THE ANIMAL RESCUE SITE SHELTER CHALLENGE    

 SEVERE WEATHER SALES TAX HOLIDAY    

 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: CHANGING LIVES INSIDE METRO JAIL    

 VOLUNTEER TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM   

 THE FAMILY CENTER OF MOBILE     

 

The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile (ECFC) is a private not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation chartered in 1991 with the support of the Mobile Exchange Club and Parents Anonymous. The Parent Aide Home Visitation Program began in 1994 and continues to serve at-risk parents of young children today. In 2002 the ECFC began two new programs. The Healthy Start-Never Shake a Baby program is offered to new parents in area hospitals in the days following the birth of their children. Healthy Start is still active at USA Children's and Women's Hospital today. The Family Time program, a supervised visitation for non-custodial parents was also launched that year and continues to grow each year. Monitored exchanges for separated or divorced parents switching children for weekend or holiday visitation was added in 2006 and is now available free to the public. The focus of the programs have always been working with parents to educate and train them while their children are very young in order to prevent abuse and neglect before it happens. A second focus is to stress the importance of having both parents active and involved in their children's lives.

 

All programs provided by The Family Center of Mobile are offered free of charge to the public when certain conditions are met. Parents may opt to pay for some services if they prefer not to meet these conditions. Thousands are served every year through the programs offered.

 

Referrals are accepted from other agencies, the court system, and clients themselves. Staff members are mandatory reporters of child abuse and work closely with the Department of Human Resources.

 

The Family Center relies heavily on volunteers, donations, and grants.

 

For more information on the Family Center and its operations in our Community Click Here to view the website, Click Here to view the latest newsletter or contact the Mobile office at 479-5700.

  MARDI GRAS SHIPS VISIT MOBILE       

MOBILE CELEBRATES MARDI GRAS  

When: Through Tuesday, February 12 

  

Mobile is not only recognized as the home of the first known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703, but is also known as "America's Family Mardi Gras," delighting both young and old from around town and across the nation. This magnificent celebration lasts for more than two and a half weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliant-colored floats and of course teeming crowds of parade goers. The floats are glowing spectacles manned by masked riders festooned in satin and sequins, and armed with crowd-pleasing "throws" such as beads, moon pies, doubloons and candy.  

 

Click Here to view an informative website that lists parade dates and routes among other Mardi Gras events and information.    

  

 

WINTER WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME

 

When: Now through Wednesday, February 27 

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore

 

Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath is the perfect place to bring a friend and spend time among 65 acres of blooms.

 

Cost: Adults $12; Children 5-12, $6.50; and members and children four and under free. There are additional charges to tour the Home and/or to take the River Cruise.

 

For more information call 973-2217 or Click Here to view the Bellingrath Gardens and Home website.  

 

 

UP, UP & AWAY: EVOLUTION OF THE COMIC BOOK HERO

   

When: 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays beginning Friday, February 8 through March 3 

Where: History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street, Downtown Mobile   

 

The exhibit tells the fascinating story of how superheroes have evolved from before 1938's introduction of Superman to 2011's re-launch of DC Comic's "New 52." The exhibit also features more than 150 comic books and original superheroes drawn by local artists.

 

Cost: Adults $7; senior citizens $6; students $5.  

 

For more information contact the Museum of Mobile at 208-7569 or Click Here to view their website. 

 

 

NEW AND IMPROVED PARENTS' NIGHT OUT AT THE EXPLOREUM  

 

When: Drop-off 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pick-up 10 p.m. Friday, February 15 (Register by Wednesday, February 13 to guarantee your reservation.)  

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, Downtown Mobile 

 

This is an ideal opportunity for parents of children ages 4 - 12 to spend a grown up night out at LoDa Artwalk, enjoying all that downtown Mobile has to offer, while their children enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment. Children will be able to explore the Exploreum's hands-on, interactive exhibit galleries, experience a kid-friendly feature film, make new friends, enjoy a popcorn snack with lemonade, and learn lots of new stuff from the Exploreum's team of informal educators! This month the Scratch Factory take-home projects will be a homemade lava lamp and wacky wind spirals. Limited space is available. The Original Oyster House will be providing dinner for this event (chicken fingers, fettuccine alfredo and apple sauce). 

