The Taiwan Cherry Trees, located in the Kosaku Sawada Winter Garden, are in bloom now at the Mobile Botanical Gardens. 
Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commis
sioner Connie Hudson
March 2 , 2012 
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER HUDSON

 

As I am sure you are by now aware, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on a training mission crashed into Mobile Bay near Point Clear on Tuesday evening of this week with four crewmembers aboard. As of this morning, the bodies of three of the crewmembers have been recovered and the search is still underway for the fourth crewmember. Please keep these crewmen, their families, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. Our entire community feels the loss and sadness of this tragedy. The Coast Guard Foundation operates two funds to help families of Coast Guard personnel killed in the line of duty and to provide college scholarships for their children. Donations can be submitted at www.coastguardfoundation.org 

 

Front view of the proposed Residential Recycling Drop-Off Center.
Please join me on March 8 at any time from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer, 6101 Hitt Road, Mobile for an Open House to learn more about the County's exciting plans to construct a residential recycling drop-off center. The site is located on a small portion of the county's property at the former Brewer Center complex site. A separate portion of the County's property at the site has been designed (conceptually) for construction of soccer fields. The proposed recycling drop-off center does not interfere with any part of the athletic complex design, nor does it affect the soccer field development.

 

The Center will be funded through a Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) federal grant with funds earmarked strictly for conservation-related projects in each district in Mobile County.

 

The Recycling Drop-Off Center, will be an attractive, state-of-the-art well-buffered (vegetative buffers and privacy fencing) facility accepting residential glass, paper, plastic and electronic items. The County plans to contract operations and management services of the Center to Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast when construction is complete. This contract will be at no expense to Mobile County.
 

Click Here to view the preliminary site plan completed by Driven Engineering.    

 

Also, Click Here for a Question and Answer information sheet on the proposed project. 

 

See you on the 8th! 

 

Warmest Regards,

Connie
Commissioner Hudson pictured with Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey (R) accepted the Norman J. Walton Award at the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission Annual Meeting in January. The award was given to Mobile County for the implementation of its new emergencey notification system.

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IN THIS ISSUE
 
DISTRICT 2 VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE GRANTS

Turnerville Volunteer Fire Department was recently awarded a District 2 funding grant in the amount of $12,153.60 to purchase 3 new airpacks. The new packs will increase firefighters' breathing time by 30 to 45 minutes when they enter burning buildings, respond to vehicle fires or encounter carbon-monoxide, chemical or biological hazards. According to Chief Bill Smith, "This state-of-the-art equipment is essential to our department's functions in order for us to save more lives in dangerous situations."

 

Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department was also awarded a District 2 funding grant in the amount of $10,000 to replace their 50+ year old extrication (Jaws of Life) equipment. This equipment is used most often in vehicle wrecks when there is no other way to get drivers or passengers from the vehicle in a timely manner. Chief Jesse McLaughlin says this equipment is especially essential to the Oak Grove Department because of the volume of vehicle wrecks they respond to on an annual basis, most of them occurring on Highway 45. 

IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES

Primary Election- March 13

  • March 2 - Voter Registration Deadline.
  • March 8 - Last day for voter to make application for an absentee ballot.
  • March 12 - Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.

Click Here to view a sample ballot for the March 13 primary election.

 

Primary Runoff Election (if necessary)- April 24

  • April 13 - Voter registration deadline.
  • April 19 - Last day for voter to make application for an absentee ballot.
  • April 23 - Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.

General Election- November 6

  • October 26 - Voter registration deadline.
  • November 1 - Last day for voter to make application for an absentee ballot.
  • November 5- Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.
MOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE & END OF YEAR REPORT
MCFinancialUPDATEThe 01/31/2012 budget report reflects general fund revenue and expenditures for the first four months of fiscal 2012. Through January of 2012 we have completed 33% of the fiscal year. Receipt of many of our major revenues lags by one month. In the January 2012 financials we reported revenue of $52,280,455.23. This represents 41.90% of budgeted FY 2012 revenue. Almost all revenue from property taxes and business licenses are collected in December of each fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 33% for the year on this report. The health function represents appropriations that are paid quarterly. Expenditures for total budgeted capital have been completed. Through January both expenditures and revenue are within expected ranges.

DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE

RoadUpdateDistrict 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. Please Click Here to view a complete list of ongoing road projects in Mobile County Commission District 2. 

DISTRICT 2 ALDOT AND CITY OF MOBILE
 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE

Please Click Here to view updates from the Alabama Department of Transportation on the Zeigler Blvd. project (Forest Hill Road to Athey Road and Schillinger Road to Cody Road ALDOT and City of Mobile Project) and the Highway 158 extension.

