Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commis
sioner Connie Hudson
February 7, 2014 

message
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER
CONNIE HUDSON

Thank goodness that Winter Storm Leon is now just a memory along the Gulf Coast! Leon served as a very real reminder that we, in the deep Southern regions of the United States, don't have the proper ice and snow storm equipment to safely drive on icy roads and bridges. A winter storm the magnitude of Leon has only hit our region once in the last 20 years. Mobile County was indeed fortunate that inconvenience and interruption of work/school schedules seemed to be the major storm-related issues. Thankfully, our area experienced no storm-related fatalities. Many thanks to Mobile County's first responder agencies including the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency, Mobile County Emergency Medical Services, Sheriff's Office, Mobile County Public Works and road and bridge crews, and all first responders from Mobile County's municipalities. They all did an outstanding job of pre-storm preparation and addressing road problems and assisting stranded vehicle operators and medical emergencies during the storm. We are extremely grateful to all of the dedicated men and women who went beyond the call of duty to administer aid and assistance to fellow citizens.

Remember that February is National Heart Month as well as National Cancer Prevention Month and an opportunity to bring awareness to risk factors and prevention for both diseases. Click Here for more information from the American Heart Association or Click Here for more information from the American College of Cardiology. For information on cancer risk factors and prevention from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Click Here.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Warmest Regards,

Connie

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT PRAYER LUNCHEON 

Pictured L to R, City of Mobile Councilman John Williams, Local Realtor Mamun Siddiq, City of Mobile Councilwoman Bess Rich, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, City of Mobile Council President Gina Gregory, City of Mobile Councilmen Fred Richardson and Joel Daves, and Mobile County Comissioner Connie Hudson. The luncheon was held on February 6, 2014.

 

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IN THIS ISSUE
 
roadworkCONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON SCHILLINGER ROAD 

The Mobile County Commission is advising all motorists that construction begins Monday on the widening of Schillinger Road between Howell's Ferry and Moffett Roads. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is managing this project and has required the road builder to keep a driving lane open on Schillinger Road at all times during construction and to provide access at all times to all businesses and residences along the route. 


The County has partnered with ALDOT to improve the roadway through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP), a federal program that provides 80 percent funding to the county's 20 percent. 

The state estimates the project will take 30 months for completion. Once completed, the roadway will accommodate much higher traffic volume and will significantly ease traffic flow through the area. 


If you have questions about this project, please call the Alabama Department of Transportation's Construction Office at 251-470-8250. Mobile County appreciates the patience of motorists while this project is underway and encourages caution in the construction area.  
beadsMARDI GRAS BEAD RECYCLING

   


taxprepFREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICE

 

 

The IRS will no longer provide tax return preparation service in their office and would like for taxpayers to use one of two sources for free tax preparation services if they qualify:

  • Volunteer Tax Preparation: Your community has several free volunteer tax preparation locations that you can find by dialing United Way's 2-1-1 number or Click Here to visit the IRS website, keyword VITA.
    • Organizations like Goodwill Easter Seals, Mobile Community Action Agency, RSVP, HandsOn South AL (a program of United Way of Southwest AL), Boat People SOS and others provide this valuable service. Qualification for this program is total household income of $52,000 or less.
    • Volunteers are IRS trained and certified to provide you a quality tax return at no cost. Both Federal and State tax returns are completed at preparation sites
  • Free Access to Online Tax Software: If you do your own tax return or want to do it for the first time there is a program that provides access to free brand name online tax preparation software.
    • Qualifications to use the site are you have an e-mail address and total household income is $58,000 or less. Both Federal and State returns are completed and e-filed at no cost to those within income limit.
    • Telephone support is provided by United Way Worldwide via a 1-800 number six days a week. Click Here to visit the United Way of Southwest Alabama website to learn more.
dogFEATURED MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
PET OF THE WEEK, "TWILIGHT"

Twilight is a very sweet 2-year-old female Domestic Long Hair cat that was brought into the Mobile County Animal Shelter after she was found roaming the streets. She is very affectionate and loves to snuggle. This precious feline would make a great addition to any home. Twilight also has many friends that are looking for their forever home as well. If you are interested in adopting Twilight please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter at 574-3647. The adoption fee is $70 and that includes spaying, 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.  


marcCOMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT FEATURING... 
   