 

Cost: $20/child for members, $10/per additional sibling for members, $27/child for non-members, $13.50/per additional sibling for non-members (Discounts offered for pre-registering.) Late fee for pick-up is $1 per minute past 10 p.m. 

 

For more information or to register Click Here.

  

 

DAUPHIN WAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PICK UP AND RUN 5K

  

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, February 17 

Where: Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile  

 

The proceeds from this event will fund a mission trip to Forgotten Children's Ministry (FCM) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Funds raised from this race will help to feed those children and purchase school supplies for their school. Before the race, volunteers will visit homes and businesses along the route, letting everyone know the race is coming and inviting them to bring canned goods out for the Bay Area Food Bank. Trailers will follow the runners, collecting the food from those out cheering the runners on.  

 

For more information, to sponsor this event or to register for the run Click Here , contact Associate Pastor Brad Goode at 471-1511 or pick up registration forms in the Gathering Place at DWUMC on Sunday morning.

 

STRAIGHT FROM THE SOUNDTRACK

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 19  

Where: University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall   

 

Performances by students in the USA Department of Music and the greater Mobile musical community, along with a multi-media extravaganza, featuring film music from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Legend of Zelda, Beauty and the Beast and more. This is part of the kick-off of a campaign to raise $20,000 to upgrade program labs and production equipment. Click Here to make a donation.

 

Cost: General Tickets $10; USA students, faculty and staff and senior citizens $5 

 

For more information Click Here or contact the  University of South Alabama Department of Music at 460-6136. 

 

 

 

5K TRAIL WALK/RUN TO BENEFIT JAGUAR VOLLEYBALL

   

When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, February 23

Where: University of South Alabama, Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail (located off Hospital Drive on USA campus.) 

 

University of South Alabama volleyball head coach Amy Hendrichovsky and the members of the Jaguar volleyball team will host a 5K trail run/walk event as a fundraiser for their volleyball program. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers in each age division  

 

Cost:  USA students and faculty, $20. Non-USA students, $25. Click Here to register online for this event.Walkup registration on the morning of the event will also be available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. The registration fee for walkups is $30. T-shirts are guaranteed for those whose registrations are received by Feb. 20.  

   

For more information about the 5K event, contact assistant volleyball coach Shawn Taylor by email, sltaylor@usouthal.edu or at 460-7372. For more information about South Alabama athletics Click Here.   

 

 

HEY YA'LL LET'S RIDE: CHARITABLE MOTORCYCLE RIDE

 

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, February 23

Where: Beginning at Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd., Mobile and Ending at the Hangout, 101 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

 

Join World Record Holder and American Daredevil, Bubba Blackwell and the Bay Area Food Bank as they host Hey Y'all, Let's RIDE, a charitable motorcycle ride. All proceeds will benefit Bay Area Food Bank. Don't ride? Join the after-party at The Hangout where you'll have a chance to win door prizes, raffle items, and enjoy discount beverages and live entertainment from Against the Grain and JByrd Entertainment's Suicide Karaoke.  

 

Cost: Entry fee $20 in advance; $25 day of the event; Additional passenger and/or ticket to post-event party at the Hangout $5  

 

To register for the event Click Here or for more information contact Mary Candace Vegliacich at 653-1617 or Click Here to reach her by email.

 

 

MOBILE HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PRESERVATION LEADERSHIP CLASSES  

When: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Tuesday, February 26 through Tuesday, April 2 (Classes held on consecutive Tuesdays.) 

Where: City of Mobile Archives, 457 Church Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

In addition to learning about preservation, you get a tour of interesting restorations at tornado-ravaged Murphy High School and Mobile's oldest burial ground, Church Street Graveyard. Preservation Leadership consists of a series of six classes that cover history and architectural styles in Mobile, the ultimate insider's guide to the Architectural Review Board, as well as two tours. Preservation Leadership is part of the community outreach program of the Mobile Historic Development Commission and is taught by members of the staff. Last year's class filled with 35 participants from across the city.

