COMMUNITY NOTES may be submitted for non-profit, civic or church-related events and published free of charge AS SPACE IS AVAILABLE in the Courier Journal. Community Notes must be submitted in writing by 3pm Friday for consideration in the following week’s issue.
• Email to editor@courierjournal.net;
• Look for “Submit News” on our website at www.courierjournal.net.
• Mail to 219 W. Tennessee St, Florence, AL 35630; or
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.
COMMUNITY NOTES may be submitted for non-profit, civic or church-related events and published free of charge AS SPACE IS AVAILABLE in the Courier Journal. . Community Notes must be submitted in writing by 3pm Friday for consideration in the following week’s issue.
• Email to editor@courierjournal.net;
• Look for “Submit News” on our website at www.courierjournal.net.
• Mail to 219 W. Tennessee St, Florence, AL 35630; or
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.
CORRECTION: The Shoals Seventh Day Adventist Church, Florence was listed in last week’s Courier Journal as having a Handy Fest event on Saturday, July 30 from 2-4pm. Please note the church is NOT hosting an event this year.
The 41st Annual W.C. Handy Music Festival, July 22–31 at various locations in Colbert and Lauderdale counties. The W.C. Handy Festival is a week long celebration of the musical heritage of northwest Alabama, honoring Florence native W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues.” For more information, visit www.wchandymusicfestival.com or the WC Handy Facebook page.
Salem M. B. Church invites everyone to come and worship with us every Sunday morning at 10am at 923 West Mobile St, Florence. 256-633-3382.
Food Pantry at North Wood Methodist Church, North Florence. Call for appointment, 256-764-2111
The University of North Alabama will be hosting UNA Night during the W.C. Handy Music Festival on Tuesday, July 26 from 6-9pm at the North Court Street Median in Florence. Special co-hosts are Miss UNA 2022, Claire Hendrickson, and local radio/media personality, Hunter Jackson.
There will be live music, food trucks, and more for the entire family to enjoy. Admission to this outdoor event is free and open to the general public.
Opening Live Performance - 6- 6:45pm - BO AND THE BOYS
Headliner - 7-9pm - OFF THE CHAIN
Everyone is encouraged to wear UNA apparel, bring lawn chairs, ice coolers, and get ready to enjoy the biggest outdoor celebration of the summer at UNA.
In case of rain, the event will be hosted at the UNA Mane Room on Pine Street. For more information contact the UNA Office of Alumni Relations at 256-765-4201 or email alumni1@una.edu. Roar Lions!
Wood Avenue Church of Christ in Florence will host a series "Difficult Questions Answered" each Wednesday at 7pm this summer, located at 400 N. Wood Ave. Florence. Until August 10 with different guest preachers every week.
July 27 - Can I choose my gender? - Allen Webster
August 3 - Do I have to obey the government officials and laws? - Mark Howell
The Florence-Lauderdale Farmers Market is Now Open 6am-1pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday’s. You will find fruit, vegetables, beef, chicken, farm-fresh eggs, flowers, plants, and knife / scissor sharpening.
The market is a covered pavilion located at 451 Fairground Road in Florence with plenty of parking. Call if you have questions 256-443-4998.
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to Editor@CourierJournal.net.
LifeSouth Blood Drives for June
Wednesday, July 27, 9am-2pm - Florence Electricity, Reeder St., Florence
Thursday, July 28, 9am-4pm - NAMC, Florence
Friday, July 29, 11am-6pm - Franklin County Courthouse, Russellville
Saturday, July 30, 10am-7pm - Vina Julyfest, Vina
Sunday, July 31, Noon-6pm - Buff City Soap, Florence
The 59th Annual member exhibition, Artworks, takes place July 23 – August 13 at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N Water St, Tuscumbia. The exhibition showcases the work of talented artists right here in the Shoals area. Come see a wide range of art from dozens of artist members of the Tennessee Valley Art Association. Member Reception: Saturday, July 23. Exhibition Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm. Exhibit opening, and 50th Birthday Celebration will be Sunday, July 24, at 2pm.