THE ALABAMA GULF COAST CHAPTER AMERICAN RED CROSS
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
 

The American Red Cross has hundreds of locally supported chapters nationwide. More than 15 million people turn to the American Red Cross each year and volunteers are the lifeline for provision of these vital services. They strive to maintain a culture of inclusiveness. This means volunteers work as staff to fulfill the mission of the Red Cross.

 

Red Cross volunteers provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter can work with you to provide rewarding experiences, whatever your schedule. They need people with various backgrounds, talents and skill levels. And, if you need training, they will provide it. By becoming a Red Cross Volunteer you can be the best part of someone's worst day. Here are just a few of lines of service:

 

Disaster Response-Help people impacted by disasters ranging from home fires to hurricanes by providing food, shelter, essential relief supplies and comfort and hope. Click Here for more information.

 

Preparedness Education-Teach families, people in classrooms, organizations and corporations how to Be Red Cross Ready for disasters and emergencies by taking simple steps to get prepared.

 

Blood Services-Assist with registration at local blood drives and pass out refreshments.

 

Service to the Armed Forces-Connect families and veterans with resources in response to emergencies, train military families in coping and resiliency skills, and supply recreational and therapeutic support in military and VA health and care facilities. Click Here for more information. 

 

Health and Safety Training-Teach vital lifesaving skills such as those in first aid/CPR/AED, babysitting, water safety and pet first aid courses. Click Here for more information. 

 

International Humanitarian Services-Coordinate fundraising for measles vaccines, educate youth about the Geneva Conventions and provide international tracing and messaging for loved ones separated by armed conflict. Click Here for more information. 

 

Fundraising-Make it financially possible for the Red Cross to deliver its lifesaving services. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

 

To get started as a volunteer follow these 4 easy steps!

 

1. Click Here and click on Volunteer, then the "Be a Volunteer" link.

2. Complete the Application.

3. Complete your Background Check.

4. Register for an Orientation Class.

 

A local volunteer development representative will contact you with more information once you have completed the above steps.

 

SAVE THE DATE! AMERICAN RED CROSS 6TH ANNUAL GUMBO COOK OFF

 

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12

Where: Bienville Square, Downtown Mobile

 

This is a family friendly event that this year will partner with Arts Alive, the downtown arts festival. How can you get involved with this fundraiser? You can become a sponsor (includes a free team in the cook-off), enter a team -both amateur and professional teams are welcome and will be judged separately, promote your restaurant in Restaurant Alley, offer a prize to be given away during the day, or simply purchase tickets and come eat some gumbo.  

 

For more information on the American Red Cross Gumbo Cook-Off contact Linda Crowell at 544-6140 or [email protected].

beatlesMOBILE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS
A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

fire MOBILE FIRE-RESCUE CITIZENS' ACADEMY 

Applications for Mobile Fire-Rescue's next Citizens' Academy class, which is scheduled to begin Monday, March 10, are now being accepted. The program will provide participants with an overview of the major divisions within the department as well as a general overview of fire fighting and emergency medical services and provide hands-on experiences. The class is free and open to anyone 21 years and older.

Participants will meet Monday evenings for 10 weeks from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fire Training Academy located at 860 Owens Street across from the City of Mobile Animal Shelter or another designated area.

 

Activities will include a ride-along with firefighters/firemedics, instruction and certification in C.P.R., a visit to the 911 Communications Center, a tour of the harbor on board the fireboat Phoenix, rappelling from the 4-story drill tower, hands-on vehicle extrication and a firefighting demonstration.

 

For more information Click Here and click on the Citizens Academy link to find and complete an application. Once completed it can be mailed or faxed (208-2861). Applicants may also come by the Training Academy at 860 Owens Street, across from the City of Mobile Animal Shelter to obtain an application. Early application is encouraged because class size is limited.   

