COMMUNITY NOTES may be submitted for non-profit, civic or church-related events and published free of charge AS SPACE IS AVAILABLE in the Courier Journal. Community Notes must be submitted in writing by 3pm Friday for consideration in the following week’s issue.
• Email to editor@courierjournal.net;
• Look for “Submit News” on our website at www.courierjournal.net.
• Fax to 256-760-9618;
• Mail to 219 W. Tennessee St, Florence, AL 35630; or
• Bring in person.
All properly submitted Community Notes which are dated will be posted weekly at www.courierjournal.net. We do our best, however, there is no guarantee that this free information will be published each week in the paper. Visit our website for a complete list of community notes. If your item MUST appear in the paper a certain week, we suggest you also place a paid ad by calling 256-764-4268. That way it will be in at least one area of the paper. When your community note is published, your event will have coverage in two different locations.
The Library of Things - Items to Borrow Don’t Buy. Items available for check out at Muscle Shoals Public Library, 1918 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals:
• Metal Detector • Tape Measure
• Projector • Level/Measuring Tool Set
• Binoculars • Radon Detector
• Auto-Leveling Laser/Stud Sensor
• Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Call 256-386-9212 or visit online at youseemore.com/muscleshoals
LifeSouth Blood Drive Dates
Wednesday, Feb. 22 Deshler High School, 7:30am – 4pm, Tuscumbia.
Thursday, Feb. 23 Amedisys Hospice, 10am-5pm, Hamilton.
Friday, Feb. 17 24 Big Star,1am-6pm, Red Bay.
Saturday, Feb. 25 BAM, 10am-4pm, Florence.
Sunday, Feb. 26 Walmart, 10am-4pm, Muscle Shoals.
Wednesday, Mar. 1Phil Campbell High School 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Mar. 2 Cherokee High School 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 3 TriGreen Equipment 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Leighton
Saturday, Mar. 4 Shoe Carnival 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Florence
Sunday, Mar. 5 Walmart 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Florence – Hough Rd
Monday, Mar. 6 Lexington High School 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 7 Mitchell – Hollingsworth Nursing & Rehab 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Florence
Wednesday, Mar. 8 First Baptist Church of Colbert Heights 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuscumbia
Bethel Lauderdale Church honors Black History - February 26 at 10am. “Celebrating the Past while Influencing the Future.” You are cordially invited to join us as we honor and remember where we have come from, where we are and where we are going by the grace of God.
Featured Guest Speaker: Kaytrina Simmons, Florence City Council Pro-Tem. Including guest soloists, special tributes and a soul food feast to follow. 10099 County Road 2, Florence.
Estate Planning: What You Need to Know - Monday, February 27 at 6pm. Well-known attorney and probate specialist, Bethany Malone, will conduct a community service program at Shoals Elks Lodge 2860.
Some of the topics to be covered include: Wills & Trusts; Probate & Non-Probate Property (procedures); Durable Power of Attorney; Medical or Healthcare Power of Attorney; Living Wills and Advance Directives; Beneficiary Designations; Long Term Care Planning; Homestead Exemptions; Estate Tax and Elder Law Resources. A Q&A session to follow. Everyone is invited! Elks Lodge 2860 is located at 408 North Nashville Avenue, Sheffield. Finger foods will be available.
Utility Assistance for Elderly & Disabled Open Now - Community Action of Northwest Alabama. We will be accepting applications / appointments from Elderly (60 & Older) households, as well as Disabled households for the month of February. Come by the office at 745 Thompson St., Florence and pick up an application.
Appointments will be open to the general public at a later time.
Florence Knights of Columbus Council 3989 - Fish Fry. Feb 24, March 10 & March 24 at Saint Joseph Catholic School, 115 Plum Street, Florence. 4:15-6:45pm. Adults $15, Children (age 4-6) $5. The meal includes Catfish Fillets, Hush Puppies, Coleslaw, Baked Potatoes, French Fries & Dessert. Cheese Pizza available (Kids Only)
All proceeds go to the Knights of Columbus Council 3989 Charity.
Singing at Oakdale Baptist Church 1215 E. Reeder St., Florence Sunday, February 26 at 5pm. Bob Sellers former lead singer for the Kingsmen Quartet. No charge - love offering appreciated. Everyone welcome. https://www.loc8nearme.com/alabama/florence/oakdale-missionary-baptist-church/7183209/
The Florence Kiwanis Club will host its Annual Pancake Day on Friday and Saturday, March 10-11 at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum on Veterans Dr, Florence.
