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City of Florence
Message Center  

Alabama's Renaissance City




In This Issue
Message from Mayor Holt


C ITY OF FLORENCE NEWS

The Florence City Council
meeting is set for
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
4:00 p.m. Work Session
5:00 p.m. Council Meeting
City Auditorium
 103 South Pine Street

MORE GOOD NEWS...

Area Development, a national publication, ranked Alabama No. 3 in its 2018 "Top States for Business" survey and gave the state a shout-out for improved economic development policies.
 

A reminder about the historical marker book available
in conjunction with our Bicentennial Celebration!
 
HISTORICAL SITES AND MARKERS
OF FLORENCE, 1818-2018
By Robert S. Steen
 
The unique history of the City of Florence, its location on the Tennessee River, and itsdevelopment over the past 200 years, has resulted in a variety of historical sites in Florence.  Many of these sites are contained in the 232- page bo ok,  Historical Sites and Markers, 1818 - 2018 , by Robert S. Steen. With its high quality photography and color print on thick gloss paper, this book is an excellent Bicentennial souvenir.

The cost of the book is $30.

It can be found at these locations:
 
City of Florence Mayor's Office
City of Florence KD Center for the Arts
Pope's Tavern
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Shoals Chamber of Commerce
Rogersville Chamber of Commerce
Veterans Memorial Museum
Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Office
Florence Federal Credit Union
LaGrange College Welcome Center
The Herald Quickprint Shop
 


WE ARE 200 YEARS OLD!

On March 12, 2018, the City of Florence was officially 200 years old - making it one full year older than the State of Alabama!
 
It was a GRAND Bicentennial Celebration on Monday, March 12, in Wilson Park, and now we have an entire year of exciting events planned to highlight the different sectors that helped form our wonderful City.

SEPTEMBER
Paying Tribute to our Native American Heritage
is the theme for September...
  • Sunday, September 30, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM - NATIVE AMERICAN MONTH CELEBRATIONfree of charge, featuring a native plant workshop, an archery demonstration, and hands-on activities for children at the Indian Mound Museum
  • Sunday, September 30, 2:00 PM - NATIVE AMERICAN PRESENTATION "The Archaeology of the Tennessee River Valley" by Matthew Gage, Director, Office of Archaeological Research, Un. of Alabama, held at the Florence Indian Mound Museum
For a full list of Florence Bicentennial events, visit  www.florence200.org


(Updated Schedule as of September 23, 2018)

We are indebted to our wonderful  Sponsors who
helped to make the celebration possible!

(Including an online store - Click on "Shop" from the menu)
(Here are a few of the items for sale...)









Memorabilia  includes :
Christmas ornaments, canvas tote bags, coasters, ball caps, coffee mugs, insulated tumblers, throws, commerative coins, tee-shirts, polo shirts, golf balls, fans, window decals, lapel pins, screen wipes, koozies, a Historical Marker book; a CD entitled "Fall of the River" telling the City's history; and the beautiful 2018 Bicentennial Calendar published by The Design Committee of Florence Main Street and 
features interesting information about Florence's fascinating history, along with details of the commemorations that will take place monthly from March through December.  

Items are now available for sale  in the:
Mayor's Office, 102 South Court Street, Second Floor
Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Office, 200 Jim Spain Drive
Shoals Chamber of Commerce, 20 Hightower Place

Bicentennial Office - 256-760-6689
Mayor's Office - 256-760-6400

Thank you
Florence Federal Credit Union
for your support!
Mark Your Calendars for this great Bicentennial event... FUN FOR ALL!

 
JUST OUT...
Florence Bicentennial Timeline

 Explore Florence's first 200 years through
videos, photos, documents,  and text through
this new online history timeline.     
Visit www.florencehistory.org to start learning!

WE NEED
YOUR HELP



THE SHOALS MUSIC & TOURISM SURVEY

A study is being performed on the music ecosystem in The Shoals regio n.  By participating in the survey y ou can help develop and protect a healthy music and tourism environment here.
 
C omplete this survey and your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to  win a one (1) night stay at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Dinner for Two at the 360 Grille, compliments of the Marriott Shoals.
 
The survey will close on  October 12, 2018.







