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 [email protected];
• 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.
Florence-Lauderdale Farmers Market Open at 451 Fairground Road. The market will be open Saturdays during the months of May and October. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the months of June through September. Hours are 6am-1pm each day.
The Florence Senior Center/The Club is serving curbside meals Monday-Friday from 10:30-11:30am. Please call in to reserve your meal between 8:30-10:30am. Call 256-760-6668 for a menu. Participation requirements: Over 60 years old and a tidbit of information. You can register over the phone.
The North Alabama Civil War Round Table will hold its May meeting on Tuesday, May 18, at the Helen Keller Public Library, 511 N. Main St. Tuscumbia, starting at 6:30pm.
The program will be “Behind the Rifle: Women Soldiers in Civil War Mississippi” by author Shelby Harriel, who spent many years researching this interesting topic. Shelby is currently a professor at Pearl River Community College, in addition to giving presentations to historical groups, National Parks, and Reenactment groups. She will have copies of her book available for purchase at the meeting.
Please note our new meeting location and time. Visitors are welcome and members are encouraged to invite anyone who is interested in this pivotal period of our history.
Nominations are open for the LONG-LEWIS LOCAL HERO OF THE MONTH AWARD for May. In an effort to reward local people for Outstanding Community Service, Long-Lewis Automotive Group in cooperation with The Long-Lewis Foundation, will be awarding one person each month $500 and a Certificate of Appreciation to recognize their efforts in serving The Shoals.
Simply visit the Long Lewis of the Shoals Facebook page and nominate someone you feel deserves this award for Outstanding Community Service. The recipient of the Award will be determined by the nominee post that gets the most Likes from the community at the end of each month. We will announce the recipient, via social media, on the 1st of the following month. The Certificate and $500 Award will be given to the recipient at the local dealership by the 10th of each month.
LifeSouth Blood Drives:
RUSSELLVILLE – May 17: Franklin County Health Dept.- 801 Hwy 48- 9am-3pm; May 20: Russellville Hospital- 15155 Hwy 43- 10am-6pm
HALEYVILLE – May 22: Wal-Mart-Hwy 195-1pm-7pm
Also donate at The Shoals Center, 307 Veterans Drive, Florence, Schedule an appointment – 256-765-7038, website: www.lifesouth.org. The hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9am-7pm; Saturday 9am-3pm; Sunday 1-5pm.
May Holy Days of religions present in the Shoals
May 18 Jewish Tish’a B’av
May 29 Baha’i Ascension of Baha’u’llah
RED CROSS DONATION EVENTS:
Russellville– May 18: noon – 5pm, Russellville Community- Park and Rec, 201 Ash Ave.
Florence – May 27: noon – 4pm, First Freewill Baptist Church – Florence, 2701 Florence Blvd
Rogersville – June 4: noon – 4pm, Rogersville Fire Department, 36 Wheeler Street
Athens– June 2: 11am – 4pm, TLC Pediatrics, 22335 US Hwy 72 E, Suite C
As the nation transitions to a new, hopeful phase of this devastating pandemic and people resume some of their normal activities, the American Red Cross needs your help to avoid a summer donation slump. The Red Cross is also thanking those who come to donate May 28-June 13 with a limited-edition T-shirt, while supplies last.
Individuals of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now to give blood, and in most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
The Friends Bookstore, located in the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, is now accepting donations of books and recent magazines. Bring your donations by the back entrance of the library on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10am-2pm, and you will find a volunteer or library staff member to assist you. The Friends ask that you limit your donation to 20 items during this time and that donated items be in good condition. Items that the bookstore cannot accept include: encyclopedias, condensed books, cassette tapes, LP records, catalogues, and magazines over than 2 years old.
The Friends Bookstore appreciates the community’s patience while it had to suspend accepting donations during the Covid period. Donations are vital to the library and the bookstore, as the profit from the sales made in the Friends Bookstore provide the community with free services, materials, and programs. For ore information, call (256)-764-6564 ext. 126, or visit www.flpl.org
The Massive Chloe’s Fund Yard/Estate Sale takes place Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22 from 7am- 2pm at the Florence Lauderdale Animal Services building, 3240 Roberson Road in Florence. Chloe’s Fund Volunteers been culling through Estate and Yard Sales and receiving beautiful donated items from generous individuals for weeks. The group has never amassed the quantity and quality of Sale Items it has to offer at this sale. We recommend you visit us early each day! All proceeds from item sales go directly into Chloe’s Fund – a nonprofit organization assisting with the medical needs of the Shelter animals. Chloe’s Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization functioning as a division of Friends of Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter.
