Thursday, March 31, 2011

Get to Know: The Coiffure at 108

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
April 18, 2011



Recently I had the pleasure of meeting John and Kris Walls, owners of The Coiffure at 108, a hair salon located at 108 East Tuscaloosa Street in Downtown Florence. John and Kris both hail from the Shoals, he from Muscle Shoals and she from Sheffield. Both have lived away in Birmingham, New Orleans, and Huntsville; and, have recently returned to their roots. John, a hairdresser since 1982, graduated from Ray's University of Beauty here in Florence before going on to study with some of the biggest names in the industry. In New York City, he trained with Kim Lapine of LaCoupe Salon and Michael Gordon of House of Bumble; in Toronto it was with George Koukoulus of Lacoupe Salon. He also trained at Cheynes of Scotland, a number 1 salon during the 1980's. John has also taught at some of the nation's top salons, such Essanelle, where he was a part of their design and education team. He has worked with Zig Ziglar, as a communication and stage presence liaison. The department store Pizitz also had John working on their print and television advertising team. Back here in the Shoals, John and Kris keep pretty active! They are members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence, where they sing with the choir; likewise, they sing with the Florence Camerata. Supporting the arts of the Shoals is something that is important to them both, with John sometimes doing hairstyles and wigs for different community theatre groups. They enjoy cooking, sometimes having impromptu gatherings by the pool of friends and family. Taking their vintage motor home to McFarland Park for a quick "stay-cation" is one their favorite pastimes. John expressed to me that he and his staff enjoy doing color and cut work and are excited to accommodate special occasions, such as weddings and proms;the salon features Rusk haircare products and Nuskin haircare, vitality and facial products. This is a place where he wants clients to feel that they have come into his home, and speaking from personal experience, it's a home worth visiting! The Coiffure at 108 works by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. until, however will accept walk-ins; they can be reached by calling 256-577-8391.
Until next time, be sure to get to know John and Kris Walls at The Coiffure at 108!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Come out and play!

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
March 31, 2011

This is a great weekend to be in Downtown Florence, as there is much to do!

First Fridays will be back on Court Street from 5 to 8 p.m., so be sure to come down and support our local artists and businesses! Be on the lookout for neat things to put in your Easter baskets. Also, Tide Fans don't forget that McDaniel Window & Door will be hosting a "Meet a Greet With Eli Gold" on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., so bring your sports memorabilia to be signed.

While you're downtown this Friday, be sure to bring the whole family and grab a bite to eat! We have great places to choose from, such as Rosie's Cantina, Ricatoni's and The Chicago Cafe, which offer kid friendly fare. However, if it's a more "grown-up" night out you're looking for, give Dish Gourmet Cafe a try, as they have announced they will be open for dinner (for the 1st time), in honor of First Fridays! There's also On the Rocks and Smokehouse Billiards & Grill, both which offer live music starting at 9 p.m. In addition, The Wine Seller will be having a wine tasting on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature 5 new wines from United-Johnson as well as some tasty treats by Tony from The Grilling Room. The charge for this event is $10 per person.

This weekend the Shoals Theatre promises to wisk the kids to far away places with the Gingerbread Players production of "Disney's Aladdin Jr". The show, which runs for approximately 70 minutes, starts at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday. The tickets may be purchased in advance at www.shoalstheatre.com or at the door. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at Legends Steakhouse, which is right next door!

Since it's now officially Spring, why not take a cruise? The Pickwick Belle is offering two different cruises this weekend, both on Saturday, and they leave from the Florence Harbor Marina. The Spring Sightseeing Cruise runs from 1 until 2:30 p.m. and the Christian Comedy Dinner Cruise runs from 6 until 8 p.m., and they couldn't have picked a better weekend, as the weather is supposed to be beautiful! Need more info? Contact Tanya Irwin at 1-877-936-BELLE.

We'll be seeing you.....

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Spring Cleaning is in the air...

