UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
 
Commissioner Hudson pictured with (L to R) U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner; Governor Robert Bentley, Alabama State Senator Vivian Davis Figures; philanthropist, Mr. Abraham Mitchell, and U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions at the University of South Alabama's 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 3, 2013. The event also honored USA President, Gordon Molton who is set to retire July 1, 2013. During the celebration, Mr. Michell announced that the University of South Alabama will receive a $50 million donation from his charitable foundation.
Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commis
sioner Connie Hudson
May 17, 2013

message
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER
CONNIE HUDSON

     

During the Memorial Day weekend and holiday on May 27, 2013 our nation will honor and celebrate American military veterans past and present. The day is set aside to commemorate U.S. men and women who died while serving and defending our nation. We owe these men and women a debt that can only be repaid by honoring and respecting our country and by taking full advantage of the rights, privileges and freedoms that their sacrifices have afforded us.

  
To commemorate and honor their sacrifice, special weekend and holiday events will be sponsored by veterans groups throughout Mobile County. In Mobile, a ceremony at the National Cemetery at 1202 Virginia Street will include a presentation by retired U.S. Army Major General Alfonsa (Al) Gilley at 9 a.m. For a complete listing of other Memorial Day events Click Here.

Congratulations to all the young women and men throughout Mobile County who are matriculating from our area high schools and from colleges and universities! This event is a milestone in the lives of these young people and a proud accomplishment for them and their families as they prepare for future endeavors. Best Wishes!

Warmest Regards,

Connie  


PUBLIX GRAND OPENING
 
Commissioner Hudson with Mr. Blacksher White-Spunner, Rhonda Wright Daniels, Councilwoman Bess Rich, and Mayor Sam Jones at the grand opening of Publix on Hillcrest Road April 28. 2013.

LEFLORE HIGH SCHOOL JROTC     

LeFlore High School JROTC cadets with their instructors Colonel Robert Barrow (L) and Major Daniel Burch (R), pictured with Commissioner Hudson, after touring Government Plaza May 1, 2013.
HONOR FLIGHT MOBILE
Commissioner Hudson and Councilwoman Bess Rich with Dr. Barry Booth at the final Honor Flight homecoming at Mobile Regional Airport.
Commissioner Hudson and Councilwoman Bess Rich greeted WWII veteran Porter Roberts who participated in the final Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. May 8, 2013.
LPGA PRESS CONFERENCE
Commissioner Hudson, pictured with (L to R) Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama; LPGA celebrities Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson, and Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie at a press conference unveiling the new logos for the LPGA Championship events in Mobile and Prattville.

 

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IN THIS ISSUE
 
petweekFEATURED PET AT THE MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
"LEANN"    
 

NEWS FLASH
LEANN WAS
ADOPTED TODAY!


Leann is an approximately 6 months old Labrador Retriever mix that was found wandering the streets along with her siblings. According to neighbors, she had been born to a stray mom and had spent her entire life on the streets. She is super sweet, has a wonderful disposition and loves to give kisses. She would make a wonderful addition to any family. If you are interested in adopting "Leann" please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter at 574-3647. The adoption fee is $80 and that includes the spay, rabies vaccination, first set of shots and a dewormer.
 

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here.  

 

**URGENT PLEA...We are bringing in 50 animals today on legal hold that we found living in deplorable conditions. We are over capacity at the animal shelter and need to find homes for all of our adoptable animals. We will be open until 6:30 p.m. tonight and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow...so PLEASE come and adopt!

RachelRay2013 ASPCA RACHEL RAY $100K CHALLENGE    
Mobile County Animal Shelter Staff and Volunteers.
 

The Mobile County Animal Shelter (MCAS) has been named one of only 50 shelters in the country to compete in the 2013 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge. We'll be competing by getting the community involved in helping us save as many lives as possible this June, July and August. Working with you to save lives can help us earn anywhere from $5000 to $100,000 in grant money from the ASPCA so that we can purchase a mobile adoption trailer, which will allow us to travel and hold adoption events in the unincorporated areas of Mobile County that we serve, upgrade our kennels and develop and implement a microchip program for the shelter. Our motto for the challenge is "Filling Happy Homes...One Pet at a Time".

