Newsletter

February 8, 2024

The 2024 paving program continues downtown. The sidewalks will remain open to the many small businesses downtown. Please don’t let the paving keep you away!

2024 Paving List

On Friday, February 2, Ben Maharrey retired as the Purchasing Agent after 20 years of service. He started in April of 2003 and has also served as the Safety Director, Insurance Manager, and Delinquent Accounts Collector over his tenure.

Congratulations to Melanie Burns and Evelyn Lovelace for being selected as the January 2024 City of Florence Gas Department and Water Department Employees of the Month. Melanie has been employed with the Gas Department for 33+ years as a Dispatcher/ Clerk. Evelyn has been employed with the Water Department for 23+ years as a Custodian. Both of these employees play a vital role in their respective departments.

There is an adage that has its origin in the early years of seventeenth century England that says simply: “All’s fair in love and war” – which suggests that certain rules in civil society can legitimately be turned upside down during war times. Well, there was an African-American gentleman from Florence who, during the Civil War years, became quite adept at stealing fine horses and supplies of all types from Federal troops and presenting them to the Confederates – even though he was crippled. This gentleman was none other than Reuben Patterson, who was the body servant of one Josiah Patterson. Here’s one of many direct tales from Reuben regarding his skills: “The funniest thing happened down in Mississippi when we were fighting Sherman. There was another fellow named “Torm” who was the body servant of the Colonel of the Tennessee Regiment. He had a mighty reputation as a forager. I didn’t confess to being much of a forager, but I knew Torm couldn’t hold a candle to me. Master Josiah [for whom Reuben served as body servant] would laugh and say, ‘When Rube goes foraging, you would think we had struck the Valley of the Nile’.” Reuben’s story is recorded in its fullness in the May, 1906, issue of Trotwood’s Monthly magazine. (See the image accompanying this column.) There are also extant photographs in local newspapers made during the periodic reunion celebrations of Civil War veterans which were held in Florence for several years. Reuben Patterson is pictured along with all the other guys, of course.

--Billy Warren, City Historian (brwarren@florenceal.org)

Thank you to Florence Park & Recreation employees for their continued years of service working for the City of Florence.

Left to right: Derrick Bright (10yrs), Travis Boyd (20 yrs), Mike Adams (15 yrs), Sheri Hiebel (15 yrs), Bill Jordan (25 yrs), Rona Swindall (10 yrs), Lee Peden (15 yrs), Zac Tverberg (5 yrs), Darryl Lawson (5 yrs)

Benefiting Chloe's Fund: Emergency Medical Care at Florence Lauderdale Animal Services

Chloe's Fund volunteer bakers have been working nonstop on the BE MY VALENTINE BAKE SALE treats. The Bake Sale is Saturday, February 10, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Animal Services Building, 3240 Roberson Rd, Florence, AL. 100% of the money raised from the Bake Sale benefits Chloe's Fund.

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts

The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts Volunteers are pleased to present a new opportunity to further your artistic pursuits! The KD volunteers are kicking off a brand-new program series, “Art Adventures”, with the next presentation scheduled for Sun., Feb. 18th, 2-4:00 p.m. This new program series offers free art history presentations and hands-on activities that are designed for teens and adults.

Art educator Elizabeth Renault will partner with long-time art teacher Barb Hendricks to offer great presentations, combining fascinating lectures with hands-on activities. “Art Adventures” will be offered once a month, every third Sunday afternoon, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the KDAC. For more information on scheduled topics, go to the KDAC website calendar www.florencealmuseums.com

The 2024 Project Threadways Symposium will be held April 19-20, 2024, in Florence, Alabama and virtually. This year's theme is The Future, as we imagine a better way for textile manufacturing. Presenters will consider the balance between art and business, connect heritage and healing, preserve craft and community, and look to the past to chart a more sustainable future.

Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Animal Control Officer New

Animal Services
Full Time - $35,435.76 Annually

Apprentice Climber Tree Crew New

Cashier Part Time New

Utilities Controller

Part Time - $15.56 Hourly

Concession Stand Worker Part Time New

Park and Recreation

Part Time - $13.39 Hourly

Maintenance Worker Park and Recreation Part Time New

Park and Recreation

Part Time - $13.39 Hourly

Police Officer New

Police Department

Full Time - $43,461.24 - $69,451.68 Annually

Recreation Program Assistant Part Time New

Park and Recreation

Part Time - $13.39 Hourly

Skilled Utility Worker New

Electricity Department

Full Time - $39,598.23 Annually

Support Staff Animal Control Part Time New

Animal Services

Part Time - $13.39 Hourly

The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

4:00 pm Work Session

5:00 pm Council Meeting

The council meetings are held at

109 South Pine Street, Florence, AL 35630.

Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400

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