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.
Follow Pigeon Forge News on Google News
• 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 Drive Thru Neighborhood Food Pantry at North Wood Methodist Church during COVID crisis, requirements: photo ID. Call 256-764-2111 for appointment.
Florence-Lauderdale Farmers Market Opens May 1 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.
John Paul White and the Shoals Symphony in concert at 7pm April 30 and May 1 at Norton Auditorium on the UNA Campus, Florence. For tickets, visit www.shoalssymphony.org.
“Hunchback of Notre Dame” presented by Muscle Shoals High School Performing Arts. Show opens at 7pm on April 30, 2pm and 7pm on May 1, and 2pm on May 2. Tickets are $12 and can be bought on Go Fan. https://gofan.co/app/schools/AL1596.
Osborn Hill Cemetery – Decoration Day will be on May 1. The first Saturday of May has been observed as Decoration Day for well over 100 years. All old flowers will need to be removed from the graves during April. Please make plans for that special day to come to the cemetery.
Also its time again for annual donations. If you would like to donate to the Osborn Hill Cemetery Fund, please send your donations to: Osborn Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Lana Duncan 2330 Colburn Mtn. Road, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. or more information on sponsoring the event, please email the Scavenger Hunt committee at [email protected]
Fish Fry at East Colbert Church of Christ Saturday, May 1, Noon-5pm. Adults $12 each. Children ages 5-11 $6. Carry Outs Only!(All proceeds to mission work and benevolence.)
The Attention Homes of Northwest Alabama and the Colbert County Juvenile Probation Office are hosting a yard sale beginning at 8am on Saturday, May 1 in the parking lot beside the new Colbert County Juvenile Probation office, at 201 North Water Street in Tuscumbia.
There will be household items, clothing for the entire family, boutique clothing, toys, collectables, tools, craft supplies, decorations, furnishings, and MUCH more. All proceeds from the yard sale will benefit the Attention Homes and Juvenile Probation.
Recall LaGrange’s Distillery Raid on the Mountain will be May 1, 10am-4pm. Skirmish will be held at 2pm at the College Park Site, 1491 LaGrange College Road, Leighton. Dawson Distillery open 9am-6pm. Living history presentations throughout the day.
Classic and Custom Car Show hosted by Legacy Christian Academy in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, Killen, from 9am-Noon on May 1.
Car entry fee is $25. Pre-registration or register the day of the event. Free to the public to view. Come join the fun and meet other care enthusiasts. Coffee and doughnuts, door prizes, vendors adjoining Spring Market, with BBQ plates, concessions.
Legacy’s Spring Market – One day shopping event at Legacy Christian Academy, 510 JC Mauldin Highway in Killen, is May 1 from 9am-5pm.
Over 50 vendors with hanging baskets, plant sale, BBQ plate lunches on site. Oldies music while shopping. Admission is $3, children under 12 free.
Awards and Prizes are up for Grabs to contestants and Winners in the Songs, Lyrics, Music & Poetry Contest 2021. You can win Recording Contracts, Worldwide Song Distribution Deals, Platinum, and Gold Record and Album Awards, Plaques, Cash, Collectable Signed Music Memorabilia, Guitars and other musical instruments, trips, books, etc. Radio ready songs will be included on a winner’s compilation CD and get distribution to over two hundred radio stations worldwide and be invited to perform your award winning songs at the Compilation CD release party. Poems may be published in our program book. There are separate categories for Songs, Lyrics, Poems and Instrumental only music writers, too.
You may enter as many songs as you like and send them all on one CD or tape, we accept all genres of music.
Please call 256-299-8817 for an entry form to be mailed to you. If you get an answering machine, please leave your name, address, telephone number and email, someone from the NWA Songwriters, Poets & Artists Hall of Fame will return you call and answer questions. Deadline to enter is May 1, 2021.
April Holy Days of religions
present in the Shoals
• April 27, Hanuman Jayanati
• April 28, 9th day of Ridvan
Want to list your event in Community Notes? Email your information to [email protected].
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.
LifeSouth Blood Drives – 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.
Wednesday, April 28, 10am-3pm, Farris Wholesale Outlet, 220 Farris Dr., Tuscumbia
Thursday, April 29, 7am-5pm, North Alabama Medical Center, 1701 Veterans Dr., Florence
Friday, April 30, 7:30am-4pm, Hackleburg High School, 189 School St., Hackleburg
Saturday, May 1, 8am-6pm, Moulton’s Strawberry Festival, 455 School St., Moulton
Sunday, May 2, 8am-1pm, Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Pkwy, Florence
Monday, May 3, 8am-4pm, Muscle Shoals High School, 1900 Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals
Tuesday, May 4, 6am-6pm, Constellium, 4805 E. 2nd St., Muscle Shoals
Wednesday, May 5, 6am-4pm, Constellium, 4805 E. 2nd St., Muscle Shoals
Thursday, May 6, 7:30am-3:30pm, Red Bay High School, 800 8th St., Red Bay
Friday, May 7, 12-6pm, Cricket Wireless, 2010 Woodward Ave., Muscle Shoals
Saturday, May 8, 11am-6pm, Lowe’s, 130 Cox Creek Pkwy, Florence
Sunday, May 9, 12-6pm, Walmart, Military St., Hamilton
The 12th Annual Coats Farm Benefit Trail Ride & Auction takes place April 30 and May 1 at Coats Farm, 1458 County Road 298, north of Florence. The Yard Sale will begin Friday, April 30 at 8am in The Barn. Trail Ride begins Saturday, May 1 at 9am.