 

You will be a very important part of our life-saving efforts and we want you to know that we can't do it without you. At a minimum, to qualify for any grant award we must save 300 more lives than what we did last year. The total saved last year during the three months was 562. Our goal this year for the months of June, July and August is 862 - 1000 lives. Yes, it's a very aggressive goal but we are up to the challenge...and hope that you are too! 

 

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here

MGMimprovIMPROVEMENTS AT MARY G. MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL  


Mobile County District 2 provided the materials and labor to Mary G. Montgomery High School to improve and fill in low areas on campus. Wade Whitney, Jr., principal of MGM says, "Commissioner Hudson's personal commitment to us was so helpful and allowed us to reach one of our many goals. The assistance means so much to me but even more to the students at MGM."
 twvfd TANNER WILLIAMS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES ASSISTANCE
 


The Mobile County Commission approved a District 2 project at the May 13, 2013 Commission meeting to allocate $15,000 to the Tanner Williams Volunteer Fire Department for assistance with the purchase of two new fire engines. According to Chief Tim Chimento, "These trucks are replacing 1963 and 1975 models and are just plainly bigger, better, stronger engines. They will allow us to improve the department's services to the citizens of Mobile County."

 

semmesNEWS BULLETIN FROM THE CITY OF SEMMES   
  • The City of Semmes City Council approved a $20,000 grant to the Semmes Volunteer Fire Department for software and computers. It also approved a resolution May 7 for up to $325,000 to purchase a tanker/pumper to lease to the Semmes Volunteer Fire Department to improve public safety in areas with limited or no fire hydrants.   
  • The City of Semmes has two vacant Council seats due to recent resignations of Councilmembers Mary Calhoun and Phillip Dodd. Place 2 and Place 4 are open to citizens who live in the city limits of Semmes, are registered voters at an address in Semmes and submit a resume to City Clerk, Brittany Johnson at Semmes City Hall, 7875 Moffett Road #F. There is no deadline.   
  • The City of Semmes is requesting bids for janitorial services.  
  • The Mobile County Commission (MCC) voted to transfer the maintenance of 85 streets to the City of Semmes at its May 13 meeting. Those streets, which the County had previously maintained and controlled are within the city limits of Semmes. In accordance with state law these streets are now the responsibility of the city. To view the resolution which includes a listing of the 85 streets Click Here.  
  • The MCC also adopted a resolution consenting to Semmes' annexation of two public streets. To view the resolution which includes a listing of the two streets Click Here.  

For more information contact the City of Semmes at 649-8811. 

calendarDISTRICT 2 SPRING CALENDAR  

BROWN BAG IN BIENVILLE

 

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays now through May 29

Where: Bienville Square, Downtown Mobile

 

Bring a packed lunch and enjoy music in Bienville Square on Wednesdays. Local musicians will provide entertainment while you enjoy lunch in one of the American Planning Association's "Top 10 Great Public Spaces for 2012."  

 

May 22- Sugarcane Jane

May 29- The Excelsior Band

 

For more information contact the City of Mobile's Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1558 or Click Here

 

 

MARKET ON THE SQUARE   

 

Market on the SqaureWhen: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays, now through July 28

Where: Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile

Shop for the freshest crops in town, including locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, seafood, flowers, plants, baked breads, pasta, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and so much more. Stay for live music on the green.

For more information contact City of Mobile's Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1558

 


MOBILE BAY LPGA CLASSIC

When: Now
through Sunday, May 19
Where:
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove, Crossings Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Parkway, Mobile

Ladies Professional Golf Association players will tee off to win up to $1.2 million.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, ticket purchase, or a schedule of events, contact tournament staff at (205) 262-2832 or Click Here to view the events website.
  

CYSTIC FIBROSIS GREAT STRIDES FUNDRAISING EVENT


When: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Mobile Bay Causeway

Great Strides is the CF Foundation's largest fund-raising event. It provides opportunities for all people within a local community to get involved forming teams through their workplace, clubs and organizations or with friends and family. Walk day is a fun, family-oriented celebration that includes a healthy 3-mile walk, Kids' Corner activities, food, and festivities that participants look forward to year after year.