Friday, March 10 from 6am-7pm
Saturday, March 11 from 6am-1pm
Advance Tickets $8, 10 or more $7
At the Door $10 Children under 12, $5
Advance tickets can be purchased from any Florence Kiwanis member and at any of the following locations:
• First Southern Bank (303 N Pine Street, Florence location only)
• Harris Elder Law Office (407 S Court Street, Florence)
• Progress Bank (230 E Tennessee Street, Florence) or
• at www.FlorenceKiwanis. com
For more information, see http://florencekiwanis.com/ or Kiwanis Club of Florence, AL on Facebook. All proceeds are donated to child/family-focused organizations in the Shoals. Visit www.FlorenceKiwanis. com
There is space for YOUR EVENT here, and plenty of eyes to read it. Email your information to editor@CourierJournal.net.
Riverhill School’s Chili Cook-Off will take place on Saturday, February 25 from 2-6pm at Singin’ River Live in downtown Florence. This is a family friendly event with delicious food, tasty beverages, excellent entertainment, and fun for all ages!
The energetic atmosphere created by the chili cooking teams will make for a great tasting by the guests . Cooking teams will vie for the approval of a small panel of judges and guests, alike, in the hopes of taking home an award for their winning chili recipe. While the sponsors and their teams focus on winning the chili contest, the attendees from across the Shoals area will enjoy the food, fun, and good-humored rivalry. Tickets are $10 to taste them all. Kids under 12 enter free. The proceeds from this fund-raiser event will benefit Riverhill School. For more information, visit riverhillschool.org/riverhill-chili-cook-off-2023/
The National Wild Turkey Federation® will host its Hunting Heritage Festival event NW Alabama on Saturday, February 25 at Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum.
702 Veterans Drive in Florence. Doors open at 6pm
Single Ticket $60; Couple Ticket $80; Sponsor Ticket $300; Jake Ticket $20. Avoid the line! Buy your ticket online at events.nwtf.org/11240-2023/tickets
The Healing Place will host a support group, Tuesday, February 28 from Noon-1pm. Support group and information session for Grandparents Raising Grieving Grandchildren. We will offer light refreshments and provide information and discussion to participants. 2409 Wildwood St. in Muscle Shoals.
RSVP by calling 256-383-7133 or messaging us on Facebook/Instagram.
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, First Class Pre-K Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program Pre-Registration. First Class Pre-K Programs are accepting online pre-registration applications for the 2023-2024 School Year. Enrollment is open to all children four years of age on or before 9/1/23 who are residents of Alabama. (Children who are eligible for kindergarten are not eligible for pre-k.)
Pre-Registration Dates: Now - March 16, 2023. Pre-Registration Application: to pre-register, go online to https://prek.alaceed.alabama.gov
Acceptance into a First Class Pre-K program is strictly through a random drawing. Parent/Guardian does not have to be present at drawing. Email notices of acceptance will be sent in mid-April.
Random Drawing Details for Ekklesia Preschool: March 17, 2023 - 10:30 AM Ekklesia Preschool, Muscle Shoals Location.
Northwest Alabama Spay & Neuter Assistance - In honor of Spay & Neuter Awareness and World Spay Day, one of our supporters has agreed to match all donations received during the month of February, up to $5,000. All donations received go directly towards spay/neuter surgeries.
Matching gifts: you donate, they match, double the impact. You can donate through our Facebook page, PayPal at donate@nasana.org. or through PayPal Giving Fund by clicking on the donate button on our website, www.nasana.org. You can also mail donations to: NASANA, 2701 Mall Drive, PMB 266, Florence, AL 35630.
Whether it’s $1, $5 or $10, or more, your donation to NASANA at any time in February will be doubled. Since we are a 510(c)(3) organization, every donation is tax deductible.
The Gerald Williams Cooperative Garden Program is administered each year through Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama. It offers FREE vegetable garden supplies to help qualifying local residents wishing to grow their own gardens.
This year’s sign-up period is from February 21- March 25.
Participants in the program must:
• Reside in Lauderdale, Colbert, or Franklin Counties
• Must not exceed monthly gross (prior to take-out see below)
Maximum Monthly Incomes
• Single-person household - $1,699
• 2-person household - $2,289
• 3-person household - $2,879
• 4-person household - $3,469 For each additional person add $590.
Call 256-248-1921 from 1-4pm Monday–Friday.
The Cooperative Garden Program is a partnership of the Community Action Agency NW-Al, TVA retirees, Bicentennial Volunteers Inc., Southwire, and many others.
Florence Parks and Recreation Department is conducting registration for Youth Baseball, Youth Soccer, and Youth Softball programs through February 24.
Youth Baseball is open to age groups 3-12. You may register online at www.FPARD.com. Registration Fee is $35 per player. For more information, contact David Dolan at ddolan@florenceal.org or 256-718-5091.
Youth Soccer is open for boys and girls ages 4-13 years old. Registration is $45 and includes a team shirt. You may register online at www.FPARD.com. For more information, contact Augie Erbe at aerbe@florenceal.org or 256-718-5087.
Youth Softball is open for ages 5-12. You may register online at www.FPARD.com. Registration Fee is $35 per player. For more information, contact Zach Tverberg at ztverberg@florenceal.org or 256-718-5054.
