I have not posted interesting finds on Craigslist in a while. There are three restaurants listed for sale on the Florence area craigslist. They are listed through a broker and do not have the actual name of the restaurant, but here they are: (You can click on each image to read the description.)

A while back we heard that a Publix was coming to Florence. I have a definitive email from Publix that says (sadly) this is not the case.

Sniff.

In response to your email requesting a Publix in Florence South Carolina we sincerely thank you for your inquiry and comments. We always appreciate hearing from our customers especially when they are requesting that Publix locate a store in their community. We continuously monitor the markets for opportunities to better serve our customers. Unfortunately we do not currently have any plans to build a store in your area.

Thank you again for your email. It is always a pleasure to hear from our customers.

Downtown Florence has earned National Accreditation according to an article published by SCNow.

“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center, said. “Rebuilding a district’s economic health and maintaining that success requires broad-based community involvement and support, as well as establishing a strong organization that is committed to long-term success.”

The revitalization efforts of Florence Downtown Development Corp. were recently evaluated by the agency and found to meet its stringent standards for accreditation.

I really am excited about a reenergized downtown. Towns with strong downtown areas are a lot of fun, and it is so nice to be able to walk from shop to shop. It is not an easy process, and I know it will take time and effort. Events like Florence after Five are hopefully just the start to a lot of focused energy.

I know that times are hard because trust me, I’m feelin’ it too. But I’m writing this post to let ya’ll know that according to the Florence Area Humane Society’s Facebook Page:

“FAHS NEEDS BLANKETS, RUGS, SHEETS, BEDS, TOWELS, SPACE HEATERS, ETC., THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE NEW JUST CLEAN. THE DOG PENS ARE OPEN AND EXPOSED TO WIND, RAIN AND EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERTURES. PLEASE DONATE YOUR ITEMS TODAY. YOU CAN BRING THEM BY CENTURY 21 AT 2011 SECOND LOOP ROAD AND I WILL DELIVER THEM FOR YOU. Thank you for any help you can give! “

“Right now, monetary donations and adoptions are low and animal intakes are high. Even a few dollars could help save an animal’s life! Stop by at 1007 Stockade Dr. or mail your donation to P.O. Box 527, Florence, SC 29503.”

The website also adds that they LOVE volunteers! If you’re worried that you are going to get stuck on “clean up” duty, don’t you worry! From what I hear, they are very flexible with placing you wherever you feel most comfortable; whether its refilling food bowls to walking puppies, there is plenty that you can do to help!

Want to help out that Animal Shelter in another way? Well, check out this link for ideas.

If you don’t fall in love looking at some of those animals, I am quite concerned! All of the animals on this link are available for adoption in the Florence area. I spoke (indiscreetly of course) to a source who says the website is updated almost every other day so the chances of you getting your hopes up are slim!

The Florence Area Humane Society does a lot for the Florence area and I feel that if they are taking the initiative to reveal their needs to the public, then it must be crucial. Whether it’s a one dollar donation or a small bag of dog food, they are truly appreciative of all of the help they can get.

I hope ya’ll aren’t getting bored with me already!

-The Flossette

Florence Area Humane Society’s Adoption Hours:
Mon – Sat: 12 Noon – 5:00 PM
*Closed Wednesday and Sunday

1007 Stockade Drive
Florence, SC 29501
843-669-2921

Okay so I know a Wednesday night is usually a night to recover from the Tuesday night bar experience and or a night to rest up for Thirsty Thursday. Therefore, I am writing to let all of ya’ll out there, young and old, know about the Annual Francis Marion Mr. Greek Pageant, sponsored by the Kappa Delta Sorority at FMU. It will be held on Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 P.M in the Chapman Auditorium at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC. Sources say that it should last until about 10 PM and that it is guaranteed to be a great time! Humor AND raising money for a charity? Count me in! According to the event’s Facebook page:

“Mr. Greek, Kappa Delta’s annual pageant, helps raise money to support PCAA (Prevent Child Abuse America). 80% of the money raised will remain in the Florence, SC area at the Elizabeth Pettigrew Durant’s Children’s Center. 20% will go to National PCAA. Our goal this year is to raise $8,000 in donations, ad sales, penny wars, and various other fundraising activities leading up to this wonderful event. This evening will be full of fun events such as entertainment from the contestants and from guests who will perform for the audience.”

So the Flossette is encouraging all of you to take your friends, co-workers, neighbors and family out to this event! What more could you ask for? Hey, I’ve got an idea! Why don’t you just make a night out of it? Grab your friends for dinner, head to the pageant and then go out to one of the many local places in Florence for a cocktail!

Hope to see all of you there!

-Flossette

Disclaimer: I am not a Kappa Delta. I just saw this event online and thought it looked like a great chance for the Florence community to come out and support a charity and your local university!

