invite you to join. This is a great hobby for individuals and families to be a part of. Start now to be ready for the 150 Anniversary events of the War for Southern Independance beginning next year. For more info and to register call 256-314-6302. Leave message if no answer.

Auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" will be at 2pm, Sunday, Oct. 10 at the Ritz Theater in Sheffield. Roles are available for men, women and children. Auditions will be by cold reading. Performances will be at 2pm, Sunday, Dec. 12, and 9 and 10:30am, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 14, 15 and 16. For additional information, contact the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 256-383-0533.  For details, visit the Web site, http://www.tvaa.net, or call 256.383.0533.

Deshler High School class of 1991 reunion- if you have not been contacted and are a member of the graduating class of Deshler High School class of 1991, please contact us at www.deshlerreunion.com for more information.  The reunion is scheduled for October 15-16.

Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary, Council 3989, will have their 3rd Annual St. Nicholas Market Craft/ Bake Sale on Saturday, November 13 from 9am-4pm in the St. Joseph School Gymnasium, 115 Plum Street, Florence. If you are a crafter and would like to have a space, call either Jeannie or Michael DePriest at 256-764-7113 or Barbara Schodroski at 256-766-0554 for further details. Space rental is $15 for a 10' wide space. Space is limited-first come, first served.

Wilson School Communit, We are collecting Box Tops For Education at our school.  Help us  by dropping yours off at the Wilson Elementary office.

Girl Scouts built rockets at NASA. Some travelled to Europe and toured the Vatican. Others talked politics with Condoleezza Rice.  Some girls even had the opportunity to meet Indy car driver Danica Patrick (former Girl Scout) at the Indy Grand Prix. Girls at Camp Trico learned how to scuba dive, while others learned how to care for horses in our Equestrian Program at Camp Coleman.  Older girls learned how to create a budget, while younger girls learned how to count their money. Your daughter can have opportunities like these by registering to be a Girl Scout! Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama invites girls of all ages in Lauderdale and Colbert Counties to join. The Girl Scout experience enables girls ages 5-17 to grow into strong young women by providing opportunities that help shape their futures. Visit our website at www.girlscoutsnca.org for more information or contact your local staff member, Nicole Fults (256) 764-0331, ext. 1501 or nfults@girlscoutsnca.org.

Do you need help in obtaining prescription medications? Contact Janette Sutton, 256-389-0532 or 1-800-243-5463 ext. 532. The NACOLG SeniorRX Prescription Drug Assistance program may be able to help you. If you meet certain program qualifications: Group 1: Age 55 years old or older, Group 2: Disabled of any age in the 24 mo. Medicare waiting period (disability Social Security Letter required). Group 3: If you are in the Medicare Part D Gap. Also, ask about our Wellness Classes. This program is a partnership between the state of Alabama, Alabama Department of Senior Services & The Northwest Alabama Council of Local Government/department of aging services and the Pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Florence Parks and Recreation, Florence Senior Center is located .2 miles from the Farmers Market on Fairground Road. Hours are 8am – 5pm, Monday-Friday. Nutrition Food Program, Joints In Motion Chair Exercise, Board Games, Dominoes, Puzzles, Rook, Bridge, Cards, Dances. We welcome you to join us.  The center is also available for rentals. For more information call the center M-F 256-760-6420.

Rook, Dominoes, Scrabble and other games and activities are offered at the Florence Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-5pm. Join in the fun and meet some new friends. For more information call the Florence Senior Center, M-F, 256-760-6888. The center is located between the Farmers Market and Across the Pond on Fairground Road.

Florence Senior Center~Fantastic Fun Friday, 2nd & 4th Friday, September 10 and 24, Music, Dancing, Card Games, Dominoes, Knitting & Laughter. Entertainment by Gary & Debbie Brown. 1-3 pm.  Bring light finger foods to share. For more information call The Florence Senior Center, 256-760-6420, M-F 8 AM-5 PM. Bring your friends and neighbors.

Joints In Motion Chair exercise class that meets on Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:30-9am.  Gentle range of motion, activities of daily living exercise program that is focused on keeping the participants energized, motivated while protecting the joints while exercising. Fran “fish “ Davis, Leader/Instructor. For more information call the Florence Senior Center, M-F, 256-760-6420. The center is located between the Farmers Market and Across the Pond on Fairground Road.