Amity Day At Sundown - Second Annual Amity Day Concert in downtown Florence’s Wilson Park is Wednesday July 27 at 7pm, with the Mary Mason Band featuring Ronnie Eades! Amity means Friendship. Friendship glues communities together, so bring a chair and enjoy the music. Sponsored by WZZA radio, Baha'i Faith, Amity friends. Race Amity Day partners include AAUW, Interfaith Council, First Presbyterian Church, NAACP, Baha'i Faith, Unitarian Church, Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice
Cherokee Parks & Rec's Basketball Camp July 28, 10:30am-3:30pm at Cherokee Middle School Gym. For students 3rd-12th grade, $50 per student. Lunch and snack provided.
For more information, call 256-359-6599.
Restoration Church in Madison will host "Hear God's Voice Ministering Spiritual "SEEING EYES - HEARING EARS - HUNGRY HEARTS Gathering" with special guest speakers, Thomas and Fay Velez on Friday, July 29 from 6:30-9pm.
Registration required by text or email. Register by email thegraceplaceinc@att.net Register by text: cell 256-656-9921 Attn: TGP HGV Gathering.
Love offerings will be taken. Nursery not provided Restoration Church is at 5810 Wall Triana Hwy, in Madison.
Clothing & Household Goods Give Away - Saturday, July 30, 8am–1pm, Greater St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 129 S. Cherokee St., Florence.
Lila Barnett Area Women’s Missionary Society will be giving away clothing, household goods and Back-to-School supplies
Vender opportunities are still open for Shoals CASA is hosting its 2nd Annual Music Fest on Saturday, September 3 at the Muscle Shoals Amphitheater. Vendor times are from 10am-6pm. Food trucks are 10am-9pm. For more information on how to be a vendor or sponsor, please email hbegley@shoalscasa.org
Handy Fest - The Justus Brothers, featuring vocalist Katrina Anderson, are coming to Sheffield for the W.C. Handy Music Festival! The Justus Brothers are a contemporary jazz band boasting some of Memphis’ most accomplished musicians. The show is ay 7pm Saturday, July 30 at the Ritz Theatre.
Their fresh arrangement of the Gnarls Barkley hit “Crazy,” has scored them their second Top 50 song from their eponymous debut album. The song features vocals by Katrina Anderson, who will perform with the band at The Ritz.
The core members of The Justus Brothers — Jason Clark, Niko Lyras, Steve Potts, Pat Register, and Dave Smith — have performed together all over the world for decades. For tickets, visit TennesseeValleyArts.org.
“Music at the Mansion,” takes place July 30 at Belle Mont, 1569 Cook Lane, in Tuscumbia. This annual Handy Festival event will bring the Jazz Allstars Trio to Belle Mont Mansion. Concert is 3-5pm. No charge to attend/ donations accepted. Light refreshments will be available. Guests may enjoy a complimentary informal tour of the historic home, built circa 1828. Information: 256-381-5052
Annual Lay Day on Sunday, July 31, 11am at Greater St Paul A.M.E.. Church,129 S. Cherokee St., Florence. Our guest speaker will be our own Sister Jackie James.
Hi Neighbors of the Shoals meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month (August 2) at 10:30am in the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. We are a women’s social group. The group welcomes all ladies who are currently residents of the Shoals area. Come join us! Contact Berta Birch, 256-777-3119, for further details.
Open registration for Community Bible Study, a women’s interdenominational Bible study, will be on Wednesday, August 3 from 9–11am in the Chapel of Woodmont Baptist Church, 2001 Darby Drive, in Florence.
Please join us for an exciting, in-depth study of the books of Joshua; Colossians; I and II Peter; and James. The registration fee is $35 for adults (scholarships available) and $10 for infants – 12th grade. There is limited capacity in the children’s classes. Classes meet on Wednesday from 9:45am-12pm beginning September 7.
Participants may also register on-line at http://florenceal.cbsclass.org/
BIG Back-to-School CLOTHES GIVE AWAY on Thursday, August 4 from 8-10am at the Care Center, First Baptist Church in Killen
The Batting Brigade Quilt Guild meets every 2nd Monday at 9:30am at Edgemont Methodist Church, 1330 Eauclaire Ave in Florence. Everyone interested in Quilting is welcome - from beginners to expert
The Alabama Archaeological Society will host its annual summer meeting at the Indian Mound Museum in Florence on Saturday August 6. A full slate of interesting presentations will start at 9am sharp. Local members or interested others may want to be early for seating availability. More presentations will start early in the afternoon.
