Vandals, Visigoths, & Skunk Apes

Like the beautiful Christmas decorations on display each year in Wilson Park in downtown Florence? Each was handmade by employees of the Florence Electricity Department. The first year they were displayed, some were stolen. We don't recall if these magical figures were ever found or not, but the wonderful employees who designed and crafted the decorations on their own time again pitched in to replace them. We assume these arches, angels, and reindeer are all more firmly secured since their debut year.

Now vandals have upset the statue of William Christopher Handy and dragged it a quarter way across the park. Thankfully the statue received only minor damage. Yet our tax dollars paid for the workmen to replace the sculpture on its pedestal, and if more work is needed, out tax dollars will pay for that also. The story of vandalism to such a well-known attraction in Florence will make national news...and perhaps some reporters will even add racial overtones to the tale of brainless thugs who decided to "have some fun."

Last month a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest was stolen from a cemetery in Selma, presumably to sell for its metal content. It's possible our vandals had a similar motive originally, but decided to retreat to a darker area of the park after spotting a police patrol. The town of Selma has issued a reward for the thieves of the Confederate general's likeness. Perhaps we in Florence should do the same in order to teach these neo-Visigoths a lesson. Or were they Ostrogoths? Maybe just skunk apes on the prowl for another victim?

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Shoalanda

Shoals Ghost Walk with Debra Glass

In case the pumpkins on every doorstep haven't given it away, Halloween is just around the corner. This autumnal holiday wouldn't be complete without Debra Glass's annual ghost walk.

This year Ms. Glass will be leading tours on October 24-25 and October 27-31. Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. and originate at Wilson Park. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Debra is a consummate story-teller and provides a memorable experience for anyone from nine to ninety-nine.

I chose Debra Glass's Ghost Tour as my topic today in order to honor a special request; however, I've been aware of her collections of ghost stories and Romantic fiction for some time. Always best sellers in the Shoals, you can buy her work at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia and K's Cove in Elgin.

When you see Debra, tell her Shoalanda said, "Boo!"


What's up with this: It seems a local candidate for state office is being opposed by numerous Shoals area defense attorneys. Look at it this way, guys--if she wins, you won't ever have to put up with her again.