Party Bridge Players, we are looking for you to join us at the Florence Senior Center, on Wednesday afternoon 12:30-3:30pm. We are located between the Farmers Market and Across the Pond on Fairground Road for some fun bridge games. Bring lights snacks to share. For more information call the Florence Senior Center, M-F, 256-760.-6888.  The center is located between the Farmers Market and Across the Pond on Fairground Road.

Florence Senior Center presents Dance Night with The Sounds of Country each Thursday night from 7-9:30pm. On the 1st Thursday of each month the dancers provide finger foods for intermission time.  $3 per person. Join in the dance fun and meet some new friends. For more information call the Florence Senior Center, M-F, 256-760-6888. The center is located between the Farmers Market and Across the Pond on Fairground Road.

Dance Dance Dance, Tuesday Night, Broadway Recreation Center 6:30 -9pm.  Musical entertainment provide by Capt’n Joe and Genelle on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Tuesday nights. Special guest are scheduled on the 4th Tuesday nights. T hese nights will be “Themed Nights” with finger foods provide by the dancers. $3 per person $5 per couple. These dances are for the Junior Seniors and the Senior Seniors. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, Florence Senior Center. For more information call M-F, 8am-5pm, 256-760-6420. Broadway Recreation Center is located at 200 South Broadway Avenue, a few blocks behind Office Depot.

Knit Knots and Crochet Hooks meet at the Florence Senior Center on Tuesday 1:00 PM. Please join us in our charity knitting and crocheting “Chemo Caps” for those in need. For more information call the Florence Senior Center, M-F 8-5 , 256-760-6420 for more information.

St. Joseph First Baptist Church in St. Joseph, TN. is a host site for Angel Food Ministries. By buying food from first rate suppliers at substantial volume discounts, Angel Food Ministries is able to provide families with approximately $65 worth of quality nutritious food for $30. Angel Food Ministries does not use out-of-date food or inferior products. Orders are being taken now! EBT cards are accepted. For more information please call 1-931-242-1129, 1-931-845-4804, www.angelfoodministries.com

Generations online computer classes. How would you like to learn to use a computer? Send email to family and friends, use a mouse, learn the keyboard, and find interesting internet topics, and much more. All exciting, all useful, all yours. Sessions will be scheduled at Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. Contact Abby Carpenter 764-6564 ext. 27 to schedule a session.

New Active Older Adult step class is now offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15-8am.  Come join the fun at the YMCA!  256-246-9622

Breastfeeding? Considering it? La Leche League offers FREE breastfeeding support to pregnant and nursing mothers. Contact an accredited Leader for help and meeting information. 256-443-5480 or 256-320-8084.  Visit our website www.tinyurl.com/LLLshoals.

VFW Sheffield, Saturday Night Dances, Every Saturday Night 6:30-11pm,   The Band is "The Usual Suspects". Old Time Rock & Roll and a Little Bit of   Country. Sunday Dinners 4:30-6:30pm, followed by Karaoke 7-9pm  Open to the Public AND Veterans too. More info 381-7446

The Sheffield Parks & Recreation Department is registering for beginning belly dance classes for ages 12 through senior adults. Females only. Class will meet on Tuesday, 5:30-6:30pm. Bring your own yoga mat, a fee will be charged.

Get your GED and get a Better Job! The Adult Education program at Northwest-Shoals offers GED preparation classes at locations all over the area. Classes and study materials are FREE. Classes are open entry with new students joining classes weekly. For job opportunities and a better future --- get your GED. For more information about classes meeting near you, call the 256.331.5440 or 256.331.5438.

Free mother-to-mother support. Accredited Leaders. Series meetings on 2nd Saturdays of every month. Enrichment meetings every 4th Tuesday. Meeting information at www.tinyurl.com/LLLshoals. Special Guest Speaker for June Enrichment Meeting: Lysa Parker, co-Founder of Attachment Parenting International.

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group for anyone who has had or is considering having Lap Band or Gastric Bypass Surgery. The group meets the first Tuesday night of every month at 6pm in the ECM East Community Learning Center.

“Heavenly Blessed” formally Singing at Tourway Restaurant, will now be singing at Revival Tabernacle, Robertson Blvd. Sheffield, every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9. Everyone welcome. Open Mic for Gospel Singing. For more info 766-8573.

Pot Luck & Music will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday nights each month 6-8:30pm. Suggested Donation $3. Doors Open 5:45pm. Bring a covered dish to share. There is some kind of musical entertainment each Tuesday night as well. For information or a calendar call 760.6660.