For more information on the Alabama Chapter of the CF Foundation Click Here or to register for the event Click Here or contact Tiffany Miller, development director at 436-0013.

 
THE MOBILE POPS PRESENTS "AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS"


When: 7 p.m. Monday, May 20
Where: Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion, Medal of Honor Park, Mobile

This concert is free and open to the public. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. 

 

For more information on the Mobile Pops Click Here or contact 679-6036. 

 

 

SIP AND SAVOR TO BENEFIT DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN 

   

When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30

Where: Legacy Bar and Grill

 

This event will feature an evening of wine and hors d'oeuvres and is hosted by the Distinguished Alliance. Distinguished Young Women (DYW) is a scholarship program for high school girls across America.

 

Cost: $30 advance ticket, $35 night of event

 

For more information Click Here to view to DYW website or to purchase tickets contact 438-0063.

 

 

SPRINGHILL MEDICAL CENTER GRANDMAN TRIATHLON

When: 7 a.m. Saturday, June 1
Where: Fairhope Pier, Fairhope

Join us for the Springhill Medical Center Grandman Triathlon to benefit four amazing local non-profit organizations: Mobile Baykeeper, The Gulf Coast Area Triathletes, The Baldwin County Trailblazers, and Camp Rap-A-Hope. The event begins with a 1/3 mile swim straight out into picturesque Mobile Bay and back beside the Fairhope Municipal Pier and an 18-mile bike ride through the charming city of Fairhope. The race to the finish line begins with a 3.1 mile run through the streets of Fairhope and along the Bay. 

For more information or to register Click Here or contact Mobile Baykeeper at 433-4229.

 

 

MOBILE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT FARM TO TABLE TASTING AND WINE EVENT 

 

When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 3

Where: 5 Rivers Delta Hall, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort 

 

Fourteen South Alabama farmers and producers will provide fresh produce, seafood and sausage to ten chefs and caterers who will create fresh tastings of special dishes for your culinary delight.  Meet the growers and the chefs and save room for the sweet ending from seven local dessert, pastry, and coffee specialists in Mobile and Baldwin Counties- a perfect finale to this locally sourced feast.  Attendees will also enjoy live music and take home a commemorative wine

 

Cost: Reservations required by May 24; $65 per person

For more information Click Here to view the Alabama Cooperative Extension website or contact 575-8445.


ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OFFERS SUMMER ENRICHMENT COURSES

   

When: Beginning June 3

Where: St. Pauls Episcopal School, 1 Dogwood Lane, Mobile 

 

St. Paul's Episcopal School will offer summer school classes (math, reading, study skills) and enrichment classes (music, art, computer, cooking, acting, game-ventures, super sleuths, summer serving, and more!) beginning in June. Click here to view classes - and check for updates

 

For more information on these course offerings contact Summer School Coordinator Jill Drum at jdrum@stpaulsmobile.net or 622-7962.

 

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AT THE EXPLOREUM 

When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 3 through August 16 (week-long camps) 

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

Kids pre-K4 through 7th grade can enjoy amazing, science-based summer camps! From the arts and sports to forensics and engineering, there is something for everyone! All camps include two snacks each day. Campers may bring their own lunch or they may purchase lunch at the Exploreum Café.   

 

Cost: Members $130 first child, $120 for each additional sibling per camp

Non-Members $165 first child, $155 for each additional sibling per camp

 

For more information or to register Click Here or contact Jacqlyn Kirkland, Outreach Education Specialist at 208-6818.

 


WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS
 
When: Wednesdays, June 5 through July 31
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road

 

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

Cost: Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. There are additional charges to tour the Home and/or to take the River Cruise.

For more information on specific events Click Here or contact 973-2217, extension 110.

 

 

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART SUMMER CAMPS

 

SUMMER FUN ART CAMPS

 

When: June 10 through August 2 

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

 
With four classes a day to choose from, Art Blast runs weekly for seven weeks. Studio art and art appreciation give students hands-on experience in a variety of artistic media and techniques. Parents are welcome to enroll with their children ages 12 and older to experience the creative process together.

 

For more information or to enroll your child Click Here or contact 208-5200.  