Wilson Track and Field and the Cross Country team Warrior Color Run - Sponsorships from $25-$500 are available through March 3.
Warrior Color Run on April 15.
1 Mile Color Run Begins @ 9am
Zumba Begins @ 10am OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The entry fee is $25.
Vendors and Food Trucks will be open from 9a.m. until noon in the Wilson High School Gymnasium.
Runners Swag can be picked up at registration table on the day of the event beginning at 7am.
Register for the event at: https://warriorcolorrun.itsyourrace.com//register
Those interested in sponsoring may email Lindsey at warriorathleticboosters7601@gmail.com.
Church Women United invites all to World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 3 at 10am at North Wood United Methodist Church, 1129 Willis Ave. in Florence.
The theme is “I Have Heard About Your Faith” CWU Mission: “Agreed to Differ, Resolved to Love, United to Serve.”
Woodmont Baptist Church’s Single Adult Ministry is holding a Catalyst Event for all single adults in the area on March 3 at 6:30pm. This event will be led by Dr PJ Dunn and TableForOne Ministries from Atlanta, GA and will be held in Woodmont’s gym. There will be a small snack supper, worship, table group discussion, and a wonderful word from PJ Dunn about being complete in Christ. Childcare will be provided and you can register for this free event at woodmontbaptist.org Woodmont Baptist Church is located at 2001 Darby Dr, Florence, AL.
Rogersville United Methodist Church will host it’s indoor yard/bake sale on Saturday, March 4 at the church from 7am-Noon. Reservations are currently being accepted to reserve a space ($12) or table ($5).
Contact John Ezell at 256-247-0931 to reserve a spot. Leave a message if there is no answer.
Rogersville Unites Methodist is located at 51 Turner Lindsey Road, Rogersville.
3rd Annual Underwood Youth Complex Car Show is Saturday, March 4. Calling all show cars, bikes and trucks! Come be a part of our park fund-raiser. Entry fee is $20 per ride. Fee can be paid at the gate. There will also be a parts swap that day. Show starts at 10am with check-in at 9am! Our concession stand will be open to purchase drinks etc.
Come be a part of teh show and help raise money for the park to purchase needed supplies, etc. You can message the Underwood Facebook page for info.
United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Alabama is gearing up for its 59th Annual Telethon taking place from 1-4pm Sunday, March 5 on My8 - Channel 6 on DirecTV and 206 on Comcast. Florence High School produces our telethon each year.
UCP provides free therapy and services to children in northwest Alabama who are developmentally disabled/delayed. They currently serve approximately 60 children who have various delays or disabilities including children who have cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, cleft palate, spina bifida, etc.
All money raised on March 5 will stay right here in northwest Alabama to help local children and their families.
Cypress Creek Methodist Church, will be hosting the group, High Road, on Sunday, March 5 at 5pm. This is a free concert. A generous love offering will be accepted. 801 Bruce Lane is off of Cox Creek Pkwy North, in Florence.
The Muscle Shoals Chapter of TVA Retirees will meet ay 10am Wednesday March 8 at the TVA Credit Union, 1405 Wilson Dam Road in Muscle Shoals. Free lunch and door prizes!
The Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) will host its annual Parkinson’s Patient Symposium on Friday, March 10 at the Pelham Civic Center, 500 Amphitheater Road, in Pelham. This FREE educational event is open to those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), their care partners, and families. It will include valuable content from Parkinson’s disease experts for improving the quality of life for those affected by PD.
Doors open at 8:30am with complimentary breakfast followed by an inspiring keynote speaker, Matthew Moore, who is also living with Parkinson’s. Other general assemblies will include an update from the John N. Whittaker Professor & Chair, David G. Standaert, MD, PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurology. An expert panel of Movement Disorder Specialists will also be available to answer questions.
This event will also offer three breakout tracks with two sessions each. Whether you are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, living well with PD, or a care partner – there are special sessions dedicated to where you are on your journey for the most relevant and impactful content. Learn more about the session details, speakers and bios at https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/symposium2023
More than 20 exhibitors will be available demonstrating new medical treatment options, therapies and movement programs. Complimentary lunch will be provided, and all attendees will receive a free book at check-in, A Parkinson’s Primer, An Indispensable Guide to Parkinson’s Disease for Patients and Their Families by John M. Vine.
The event is FREE, but seating is limited, and registration is required. Please go to www.parkinsonalabama.com/symposium2023 to reserve your seat.