The Janet Reed Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 21 at Blackberry Trail Golf Course in florence.
The proceeds of this charity tournament will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The format is a two person scramble. 1st place prize is $1,000. 2nd place prize is $750. 3rd place prize is $500. There is a million dollar hole in one event, and a power drive by Golf Pro Jason Vaughn. Closest to the pin and long drive contests are also planned.
Entry fee is $250 per team.
Registration and sponsorship form is available at www.braceycleaning.com/golf-tournament/ or by calling 256-248-4108.
Want to list your event in Community Notes? Email your information to [email protected].
Florence Drive Thru Neighborhood Food Pantry at North Wood Methodist Church during COVID crisis, requirements: photo ID. Call 256-764-2111 for appointment.
Light & Air Exhibit hosted by The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia through May 21. The exhibit features artists who paint in the plein air style. Hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and Noon-3pm Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for TVAA members. Admission is also free for education, healthcare, and first responder workers.
Masks and social distancing are required.
The deadline is nearing for public nominations to the Walk of Honor, located in the beautiful River Heritage Park by the Marriott Shoals Conference Center and Hotel. The Walk of Honor recognizes individuals of Florence and Lauderdale County who have achieved national or international acclaim.
Areas of national or international accomplishment include, but are not limited to, agriculture, art, athletics, business, education, government, humanities, literature, medical, military, music, public service, religion, or science and technology. Nominations will be received until 5pm on Tuesday, May 25.
Visit the City’s web site (www.florenceal.org) and select the “Walk of Honor” listing under the “Happening Now” section; or
Pick up a Walk of Honor Nomination Packet from the Mayor’s Office, 102 South Court Street – Suite 200, Florence, AL 35630.
Completed nomination forms and any additional information can be dropped off at the mayor’s office or sent via email to [email protected]. Walk of Honor Selection Committee will choose from eligible inductees and a ceremony will be held in their honor at a date TBA. A bronze plaque with a picture of the inductee, along with a brief inscription of their accomplishment, will be placed at the Walk of Honor in River Heritage Park.
Registration is taking place now for Summer Camp June 1–August 9 at Calvary Learning Center at 601 N. Main St. in Tuscumbia. 6:30am-5:30pm Ages 4-12 years
Summer Camp is a structured program that offers campers age appropriate activities. Activities include arts and crafts, daily devotions, swimming, recreational games, sports, field trips, and much more! Breakfast, lunch, and snack will be provided for your child.
Camp opens at 6:30am and closes at 5:30pm with camp activities from 8:30am-4:30pm
Mini’s Camp: – Ages 4-5 years– For students that completed Pre-K 2020-2021 OR will be entering Pre-K the Fall of 2021
Traditional Camp: – Ages 6-12 years — Students must have completed Kindergarten
Calvary Learning Center also provides care for newborns to children 5 years of age.
Registration forms may be picked up at Calvary Learning Center, Calvary Baptist Church office, or on our Facebook Page: Calvary Learning Centers.
Fees: Registration Fee: $90. $85 per child. $80 for 4 days. $60 for 3 days
The registration fee (which covers the cost of field trips, camp t-‐shirt, supplies, and snacks) and the first week’s payment are due at the time of registration.
See the display ad in this week’s issue for all the details. 256-383-1853 or 256-381-6650.
Summer Day Camp is sponsored by Deshler High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes
YMCA of the Shoals Affordable Before & After School Care includes over 7,000+ square feet of childcare dedicated space – homework help, team building activities, arts & crafts, and much more. Have Fun! Make Friends! Learn New Things! If you need affordable childcare, contact us today at 256-246-9622 or [email protected].”
Jil Chambless and Scooter Muse will perform a concert of Celtic music on the courtyard at Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, on Saturday, May 22, at 4pm. Chambless and Muse perform across the U.S. and abroad with the band Henri’s Notions and they are acclaimed, both as individual artists and as a duo. Parking will be in the grassy field onsite, with handicapped parking available on the lot adjoining the museum. Admission is $5 per person, which includes an optional tour of the historic house. Bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. Social distancing is required, and masks are recommended while indoors in small groups. For more information, call 256-381-5052 or [email protected].