 

Road projects in the city limits of Mobile, paid for through the Mobile County Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Program, are complete, according to Roderick Harris with the City of Mobile Engineering Department, with the exception of some additional drainage work needed on Schaub Avenue in City of Mobile District 6. Please Click Here to view a complete list of the streets within the city limits of Mobile that were included in the PAYGO program using Mobile County PAYGO funding.  

DISTRICT 2 SPRING CALENDAR  

Calendar  

GULF COAST EXPLOREUM: MEGALODON- LARGEST SHARK THAT EVER LIVED

When: Now through Sunday, May 6
Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile

  

The new Exploreum exhibit is devoted to a 60-foot ocean predator that vanished two million years ago. It features a 60-foot-long walk-through sculpture, fossil and modern shark specimens, as well as full-scale models, and explores shark evolution and the importance of shark conservation.  

 

For hours of operation, tickets costs, and more information contact 208-6873 or Click Here to view the Exploreum website.   

 

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 23RD ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF 

 

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3
Where: Bienville Square, Mobile

 

The Chili Cook-Off began in 1989 and raised $550 for the American Cancer Society.  The event has grown dramatically with over 126 teams entered (including the Mobile County Sheriff's Office). Teams will compete to find out who can cook up the best chili in the community with chances to win fabulous prizes. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will be used for local educational programs to teach the importance of early cancer detection and prevention; for patient services such as transportation, prosthetics, counseling and emergency financial aid; and for lifesaving research.  

 

Cost: $10 in advance. Click Here to purchase online or purchase at the American Cancer Society office located at 900 Western American Circle, Suite 101, Mobile. $15 at gate the day of the event. 

 

For more information contact the American Cancer Society at 344-9858 or Click Here to view the events website. 

 

EXPLOREUM TO OFFER HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS

When: 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, March 6- March 30 Click Here for a listing of dates and times available based on age and program focus.
Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile

The Gulf Coast Exploreum has exciting homeschool classes available for families with 3rd to12th graders looking to supplement their science curriculum. Explore physics, biology, engineering and more! The classes are tailored for a variety of ages and provide educational programming, hands-on experiments, and time to socialize with other young scientists. Join them for hands-on, age-appropriate science lessons to foster curiosity and discovery in support of what your kids are learning at home.

Cost:$12 Child (2-12) $12.50 Youth (13-18) (Parent or Guardian cost included in student admission price.)

For more information on any of the Gulf Coast Exploreum homeschool programs, please call 208-6849 or email homeschool@exploreum.com. Look for new homeschool programs coming Fall of 2012!

MOBILE SPCA "SPAY-GHETTI" DINNER

When: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8
Where: Our Savior Catholic Church, 1801 Cody Road, Mobile

This annual event features door prizes, raffles, live music and a delicious spaghetti dinner and supports the efforts of the Mobile SPCA to eliminate the number of strays in our community. The Mobile SPCA spays/neuters or assists with about 3,000 surgeries a year. Help them continue this life-saving program.

Cost: $10 donation includes spaghetti, salad, bread, tea and homemade desert.

For more information on programs or to volunteer at the SPCA Click Here or call 633-3531.

  

MOBILE COUNTY RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTER INFORMATIONAL MEETING AND OPEN HOUSE 

 

When: 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 8 

Where: Church of the Redeemer, 7125 Hitt Road, Mobile

 

Join Commissioner Connie Hudson, Mobile County Environmental Services Director Bill Melton, and staff from Mobile County Engineering, Driven Engineering and Goodwill Easter Seals to learn more about the proposed Recycling Drop-Off Center to be located off Hitt Road on the former Brewer Center complex property. 

 

For more information please call Commissioner Hudson's office at 574-2000.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS FASHION EVENT BENEFITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF MOBILE

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8
Where: Fort Whiting, 1620 South Broad Street, Mobile

This fun event features a New York styled runway fashion show, a silent auction, and delicious food and cocktails from top area chefs. This event benefits the families of hospitalized children served by Ronald McDonald House.

Cost:$75 General Admission, $1,000 Table for 8

For more information on this event or to purchase tickets please Click Here or call the Mobile Ronald McDonald House at 438-2222.

PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS "CHARLOTTE'S WEB-THE MUSICAL" 

 

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 9th  

Where: The Moorer Center for the Performing Arts at St. Luke's Episcopal School, 1400 University Blvd. South, Mobile 

 

"Charlotte's Web," the beloved modern-day classic story by E. B. White is now a hi­larious musical featuring Playhouse performers of all ages as well as singing puppets! Treat your whole family to this spirited and heartwarming barnyard romp.  