Ribbon Cutting - 9-26-2018
RENOVATION BRANDS 
3114 Kendall Drive
256-765-2171
 
Renovation Brands celebrated the opening of its new location at 3114 Kendall Drive in Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park with a Shoals Chamber Ribbon Cutting.  Renovation Brands is the parent company of multiple, fast growing home improvement products brands serving both residential and commercial customers in the renovation space.  Congratulations to Renovation Brands on its expansion in Florence!


Ribbon Cutting - 9-21-2018
THE STRICKLIN
HOTEL & BOILER ROOM
317 N. Court Street
256-248-9982
Info:  256-248-9982  The Stricklin Hotel
Info:  256-693-0074  The Boiler Room
 
Thank you the Stricklin Hotel and Boiler Room for creating great spaces to bring our citizens and visitors together for business meetings, events, and fun!  Two event spaces overlooking Court Street and Wilson Park make for the perfect place to host events of all sizes, including The Belk Hudson and The Stricklin Social rooms.  The Stricklin Hotel is located on the second and third floors of the historic Stricklin Building.  The first-floor houses the infamous Big Bad Breakfast and the basement of the Stricklin Building includes an upscale vintage bowling alley and gaming space, The Boiler Room.





FLORENCE
FALCON FOOTBALL
IS HERE!

Florence Falcons vs Muscle Shoals Trojans
Friday, September 28 @ 7 p.m.
@ Muscle Shoals, AL
Directions Click Here...

Please make plans to attend and cheer on our Falcons!






UNA LIONS
VS
Campbell Fighting Camels

@ Barker-Lane Stadium
Buies Creek, NC
 
Saturday, September 29
6:00 PM
Watch on - ESPN+
Radio - WBCF 97.1

ROAR ON LIONS!!






ARX MORTIS OPENS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
4051 HWY 72, KILLEN, AL

Arx Mortis is NOT your mom and dad's haunted house!

From our name, Arx Mortis from the latin meaning "The Castle of Death!" to the professional animatronics, actors, make-up and sets we have made every effort to bring you the best haunted entertainment possible. We like to think of it as more of a haunted experience than just an attraction. So every year we change large portions of the haunt to give you, our victim...sorry I mean guest a new experience.

The Legion has been devoting special attention, time and resources to actor training, makeup and costumes to make sure 2018 is the best and most horrific year yet!

Saturday, September 29
McFarland Park
Sponsored by Shoals Scholar Dollars


Shoals Symphony Orchestra 
Presents
"BACH, BEETHOVEN & BREWS"
Saturday, September 29
7:00 PM

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art
511 North Water Street, Tuscumbia

Tickets can be purchased online at shoalssymphony.una.edu;
by phone at (256) 710-1623; 
in person at the Symphony Office, 409 N Court St-Suite 100;
or at the event.
 


 
 
 
Doing The Most Good
Shoals Area, AL
Lauderdale, Colbert & Franklin Counties
The Salvation Army takes great joy in its volunteers.  One of the biggest reasons we are able to do what we do is due to volunteers. Please consider a way you might be willing to give of yourself to others.  Call 256-764-4432.
 

FOR TREE & KETTLE TIMES - Volunteer Service Form-Click Here
This October, the Homeless Care Council is celebrating SOCKTOBER.
 We are collecting socks of all sizes and shapes for our homeless citizens.
Share this flyer with your friends, coworkers, and family!
We want to shower the Northwest Alabama area with socks!

To donate, call Christa Martin at 256-398-0192 or

THE Z PRESENTS...


"Schoolmarm" Series Part 3 - Matrimony Mayhem
Friday, October 5, 7:30 PM
The Z - 416 North Court Street
 
Join us for the final installment in the "Schoolmarm" series on First Friday, October 5, at 7:30 pm, at The Z.  Sit back, boo the villain, cheer the hero, have a few (or a LOT) of laughs, and finally see the conclusion of the series!
 
Tickets are $8 and are available at www.TheZTickets.Store in advance or at the door beginning at 7 pm the night of performance.

For more information, call 256-768-5586.




The Belles of Whitechapel
Thursday-Saturday, October 18-20, 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 21, 2:00 PM
The Z - 416 North Court Street
 
Continuing into October...when better to hear the stories of the victims of Jack the Ripper from their own lips?  Find out who they were and how they came to be the unlucky victims of the most famous serial killer of all.  Come see The Belles of Whitechapel on October 18-21 at The Z.  Written by Huntsville native Wayne Miller, this will be the second production of this script.
 
