November 18, 2011 

MOBILE COUNTY CELEBRATES 200 YEARS  

Please join us next month for the start of the Mobile County Bicentennial Celebration, commemorating our county's creation on December 18, 1812.  By proclamation of the governor of what was then the Mississippi Territory, our county was established 200 years ago, bringing together as one a rich history of many cultures that defines our colorful and exciting community today.

To engage the community and begin the planning, a volunteer group of civic-minded citizens formed the Mobile County Bicentennial Commission.  This newly-formed Bicentennial Commission will host educational and entertaining events throughout the County in 2012 with emphasis on its history, the arts, sports, and leadership as well as highlighting annual events located in Mobile County municipalities. We will end the year with a huge birthday extravaganza.

The Bicentennial Commission will announce the celebration and kick-off events at a press conference set for 4 p.m. Saturday, December 17 in Bienville Square located in downtown Mobile. The press conference will follow the Mobile Christmas & Holiday Parade.

The kick-off event will feature volunteers dressed in historic attire, a proclamation from Governor Robert Bentley and a display of pictures from various areas of the County. Each municipality will be represented during the press conference and they will be given a commemorative bicentennial flag to display during the bicentennial year. There will be giveaways and unique items for purchase.

 

If you would like to be a part of the Bicentennial celebration, or if you are interested in sponsoring activities, please contact the Mobile County Bicentennial Commission at 574-9064.

 

THE U.S. COAST GUARD: A TRUE ASSET TO MOBILE COUNTY

On November 10, I had the privilege of attending two dedication ceremonies at the U.S. Coast Guard (CG) Aviation Training Center (ATC) in Mobile. The ceremonies were dedications to the memories of two distinguished Coast Guard aviators: Captain Bobby C. Wilkes, who has the U.S.C.G. distinction of being the first African-American aviator, Captain and Commanding Officer of a C.G. Air Station; and Captain Bradley W. Bean, a visionary C.G. aviation leader whose people-focused leadership style was described as "legendary." The ceremonies were certainly a poignant and emotional experience for the families, friends and colleagues of these men who were honored for their lives of service in the Coast Guard "family."

 

The Coast Guard has been a long-standing presence in Mobile County (ATC commissioned December 17, 1966), and the benefits that its operations bring our area in times of natural and man-made disasters in providing mission ready aircrews, pilots, rescue swimmers, patrol boat forces, the Strike Team (first responders for major oil and hazardous materials spills) are tremendous. 

 

The Coast Guard ATC is commanded by Captain Tom Maine. Captain Don Rose commands the boat stations and patrol boat forces, and Commander Arex Avanni commands the Gulf Strike Team.

 

Our Coast Guard families have been a welcome and civic-oriented addition to our community as well. They regularly volunteer many hours to community and educational outreach initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, mentoring and tutoring students in local schools with reading and math, partnering with the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and assisting with the Adult Literacy program. Many thanks to U.S. Coast Guard Mobile for their service to our community and our country. Semper Paratus!    

 

Boy Scouts from Troop 147 and Cub Scouts from Packs 147 and 9 are pictured with Commissioner Hudson at Government Plaza Wednesday, November 9. The Scouts visited to learn more about local government as part of their efforts to gain First Class Scout rank. The field trip was organized by Troop Committee Chairman, Judge Michael McMaken (R) along with Assistant Scout Masters Larry Anderson (L) and Mike Smith (C).

DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE

DISTRICT 2 HOLIDAY & EVENTS CALENDAR 

KANGAROO KRAZE AT THE EXPLOREUM

Kangaroo Kraze featuring live kangaroos, wallaroos, wallabies, baby joeys and more, teaches audiences about the Australian Outback. Trainers Carolyn Lantz and Heather Shosho will be on site to inform the general public and school groups about the behaviors of the animals and life in Australia. The trainers will also showcase different "animal ambassadors" throughout the day so Exploreum visitors can pet them and truly see how unique the animals are. Guests will also have an opportunity to take pictures with some of the animals.

Cost: Admission prices for Kangaroo Kraze and permanent exhibits are $14 Adults, $12.50 Youth and Seniors and $12 Children.

For exhibit hours and more information call 208-6873 or Click Here.    

LAST CHANCE FOR MARKET ON THE SQUARE

1ST ANNUAL HOLLY JOLLY CRAFT SHOW AT MARY G. MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL

When:

Where: Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore 

Stroll among three million sparkling lights and more than 950 displays throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. The Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and poinsettias encompass the gardens.  Nightly choral performances are held on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home.  A fun family event for everyone, guests can also have their photographs taken with Santa and the perfect holiday gift can be found for that someone special in Bellingrath's abundantly stocked Gift Shop. 

CITY OF SEMMES COUNCIL MEETING

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 1 

Where: City of Semmes City Hall, 7875 Moffett Road, Unit #C 

For more information on the City of Semmes Click Here or call their offices at 689-8811.