Geezers and Grandkid’s Fishing Dates at Deibert Park:
Thursday, May 27, 6:30-11am
Tuesday, June 15, 6:30-11am
Thursday, September 9, 6:30-11am
Yahoo…School’s Out…Let’s Go Fishing on Tuesday, October 19, 6:30-11am
Bring your friends, family, grandkids, tackle, chairs, snacks, etc., Please sign in at the table before fishing.
We appreciate your continuing to social distance at the parks. For more information call The Club, 256-760-6420
Starting Memorial Day – Labor Day inclusive, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio will be open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. Tours are on the half-hour every hour and tour price is $15. Discounts are available for military, senior and group tours. We are pet friendly! Tickets can be purchased online or at the studio www.muscleshoalssoundstudio.org
256-978-5151. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is at 3614 N. Jackson Highway in Sheffield.
Memorial Day Boston Butt Sale Monday, May 31, pick up at 9am at Langer Hall, 4051 County Road 30, St. Florian. Pre-order NOW! Whole butt only. Email your order to [email protected], deadline to order is May 25. Paypal: [email protected]. VENMO: @Blair-White-6. Make checks payable to: K of C 3989, please have phone number on check.
Whole butts $45, Pulled pork $8 per pound.
Sponsored by Knights of Columbus, Council 3989.
CLOTHES GIVE AWAY – Thursday, June 3 from 8-10am t the Care Center, First Baptist Church, Killen
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 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
The American Red Cross has kicked off its Annual Fund Drive, looking for 1,000 supporters to boost the 2021 Annual Fund and provide urgently needed aid to families facing their hardest moments throughout the year.
Your generous support helps AMC to respond immediately whenever and wherever they’re needed, in local communities and nationwide. And monthly support powers the American Red Cross mission, year-round.
When you make a monthly gift to provide steadfast support for families, they’ll also send you a special
Red Cross mini first aid kit in a vintage-inspired tin. For more information or to donate, call 1-800-435-7669 or visit www.redcross.org/donate/annual-fund.html/
Let’s Travel Again!!! The Club / Florence Senior Center ”Diamonds in the Rough”, traveling friends, want to invite you to join them. Trips are open to the public! Proof of Vaccination will be required with final payment. Deposit due now, $75. Checks made payable to Diamond Tours.
Mackinac Island, October 3-9, 2021, $719, deposit now, final payment June 7.
6 nights 5 days, 10 meals, 6 breakfast 4 dinners, Guided tour of Mackinaw City, visit Mackinac Island, Carriage tour, Boat ride through Soo Locks, Sight-seeing Sault Sainte Marie, Mackinaw Crossings, Colonial Michillmackinac, Gaming excitement at Kewadin Sault Casino
Pigeon Forge & Smokey Mountains Show Trip, November 15-19, 2021, $599, $75 deposit due now, final payment September 8.
4 nights lodging, 4 breakfast, 4 dinners, Visit Titanic Museum, 2 morning shows: Smith Morning Variety Show and “Tis the Season”, 4 evening shows: Patty Waszak, Soul of Motown, America’s Hit Parade, Country Tonight, Free time in historic downtown Gatlinburg
2022 Trips. More to be arranged.
Niagara Falls, May 1-7, 2022, $659, Passport Required, $75 deposit now final payment February, 22, 2022
7 days 6 nights
For more pictures, video and information visit: www.GroupTrips.com/TheClub or call Fran @The Club
256.760.6642, [email protected]
Register Now with only $75 deposit for motor coach trips.
2022 Cruise: PML Travel
The Club presents 9 day 8 night vacation, Royal Caribbean’s “Ovation of the Seas”-ALASKA!! June 2-June 10, 2022-Passport Required. Proof of Vaccination.
$2799 per person/inside cabin
$2999 per person/outside cabin
$3499 per person/balcony cabin
Roundtrip Airfare, 1 night hotel, guided tour of Seattle, Washington, bus transportation from Airport, Cruise, Cabin, Shipboard meals, Port charges, Taxes and Transfers in Seattle.