If you want to join and be a member of the AAS, consider it, and receive your newsletters, from “Happy Trails.” (There may be a small cost.) Please bring a friend!
The Town of Cherokee and Friends will be hosting a Back to School Block Party Saturday,, August 6, from 5-8pm in our Downtown area. Plans include inflatables, DJ with music, food truck vendor, school supply giveaways, High School organization participation, games, and more.
The purpose of the event is to encourage our community to come together for some fun as we welcome a new school year for our students.
The Town of Cherokee and Friends are dedicated to making this happen for our community. As a community supporter, we are asking for your help. We would greatly appreciate any support that you can provide.
Your consideration and support in the endeavor is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Town Hall at 256-359-4959.
There will be a Revival at Muscle Shoals Church of God o n August 12-13 at 7pm and August 14 at 10:45am with Michael Knight and the Redeemed. 1700 Firestone Ave. in Muscle Shoals
Revival at Bumpus Creek Freewill Baptist Church August 15-19, 7pm nightly. Bro. Tim Hanback will be bringing the message.
Special singing each night. A meal will be served after service on Friday night. Come worship with us.
Located at 2725 Co. Rd. 14, Waterloo.
Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group that will help you heal. Join on Tuesdays, 6-8pm, supper at 5:30pm, at Highland Baptist Church Christian Life Center, Room C101, corner of Martin and Eugenia St., Florence.
More info - 256-764-1392 or www.divorcecare.org/groups/149930.
Come Travel with The Club ( Florence Senior Center), Diamonds in the Rough. 256-760-6642. Our trips are open to the general public.
Pigeon Forge, August 1-5, 2022. $599 double rate per person, add $149 for private room. Final payment due 5/25/22.
Biltmore Estate & Ashville, NC, December 12-15, 2022. $569 double rate per person, add $140 for private room. $75 deposit on signing up.
Mackinac Island, May 14-20, 2023, $775 double rate per person, add $219 for private room. $75 deposit on signing up. Final payment 3/7/23.
Mount Rushmore, the Badlands & Black Hill of South Dakota, Sept. 30-Oct. 8, $999 double rate per person, add $286 for private room. $75 deposit on signing up. Final payment 7/23/23.
Shoals CASA is hosting its 2nd Annual Music Fest on Saturday, September 3 from 10am-9pm at the Muscle Shoals Amphitheater. Shoals CASA will have great music, food, and vendors on site with advocacy awareness featured for local abused and neglected children.
Guests are invited to shop from 10 am-6pm with local vendors showcasing unique, handmade crafts and art to marketplace modern, traditional, and emerging items. The concert is from 6-9pm with the Shoals’ very own Tommy Shields, Gary Nichols, and American Idol contestant, Cadance Baker!
FOOD TRUCKS - Smashed Burgers, Quench, and many more. For more information on how to be a vendor or sponsor, please email hbegley@shoalscasa.org
The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival early bird tickets are on sale now for the upcoming festival, scheduled for November 4-5 in Muscle Shoals.
The festival will feature more than 50 songwriters at multiple venues across The Shoals. A portion of the lineup is now available online. The remainder of the lineup, along with the festival schedule and headliner, will be announced later this summer.
Early Bird general admission weekend pass is $79. Early Bird VIP weekend pass is $99, and Early Bird VIP weekend pass and access to Thursday night Kick-Off Party is $129. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mssongfest.com.
Florence Parks and Recreation/The Club/Florence Senior Center offers a variety of activities.
Chair exercise classes, Games, BINGO, Lunches, Square Dance Lessons, Social Dance Night, Rock Painting, Walking Trail, Farmer’s Market Voucher Registration, Fishing Days at Deibert Park, Kayaking, 3rd Saturdays, April-September, Stateside and International travel opportunities. All ages welcomed. Lunch is for 60 and older. For more information please phone 256-760-6420, fdavis@florenceal.org, Facebook: Florence Senior Center “The Club”.
Tuesday Night Dance, 6:30-8:45pm, at The Club, 450 Country Club Drive in Florence. 256-760-6420 $5. The Browns.
