Thursday, May 26, 2011

Novel Destinations...

By: Laura Ivie
Staff Writer
June 1, 2011

Well, it's begun....summer vacation and you're wondering what to do with the kid's.

The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library will be kicking off their summer reading program on Tuesday, May 31 and this is for all ages. There will be programs for children 10 and under, 11-15 and the adult program will be for those 16 and older. "One World....Many Stories" is the program for those 10 and under and will be a daily program, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Youth Services Department. There will be a different country explored each week, starting June 5 and ending with the week of July 17. "Crave" is the program for those 11-15 and features computer classes every Monday at 11:00 a.m. as well as different activities on Thursday evenings at 5:00 p.m. The adult program, known as "Novel Destinations", offers a prize entry for every 5 books read. For more information on any of these programs, please contact the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library at 256-764-6564

On Wednesday's in June between 11:30 and 1:30 head downtown early, have lunch in Wilson Park and listen to some tunes with the kids during the city's "Music in the Park". The schedule of musicians can be found on the city's website, so be sure to check it out!

And don't overlook your local university! UNA offers various classes to kids throughout the summer, such as "Stones & Bones", where kids will learn about archeology to "Creating with Clay" and "Lego-Vehicle Engineering". The classes are for kids that range in age from 5 to 16. For more information contact the Office of Continuing Studies at 256-765-4862.

Have a great summer!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Talk a walk!

By: Laura Ivie
Staff Writer
May 24, 2011

Over the course of the next month, the Florence/Lauderdale Tourism office will be hosting the Annual Walking Tours of Historic Florence. This is an excellent way for residents and visitors alike to learn more about the history of our wonderful town! The tours will be each Saturday, starting May 28, with the last tour of the season on June 25; they last approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours and are free to the public. Each week a local historian will guide attendees through a particular district and point out the historic sites, neighborhoods, and unique architecture.

The first of the tours will be Saturday, May 28 in the North Court and Seminary Street area, beginning at 10 a.m. Those who wish to participate should meet at Rogers Hall, otherwise known as Courtview, on the UNA campus. Billy Warren will be your host for the morning.

On June 4, Harry Wallace will guide you around the Florence City Cemetery, pointing out unique headstones, as well as the resting place of two governors. This tour begins at 10 a.m. and attendees should meet at the cemetery entrance.

June 11 is one tour that is sure to please, as Harry Wallace takes us to The Forks of Cypress Plantation and Cemetery. Those interested are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the beginning portion, which will be followed with a walk to the Jackson Cemetery that is located on the property. Once again, 10 a.m. is the meeting time and directions are: take Cox Creek Parkway to Jackson Road and make a right; turn right at the dead end and park either along the road or enter the gate to park in the field that lead up to the columns. I'll definitely be attending this one, as I've been wanting to photograph the site for a couple of years now!

June 18 brings us back to downtown Florence for the Wood Avenue tour with Lee Freeman, beginning at 10 a.m. The Wood Avenue Church of Christ at 400 Wood Avenue will serve at the starting point.

Billy Warren will wrap up the tours on June 25 with a walk through the Walnut Street Historic District, starting at 10 a.m. The parking lot of the UNA Tennis Courts will serve as the starting point, as well as parking for those attending.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Once upon a time...

By: Laura Ivie
Staff Writer
May 18, 2011

This weekend The University of North Alabama will be hosting the Front Porch Storytelling Festival, and it promises to deliver family friendly fun!

The festival will take place on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 and will run from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., with breaks throughout the day. There will be be many renowned storytellers, such as Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, Bill Lepp, Dolores Hydock, Donald Davis, and many others. Many of the featured storytellers have numerous awards under their belt and have a long history at various storytelling festivals.

There will be ghost stories both evenings, starting at 8:45 p.m., however, are not recommended for small or impressionable children.

There will also be stories to be heard aboard the Pickwick Belle on Saturday evening from 6:30 until 8:00, featuring Sparky and Rhonda Rucker. The cost for cruise will be $25 per person.

The cost for each day will be $15 for adults; $5 for students (with ID) and children, with children under the age of 5 being free. Also, the ghost story portion of the event is something to be enjoyed at no charge.

So, be sure to get out and enjoy some tall tales this weekend! I know I will...