I am going to tell a tale on Tomlinsons, because it is almost Christmas and this is a tale that needs to be told. As you know, I was there shopping recently. I always like to look at the jewelry section and dream that I may one day be gifted with a sparkling treat. On this particular day, I noticed that an elderly man was having an intense conversation with the employee behind the jewelery counter. It was so intense that I smiled to myself– surely this older gent was buying a diamond for his wife. Both men had their heads down, studiously discussing something. The employee was paying his full attention to the man, no detail was being overlooked. As I moved closer, I heard the employee discussing fit and size. The man was clearly deeply concerned about these issues and he was being given the attention you would expect for a large purchase. Except… as I moved closer I noticed the elderly man was holding a three pack of white cotton t-shirts. I eavesdropped a little more and heard him talking about these t-shirts and how they are so expensive you need to be sure you have the right fit. The man behind the counter was listening– and I mean truly listening– to the elderly man and responding to each and every one of his questions. I truly believed the older man was purchasing a diamond, and I realized that to him it may as well have been a diamond.
That, my friends, is not just good service, but a true example of paying it forward.
I hope you see the same in your travels around town.

I received an email from Michelle Bailey at Health Facilities Federal Credit Union about their upcoming Kids ID Day. You do not have to be a member to participate, and if your kids are like my kids? They will love the chance to see the police and firemen and women.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Person: Michelle L Bailey
October 6, 2008 Phone Number: 843-669-4041
E-Mail: mbailey@hffcu.com
2nd Annual Credit Union for Kids Id Day at Health Facilities Federal Credit Union
October 30, 2008, 9am – 5pm.
Florence, SC—Organizers hope to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network through
event proceeds.
Health Facilities Federal Credit Union and local partners* will join forces to help raise
money for Children’s Miracle Network. The 2nd Annual Credit Union for Kids Id Day
will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. $1 donations for the ID Kits will help to raise
funds towards Children’s Miracle Network. McLeod Children’s Hospital is the local
Children’s Hospital.
Starting at 9am until 5pm the event will have The City of Florence police officers to assist in
the finger printing as well as picture taking for your id folders. We will have firefighters with
an engine to entertain all. Local radio personalities will entertain the masses with live music.
Join us for a good cause. All are welcome; you do NOT have to be a member to
participate in this event.
Why Credit Unions and Children’s Miracle Network? We know that people helping people
philosophy is one that distinguishes credit unions from other financial institutions. This
philosophy also distinguishes CMN hospitals from others. With commitments to keeping
locally raised funds local and providing charity care for those who are unable to pay, CMN
hospitals are also in the business of people helping people. There is no community in South
Carolina that is left untouched by these caring facilities.
* McLeod Foundation, Adams Outdoor Advertising, Qantum Communications, WFXB-Fox
43, Nationwide- McLean Marechal Insurance, SHE Magazine, News Journal, and Health
Facilities Federal Credit Union.
Credit unions provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions. They are member owned and run and mandated to provide a safe place to save and to access affordable loans. Credit unions are recognized internationally as a force for positive economic and social change and have found great success in both industrialized and emerging nations. They are built on a one member/one vote model that provides members with a unique opportunity to experience democracy firsthand.

I just had a note that the South Florence Football team was unloading children at one of the local schools this morning. Apparently they had on their uniforms and were all smiles as they helped the kids out of the car. What a way to make the day of the elementary school kids!

So if you want to support the Bruin Football players, they play Lakewood tonight at home.

I have had many inquiries about the status of the scheduling conflict with the Mcleod Race that was scheduled to occur the same time as the Pecan Festival’s Run Like a Nut. Since my previous update, I had heard mumblings that the races were NOT canceled. I heard that instead of canceling McLeod was going to make their race day format different and they would support the Pecan Festival. While I felt like they were at least making an effort to play nice, I still was not thrilled with that plan. The purpose of the Pecan Festival is to bring all of Florence and the Pee Dee into one central location. I don’t think there should be major competing events in town on that same day– especially when it is the same type of event marketing to the same type of people.
HOWEVER. I received a tip earlier that McLeod has now canceled their races for that day, and the only race will be the Pecan Festival’s “Run Like a Nut.” I know that the good people at Mcleod were flummoxed over this scheduling issue and I am very happy to see that they have come to the proper solution.
I know this may not seem like a big deal to you, but these races can draw a lot of people into town. Runners scour running websites to find a race they want to do. It will be a great race as it will wind through the downtown area. If you start training now, you canl be ready to run as well. Perhaps you could start with the Darlington 5k on September 20 to get your feet wet? That one is a nice run/walk, so it is a great starting point. There were 131 people that finished that race last year.

You CAN buy your groceries online at the Piggly Wiggly at Florence Mall. I am inordinately excited about this news! (Hat tip to Cookie Cawthon)

I think this is a great way to save time AND money as there is no impulse shopping.