Monday Night 6-8pm, Singing River Squares. At The Club, 450 Country Club Drive in Florence. Caller: Kevin Cozad,
Paint a rock, hide a rock, share a rock, Rock Painting, Friday 10am-1pm at The Club. Bring your rocks and paint with us. Join in the nationwide fun of painting, hiding and finding rocks, Keep your eyes open! The Club, 450 Country Club Drive in Florence. 256-760-6420
Quad Cities Squares Come enjoy fun & lessons of square dancing 7-9pm Thursday evenings at the Royal Avenue Recreation Center, 421 N. Royal Ave, Florence.
The Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group meets at the Florence Lauderdale library at 2pm every 3rd Monday of each month. All caregivers are welcome. We all need encouragement.
United Way is looking for volunteers who can help answer our 2-1-1 line. Training will be provided for volunteers and you can help from the comfort of your own home! Please visit https://www.uwnwal.org/volunteer-opportunities to submit your information!
The Help Center in Florence we Will Be Open on the 3rd Saturday of each month on a permanent basis. The volunteers felt they could better serve their Saturday clients if they made the change to be open on 3rd Saturday every month to help avoid confusion. Hours are 8:30-10am - for food distribution ONLY. Saturday hours are for families who are unable to come from 8:30-noon on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
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.
LifeSouth is in emergency need for blood donors, as the national blood shortage continues, and asks donors to help by donating blood during their Back to School Blood Drive. Blood donors who give blood at any LifeSouth donor center or bloodmobile through Sunday, August 8 will help summer blood shortages, save lives, and receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank you for donating.
This year continues to be difficult for LifeSouth and blood centers across the country with the impact of the pandemic causing a decrease in blood donations, while the need to help patients in local hospitals continues to increase.
Regular blood donors who have not given recently and first-time donors can make a major impact by donating. One donation can save up to three lives.
Donate at the Center, 307 Veterans Drive, Florence. Schedule an appointment, 256-765-7038. www.lifesouth.org. The hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9am-7pm; Saturday 9am-3pm; Sunday 1-5pm.
To find a donor center or mobile blood drive near you, visit lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707. Blood donors must be at least 17 or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is required. LifeSouth donors receive a complementary cholesterol screening with each donation.
Want to list your event in Community Notes? Email your information to editor@CourierJournal.net.
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
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to Editor@CourierJournal.net.
REAL Rehome Educate Adopt Love offers the following pet preventive care assistance for dogs and cats in Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin Counties:
Submit your Pet Wellness application from our Facebook page REAL Rehome Educate Adopt Love or website www.rehomeandeducate.webs.com
Lauderdale County Solid Waste - New Service Announcement - The Lauderdale County Solid Waste Department now picks up yard debris from county residents. This service is throughout the county only.
Residents who need our service and meet the requirements should call the Solid Waste office at 256-760-5878.
For more information see the advertisement in this issue.
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.
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.
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
All paper is recyclable if it will tear. We encourage you to reuse ribbons and bows, but they are not recyclable.
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.
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to Editor@CourierJournal.net.
AA 24-hour hotlines: 256-386-0663 or 1-800-789-4367. Website: www.shoalsaa.org
(Closed meetings are only for those who have a desire to stop drinking. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers.)
• An AA Group: closed discussion. 9am Saturdays, Adult Center Rm 20 at Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence.
• Florence H.O.W.: smoke-free, closed discussions 7pm, Mondays, Edgemont Methodist Church, 1330 Eauclaire Ave., Florence.
• Florence Open Door: Every day of the week at 6pm and 8pm. Mondays, additional 4pm. The 8pm on Wednesdays is a speaker meeting. Monday thru Saturday also have a 12pm meeting. All are open meetings and smoke-free indoors. 526 W. College St., Florence. Park in the lot across the street.
• Fourth Dimension: 7am Monday-Sunday, closed discussion – in person and online Zoom option (ID 573857015, password 241873); 9:30am Thursdays, women’s meeting, closed; 11am Monday-Sunday, closed discussion; 6pm Mondays, open Big Book study; 6pm Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, closed discussion; 11am first and third Mondays, open discussion, 505 N. Seminary St., Florence, entrance in rear of building. All meetings smoke free.