 

Cost: $15 Adults; $12 Students and Senior Citizens  

 

For more information contact the Playhouse in the Park at 602-0630 or Click Here to view their website.    

 

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF MOBILE'S 11TH ANNUAL BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP AND HOG WILD FESTIVAL

 

When: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 9 and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 10 

Where: Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile 

 

More than 120 cooking teams are expected to compete for a chance to take home cash, prizes, and the honor of being named the top BBQ team of the contest! On Saturday festival-goers can taste free barbecue samples from up to 40 backyard teams. Cast a vote for your favorite and help United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) crown the 2012 People's Choice Champion. There will be activities for kids and everyone can enjoy live music on the BW Music Stage. Click Here to view this year's music lineup.

 

Cost: $10 day passes will be available at the gate. Children age 12 and under are free. $7 discount tickets are available for groups of 15 or more.  

 

For more information Click Here to view the events website or call UCP at 479-4900.

 

CITY OF SEMMES TO HOST COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAY 

  

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10 

Where: Semmes Public Library, 9150 Moffett Road, Semmes 

 

Come join Mayor Judy Hale and members of the Semmes City Council in efforts to spruce up the City of Semmes. They plan to start by working on the landscape at the Library and by replacing some of the shrubs, mulching, and other general clean-up. If enough people volunteer they plan to go to other locations TBA. The City will be providing all of the supplies and also a bag lunch and drink for the volunteers.

 

For more information contact the City of Semmes at 649-8811 or Click Here to view their website. 

 

FRIENDS OF THE MOBILE DOG PARK HOST GRAND OPENING OF JULIEN MARX DOG PARK  

Julien Marx Dog Park 

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10

Where: Medal of Honor Park, Hillcrest Road, Mobile

 

Come celebrate the long awaited grand opening of Mobile's first dog park! This event features live music from Ryan Balthrop, food and drink sold by Mama Mojo's, rabies vaccinations and micro-chipping for a fee by Ark Animal Hospital. The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) will be on site with adoptable pets. Also, K9 and obedience demonstrations, t-shirts and commemorative bricks for sale, and much more1 

 

For more information Click Here to email the Friends of the Mobile Dog Park or Click Here to view their Facebook page.  

 

MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER RABIES & MICROCHIP CLINIC

When:
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 17
Where:
Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howells Ferry Road, Mobile

Veterinarian, Dr. Jeni Knizley will be volunteering her time to vaccinate animals at a discounted rate. The 3-year rabies vaccination for your dog or cat will be available for only $13, and a microchip for your pet for only $25!

For more information contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter at 574-3647 or Click Here to view their website.

FRIENDS OF SEMMES 2012 AZALEA FESTIVAL


When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 17
Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road, Semmes

Featuring azaleas in full bloom for purchase, this festival organized by the Friends of Semmes, Inc. will also host the 9th Annual Azalea Beauty Pageant, the Azalea Festival 5K Run and a car, truck and bike show.

For more information Click Here or call 649-3163 to contact Terri Nelson, Azalea Festival Chairwoman for the Friends of Semmes (FOS) or Click Here to view the FOS website.

  

ST. PAUL'S PLAYERS PRESENT "THE MUSIC MAN"   

 

When: Showtimes 7 p.m. March 29 - 30 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 31 

Where: Saint Paul's Episcopal School, 161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile 

 

Sing along and tap your toes to popular tunes such as "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Wells Fargo Wagon!" Let your heart be touched by the beautiful delivery of such melodies as "Goodnight My Someone" and "Till There Was You." Come enjoy this exhibition of multi-talented performers! Bring your family and friends to support the exceptional fine arts program and the St. Paul's Players in particular.

Does your child have a March birthday? This family-friendly show is a great party idea, too. Call Catherine McPhillips at 656-4366 for more information. Even if you cannot attend the show, please know that all donations and ticket purchases directly support the program.

Cost: $10 per person. Available at St. Paul's Division Offices located at 162 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, or at the door.

For more information call 342-6700 or Click Here to email Catherine McPhillips.   

 

PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION'S 19th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

 

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 29 through Saturday, March 31 and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 1

Where: Providence Hospital Campus, 6801 Airport Boulevard, Mobile

 

The Festival of Flowers is acknowledged as the premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast. It is arrayed under tent and sky with over 300,000 square feet of exhibits that enchant, entertain, and educate visitors at this feast for all the senses.