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
March 30, 2011




On Saturday, April 2 Florence will have its 3rd Annual Citywide cleanup from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. This event is an excellent way to "spruce up" where we live and show visitors and residents alike how much we value our community. Participants will be supplied with all necessary equipment, including vests, bags, and gloves, breakfast, and lunch. Yes, that's right, breakfast AND lunch! Great deal, isn't it? This event is open to individuals, organizations, businesses, and the like. If your scout troop, fraternity, sorority, church group, or school is looking for service hours, look no further. Also, if you have a property that is in need of cleanup, this is a great way to have that accomplished. If you are in need of help, or you want to volunteer to help, please call 256-760-6495.
Speaking of cleaning, there is a more long term project that the city has going and that is the Adopt-a-Street program. This is the promise by an individual or group to keep a street free from litter, and again, lets visitors and residents know how much our community is valued. The materials are provided by the City and even displays a personalized sign on the adopted street. Those interested may call 256-760-6460 or 256-760-6495.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Guess who's coming to First Fridays!

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
March 21, 2011

Tide Fans: Take note!
Brett at McDaniel Window & Door let Florence Main Street in on a great event they are planning in conjunction with First Fridays in April and you won't want to miss it. Here's what he had to say:

First Fridays is a wonderful way for people of this area to get out and see friends, make new ones, and see what local vendors have to offer. McDaniel Window & Door Co. is a proud supporter of First Fridays and will be hosting an Open House with Eli Gold on the First Friday of April. We view this as a great opportunity for Eli Gold to meet the avid sports fans of our community, share memories, and sign autographs.

In the spirit of First Fridays, this is also an excellent opportunity for McDaniel Window & Door Co. to get to meet the people of our community and let them know about our doors, windows, and other products.


Thanks to McDaniel Window & Door for this wonderful opportunity! The time coincides with First Fridays hours of operation, which will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. See you there....

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Much ado about.....

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
March 9, 2011

Our wonderful downtown community has much going on, from upcoming plays and weekly music at various venues to the new arrival of merchandise. To start off St. Patrick's Day, the Zodiac is featuring Ray Bradbury's Irish pub comedy Falling Upward, starting tonight at 8 p.m. and continuing through Saturday night, with a final 2:00 p.m. performance on Sunday. Tonight's performance is pay what you like, while Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be $10/adults and $5/students and advanced tickets may be purchased at Rivertown Coffee Company, which is located at 117 North Seminary Street. Be sure to grab a latte while getting your tickets!

If it's music you're interested in, you're in luck! On the Rocks has something going on practically every night; be sure to check out their "Wine Down Wednesday". Likewise, Smokehouse Billiards offers live music several nights throughout the week. If it's a lunch time jam you're looking for, look no further than McGraw's Coffee House, usually featuring live music Thursday through Saturday at noon.

Billy Reid has recently received their 2011 Spring Collection, which I'm sure will turn some heads! Also, Jewell's Accessories Boutique has been receiving much in the way of Spring clothes and accessories, as has Grassroots Market. Be sure to check them out (as if you haven't already!) and the rest that downtown has to offer in terms of shopping.

Finally, don't forget that there are wonderful opportunities that exist within our downtown community that offer more cultural and historical outings. The Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts does an excellent job of offering citizens and guests alike exhibits that feature local and regional artists. Our own library, The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, also does and excellent job of offering classes, lectures and events. Right now they are featuring a weekly "Get Dirty" series, which focuses on gardening topics, as well as a weekly computer classes. Be sure to check out their website for all the updated information, as well as other offerings, such as kid's events. Don't forget that we have two beautiful parks located within downtown; Wilson Park is right across from the library and McFarland Park is right on the river. Both are great choices for a weekend picnic! After you've had that picnic, stop off at The Rosenbaum House, located at 601 Riverview Drive and check out the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Alabama.

I hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and look forward to seeing you around town!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Jos. A Bank is coming!

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
March 4, 2011

Mayor Bobby Irons announced yesterday that the national chain of Jos. A Bank, a men's clothing retailer, will be coming to Downtown Florence and will locate within the Rogers Building. Florence Main Street welcomes them to our wonderful downtown area and looks forward to working with them as a community partner. Be sure to read the whole story from the Times Daily here..
http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110304/NEWS/110309932/1011/NEWS?Title=Old-Rogers-store-to-get-new-tenant