A Pre-St. Patrick’s Day concert will be presented by the Wildwood Trio on Thursday, March 16 at 7pm a St. John’s Episcopal Church, 300 N. Dickson St. in Tuscumbia. There is no charge to attend the concert, which is sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church, Sheffield. The Wildwood Trio credits a Celtic influence to their original songs. Singer-songwriter Eddie Martin, who heartily claims his Irish heritage, and celebrates his own birthday on March 17th, credits the influence of Irish music and the attitude of the Irish people on the development of the Wildwood Trio’s distinctive sound. He will be accompanied by Malcom Singleton on guitar. Tony Lee will employ the Irish Bouzouki on many of the group’s original numbers. The group recently released new music which will be part of the concert.
Alabama’s earliest Carpenter’s Gothic church, St. John’s, was built in 1852. It contains its original pews, pump organ and memorial stained-glass.
For more information, call 256-710-9081 or 256-383-2014.
Two middle-school students who live in Alabama House District 18 will receive scholarships to attend a special Space Camp program free of charge. A male and female student living in House District 18 (Jamie Kiel-R) of Colbert and Franklin counties will receive a scholarship to attend SALSA, which promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education along with leadership skills.
Students ages 12 to 14 may apply at www.spacecamp.com/salsa or through their school counselor. Representative Kiel has notified all school systems in District 18 and they have the information needed to apply.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 31. The camp will take place in July 2023. Each scholarship includes tuition, room and board for the Space Academy program. Travel to and from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is not included.
Registration Open — The Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department is taking registration for Youth Track and Field through March 10. This is for ages 7-12 and the age cutoff date is June 1. Fee: $35. For information, call Lee McIntyre, 256-386-9270.
The deadline for entry in Artistic Renderings of Youth is March 10. This is a juried exhibit of artwork open to 7th through 12th grade students from Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale counties. The exhibit runs March 20 - April 28 at Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts in Florence.
The exhibit and competition are coordinated by area art teachers. Schools may participate or students can enter on their own. Each student can enter up to three works. Entries are juried and, if accepted, are eligible for ribbons awarded in different grade level groupings. Works must be original and can be in any medium. All 2-dimensional entries must be matted or framed. Framed pieces and canvases must have hanging wire attached on the back.
For more details on entry rules, call Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts 256-760-7379 or email: connect@florencealmuseums.com
The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is located at 217 E. Tuscaloosa St. Florence and can be reached by calling 256-760-6379.
Through popular demand, Heritage Preservation, Inc. (HPI), the local non-profit organization in Florence that sponsors the shield-type metal plaques for individual historic houses in Florence and Lauderdale County, is pleased to announce that the plaques are available once again. The plaques have the same classic background design that appears on existing plaques, and each one is personalized with the name of the house or building and its date of construction. An individual plaque cost is $100 each in pre-sold lots of 50. When as many as 50 have been sold, the local manufacturing company will create them for immediate distribution. The goal is to place the first order of 50 or more with the manufacturer by July 1, 2023, if not before.
All proceeds go directly into projects that promote the preservation of local historic structures, sites, and documents. For further information, contact: Billy Warren, Chairman of Heritage Preservation, Inc. (brwarren@florenceal.org); 256-718-5020.
Clay to Bronze Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence, will have an exhibition by Huntsville sculpture Everette Cox from now - March 10. There will be a meet-and-greet at 2pm January 29. The center is free and open to the public from 9am-4pm Monday-Friday and 1-4pm Sunday. 256-760-6379.
Avant: Five Contemporary Voices will be on view Now - March 11 at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art in Tuscumbia.
The work of five contemporary artists, are each exploring innovative ideas and form through the mediums of drawing, textile, painting, collage, and sculpture.
Melinda Crider, Dariana Dervis, Tracie Noles-Ross, Miriam Omura, and Chiharu Roach are all currently based in Birmingham, but bring experiences from throughout the American South, as well as from Japan and the UK.
Exhibition hours are Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-5pm. Admission to the TVMA is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for members of the Tennessee Valley Art Association.
The Annual Lauderdale County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at 6:30pm on Saturday, March 18 at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center. It is a special event for visiting with old friends, sharing memories, and recognizing the names and athletic accomplishments of some of Lauderdale County’s best. The 2023 class includes Daniel Almon, Jason Beckman, Patrick Hughes, Venita Perkins, Robert Koonce, Deidre Rowell King, Ashley Newsome, Ray Hester, Mark Toner, and Lisa Branscome Smith.
Tickets are $40 and are available at area high schools or may be reserved by calling Steve Harrison at 256–810-3460 or Dennis Hargett at 256–762–9056.
Born Ready University hosted by Ekklesia Preschool and partnership with Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education is a four session program that will provide parents, expecting parents and other caregivers for unborn children and children ages birth to 5 the information and support necessary to bring up happy and healthy children who enter school ready to learn.
Topics to be covered: Child Development, Child/Social-Emotional Development, School Readiness, and Health & Safety environment. Sessions will be from 9am-noon on February 4, 2023, February 18, 2023, March 11, 2023, and March 18, 2023 at 3007 Hatch Blvd., Sheffield.