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and will be available at www.TheZTickets.Store or at the door beginning 30 minutes prior to curtain.

For more information, please call 256-768-5586.


The Z is proud to announce its
2018-19 mainstage season...
Beginning Oct. 18-21 , the season opens with "The Belles of Whitechapel,"
a series of monologues by the victims of Jack the Ripper.

Dec. 6-9 will be the muscial "Scrooge in Rouge," a hilarious interpretation of Dickens' 
"A Christmas Carol" by the last three remaining members of a Victorian music hall troupe.

On Jan. 10-13, Tennessee Williams' classic "The Glass Menagerie" will take the stage,
Followed by "The Elephant Man" on Feb. 21-24.

Finally, on May 16-19, "Dial M for Murder" will end the season.

Season tickets are available now for $65 at www.TheZTickets.Store.
In addition, when patrons purchase season tickets, they also have the
option to add-on a ticket for the 2nd Annual 24-Hour Plays for $10.  

The Z, 416 North Court Street
This event is to raise money for John Oubre 4 the Holidays, a charity that raises money to
collect toys, clothes, food, etc., for families in need during the holiday season.

For more information contact:   marketing@singinriverbrewing.com 

 
2018 Run for Your Brain:  Zombie Chase and Fun Run
October 20 @ 9:00 am - 11 am -- $20 - $25

The 2018 Run for your Brain features a Zombie Chase 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.

Proceeds support Northwest Alabama Reading Aides - a stroke support group.

Both races will start and finish at North Alabama Medical Center, 1701 Veterans Drive, Florence, AL

Pre-Registration:
Zombie Chase 5k: $20.00
1 mile Fun Run: $10

Race Day Registration:
Zombie Chase 5k: $25.00
1 mile Fun Run: $10



ARTS & MUSEUMS DEPARTMENT

KENNEDY-DOUGLASS CENTER FOR THE ARTS is located at 217 East Tuscaloosa Street,
Florence, and is open, free of charge, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  
Call 256-760-6379 for information on City museums and art events or  Click here.

****************************************************
Art Expressions: Shoals Artist Guild Exhibition
October 2 - November 2

Art Expressions , an exhibition of works by members of the Shoals Artists Guild, will be on display at Kennedy-Douglass Center of the Arts in Florence from October 2 through November 2, 2018. Join the artists for an opening reception Sunday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m. The exhibit will also be open the weekend of the Alabama Renaissance Faire, October 27 and 28, during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
 
This group of nearly thirty artists was founded in 1952 and includes members who work in a wide variety of media and with many different styles and techniques. The exhibit will include paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and mixed media. This year's judge will choose nine pieces as award winners - 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, three Honorable Mentions, and three Merit Awards.
 
The guild meets the third Friday of each month at the Arts Center for demonstrations of new art techniques and discussions of current trends in the art world. Members are welcome to stay after meetings to sketch or paint. The Guild maintains a permanent gallery of original paintings and prints on the second floor of the arts center and displays work at several other area locations. New members are always welcome.
 
"Leaving Puckett"
Oil painting
Jeanne Summerhill
 

CITY BOARDS
 
The City of Florence has numerous boards and commissions through which our citizenry can get involved.  We depend upon you to help us make wise decisions and we solicit your advice and ideas.  Your service is invaluable in helping us continue to build and prosper as a progressive City. 
 



If you are interested and willing to serve on one of these boards,
you may: 

Pick up an application from the Mayor/Council Office or
download a simple application that is available on the City's website at

A description of each board, along with the resolution
detailing the guidelines  for serving, is also posted on the same website.  Applications stay  on file for one year.  After one year, you will need to reapply or  let us know to update your application that is on file.   



 

   


PET ADOPTION

The Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter has

DOGS AND CATS available for

ADOPTION OR FOSTER.

 

Click here for the Quarterly Newsletter...

 

 

 

 

NEW SHELTER HOURS - The Shelter is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.  

 

Friday Evenings the Shelter is open for Pet Adoption - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Weekend hours are:

 Saturday, open to the public and volunteers,

from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and

Sunday, closed to the public,

but open to volunteers from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

 

Volunteers are always welcome!

 

 

 

 

PET LICENSING ORDINANCE 

The City Council adopted a  pet license ordinance

for certain dogs and cats. 