 

NATURE ART BLAST CAMP 

 

When: 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. June 10 through June 14

Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive

 

This wonderful introduction to nature for grades 3-5 includes topics such as "Bees, Butterflies and Botany," "Dirt Day," and "Flower Power." Morning activities include hikes on nature trails, nature scavenger hunts, learning to use our five senses in the garden, and investigations of how plants react to soil, light, and water. Afternoons are spent creating nature-themed art.

 

Cost: $175 per child, includes T-shirt and daily snacks. Participants will need to bring a bag lunch. Registration deadline is Friday, May 31.

 

For more information Click Here or contact 342-0555.

 

 

  

 

7TH ANNUAL WINTZELL'S GOLF CLASSIC

 

When: 7:15 a.m. Friday, June 21

Where: Lakewood Golf Club at the Grand Hotel, Point Clear 

 

Wintzell's Oyster House is the oldest continuous sponsor of
Distinguished Young Women. Owners Bob and Buffy Donlon started the Wintzell's Golf Classic to further support the program and its mission. Sponsorship of this event will ultimately contribute to the overall goals of Distinguished Young Women and help to award more than $100,000 in cash scholarships to participants along with more than $100 million in college-granted scholarship opportunities from participating schools throughout 2013.

 

For more information on sponsorships or to register Click Here or contact Scootie Dabbs at 406-2860 or email golf@wintzellsoysterhouse.com 

 

 

THE GREAT RACE FINISH LINE IN MOBILE 

 

When: Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30
Where:
Downtown Mobile

 

This exciting vintage car race will begin in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 20. The participants will travel south over a week with a finish line celebration on June 30 at Bienville Square followed by a social hour, dinner and awards ceremony in the Bon Secour Bay Ballroom at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza in Mobile. All events are open to the public.

 

For more information on this event Click Here or contact the Mobile Bay Visitors and Convention Bureau at 208-2100. 

 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here.


 MOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATEFinance
Through March we have completed 50% of the fiscal year. Our year to date revenue through March 2013 was $70.259.815.21. This represents 55.71% of budgeted FY 2013 revenue. Receipt of many of our major revenues lag 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 March are $55,311,763.11. This is 44.59% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 50% on this report. The health, sanitation and culture and recreation functions are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Through February, both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

Click Here to view the March General Fund Budget Report.
 DISTRICT 2  AND ALDOT ROAD PROJECTSrimpupdate

Current District 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.

 

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION  

ZEIGLER BLVD. PROJECTS UPDATE 

  

Zeigler Blvd from Athey to Forest Hill - ALDOT is very close to having the environmental document signed by FHWA and once that is done they will begin final design and Right-of-Way acquisition. They are currently scheduled to hold a 80% review by Fall of this year and start right-of-way acquisition shortly thereafter.

 

Zeigler Blvd from Schillinger to Cody - ALDOT is very close to having the environmental document signed by FHWA and once that is done they will begin right-of-way acquisition. They are current scheduled to hold a 60% review by the end of this summer and start right-of-way acquisition by the end of the year/first of next year.

 

seniorcenterSEMMES SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER  


Click Here for the latest edition.

Click Here to view additional events at the Senior Center.
kudos KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the University of South Alabama Ladies Softball team. The Jaguars won the SunBelt Championship and are seeded 13 in the nation and were also chosen to be a host for the first phase of the tournament. Games began Thursday night May 16 at Jaguar Field at the University of South Alabama.  

 

 

Congratulations to the Excelsior Band who have paraded on the streets of downtown Mobile  for more than 100 years playing joyful and eclectic jazz in countless Mardi Gras parades. The Mobile County Commission announced "Excelsior Band Day" at their May 13, 2013 Commission meeting.The group will also be recognized by The Alabama State Council on the Arts with the 2013 Folk Heritage Award. 

 

   

Congratulations to Mr. James Philpot who recently received his Bronze Star from Congressman Jo Bonner during a ceremony April 29, 2013 at the Wilmer Volunteer Fire Department. The Department of the Army recently authorized the Bronze Star for Private James D. Philpot's "meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy on 1 December 1944, while serving with Anti-Tank Company, 409th Infantry Regiment, 103rd Infantry Division, in support of the Cactus Division's drive through the Rhineland."

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