Incentives include: Free breakfast & lunch, $25 VISA gift cards each session, age appropriate books, car seats, strollers, pack & play, back cribs, school readiness toolkits, Leapfrog Leap Pad Learning Tablets, and more.
It is free to attend the event with only 20 spots available. For enrollment and questions, please contact Ms. Lisa Slusher at 256-314-1700.
The Tuscumbia Kiwanis Club will have their Annual Pancake Day on Friday and Saturday, March 17-18 at the Multipurpose Center on North Commons, near Deshler Middle School. Kiwanis Clubs focus on helping children and, 100% of what they make on Pancake Day goes to the charities that they support. In 2022 the club supported over 25 local charities. Members also participate in hands-on activities, such as helping build beds for Sleep In Heavenly Peace, a local charity that provides beds to children in need. “There are a lot of local charities doing important work”, member Kathy Hayes said, “and the community’s support of Pancake Day allows us help them with funding.”
Hours are 6am-1pm on Friday and 7-10am on Saturday. Tickets are available for $6 from club members or $8 at the door.
Starch in Their Petticoats---True Stories of Strong Women Who Settled the West. March 28, 2-3 pm, Sheffield Public Library. Presented by storyteller Delores Hydock. Light refreshments will be served This program is free to the public
2023 Run the Rolling Hills Trail Run, Saturday, April 29 The Campbellsville Area Association would like to invite you to the 11th Annual Run the Rolling Hills Trail Run, a 10K, 5K and Kids 1 Mile beginning at 10601 Campbellsville Road (Hwy 166), Pulaski, TN. The scenic course displays the beautiful countryside of Giles County.
The 10K distance is new this year, a second loop of the 5K course with a turnaround separate from the finish area. Day of Race Registration starts at 7:30am, Kids 1 Mile starts at 8:30am, 10K/5K starts at 9am. Website for more information and to register: http://runtherollinghills5k.wordpress.com/
“Hi Neighbors of the Shoals” meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 10:30am in the Florence Public Library. We are a women’s social group that welcomes all ladies who are currently residents of the Shoals area. Come join us! Contact Berta Birch, 256-777-3119, for further details
Florence Camerata is launching its 17th year as an accomplished volunteer community chorus serving the Shoals area. “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” is the theme of this concert, and will feature songs from Broadway, the movies, and other show venues….but music choices will not be limited to only this genre.
Rehearsals will continue on Thursday nights at 6:30pm in the choral room at UNA, with the concert being planned for Thursday, March 23.
Please visit our Facebook page for up to date information, or call 256-810-9512.
Gospel Meeting at Heritage Christian University “Your Questions Answered” Saturday April 2, 11am, 1pm and 2pm with a lunch provided at 12pm.
More information is on Facebook on the HCU page or @askGODonequestion on Facebook
Shoals Grief Support will begin monthly meetings once again starting on April 5 at 10am. The grief support group is open to the public. Masks are optional.
The group will meet at Cliff Haven Church in Sheffield the first Tuesday of each month at 10am. The church is located at 1601 Andrews Avenue in Sheffield, directly behind McDonalds and WBTG Radio. This grief support group is sponsored by Kindred Hospice. For more information call 256.764.0873.
Public Notice and Opportunity to Comment - The Lauderdale County School System is attempting to locate any child with disabilities, ages 0-21, who may be living in the Lauderdale County School District and who are not currently in a school program.
Anyone knowing of a child, who may be in need of Special Services, is asked to contact Mrs. Kim Meeks,Director of Special Education at 256-760-1324 between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday–Friday. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Want to list your event in Community Notes? Email your information to editor@CourierJournal.net.
Free! Fun! Stretch and Tone Exercise class. Tuesday and Thursday 9-10am. Killen Senior Center, 227 J.C. Mauldin Hwy. Killen, 256-757-1792.
Food Pantry at North Wood Methodist Church, North Florence. Call for appointment, 256-764-2111
The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets at the Florence Lauderdale library at 2pm every 3rd Monday of each month. All caregivers are welcome. We all need encouragement.
The Batting Brigade Quilt Guild meets every 2nd Monday at 9:30am at Edgemont Methodist Church, 1330 Eauclaire Ave in Florence. Everyone interested in Quilting is welcome - from beginners to expert
60 or older? Join us for lunch Monday thru Friday at 11am for a one dollar donation. Our hours are 8:30am -12:30pm. Also if you would like to join Bingo every Tuesday and Thursday bring a small one dollar gift to play. Killen Senior Center, 227 J.C. Mauldin Hwy. Killen, 256-757-1792. See you soon!!
Come Travel with The Club (Florence Senior Center), Diamonds in the Rough. 256-760-6642. Our trips are open to the general public.
Mackinac Island, May 14-20, 2023, $775 double rate per person, add $219 for private room. $75 deposit on signing up. Final payment 3/7/23.