The ordinance became effective May 1, 2014.

 

Florence Parks & Recreation Department
 
For an updated listing of the monthly activities at the
Royal Avenue Center
421 North Royal Avenue
256-760-6425

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
 
The CLUB 
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
"Where Boomers and Seniors Come Together As ONE"
450 Country Club Drive
(Savannah Highway/Hwy. 20)
Florence - 256-760-6420
***The Club is a drug free, alcohol free facility***
 




2018 Weekly Schedule of Events

 

 
O n FRIDAYS , the Boomers and Seniors wear RED to show support for our service men and women.  Get your " CLUB " shirt the next time you visit.
 
 
 
"JOINTS IN MOTION" CHAIR EXERCISE CLASS will help you with your activities of daily living.  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  No age limit. Men, women, friends and family are welcome to join us at The CLUB .  No fee.  Class Leader:  Fran "fish" Davis.
 
Also, the Joints in Motion Class offers the opportunity for you to join them in prayer around the flagpole each Monday morning after class at 9:50 a.m. to pray for our community, city, nation, first responders, troops, and families and friends of The CLUB .
 
THE NUTRITION PROGRAM is a NACOLG/State program which serves lunch each Monday-Friday, at 11:00 a.m., at The CLUB .  Suggested donation $1.  This program is based on age and not financial need.  Limited seating (35) available on first come basis.  You must be seated by 10:30 a.m.  Feel free to come check it out.
The only requirements are:
1) Must be 60 years of age, and
2) Must sign in and be seated by 10:30 a.m.
 
BOOMER'S & SENIOR'S TUESDAY NIGHT DANCE at The CLUB , 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., each week.  The doors will open at 6:00 p.m.  $6 per person.  Singles & couples are welcome.  21+ years old.  Music spanning the decades is performed by The Browns.   For more information please call The CLUB at 256-760-6420, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 
Alabama's state dance is Folk and Square Dancing.  It's a healthy challenge that will have you stepping to the music and enjoying your new dance family.  The Singing River Squares will happily be your square dance angels during your BEGINNING SQUARE DANCE CLASSES that begins approximately every 12 weeks. The Singing River Squares WELCOMES you to give it a try.  Singles, couples, families...anyone with the desire to learn is welcomed.  For more information call Fran at The CLUB , 256-760-6642.  The seasoned dancers will dance PLUS TIPS in between the beginners tips.
 
BINGO is offered at 9:30 am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  No fee for BINGO.  Expendable type prizes are appreciated such as paper products, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, soap, puzzle books, unopened snack foods. If you'd like to make a donation our guys & gals they would greatly appreciate it.
 
BOARD GAMES, ROOK, CARD GAMES, DOMINOES and fun with friends each morning & afternoon at The CLUB .  9 am to 4 pm.  No fee.
 


 
We attend
Senior Citizens Appreciation Day (SCAD)
each spring!

We have picnics at The Club throughout the year. Feel free to give us a call for the schedule. Due to thunderstorms that roll through our area we have to postpone our outdoor events occasionally.
 
The DULCIMERS play each fourth Thursday at The CLUB , from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Come and enjoy their music!
 
We enjoy MYSTERY TRIPS and overnight trips with our friends from The CLUB .  The Dam Fall Color Tour and Touring for Christmas Lights are two of our favorite annual tours along with Reelfoot Lake, the Earthquake Lake, Tiptonville, TN during bald eagle season.
 

Our vegetable garden at The Club

Have a great weekend!

Mayor Steve Holt

How to Submit Your Event, News, or Announcement:

  • Public and community events or announcements can be in an email, Word document, PDF, or JPG file suitable for viewing on the web.  Include graphics in JPG or PNG if possible.
  • Along with your information, include your name, phone number, event name, location, date and time, and a brief description.
  • IMPORTANT:  Please submit your information no later than Tuesday of each week (preferably sooner).  Submissions after the deadline will be added to the next week's publication.  The newsletter is posted on Thursday afternoon.
  • Send your information to: smorgan@florenceal.org or call Sandra Morgan with questions at 256-760-6408.

 

City of Florence | 256-760-6300 | mayorholt@florenceal.org | http://www.florenceal.org
110 West College Street
P.O. Box 98
Florence, AL 35630