 

Cost: One-day passes are available for $10 while children under 13 get in free of charge.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets please call 639-2050.

 

"ROCK THE RUNWAY" BENEFITING DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN 

 

When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 29 

Where: Battle House Hotel, 26 North Royal Street, Mobile 

 

You are invited to get a first look at the latest trends from fashion expert Amy E. Goodman during an exciting runway show and live auction. Proceeds benefit Distinguished Young Women.

Cost:
$150 VIP Front Row Seating $50 General Seating. 

 

For more information on this event or Distinguished Young Women contact the DYW office at 438-3621 or Click Here to view their website. 

 

MOBILE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL COMMUNITY HISTORY FAIR

 

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 31  

Where: Mobile Government Plaza Atrium, 205 Government Street, Mobile 

 

This event promotes the rich heritage and historical significance of cities, towns, and communities within Mobile County. 

 

Cost: Free to the public. 

 

For more information contact Beverly Cooper, President of the Mobile County Bicentennial Commission at 421-5072 or Click Here to check out the MCBC facebook page. 

 

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME EASTER EGG HUNT

 

When: Registration begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 31

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, The Great Lawn, Theodore  

 

Thousands of Easter Eggs filled with candy and treats will be all over The Great Lawn for children of all ages to discover. The Bellingrath Café will have a special snack area on Live Oak Plaza with special Easter treats. A professional photographer will be available to take children's Easter portraits with The Easter Bunny from 9:00 - noon. Southern Belle River Cruiser will conduct cruises at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  

 

Cost: Adults $12; Children 5 -12, $6.50; Children 4 and under are free 

 

For more information on this event and other upcoming events at the Gardens contact Leslie Schraeder at 973-2217 or Click Here to view their website.  

 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here.
SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTY SERVICES

SpotlightEach 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.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

RSVP provides volunteer opportunities for people 55 and older in the Mobile community. RSVP recruits and places volunteers to give them the opportunities to enrich their lives and contribute to the betterment of Mobile. RSVP offers challenging, rewarding and significant opportunities at any one of 102 community agencies in Mobile County.  Volunteers choose where they would like to volunteer and decide how much time they would like to donate. Volunteer opportunities include education, mentoring, the environment, health care, disaster relief and economic opportunity. There are hundreds of choices including assignments that can be done from home. Some signature programs of RSVP of Mobile County are the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, America Reads and Special Event Corps volunteers who help with one-time events. Our volunteers get involved in almost everything, said Ms. Terri Grodsky, RSVP Director.  

 

Funding for the program is provided by the federal Corporation for National & Community Service, the State of Alabama, the City of Mobile and the Mobile County Commission.  

 

There are several benefits to joining the program as a volunteer. Volunteers are honored each year for their service and receive free accident coverage, liability coverage and excess automobile coverage while participating in volunteer activities or while driving to or from a volunteer's place of service. Volunteering also provides many area seniors with a social outlet they wouldn't have otherwise. 

 

Trained volunteers from RSVP also can provide free tax assistance for senior citizens (income up to $50,000) through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. This free help with simple federal and state tax returns is part of a program coordinated by the IRS and RSVP and is by appointment only by calling 574-7787. Locations are the Mobile Regional Senior Community Center, Central Plaza Towers, Chickasaw Civic Center, Parkway Branch Library and First Baptist Church, Tilman's Corner. At the Hillcrest Senior Center, the FAST program is offered, at which allows people to use a computer and fill out their tax return for free with the help of a volunteer tax preparer.

 

For more information on RSVP services or to volunteer contact Terri Grodsky at 574-7787.  
DID YOU KNOW...? MOBILE COUNTY FUN FACTS 

Dauphin Island is not named for a fish but for the Dauphine of France, son of the King and Chunchula was actually named Chunk Chula, meaning Red Fox from the Choctaw Indians.

KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS!
Rachel Robertson, a senior at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, was recently named one of the top youth volunteers in Alabama for 2012 in the 17th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. More than 26,000 youth participate in this program across the United States. Rachel has dedicated the past four summers to serving teens with disabilities as a camp counselor for Camp S.M.I.L.E., a camp run by United Cerebral Palsy. Over the years as a counselor, Rachel became so inspired by the campers that she plans to pursue a career working as a physical therapist for people with disabilities.
CONTACT COMMISSIONER HUDSON
   Commissioner Connie Hudson
   Mobile County Commission
   P.O. Box 1443
   Mobile, Alabama 36633
   Office: (251) 574-2000
   Office Fax:
(251) 574-2001

   Mailing Address:
205 Government Street, 10th Floor
   Mobile, Alabama 36602