Mount Rushmore, the Badlands & Black Hill of South Dakota, Sept. 30-Oct. 8, 2023. $999 double rate per person, add $286 for private room. $75 deposit on signing up. Final payment 7/23/23.
Activities at The Club (Florence Senior Center):
9am–3:30pm. Games: Rook, Chicken Foot, Mexican Train, Rummycubes, LRC, etc. Square Dance Monday 6-8pm. Social Dance Tuesday 6:30-8:45pm. Joints in Motion, (chair exercise class) Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:30am. BINGO, Wednesday 10:15-11:15am. Lunch 11:30 Monday-Friday, for 60 years and older, donation $1, Inspiration Rock Painting Friday 10:30-noon. Fishing Days at Deibert Park. Pool Room at Fairground. Masters Games are back! Fantastic Friday, BBQ meal $15, music, dancing, games,
Trips: 2023 Mackinac Island, Memphis, Nashville, Mount Rushmore.
For more information on the fun at The Club, call 256-760.-6420. This is an Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco, and Firearms-Free facility.
Audiences are invited to “Ease on Down the Road” to Florence Middle School Theatre to see The Wiz, Jr. on April 11 and 14 at 6:30pm at the Florence Middle School Theatre, located at 648 N. Cherry St. in Florence). Tickets are $10 and are available at gofans.co.
Students from both Florence Middle School and Hibbett Intermediate School will perform this delightful 60-minute interpretation of Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This family-friendly fresh take on Dorothy’s heroic journey home features pop, gospel, and blues inspired music. Featuring FMS Dance Director, Chynna Boddie’s, original funk-jazz influenced choreography, audiences will enjoy dance inspired by Louis Jonson, original choreographer for The Wiz, film version. Hibbett Theatre teacher Vanson Clendenin, a graduate of Troy University, will be making his directorial debut in Florence, working collaboratively with musical director, Andrew Mills, FMS Choral Director, composer, and former assistant conductor for the Gordon College Children’s Choir and professor for Gordon College’s Secondary Music Methods course.
The Little Ryman — Gospel, Bluegrass, country, oldies and open mic. Every Friday 6-8:30 p.m. No dancing or alcohol, and free admission. 18210 Hwy. 72 W., Tuscumbia. 256-810-5866
Alabama Music Hall of Fame — Star Player exhibit will be on display at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, 617 U.S. 72, Tuscumbia. Rotating exhibits at the hall of fame highlight accomplishments of area music achievers. Details: 256-381-4417.
Did you know that 22 Americans die each day waiting for organ transplants? Most of them for kidneys? The good news is that MatchingDonors.com is helping to change that. Linking organ donors with people in need of kidney and other transplants. And now you don’t need to donate a kidney to save a life. Donate your boat, car, or real estate, and get a great tax deduction while helping to save lives. Visit MatchingDonors.com or call 800-385-0422.
Kratom is becoming more common in the world of drugs. Drug tests typically don’t test for it, so it can easily go unnoticed as a drug someone may be using. Kratom produces similar effects as opiates and stimulants and is an herbal substance. Kratom can be found at gas stations, head shops, and even online. It is easily accessible, and the FDA has not approved any uses for it. Yet people are using it and getting addicted because it is easy to find and legal.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Kratom, reach out for help. Narconon helps people all over the US find treatment to end the web that traps those in addiction. To learn what to look for visit: Narcononnewliferetreat.org
Pay it Forward: Donate to Educate. Shoals Scholar Dollars is an Education Foundation raising money to pay tuition at Northwest Shoals Community College and transfer scholarships to the University of North Alabama for Lauderdale and Colbert County students who meet certain criteria. Donate to Scholar Dollars at any participating financial institution the second Friday of each month.
The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay — The annual membership and sponsorship drive will begin soon. If interested in being either, contact any board member, message BTCPA through Facebook, or contact Scotty Kennedy at 256-356-8758 or email at scottydk@att.net.
“A Bad Year For Tomatoes” — The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay will present “A Bad Year For Tomatoes” Feb. 9-12 at the Weatherford Center in Red Bay. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 30.
The Help Center - 621 South Court Street, Florence. A cooperative ministry of local churches in Lauderdale County serving our neighbors in need with utility, food, clothing, prescriptions, and dental.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 4th Saturday of each month 8:30am to 12pm.
Please bring a photo ID and proof of address.
If you have questions or need assistance call Help Center at 256-766-7663 or come by our Florence location during open hours.
If you are interested in volunteering at Help Center come by during open hours to see which department you would like to serve. Come by and get plugged in!
The NACOLG SENIORx Medication Assistance Program supplies free and low cost medications for anyone in Alabama with a disability or a chronic illness regardless of age that requires daily medication. Medicare recipients may also be eligible.
For more information, contact NACOLG SENIORx today. There is no charge for this service.