THE PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS "A CHRISTMAS CAROL-THE MUSICAL" 

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 2 

Where: Saenger Theater, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile 

Based on the heartwarming Charles Dickens classic Christmas story of love and redemption, spiced with original songs and festive dance numbers.  A wonderful show for the whole family!

Cost: $20 Adults and $15 Senior Citizens.

For more information call 602-0630 or Click Here. 

FRIENDS OF SEMMES CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 3

Where: Semmes Community Center, 10141 Moffett Road, Semmes  

There will be school groups performing Christmas music, light refreshments and Santa Claus will be present.

For more information please contact Jack Tillman at 649-4098.

CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL SPONSORED BY THE VILLAGE OF SPRING HILL

                                 

When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 4

Where: The Village of Spring Hill shopping area  

 

This traditional open-house style celebration will include carriage rides and photos with Santa, lighting of the Christmas tree and an art walk with dozens of artists displaying their work. The stores will be open for shopping and refreshments.

 

For more information Click Here.   

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 ANNUAL HOLIDAY COMMUNITY MEETING

When: 6 p.m. Monday, December 5 

Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile

Join Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory for food, refreshments, entertainment and fellowship as she recognizes area Community Action Groups, neighborhood associations, and public safety officers. Remember to bring a new, unwrapped Christmas gift for the children of Wilmer Hall. 

SEMMES WOMAN'S CLUB PRESENTS ANNUAL SEMMES CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 10

Where: Begins at Semmes First Baptist Church, 4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes 

Benefiting the historical preservation of Semmes, this event features five beautifully decorated homes and the Semmes Heritage Park. Tasting Tour of Semmes to follow featuring 10 local restaurants including Beef O'Bradys, Elliot's Southern Cuisine, Little House Bistro and more.

Cost: $10 Donation.

For more information contact Diane Moore at 645-9176.

CITY OF SEMMES CHRISTMAS PARADE 

CITY OF MOBILE CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARADE   

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 17

Where: Begins at the Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile, and travels north on Claiborne, east on Government, north on Royal, west on Dauphin and south on Claiborne Streets. 

For more information call 470-7730 or Click Here.    

MOBILE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL KICK-OFF

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, December 17 

Where: Bienville Square, Downtown Mobile  

Come join the kick-off as Mobile County celebrates it's 200th year with the Mobile County Commission.

For more information on the Mobile County Bicentennial Click Here.  

10TH ANNUAL CARPE DIEM RUNNING CLUB SANTA FUN RUN TO BENEFIT THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, December 24 

Where: Carpe Diem, 4072 Old Shell Road, Mobile

This event features a two-mile fun run around Spring Hill. Awards will be given for best costume for individual and group. An after-race party will feature live music and refreshments. Register at McCoy's Outdoor until noon Friday, December 23 or at Carpe Diem including the day of the race. 

Cost: $15 Adult; $10 Student; $50 Family/Group; T-shirts available for purchase at Carpe Diem, $18 Adult and $12 Children. Make checks payable to the Child Advocacy Center (tax deductible). 

For additional information on City of Mobile calendar events, please Click Here.    

Each edition of the District 2 E-Newsletter will highlight an area of service, service agency, or a county service that is funded by the Mobile County Commission.

MOBILE COUNTY THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL COURT POLICE      

The Thirteenth Judicial Court Police Unit headed by Chief Bill Patterson and Sergeant Tom Stiles is made up of 19 officers. Thirteenth Judicial Police Officers are responsible for coordinating and overseeing the security services throughout the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court System. In fulfilling that responsibility, the Chief of Thirteenth Judicial Police, under the supervision of the Presiding Judge, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, or his designee, formulates general security procedures, policies and standards and oversees adherence to those policies, develops and administers security training programs, coordinates special security arrangements with agencies outside the Court System as needed, conducts security analysis surveys of the Court facilities and makes recommendations for changes as necessary or as directed by the Presiding Judge, or his designee.

The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit consists of the following courts:

Municipal Court- Charged with jurisdiction over traffic offenses occurring within the incorporated area of the City of Mobile and all misdemeanor offenses occurring within the incorporated area of the City of Mobile.

Domestic Relations Court- Charged with jurisdiction over divorce actions and related matters. (Two Circuit Judges)

District Court- Charged with jurisdiction over all misdemeanors committed in Mobile County, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Civil jurisdiction over small claims and civil matters not exceeding $10,000. (Four District Judges)

Juvenile Court- Charged with jurisdiction over offenses committed by juveniles and some custody and support matters.

Circuit Court- Charged with jurisdiction over all criminal felonies and civil actions exceeding $10,000; appellate jurisdiction over appeals from District and Municipal Courts.

The Thirteenth Judicial Police also oversee security in the Probate Court Building, Strickland Youth Center and Community Corrections Center.