Freedom Group: Tuesdays 6pm, Big Book study, online only Zoom (ID Code 509289139, Password 790671); Sundays 8pm, open speaker, in person and Zoom (ID: 101061663, PW: 247476). CB&S Bank building, 464 4th St. W., Red Bay.
• Grupo Nuevo Amanecer, Spanish speaking, 7pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, open discussion; 9am Sundays, open discussion, 110 Tuscaloosa St E., Russellville.
• Happy Hour Group, smoke-free. 6am Mondays, meditation open discussion; 6am Tuesdays, Big Book open meeting; 6am Fridays, 12&12 open meeting, Killen Methodist Church, 201 J.C. Mauldin Hwy, Killen, building behind the church.
• Island Group, smoke-free. 7pm, Fridays, open-speaker meeting, Highland Park Church of Christ, 600 Geneva Avenue/corner Woodward, Muscle Shoals.
• Keep It Simple Group, smoke-free. 6:30pm Tuesdays, speaker meeting, open; 6:30pm Thursdays, closed discussion. Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence.
• La Alegria de Vivir, Spanish speaking, 7-9pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, open discussion and non-smoking, St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Building, 1111 E. College St., Florence.
• Lexington 449 Group, smoke free. 8pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, open discussion; Big Book study on Sundays; 8pm Saturdays, open speaker, 6083 Alabama Hwy 101, 3.5 miles north of U.S. 72.
• Monday Maintenance Meeting, 5pm on Mondays, closed discussion, masks required. First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 16751 US-72, Rogersville.
• Permanent Recovery Group, 6:30pm Tuesdays, open Big Book discussion,; 6:30pm Thursdays, open 12&12 discussion. First United Methodist Church, 14596 Market St., Moulton.
• Quad-Cities Group, 11am and 5:30pm, every day, open discussion. 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, open Big Book discussion. 750 E. Michigan Ave., Muscle Shoals.
• Sheffield Group, smoke-free. 9;30am Sundays closed discussion meeting; 11am Monday-Saturday, open discussion, with closed discussion on Fridays; 6pm Sundays closed discussion, 6pm Wednesdays open speaker meeting; 6pm Fridays newcomer open discussion; 5-7am Tuesdays, women's closed discussion; 7pm Mondays open 12&12 meeting, 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays closed Big Book meeting; 8pm Saturdays open speaker meeting. 210 E. Second St., Sheffield.
Survivors Group, smoke-free, 5:30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Big Book study on Tuesdays, 780 Ford Road, Muscle Shoals. All open discussion.
• Al-Anon meeting schedule: Hope Al-Anon Family Group, 6pm Mondays, Highland Park Church of Christ, 600 Geneva Ave., Muscle Shoals, childcare provided; Florence Daytime Al-Anon Family Group, 11am Tuesdays, Magnolia Church of Christ, 2650 Vulcan Ave., Florence; Paths to Recovery, 6pm Thursdays and 10am Saturdays, CrossPoint Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, 256-764-4073. Shoals Al-Anon contact phone: 256-648-5777.
• Al-Anon, 6pm Thursdays, First Baptist Church, Jackson Avenue, Russellville.
• Hope Al-Anon and Shoals Al-Teen (ages 12-18), 6pm, Monday, Highland Park Church of Christ, 600 Geneva Ave., Muscle Shoals.
• Florence Freedom AFG, 11am, Tuesday, Mission of Mercy, 414 Tuscaloosa St., Florence.
• Narcotics Anonymous Survival meets daily, noon and 7pm, 1614 State St., Florence. Nonsmoking. 256-500-8889
• Real Hope, 6-7pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, New Beginning Church, 855 Florence Blvd., Florence. Nonsmoking. 800-239-5509
• Point of Freedom, 7pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, CrossPoint Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence. Nonsmoking.
• Battered or abused women in need of counseling and/or emergency shelter may call Safeplace crisis line, 256-767-6210, 24 hours.
• Rape Crisis Line available 24 hours. 256-767-1100
Want to see your Event here? Email your information to Editor@CourierJournal.net.
The W.C. Handy Music Festival gets underway this weekend - some 320 events over 10 days and nights across the Shoals.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!
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