 

For more information call the Media Relations Office at 208-2857.
          calendarDISTRICT 2 WINTER CALENDAR          

fun-glasses-banner.gif MOBILE CELEBRATES MARDI GRAS

 

When: Now through March 4 

Where: Downtown Mobile

 

Mobile is not only recognized as celebrating the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703, but also as home to the "America's Family Mardi Gras," delighting both young and old from around town and across the nation. This magnificent celebration lasts for over 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 the 2014 Mardi Gras Parade schedule and parade routes.  

 

 

CITY OF SEMMES FOOD DRIVE  

  

When: Now through February 28

Where: Semmes City Hall, City of Semmes Public Works, Semmes Library, Century Bank and Semmes Fire Station #1

 

The City of Semmes is hosting a canned and non-perishable food drive benefiting the Bay Area Food Bank throughout the month of February. Monetary donations will also be accepted and can be dropped off at Semmes City Hall located at 7875 Moffett Road Unit F (adjacent to Century Bank).

 

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

 

 

FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES AT EXPLOREUM IMAX THEATER 

    

When: Now through April 12 

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

 

The iconic monarch butterfly is a true marvel of nature. Weighing less than a penny, it makes one of the longest migrations on earth across a continent, with pinpoint navigational accuracy, to a secluded place it has never been. Follow the monarchs' perilous and extraordinary journey and join hundreds of millions of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico. For the first time ever, witness the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, inside a chrysalis, thanks to advanced MRI and micro CT scans. Be captivated by the true and compelling story of an intrepid scientist's 40-year search to find their secret hideaway, with the help of citizen scientists across North America.


For more information contact the Exploreum at 208-6873 or Click Here to view their website.

 

     

WINTER WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS

 

When: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Now through February 26

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

 

Visit Bellingrath on Wednesdays in February for special programs. Topics will focus on Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature.
  
 

Cost: Adults $12.50; Children 5 through 12 $7; additional charges for Home Tour and River Cruise.  

 

For more information contact Bellingrath Gardens and Home at 973-2217 or Click Here.

    

 

THURSDAYS AT THE MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART 

 

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. All Thursdays

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

 

The Museum of Art is offering FREE admission and access to all galleries and special programs on Thursdays. Current exhibitions include Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. 

 

For more information call 208-5200 or Click Here to view the Mobile Museum of Art website.

 

 

GOVERNMENT STREET FORUM    

 
null
When: 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, Now through April 17
Where:
Government Street Presbyterian Church, 200 Government Street, Downtown Mobile (Parking available in the Jackson Street lot)

   

The Government Street Forum is a speaker luncheon hosted by Government Street Presbyterian Church.  


February 13: Roberta Swann, Director, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program

February 20: Scott Posey, Director of Communications, Thyssenkrupp Steel USA

February 27: Penny Dendy, Community Convenor, who will discuss civic engagement and environmental concerns expressed in community conversations in Alabama, Florida and Cuba.

March 6: Sandy Stimpson, Mayor of Mobile

March 13: Rene Culler, Assistant Professor and Glass Program Coordinator, University of South Alabama


Cost:
$7 if you would like to purchase lunch. There is not a cost to attend the forum.

For more information Click Here or call 432-1749.

    


BIGGEST LOSER RUN/WALK MOBILE

 
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, February 9
Where: Across from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, Downtown Mobile

The Biggest Loser RunWalk Mobile Half Marathon/5k/kids one-mile Fun Run (for ages 4 to 12) is a race for all fitness levels. Each registered participant and finisher will receive the following: The Biggest Loser Finisher's Medal; commemorative technical t-shirt; drawstring backpack; chip-timed race for runners and those tracking personal goals; free downloadable race photos; award divisions for runners and walkers; celebrity appearances; hydration stations with water/sports drinks along the course and food at the finish line; entertainment by Billboard chart-topping artist; former Biggest Loser season 5 contestant, Dan Evans.

Cost: From $10 to $75 depending on race and time of registration. No race day registration.

For more information contact Anthony Perez at 815-464-1265 or Click Here to view the events website.