1-800-AGELINE (1-800-243-5463) Paula Pardue 256-389-0529
This program is in partnership with the State of Alabama and Alabama Department of Senior Services
Grief can be an overwhelming season to go through. There is a monthly grief support group that meets on the third Friday of each month at 10am at First Baptist Church of Rogersville, 222 College Street. Come and share and let us pray with you for strength and comfort! These groups are FREE, open to the public, and include supportive materials. Another grief support meeting also takes place at 10am every first Tuesday at Cliff Haven Church in Sheffield. These groups are sponsored by Kindred Hospice. For more information, call 256-764-0873.
You Are Not Alone! Grief can be an overwhelming season to go through. Often the time it takes to process all of those feelings is multiplied simply because those who grieve have no one to talk to. You are not alone as you go through this difficult time! Let us help!
There is a monthly grief support group that meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10am at Cliff Haven Church in Sheffield. Located at 1601 Andrews Avenue in Sheffield directly behind McDonald’s near the O’Neal Bridge.
There is a second monthly grief support group that meets the third Friday of each month at 10am at First Baptist Church of Rogersville. Located at 222 College Street in Rogersville.
Come and share and let us pray with you for strength and comfort! These groups are FREE and open to the public. We will provide wonderful, supportive materials to take home to help with your healing process!
For more information call 256.764.0873.
These groups are sponsored by Kindred Hospice.
LaGrange College Site Park is open daily and weekends from 9am-5pm. Tours and park reservations are available buy calling 256-446-9324. The Visitors Center/Museum is open 1-4pm Sundays. The Historic College Site, a forerunner of UNA, is located in East Colbert County, off Alabama HIghway 157 on LaGrange College Road, Leighton, Alabama, near the White Oak Community. Contact L.C. Lenz, the LaGrange Living Historical Association at 256-702-6953.
Want a job? Want a better job? Get your GED! Free GED Prep classes are located near you. The program is open entry with new students starting classes weekly. For more information, call the Northwest-Shoals Community College Adult Education Program at 256-331-5440 or 256-331-5438.
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Salem M. B. Church invites everyone to come and worship with us every Sunday morning at 10am at 923 West Mobile St, Florence. 256-633-3382.
United Way is looking for volunteers who can help answer our 2-1-1 line. Training will be provided for volunteers and you can help from the comfort of your own home! Please visit https://www.uwnwal.org/volunteer-opportunities to submit your information!
Pay it Forward: Donate to Educate — Shoals Scholar Dollars is an Education Foundation raising money to pay tuition at Northwest Shoals Community College and transfer scholarships to the University of North Alabama for Lauderdale and Colbert County students who meet certain criteria. Donate to Scholar Dollars at any participating financial institution the second Friday of each month.
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REAL Rehome Educate Adopt Love offers the following pet preventive care assistance for dogs and cats in Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin Counties:
• Flea/Tick Control
• HW Testing
• HW Preventative
• Vaccine
Submit your Pet Wellness application from our Facebook page REAL Rehome Educate Adopt Love or website www.rehomeandeducate.webs.com
City of Florence - Recycling Program:
Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs only (#1 & #2), aluminum cans, and steel cans are all recyclable. Residential curb side cart collection is provided within City of Florence limits. The Florence Recycle Center drop-off is available to everyone, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Cardboard Boxes
Place large, broken-down cardboard boxes 3 feet away from your recycle and garbage carts. Remove all contents from each box before recycling as Styrofoam and plastic film are NOT recyclable.
Televisions/Electronics
Old TV’s are not collected with curb side trash. They can be dropped off at two locations:
--Florence Recycle Center: 1200 Terrace Street, Florence
--Florence Landfill: 29485 County Road 14, Florence
Wrapping Paper
All paper is recyclable if it will tear. We encourage you to reuse ribbons and bows, but they are not recyclable.
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Alcoholics Anonymous
AA 24-hour hotlines: 256-415-7719 Website: www.shoalsaa.org to find a current list of all Shoals area AA meetings and events.
(Closed meetings are only for those who have a desire to stop drinking. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers.)
• An AA Group: closed discussion. 9am Saturdays, Adult Center Rm 20 at Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence.
• Florence H.O.W.: smoke-free, closed discussions 7pm, Mondays, Edgemont Methodist Church, 1330 Eauclaire Ave., Florence.
• Florence Open Door: Every day of the week at 6pm and 8pm. Mondays, additional 4pm. The 8pm on Wednesdays is a speaker meeting. Monday thru Saturday also have a 12pm meeting. All are open meetings and smoke-free indoors. 526 W. College St., Florence. Park in the lot across the street.
• Fourth Dimension: 7am Monday-Sunday, closed discussion – in person and online Zoom option (ID 573857015, password 241873); 9:30am Thursdays, women’s meeting, closed; 11am Monday-Sunday, closed discussion; 6pm Mondays, open Big Book study; 6pm Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, closed discussion; 11am first and third Mondays, open discussion, 505 N. Seminary St., Florence, entrance in rear of building. All meetings smoke free.
