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.
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• 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.
Let Us Egg Your Yard – Help Us End Alzheimers. How would you like to wake up to a yard filled with candy stuffed eggs and a note from the easter bunny? 30 Eggs = $25; 40 Eggs = $45; 70 Eggs = $65. All proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Please contact Ashley Fike at 256-366-3362 or Jessica Jackson at 256-762-9747 to hold your spot or for more information.
Fish Fry at East Colbert Church of Christ Saturday, April 3, Noon-5pm. Adults $12 each. Children ages 5-11 $6. Carry Outs Only!(All proceeds to mission work and benevolence.)
March is Red Cross Month, and the Red Cross is celebrating blood, platelet and plasma donors for stepping up to meet the constant need for blood amid the pandemic.
A year ago, many things in the world paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the need for blood never stopped. Today blood donations are just as essential, and the American Red Cross urges individuals who are healthy to make an appointment to donate blood.
More donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed now to ensure that patients have lifesaving blood products available for emergencies and everyday medical treatments. visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Athens: Wednesday, March 24, 2-6pm, Clements Baptist Church-Gymnasium, 8690 US Hwy 72 West
The charming town of Linden, TN is hosting its 13th annual Blooming Arts Festival on March 26-27, an annual signature event and one of the region’s leading outdoor festivals. The free event, had more than 150 artists registered in 2019 and attendance near 10,000.
Linden’s downtown Main Street features wide sidewalks, retro lampposts, restored architecture, and beautifully landscaped trees; the perfect backdrop for showcasing creative arts and crafts.
In addition to arts & crafts exhibitors, a full schedule of live music is planned for both days plus the always-popular Kids Zone, complete with rides and many fun activities. Blooming Arts Festival is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.bloomingartsfestival.com
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
March Holy Days of Religions in the Shoals- Buddhist: Magha Puja Day March 28
Poetry Contest for 7th – 12th Graders!! The Kappa Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated is having a Poetry Contest! All 7th – 12th graders are welcome to enter! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be given away! Suggested Theme: “The Harlem Renaissance”.
Entries must be recorded and emailed, original or recitations, and no longer than 3 minutes. The deadline for entries is April 3. Go to bit.ly.com/kpopoetry to register! For more information, please call 256-542-1258.
Florence Drive Thru Neighborhood Food Pantry at North Wood Methodist Church during COVID crisis, requirements: photo ID. Call 256-764-2111 for appointment.
Want to list your event in Community Notes? Email your information to [email protected].
Scale Back Alabama, the state’s largest wellness program, is extending the 2021 start date to Monday, April 5. Originally slated to start on Monday, March 1, the program will now kick off the following month in an effort to accommodate a bigger and better participant experience. Anyone who lives or works in Alabama and wants to develop a healthier lifestyle is encouraged to register for the free program. Registration closes on April 4. Information describing the entirely virtual program can be seen at https://scalebackalabama.com/
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/
LifeSouth Blood Drives for March The Shoals Center, 307 Veterans Drive, Florence, 888-795-2707. The hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9am-7pm; Saturday 9am-3pm; Sunday 1-5pm.
Wednesday, March 24, 7:30am – 3:30pm, Tharptown High School, 145 Highway 80, Tharptown
Thursday, March 25, Noon – 6pm, Shoals Hospital, 201 W Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals
Friday, March 26, 9am – 4pm, Colbert County Courthouse, 201 N Main Street, Tuscumbia
Saturday, March 27, Noon – 6pm, Dick’s Sporting Goods, 376 Cox Creek Parkway Suite A, Florence
Sunday, March 28, Noon – 6pm, Walmart, 42466 Highway 195, Haleyville
Monday, March 29, 10am – 6pm, Fisher Animal Hospital, 235 Cox Creek Parkway South, Florence
Tuesday, March 30, 10am – 4pm, State Farm – Britt Blanton, 365 Highway 72, Killen
Wednesday, March 31, 5am – 7pm, American Wholesale Book Company, 4350 Bryson Boulevard, Florence
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!
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.
The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art exhibit of Southern Black artists running through April 2 includes works by emerging Florence artist Kerrigan Casey, world-renowned folk artist Charlie Lucas, Lynthia Edwards, an Alabama artist who explores the experiences of black girls in the south, and Michi Meko’s exhibit, entitled, “When It’s Black Outside: Notes from the Before Times.”