There will be NO Silent Auction or Bake Sale, however between 10-11am Saturday restaurant and business gift cards and hotel certificates will be sold at a discount, first come…first served!
All your favorites, including Chicken and Goat Stew, Hamburgers, Hot dogs, BBQ, and Ham & Beans will be served beginning at 11am. The Big auction takes place outside beginning at 12:15pm with New and Used Furniture, Sports Memorabilia, Antiques, Tools, Appliances, Horse Tack, Grass Seed and much more.
For more information, call Don Williams, NACCH Director at 256-366-3327, Robert Coats 256-762, 2514, or Buddy Smith 256-757-4212.
The Board of NACCH suggests that masks be worn for the safety of the children and all who are present. Anyone not feeling well is asked not to attend.
All proceeds go to North Alabama Christian Children’s Home.
All-Day Plein Air Painting Workshop hosted by The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia on May 1 from 8:30am-4pm. It will be held outdoors and will feature live demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and group critique at the end. Cost is $200 for the general public, and includes and annual membership to the Tennessee Valle Art Association, and $175 for members. The fee includes lunch and snacks, but students will bring their own supplies. Seating is limited. tennesseevalleyarts.org.
“Little Mermaid Jr.” presented by Shoals Christian School, 301 Heathrow Drive, Florence on May 6-8 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students, $5 for ages 5 and younger. Families/groups of 5 or more are $8 each. Tickets on sale now. 256-767-7070, and at the door the night of each performance.
A Cemetery Preservation and Grave Stone Cleaning Workshop will be held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 415 St. Paul Circle (off Cook Lane), Tuscumbia, on Saturday, May 8, 9am-noon. Cait Monroe, Huntsville public historian, will conduct the workshop that will include hands-on opportunities in the church’s historic burial ground. Recommended products and techniques which will not inflict damage will be reviewed. Supplies will be provided. There is no charge and the public is invited. The workshop is sponsored by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Keeton Stewart is the Pastor. For more information, please call 256-710-9081.
After successfully finding forever homes for 18,359 pets in 2020 alone, BISSELL Pet Foundation is again aiming to Empty the Shelters by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $25 or less May 5-9.
It is the largest Empty the Shelters event yet, with 200 participating shelters and rescues in 36 states.
Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services is taking part in this event again this year, one of four shelters in Alabama.
There are many pet lovers/owners, but bringing awareness to adoption specifically is no light work. If you can, help save lives and give homeless pets the second chance they deserve.
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.
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
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.
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].”
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 Junior League of the Shoals is hosting its first Touch A Truck Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, May 15! Touch-A-Truck is a family-friendly sensory experience where children can play and explore various pieces of machinery, equipment, and trucks! Children will also have the chance to meet and interact with the men and women who help build, protect, and serve the Shoals communities – all in a scavenger hunt style interactive event that will span Colbert, Lauderdale, and Franklin counties!
If you have a location or vehicle that would be a great addition to the Touch A Truck Scavenger Hunt, we’d love to have you involved.
You’ll get promotion on our social media and website, will be seen as a community supporter, and will have traffic driven to your site or business with opportunities to interact with participants!
Arts Alive returns to Wilson Park in Florence, May 15-16.
Confederate Memorial Park, a historic property of the Alabama Historical Commission located in Marbury, Alabama, will host a walking tour on Saturday, May 15, at 10am. Visitors will explore the locations and ruins of the original structures that once occupied the site, as well as tours of a cemetery and the park’s museum.
At the beginning of the 20th century, many indigent Confederate veterans lived in Alabama. Through Montgomery attorney and Confederate veteran, Jefferson Manly Falkner’s untiring efforts, the state of Alabama established the Alabama Confederate Soldiers’ Home in 1901, which served as the state’s only facility for the care of indigent Confederate veterans.
Today, Alabama’s only Confederate veterans’ home is incorporated into Confederate Memorial Park, which spans 102 acres of rolling wooded countryside near the center of the state. Life for the old soldiers, called “inmates,” was better than most had known before their arrival. The home provided housing, meals, clothing, allowances, medical care and, for many, a place to die and be buried with dignity. The cost for the walking tour is $10 per person and can be paid at the museum prior to the 10 a.m. departure. To accommodate social distancing, the tour is allotted for a maximum of 15 participants. Please call the museum at 205-755-1990 to reserve your spot! Confederate Memorial Park is located at 437 Co Rd 63 in Marbury.
To learn more about Confederate Memorial Park, or the Alabama Historical Commission, please visit www.ahc.alabama.gov.
4th Annual Blue Light Vigil – Honor the Fallen on Saturday, May 15, 7pm. Come out and show support for all the fallen police officers of 2019-2020. This event will have guest speakers such as Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and fellow law enforcement officers. After the guest speakers, all Law Enforcement Officers will turn on their blue lights under the night sky as we do roll call of the fallen.
The event is free to the public. Event is being held at Cowboy Church of Colbert County, 3440 Hwy 157 in Leighton.
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].
Nominations are open for the LONG-LEWIS LOCAL HERO OF THE MONTH AWARD. 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.
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].