Travel protection insurance $318-$380, $250 deposit now/Final payment February 2, 2022
Sitka, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Juneau, AK and Victoria, BC
For more information The Club/Fran 256-760-6642 or [email protected]
Sheffield Head Start Program located at 701 East 17th Street in Sheffield is still taking applications for Pregnant Moms and children ages 6 weeks to 4 years for the upcoming 21-22 school year. Parents must bring the following items to register: Child’s Birth Certificate, Verification of Income for 2020 (W-2 form, Income Tax Return, Social Security Statement, Child Support, Unemployment, etc.), documentation of Public Assistance such as TANF and Insurance card (if available). Additional information needed if available: WIC, food stamps, College ID, IEP or IFSP. Services are provided at NO COST to parents. Children with special needs and/or disabilities and homeless families are given priority. Call 256-383-3577 or 256-606-3286 set to up an appointment today!
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to [email protected].
COVID-19 and Rapid testing is now available at the SHOALS COMMUNITY CLINIC – FREE to the public. The clinic has partnered with the Alabama Department of Public Health to administer these tests. The new COVID Rapid test takes only 15 minutes. 256-760-4713
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) currently offers industry-led training certifications at Northwest-Shoals Community College.
The MSSC training center at NW-SCC is an industry-led training, assessment, and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s front-line production and material handling workers. MSSC training offers both entry-level and incumbent workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly required in the technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century.
If you have questions regarding MSSC certification at NW-SCC, please contact Taylor Franks. You may call 256-331-8092, text 256-415-6992, or email at [email protected].
Keeping the Dream Alive – Thank you to all Keepers of the Dream. Starting from 2008 when we held our first MLK Youth Tournament to now. Even during COVID-19, God’s Way Counseling Services for the Youth is Keeping the Dream Alive and we hope you are too.
Even though we are unable to physically hold and showcase our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Basketball Tournament, we will still be accepting donations and contributions to stay engaged and continue assisting community members most affected by this pandemic. Our hearts go out to all of the people that we’ve lost this year due to COVID.
Thank you all in advance for your continued tax-deductible support and gifts. Make checks payable to: God’s Way Counseling Services for Youth, Inc. Send to: 1050 E. Limestone St., F15, Florence AL 35630.
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
Alabama Hospice of the Shoals in Tuscumbia is currently seeking Veteran volunteers to serve the following counties: Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Franklin, Marion, and Winston. For more information, contact Barbara at 256-314-1204.
Did you know that there are 250 children who can’t live at home in our community each month? These children can’t live at home because the very people who are supposed to protect and care for them are not able to do so. These are the children in foster care. These are the children that need someone to stand up for them when it feels like no one cares. These are the children that need a CASA Volunteer.
Please consider becoming a Volunteer Advocate for local children who need a caring and committed adult to speak up for their best interest. Call the Shoals CASA office at 256-765-0041 or check out the agency’s website for more information www.ShoalsCASA.org.
International Student Exchange (ISE), a non-profit organization, is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year. Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact locally and globally.
The international exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18 and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway, and many others. American teenagers can also study abroad through International Student Exchange.
The deadline to match students with families is August 31 and families can select an international student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc. Family screening includes a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references. The international students are English-speaking and have their own spending money. Americans provide the caring environment, room, and daily meals.
Families who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student. For information, contact International Student Exchange Regional Advisor, Gretchen Mitchell, at 731-607-1064 or visit their website at smokymountains.iseusa.org
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to [email protected].
City of Florence – Recycling Program:
Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs only (#1 & #2), aluminum cans, and steel cans are all recyclable. Residential curbside 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 curbside 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.
Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University is offering educational webinars on Zoom for youth, adults and teachers. Online users can find a listing of Zoom sessions or other activities at: https://www.aces.edu/events/ or www.facebook.com/pg/AlabamaExtensionAAMU/events/
Access Alabama Extension’s website at www.aces.edu, sign up for our daily briefing, or visit us on social media to find practical solutions facing Alabama residents and communities.
For more information, contact Kimberly Sinclair-Holmes at [email protected].
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.
Hospice Volunteers Needed – Veterans, Students, Retirees, everyone with an hour a week to share with someone in your community. Specific needs: Male veteran to visit WWII vet, Florence area. Hairdresser/Barber in all areas. [email protected]. 256-269-2100 Comfort Care Hospice, Sheffield.
Do you have a family member or a friend with a disability?
If so, sign up for our Disability Advocacy Network email list to show your support for a family member or friend through The Arc’s national movement.
By signing up you will receive reliable updates about state and federal legislative decisions so you can take action as an informed advocate.
Your elected officials will listen to you on issues that are important to the I/DD community by making a call or sending an email! Go to www.thearcofal.org to subscribe!
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to [email protected].
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