The Mobile County Commission, the Mobile County Health Department and 10 other large institutional employers, healthcare providers, academic and civic organizations stood up with Live Better Mobile to launch a statewide anti-obesity campaign designed by the Alabama Department of Public Health's experts through the state Obesity Task Force. ReThink Your Drink! is the 2014 rallying cry of the Task Force that is being rolled out in cities, counties, communities, and organizations all over the state.

The public awareness campaign is focused on how sugar-sweetened beverages can harm your health and about the healthy alternatives that are available. Armed with this knowledge, well over 250,000 Mobilians will be reached by these 12 partners alone and provided the tools they need to make a better choice.

Commissioner Hudson speaking during a press conference held at the Gulf Coast Exploreum to announce the ReThink Your Drink! campaign.

The four key messages for this year's ReThink Your Drink! campaign:

1) Choose Water-Water is critical for hydration and body functions.

2) Watch calories-There are hidden calories in sugar-sweetened beverages and in alcoholic beverages that add up quickly.

3) Lower sugar intake-Soft drinks are often targeted as high sugar beverages; however, sweet tea, sports drinks and fruit punches also contain large amounts of sugar. Consuming fruit juices is supported only in small amounts.

4) Drink skim or fat free milk or healthy milk alternatives-Low fat milk provides important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D.

For more information on Live Better Mobile contact staff at info@livebettermobile.org, 802-3341 or www.livebettermobile.org                        

Rape is a very difficult topic to address due to the multitude of myths and misinformation on the topic. Some believe that rape occurs because of the way women dress or behave. Others believe that rape is only committed by strangers. Most individuals do not even know what constitutes 1st or 2nd Degree Rape in the state of Alabama. The Rape Crisis Center, as a service of Lifelines Counseling Services, offers many programs to prevent, educate and assist victims of rape. 

The Sexual Violence Prevention Education (SVPE) team tackles rape myths with presentations that focus on awareness and prevention. Currently, the SVPE team offers free, prevention based, age and content appropriate, multi session presentations for school age youth.

• 3-5 sessions for Kindergarten through 2nd grade using the Wise Owl Bully Stopper curriculum
• 4-6 sessions for 3rd through 6th grade using the Bully Proof curriculum
• 4-9 sessions on healthy relationships and dating violence for 7th through 12th grade using the Safe Dates curriculum.

All curricula are research-based and approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health. The SVPE uses curricula that focuses on abusive and controlling 

behaviors like bullying and dating violence because those behaviors tend to be precursors for sexual violence. By showing children that they have the power to stop abusive behaviors now, either by changing their attitude or empowering them to stand up to or report bullying, we can perhaps prevent violence, including sexual violence, down the road.

AWARENESS

The Rape Crisis Center, a program of Lifelines Counseling Services offers many awareness education programs for teachers, other professionals and church or community groups. Topics include rape prevention, risk reduction, alcohol and rape, consent vs. coercion, statistics, rape trauma syndrome, sexual harassment, what to do if you are raped, how to identify and signs of an unhealthy relationship and more.  

For more information contact the Prevention Education Program Coordinator at 431-5100 or Click Here to visit an informative website.

CRISIS INTERVENTION

A 24-hour hotline is answered by trained staff and volunteer advocates of the Rape Crisis program. With each call, the needs of the caller are assessed and appropriate referrals are made. Rape Crisis offers direct services to sexual assault victims and their families 24/7, delivering counseling, support groups, hospital and court presence, advocacy, community education, training for law enforcement, medical and social service personnel. Volunteers are specially trained to handle sexual assault cases and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are available 24 hours a day at USA Children and Women's Hospital. Free and confidential crisis counseling is provided to survivors of sexual violence. This is available for the survivor and their family, friends, intimate partners, or other secondary survivors.  

For more information or to utilize these services contact 473-7373 or 1-800-718-7273.

LEGAL ADVOCACY

If a client wishes to press charges against her/his assailant, the staff at the Rape Crisis Center will serve as an advocate throughout the law enforcement and criminal justice proceedings.

SUPPORT GROUPS

The Survivors of Sexual Violence Support Group offers a safe, non-threatening setting for survivors of sexual assault to talk and process their feelings within a group setting. Issues such as trust, anger, grief, coping and survival strategies, and self esteem are addressed. The support group provides a safe and confidential setting for survivors to share their feelings and thoughts with others who have experienced the same trauma.

For more information on the Rape Crisis Center or Lifelines Counseling Services contact 602-0909 or Click Here to visit their website. 

MASTERWORKS FROM THE BEAVERBROOK ART GALLERY

When: Now through April 27

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

The Masterworks exhibition launches a year-long celebration of MMofA's 50th Anniversary. The exhibition's 74 works represent highlights of the Beaverbrook's collection, ranging from Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) to Lucian Freud (1922-2011) and is particularly strong in British masterworks, including artists Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable and J.M.W. Turner. Other international stars of the collection include Delacroix, Dali, Matisse, Copley and Sargent.

For more information 208-5200 or Click Here. 

GOVERNMENT STREET FORUM    

When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10 and 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.   

   

SEMMES HERITAGE DAY

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

Where: Semmes Heritage Park, 3871 Wulff Road, Semmes

For more information contact Jeanette Byrd 649-1647.