 

Cost: Registration for Preservation Leadership is $50 and the deadline is Tuesday, February 12 at noon.

 

For more information and registration Click Here or contact 208-7281.

 

 

LODA ARTWALK

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: LoDa Arts District, Downtown Mobile

 

This family-friendly and free event features exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. Check the NCS website for a complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event.

 

For more information Click Here or call the City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1550.

 

 

KERRI CASTELLO TENNIS TOURNAMENT

   

When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Country Club of Mobile, 4101 Wimbledon Drive Mobile  

 

This mixed doubles tennis tournament benefits the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. The event will also feature a post-tournament party with entertainment by the Adam Doleac Band , food and drink.  

 

Cost: Entry fee $75 per person

 

For more information or to register Click Here or call Lora Castello at 621-4160 or Click Here to reach her by email.

 

 

11TH ANNUAL SEMMES AZALEA FESTIVAL

 

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road North, Semmes 

 

The 11th Annual Semmes Azalea Festival will feature approximately 100 arts and crafts vendors, an Antique Car Show, two entertainment stages, a 5K Run, a Bake-off, a Children's Area with pony rides, jumpy houses, a petting zoo, a train, a huge plant sale and many other activities.

 

For more information or for an application to participate as a vendor Click Here or contact Terri Nelson at 649-3163.

 

 

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME EASTER EGG HUNT

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore

 

Thousands of Easter Eggs will be all over The Great Lawn for children to discover. There will be plenty of candy and treats for kids of all ages. Children may participate in one of three egg hunts depending on their age. The Bellingrath Café will have a special snack area on Live Oak Plaza with all sorts of special Easter treats. A professional photographer will be available to take children's Easter Portraits with The Easter Bunny from 9 a.m. until noon. The Southern Belle River Cruiser will conduct cruises at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

 

Cost: Adults $12; Children 5 to 12 $6.50; and Children 4 and under are free. 

 

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

When: 6:30 a.m. Sunday, March 31

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road,Theodore

 

As the sun rises over Bellingrath Gardens and Home on Easter Sunday, please come and enjoy a special Sunrise Service with friends and family on Live Oak Plaza between the Bellingrath Home and the Boehm Gallery. The service is open to everyone in the community. During the service an offering will be collected to benefit The Interfaith Hospitality Network - The Family Promise Ministry. Chairs will be set up, but guests may bring their own.

 

 

EASTER BREAKFAST CRUISE ON THE SOUTHERN BELLE: ALABAMA CRUISES AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME

   

When: 8 a.m. Sunday, March 31

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore

 

The two-hour cruise will depart from the Bellingrath Gardens Riverfront Pavilion at 8 a.m. The menu includes ham, grits, eggs, biscuits, sausage, bacon, fruit and pastries.  

 

Cost: $35 per person, reservations required. Contact Alabama Cruises at 973-1244 to make reservations. 

 

For more information on events at Bellingrath Gardens and Home contact 973-2217 or Click Here to visit their website. 

 

 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here.

The 12/31/2012 budget report reflects general fund revenue and expenditures for the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Through December we have completed 25% of the fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through December 2012 was $31,574,843.74. This represents 25.77% of budgeted FY 2013 revenue. Receipt of many of our major revenues lags by one month. Most of the property tax revenue and business license revenue is collected in December and January. The year to date expenditures through December are $26,534,820.48. This is 22.03% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 25% on this report. The health, sanitation and culture and recreation functions are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Through December both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

Click Here to view the December General Fund Budget Report.

Kudos to the Village of Spring Hill, Inc. for its efforts in beautification around the Spring Hill area. Click Here to view several before and after photos of the beautification efforts.

Congratulations to the City of Mobile Swim Association (CMSA). They were designated as a Silver Medal Club, a national recognition. The designation means that CMSA is ranked in the top 100 of over 3,000 swim clubs nationally. Congratulations also to the CMSA swimmers who qualified for both the Southern Sectional and Junior National swim meets. The Southern Sectional meet, which is a time-qualifying meet, will be held March 7-10 in Greensboro, NC.