June 23, 2022

McFarland Park

Sunday, June 26, 2022

12 - 3 pm

Join Florence Fire & Rescue at McFarland Park on June 26 to support Autism Awareness. Food Trucks, including Mama Ps, Smash Burger, and Four Horseman BBQ, will be there. T-shirts are available for $15. Funds raised will benefit ARC of the Shoals and Autism Society of Alabama. Florence Fire Station will be presented with Carter Sensory Kits for the firetrucks to support Autism at 1 pm.

Thank you to all vendors, sponsors, and attendees, especially UNA Vice President Dr. Ron Patterson and Council Member Kaytrina Simmons, for marking this historical day a smashing success.

Stroll through historic downtown Florence the first Friday evening of each month, April through December, from 5:30 to 8 pm with extended summer hours(5:30-9 in June, July, and Aug).

Artists and live musicians line the streets with sidewalk exhibits and performances. Restaurants, cafes, and gift shops stay open late for leisurely dinners and browsing. First Friday vendors sell only handmade items, including paintings, ceramics, artisans, folklife art, and much more.

Attached to this week’s column is a copy of a beautifully-scripted invitation sent to a well-to-do bachelor in Florence in 1895. It’s asking him to attend an event called a “German” to be held in the Bank Building in Tuscumbia. So, what was a “German”? Simply put, it was a dance party held to celebrate an occasion. In this case, it was held in early January to mark the New Year. From the 1840’s to ca1900, the “German” was a highly popular event, especially within the upper levels of society. In fact, in certain regions of America, it continued to be popular well into the twentieth century and beyond. It’s not known whether the gentleman who received the handsome invitation attended this particular “German,” but chances are that he did because it was an excellent way to make the contacts that would be helpful to him later on.

--Billy Warren, City Historian

Drop-off donations at Long-Lewis in Florence or Muscle Shoals on Friday from 9 am-4 pm.

The Salvation Army pantry supplies are running dangerously low, and, with inflation, there are many who need extra help here in the Shoals. The Salvation Army is collecting donations of non-expired canned and shelf-stable goods, including canned vegetables and meats, pasta and sauce, beans, peanut butter, soups/stews, canned fruit, and other non-perishable items.

Thank you for helping them serve others!

EPA PFOA/PFOS Health Advisory UPDATE

https://www.epa.gov/.../drinking-water-ha-pfas-factsheet...

FLORENCE WATER/WASTEWATER MEDIA STATEMENT

https://florenceal.org/Florence_PFA_Health%20Advisory%20...

Information Technology Manager

IT Systems Technician New

Lifeguard Part Time New

Support Staff Animal Control Part Time

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• Send your information to rmansell@florenceal.org or call Rachel Koonce with questions at 256-760-6494.