Youth Nights for all ages Wednesday at 7pm. New Birth Ministries, featuring Rap Groups, games, lessons & prizes. www.myspace.com/hiphopsundayevents. All youth welcome.

Office space for rental by non-profit organizations is currently available at Shoals Family Success Center.  Office service packages include utilities, phone, voice mail, internet, and more. There are spaces suitable for a single-employee office and one larger space that could accommodate a staff of two or three. The Success Center can offer an affordable way for a small non-profit to establish its first office. Agencies must go through an approval process, but all inquiries are welcome. Contact Corinne Reese at 256-765-0033 or corinne@shoalsfamily.net.

The Shoals Chamber of Commerce has community maps available.  Cost of the map is $3.  The map includes Colbert & Lauderdale counties and highlights sponsoring businesses.  Maps are available at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, 20 Hightower Place, Florence.   For further information contact the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, 764-4661.

Seeking officers, enlisted men, WAC’s, Cadets, Britons, Civilians and/or their families and friends who were stationed at Cochran Field, or lived to Macon, Georgia during WWII, who would be willing to contribute artifacts, photos, articles and stories pertaining to their experience with the men and women working there. If so, please contact Mike Rowland, Archivist, WR-LC/MU, 1942 Heritage Blvd. Robins AFB GA 31098-2442

A new Cancer Support Group in Elgin. The meeting are the second Tuesday night of the month at the Senior Citizens building in Elgin. This support group is for anyone with cancer, a cancer survivor, or if you have lost someone you love to cancer. Becky Butler and Clara Lash started this support group. Both have survived Breast cancer and feel led to offer our prayers, love and support.  No medical advise, we want others to share how it feels to lose your hair, deal with nausea and hear from others who are going through the same thing you did. Stay positive, and laugh! Prayer and laughter are the best medicine. If you would like more information or would like to talk to us call 757-0230, 483-3026.

Saint Florian Senior Center, Walking Trail and Park Pavilions are available for booking birthday parties, receptions, graduation parties, family reunions, community and family gatherings. Our facilities are available to our surrounding communities. You do not have to be a senior or live in Saint Florian to reserve our facilities. For more information call the center at 256.760.6660 M/W/F 9am-1pm to book your event.

Thursday: Calling all square dancers, The Quad City Square Dance Club dances each Thursday night, except the 5th Thursday of the month, at the Royal Avenue Recreation Center, Florence from 7-9pm.  Visitors are welcomed to watch. We will be announcing a new starting date for square dance & line dance classes soon. Singles and couples are welcomed for classes.  Class fee $10/month per person. Our caller is Jim Melton, Cullman, AL. For more information Call 256-665-2300 or 766-1999 or email sqrdncr@comcast.net.

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit organization that provides food at discount rates. This food is of high quality and is available to anyone who wishes to save money on their food bills. There are no qualifications required, no membership fees and no limits on the amount of food purchased. If you are interested in this program, information can be obtained from the following locations in the Shoals area: First Baptist Church in Colbert Heights in Tuscumbia, Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Tuscumbia, Edgemont United Methodist Church and St. John United Methodist Church in Florence. Additional information can be obtained online at angelfoodministries.com. Food stamps are also accepted.

Celebrate Recovery is Christ-centered, Biblically-based 12-step recovery program for those struggling to overcome Chemical Dependency, Sexual Integrity, Abuse, and Life Struggles.  Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:30pm in the Youth Room on 3rd Floor of Highland Baptist Church, Florence.  Women and Men's Support Groups are available and everyone is welcome to attend.  Please call 256-764-1392, or visit the Celebrate Recovery/Shoals website at www.crshoals.net for more information.

The Helen Keller Hospital Education Department unveiled a new class perfect for new or expectant mothers.  “Baby Basics” offers information on the care of infants from 0 to 4 months of age.  The class covers a wide range of topics, including infant feeding and basic infant care, such as bathing, diapering, common infant illnesses, and when to call the pediatrician.  Cost for the class is $10 and pre-registration is required.  The class is offered each month.  Instructors are Leigh Smith, RN, BSN, IBCLC and Nancy Smith, LPN. For additional information or to register, call the Keller Education Department at 256-386-4030.

Safeplace, Inc. has a crisis line staffed with personnel trained in assisting abused women and children. Please call 256-767-6210 or 1-800-550-9215 if you need help.