Freedom Group: Tuesdays 6pm, Big Book study, online only Zoom (ID Code 509289139, Password 790671); Sundays 8pm, open speaker, in person and Zoom (ID: 101061663, PW: 247476). CB&S Bank building, 464 4th St. W., Red Bay.
• Grupo Nuevo Amanecer, Spanish speaking, 7pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, open discussion; 9am Sundays, open discussion, 110 Tuscaloosa St E., Russellville.
• Happy Hour Group, smoke-free. 6am Mondays, meditation open discussion; 6am Tuesdays, Big Book open meeting; 6am Fridays, 12&12 open meeting, Killen Methodist Church, 201 J.C. Mauldin Hwy, Killen, building behind the church.
• Island Group, smoke-free. 7pm, Fridays, open-speaker meeting, Highland Park Church of Christ, 600 Geneva Avenue/corner Woodward, Muscle Shoals.
• Keep It Simple Group, smoke-free. 6:30pm Tuesdays, speaker meeting, open; 6:30pm Thursdays, closed discussion. Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence.
• La Alegria de Vivir, Spanish speaking, 7-9pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, open discussion and non-smoking, St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Building, 1111 E. College St., Florence.
• Lexington 449 Group, smoke free. 8pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, open discussion; Big Book study on Sundays; 8pm Saturdays, open speaker, 6083 Alabama Hwy 101, 3.5 miles north of U.S. 72.
• Monday Maintenance Meeting, 5pm on Mondays, closed discussion, masks required. First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 16751 US-72, Rogersville.
• Permanent Recovery Group, 6:30pm Tuesdays, open Big Book discussion,; 6:30pm Thursdays, open 12&12 discussion. First United Methodist Church, 14596 Market St., Moulton.
• Quad-Cities Group, 11am and 5:30pm, every day, open discussion. 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, open Big Book discussion. 750 E. Michigan Ave., Muscle Shoals.
• Sheffield Group, smoke-free. 9:30am Sundays closed discussion meeting; 11am Monday-Saturday, open discussion, with closed discussion on Fridays; 6pm Sundays closed discussion, 6pm Wednesdays open speaker meeting; 6pm Fridays newcomer open discussion; 5-7am Tuesdays, women’s closed discussion; 7pm Mondays open 12&12 meeting, 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays closed Big Book meeting; 8pm Saturdays open speaker meeting. 210 E. Second St., Sheffield.
Survivors Group, smoke-free, 5:30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Big Book study on Tuesdays, 780 Ford Road, Muscle Shoals. All open discussion.
Al-Anon
• Al-Anon meeting schedule: Hope Al-Anon Family Group, 6pm Mondays, Highland Park Church of Christ, 600 Geneva Ave., Muscle Shoals, childcare provided; Florence Daytime Al-Anon Family Group, 11am Tuesdays, Magnolia Church of Christ, 2650 Vulcan Ave., Florence; Paths to Recovery, 6pm Thursdays and 10am Saturdays, Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, 256-764-4073. Shoals Al-Anon contact phone: 256-648-5777.
• Al-Anon, 6pm Thursdays, First Baptist Church, Jackson Avenue, Russellville.
• Hope Al-Anon and Shoals Al-Teen (ages 12-18), 6pm, Monday, Highland Park Church of Christ, 600 Geneva Ave., Muscle Shoals.
• Florence Freedom AFG, 11am, Tuesday, Mission of Mercy, 414 Tuscaloosa St., Florence.
Narcotics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous Survival meets daily, noon and 7pm, 1614 State St., Florence. Nonsmoking. 256-500-8889
• Real Hope, 6-7pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, New Beginning Church, 855 Florence Blvd., Florence. Nonsmoking. 800-239-5509
• Point of Freedom, 7pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence. Nonsmoking.
Crisis lines
• Battered or abused women in need of counseling and/or emergency shelter may call Safeplace crisis line, 256-767-6210, 24 hours.
• Rape Crisis Line available 24 hours. 256-767-1100
LifeSouth is in emergency need for blood donors. This year continues to be difficult for LifeSouth and blood centers across the country with the impact of the pandemic causing a decrease in blood donations, while the need to help patients in local hospitals continues to increase.
Regular blood donors who have not given recently and first-time donors can make a major impact by donating. One donation can save up to three lives.
Donate at the Center, 307 Veterans Drive, Florence. Schedule an appointment, 256-765-7038. www.lifesouth.org. The hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9am-7pm; Saturday 9am-3pm; Sunday 1-5pm.
To find a donor center or mobile blood drive near you, visit lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707. Blood donors must be at least 17 or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is required. LifeSouth donors receive a complementary cholesterol screening with each donation.
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