Newsletter
Mayor Andy Betterton
January 13, 2022
University of North Alabama: MLK Jr. Remembrance March | January 17, 2022
The Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance March will be at noon on Monday, January 17, 2022. We invite UNA alumni to join faculty, staff, and students on the front steps at the Wendell W. Gunn Commons building. Come out and support the positive ideas of this historic day.
This event will be hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNA.
The Veterans Drive Corridor Public Engagement Opportunity
Thank you to everyone who participated in Public Engagement Opportunity to make it a success and the Florence Planning and Community Development Department for their hard work and dedication to our community.
Stay tuned for updates as the Veterans Drive Corridor Study moves forward.
For more information, visit https://florenceal.org/.../planning.../current_projects.php
Florence Arts & Museums Speaker Series: Scott Shaw: Cave Archaeology
The Florence Arts and Museums Speaker Series is a monthly program meant to inspire conversations about the history and culture of north Alabama, focusing on how the past shapes the present. This month, Scott Shaw will deliver his presentation, "Cave Archaeology," at 2 pm on Sunday, January 30, at the Florence Indian Mound Museum.
Whether used as a shelter from the elements, a source of natural resources, or as an outlet to adventure, caves have been a part of the human experience for millennia. This presentation will provide an overview of the prehistoric and historical use of north Alabama caves over the last 10,000 years.
This program is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Kennedy-Douglass Art Center Volunteers. For more information about membership and events, go to: https://www.florencealmuseums.com/.
Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts: Children’s Papermaking and Bookmaking Workshop for Children ages 10-12
Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is hosting a Papermaking and Bookmaking workshop for children ages ten to twelve years old on the weekend of January 22nd and 23rd. The workshop is presented in conjunction with the Art Center's current exhibit "Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Illustration". In this two-day workshop, led by Art educators Jamie Lynch and Sunday Perkins, students will have hands-on experience making paper from cotton rags and learn the necessary bookbinding skills to create their own book. All supplies and equipment will be provided.
Saturday, January 22, from 10 am-noon
Sunday, January 23, from 1 pm- 3 pm.
The workshop will be held at Kennedy-Douglass Art Center in the Southall-Moore House. Although there is no fee for the workshop, participants are required to register online at:https://www.florencealmuseums.com/calendar/j42237jrrx8ils3823cwkmo05ngb9h
Call 256-760-6379 for more information.
Florence City Pool Staff "Bounce Back"
"The City of Florence's Royal Avenue & Handy lifeguards & pool attendants have outdone themselves this summer with our community trying to "bounce back," recuperate and overcome the adversity caused by COVID-19. These employees worked long, hot hours on short notice this season, and they will always have my respect and admiration."
- Kevin Medley, Royal Avenue Recreation Supervisor
Thanks for a Job Well Done!
Row One: Dawson Fisher LG
Row Two: Mary Grace Kelley LG, Paige Prince PA, Katilyn Daniel PA, Kate Powell LG, Maylea Perry LG, May Beth Youngblood LG, Lauren Kelley LG
Row Three: Sydni Alexander LG, Lanigan Burke LG, Isabella Thompson LG, Sam Watson LG, Brady Carson LG, Grayson Abernathy PA, Jack McKinnon LG, Davis Fisher LG, Patrick Burke LG.
Not Pictured: Mkenzie Burnett PA, Mai Curott LG, Ella-Ross Edwards LG, Sydney Leach PA, Taylor Leach PA, Macey Richardson LG, William Noel PA
See You By The Pool On Memorial Day 2022!
Travel With "The Club"
Dates: June 2 - June 10, 2022
Come and travel to Alaska Aboard Royal Caribbean's "Ovation of the Seas" for a Fantastic 8 Day/ 7 Night Cruise
What's Included?
- Round-Trip Airfare
- Pre-Cruise Experience
- 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Seattle with Breakfast
- 2 Included Expert Guided Tours: Seattle & Juneau
- Cruise Fare, Cabin, Shipboard Meals
- And More!
For Information and Reservations, Please Contact:
Fran Davis
Phone: 256-760-6642
Email: fdavis@florenceal.org
Sweetwater Bakery, Located At 1410 Huntsville Road, Is Open!
"Congratulations to Laura Senecal & Sweetwater Bakery! The cinnamon rolls were wonderful. I split mine with Councilman Griffin so I wouldn't feel so guilty. I can't wait to try her other specialties.
Best wishes!" - Mayor Andy Betterton
MY LAND IS A RED LAND
Though Miss Maud Lindsay never lived in Florence, she gained international fame in Early Childhood Education as the teacher in Alabama’s first free public kindergarten, which was located in Florence. The building in which she taught the children of mill workers from 1898 to 1941 still exists on Enterprise Street in east Florence. (Though it has been moved three times over the years, today it remains within a short walk from its original location.) Miss Lindsay used many of her own poems and stories in her teaching, and she wrote other pieces for adults to enjoy, as well. One of her most well-known in the latter category is a poem entitled “My Land Is a Red Land.” Here is the first stanza:
My land is a red land with clay hills all aglow
And roads like streaks of giants’ blood where my folk come and go.
Every man for his land where his own harvest grows,
But my land is a red land, and the red land breeds the rose.
Her use of the red clay soil of Florence and North Alabama as the metaphorical foundation which produces fine, stalwart people (i.e., the rose) illustrates her love for and appreciation of the surrounding area. And, truly, that same deep affection for Miss Maud is rightfully felt, in return, by so many local citizens.
--Billy Warren, City Historian
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting on
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
4:00 p.m. Work Session
5:00 p.m. Council Meeting
City Auditorium
103 South Pine Street
A little laugh...
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- Send your information to media@florenceal.org or call Rachel Koonce with questions at 256-760-6494.
Connect with Us!
Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400