As part of Southern Black artist exhibit, TVMA will have a display focused on the poetry book, A Man Ain’t Nothin’ by Jason McCall, with cover art by Cory Patton. This exhibit will feature poems by McCall and paintings by Patton.
The hours for this exhibition are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday, 10am-3pm. Entry is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free for members of the Tennessee Valley Art Association. Masks are required and distancing is maintained. tennesseevalleyarts.org, 256-383-0533
The Healing Hearts Camp on April 17. This year to celebrate its 20th Anniversary, The Healing Place is going to have its annual Camp Virtually, with a special in person activity to help remember those in our community affected by grief.
We are going to be creating a Memorial Garden at The Healing Place. The kids will be able to create memorial stepping stones the week before the camp starts, as well as pick up a bag of supplies they will need for camp.
The Healing Hearts Day Camp is on Saturday, April 17. Two sessions, K-4th grade from 10am-12 pm and 5th=8th grade 2-4pm.
This camp is a great way to interact with others who have experienced a similar loss.
To sign up, please call 256-383-7133 or email [email protected].
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]
Thousands of Native American objects are stolen from burial sites around the Shoals each year. The Thousand Eyes Program helps to monitor these sites for theft and environmental damage. The Florence Indian Mound Museum is seeking volunteers for the Shoals Chapter of the Thousand Eyes Program. The program will host a training for volunteers on April 17 and 18. Volunteers will assist archaeologists by helping to monitor archaeological sites in the Shoals for looting and environmental damage.
Availability in the training is limited, so if you are interested, please email [email protected] or call 256-760-6427 to request an application. If selected, volunteers will complete the training in April and be assigned a site to look over and monitor. Site visits often requiring hiking, boating, or kayaking. Help stop the looting; help protect our past for our future.
This program is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums. The Florence Indian Mound Museum is located at 1028 S. Court St. Florence, AL and is open, Tuesday – Saturday from 10am- 4pm and Sundays from 1-4pm Call 256-760-6427 for more information.
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to [email protected].
UNA Christian Student Center’s Annual Golf Tournament will be on Monday, April 26, tee time 1pm at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. $100 per player, $400 per team. $10 mulligans, 3 for $25.
Register by April 19. Contact 256-764-9439.
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.
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].
A phone scam involving Florence Utilities customers was reported last week. The caller demanded payment and threatened disconnection of utilities. Please be advised that Florence Utilities will NOT call customers to ask for payment information over the phone. If you have any concerns about your utility account, please call our Customer Service department at 256-760-6512. If you ever have a question about a scam call or someone at your door, call the Florence Police Department at 256-760-6610 or 911.
Osborn Hill Cemetery Officers have decided to postpone their yearly meeting due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Donations are still needed to help maintain the perpetual care now, and in the future.
Please make check payable to the Osborn Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Lana Duncan, 2330 Colburn Mtn. Road, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 or to the Osborn Hill Cemetery Fund at Valley State Bank in Russellville.
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.
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.
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
The Friends Bookstore at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library has now reopened! with the new business hours of 12-4pm Monday-Friday. Don’t forget your mask!
The Friends Bookstore has a large variety of books at great prices, so be sure to go shop their selection! Proceeds from the bookstore help the library provide more free books and services to the community. 350 N Wood Ave. in Florence.
The Friends Bookstore is beginning to accept donations again, starting with greeting cards, calendars, and magazines only. Please bring your donations during business hours, which currently are from noon-4pm Monday-Friday.
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.
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].
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].”
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers can now test all eligible blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies.
The antibody test conducted by LifeSouth is authorized for use by the FDA and detects if someone has developed antibodies to COVID-19. A positive test result may indicate past exposure and some immunity to the virus. This antibody test is not a diagnostic test and will not determine if the person currently has the virus.
LifeSouth encourages donors to make an appointment to donate over the coming weeks.
For additional information, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.
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 also needed.
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.
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. Paula Pardue at 256-389-0529 or 1-800-Ageline (1-800-243-5463)
This Program Is In Partnership With The State Of Alabama And Alabama Department Of Senior Services
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].