 

 

LODA ARTWALK   

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, February 14
Where: Cathedral Arts District, Downtown Mobile

Second Fridays in downtown have become quite a popular time and place to be! With the LoDa ArtWalk in its 8th year, the event seems to be getting better each month. Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk. 

 

For more information Click Here or contact the City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1553.  

 

 

 

PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK "CINDERELLA"AUDITIONS

 

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 26

Where: Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile 

 

The Playhouse-in-the-Park is proud to present an enchanting new musical fantasy based on the traditional fairy tale favorite. A cast of youth singers, dancers, and actors, along with exquisite scenery, costumes, and special effects, will make this an exciting event! Join Cinderella as she finds her way to the heart of Prince Charming and learns about life and true love along the way. Auditions are open for ages 5 through mid 20's, and those auditioning should be prepared to sing a 30-second song of their choice. Public performances will be 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, May 4, 11, and 18. 

 

For more information contact 602-0630 or Click Here.

 

 

TOMATOPALOOZA AT MOBILE BOTANICAL GARDENS

   

When: Order Now for pickup 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1 

Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, Mobile

 

For the third year the Mobile Botanical Gardens are offering over 30 varieties of tomatoes to choose from, but quantities are limited. Here's how it works: Click Here to order your plants. Pay online. Pick up your plants. Gardens members get 30% off.

 

For more information contact the Mobile Botanical Gardens at 342-0555 or Click Here to visit their website.

    

 

CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 5 COMMUNITY MEETING

 

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11

Where: E.R. Dickson Elementary, 4645 Bit and Spur Road, Mobile 

 

Join Councilman Joel Daves and invited guests Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Interim Fire Chief Randy Smith, Police Chief James Barber and other city officials for this District 5 Community Meeting. 

 

For more information contact the City of Mobile Council office at 208-7441.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE: SEMMES HERITAGE DAY

    

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5

Where: Semmes Heritage Park, 3871 Wulff Road, Semmes

 

This event, sponsored by Alumni and Friends of Semmes School, Inc., will feature music and entertainment, arts and crafts displays, food, demonstrations from the early 1900's, family fun, appearances by the Camellia Maids and a hat contest for both men and women. Sure to be a fun and educational trip back to the early 1900's for the whole family! Free admission.

 

For more information contact Jeanette Byrd 649-1647.

 

 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here.

 DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATEroad 

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

seniorcenterSEMMES SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER  

Click Here for the latest edition.
 Click Here for the February activities calendar.
Semmes Senior Center
9635 Moffett Road, Semmes, Alabama
financeMOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Through December we have completed 25% of the fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through December 2013 is $31,267,252.01. This represents 125.66% of budgeted FY2014 revenue. Receipt for 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 November are $25,552,946.53. This is 20.40% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 25% on this report. The Health, Welfare and Education categories are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Through December both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

Click Here to view the latest financial update.
 meetings MOBILE COUNTY UPCOMING COMMISSION MEETINGS 
Commission Regular Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Monday, February 10
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium


Commission Conference Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 19
Where: Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room
(This meeting will include a FY2013 end-of-the-year financial report and a FY2014 first quarter financial report.) 
   
Commission Regular Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Monday, February 24
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium

Commission Conference Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, March 6
Where: Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room

Commission Regular Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Monday, March 10
Where: Government Plaza Auditoirum

Click Here for more information and to view the agendas for the above meetings as they are posted.  
congratsKUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS 

 

 

Congratulations to Alabama House District 104 Representative Margie Wilcox. Representative Wilcox was sworn in to the Alabama State House of Representatives on February 6, 2014.

 

 

  

 

Congratulations to Dr. Tony Waldrop who accepted the presidency at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Waldrop served formerly as Provost and Executive Vice President at the University of Central Florida since 2010. Dr. Waldrop will be the third president in the University's history.

 


 

Kudos to the Mary G. Montgomery High School Cheerleaders! The squad was awarded first place at the Southern Championship Regional Competition and won a bid to compete in the National High School Cheer Championship that will take place in Orlando, Florida this month. 

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