CITY OF MOBILE COMMUNITY MEETINGS 

Where: New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 2756 Old Shell Road, Mobile 

Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile  

Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced the first of a a series of community meetings to hear from citizens about important issues facing their neighborhoods and the City of Mobile. The meetings will give citizens direct access to the Mayor and to senior members of his administration. Stimpson said the meetings are part of his plan to engage citizens in a conversation about the future of Mobile. Additional meetings are being scheduled across Mobile and will be announced in the coming weeks. All meetings are free and open to the public.    

*The District 6 community meeting originally scheduled by Councilwoman Bess Rich for April 17 has been cancelled and merged with the April 14 Community meeting. 

For more information, contact Shayla Beaco, Senior Director of Operations and Community Affairs, at 208-7807.  

MOBILE BAY BEARS HOME OPENER

Baseball season is coming soon! Opening Night will feature the Mobile Bay Bears vs the Montgomery Biscuits. The BayBears look to make the Southern League Championship Series for the fourth-straight year!

For more information on tickets or full schedule Click Here.

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK VIGIL

When: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10

Where: Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 6 through April 12. This vigil will honor crime victims and remember those that have lost their lives due to crime. Family members are encouraged to bring a picture of their loved one.  

For more information contact Christina Comminey at 574-3310 or christinacomminey@mobileda.org  

MOBILE BOTANICAL GARDENS PRESENT 5TH ANNUAL ONE ENCHANTED EVENING 

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10

The fifth installment of Mobile Botanical Gardens annual gala will be the most elegant yet, celebrating the Gardens' 40th Anniversary. Guests will enjoy gourmet food from Georgia Roussos Catering, wines from Red or White and United-Johnson Brothers, and beautiful music from Enen Yu and the Archduke Trio as they walk through gardens transformed with light.

Cost: Tickets to this gala cocktail event are $100 per person. Proceeds benefit the Gardens, including the new pollinator garden which is anchored by Bruce Larsen's sculpture "Transformation." The 30 foot sculpture was recently relocated to MBG as a long-term loan from the Mobile Museum of Art.

For more information or to purchase tickets (before April 8) contact MBG at 342-0555 or Click Here.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Where: Fort Whiting Armory, 1630 South Broad Street, Mobile 

The fifth annual Little Black Dress (LBD No. 5) promises to be a night you will not want to miss complete with a runway show and cocktail party benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile. Presented by Mercedes Benz of Mobile, LBD No. 5 features food and drinks from top area chefs and restaurants as well as special appearances by Miss Alabama USA-Jesica Ahlberg, Miss Mississippi USA-Chelsea Reardon and Ronald McDonald himself.  

Cost: General Admission: $75, VIP Runway Seating: $100, sponsorships available

For more information or to purchase tickets contact Amanda Spiegel at 694-6873 or amanda@rmhcmobile.org or Click Here.

 

 LODA ARTWALK

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 11

Where: Lower Dauphin Art District, Downtown Mobile 

 

Second Fridays in downtown is the place to be! 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.  

 

 

 PARENT'S NIGHT OUT AT THE EXPLOREUM

 

When: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, April 11

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

 

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center offers an opportunity for parents of children ages 4 to 12 to spend a grown up night out at LoDa Artwalk, enjoying all that downtown Mobile has to offer, while their kids 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!  

 

For more information contact the Exploreum at 208-6873 or Click Here.  

 

 

DISCOVERY DAY AT THE DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB

   

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12

Where: The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville, Boulevard, Dauphin Island

 

This fun-filled family event includes a huge variety of environmentally-themed children's activities; Open House at the Research Facilities of the DISL where the public can interact with marine scientists and graduate students to explore their ongoing research projects; and free children's admission to the Estuarium, the aquarium at the Sea Lab. Learn about our marine world, boating safety, hurricane preparedness, alternative energy, and much more at this fantastic family event!

 

For more information contact 861-2141 or Click Here.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY & ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME
 
When: (two seatings) 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, April 12 (egg hunt follows breakfast)
Where: Magnolia Cafe, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Bellingrath Road, Theodore

Join Bellingrath for the first ever Breakfast with the Easter Bunny featuring pancakes, sausage patties, and fruit. Following the breakfast, thousands of Easter Eggs will be hidden on The Great Lawn for children to discover, filled with candy and treats for kids of all ages. 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.

 

Cost: Breakfast is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations are encouraged. Egg Hunt is $12.50 for adults and $7 for children 4 and older. 

 

For more information contact 973-2217 ext. 110 or Click here to download a registration form.   

 

AMERICAN RED CROSS 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 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 linda.crowell@redcross.

 
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA SOCCER CLINIC

The University of South Alabama is holding a free soccer clinic for boys and girls age 3 years to 8th grade. Bring a soccer ball, cleats and shin guards. Join the fun and develop your skills!  

For more information or to sign up email Coach Winkworth at southalsoccer@yahoo.com, contact the USA Soccer office at 414-8253 or Click Here. 

JOINT TOWN HALL MEETING: CONGRESSMAN BRADLEY BYRNE AND COUNTY COMMISSION PRESIDENT CONNIE HUDSON

When: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 13

Where: Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior and Community Center, 3201 Hillcrest Road

Save the date for this community meeting which will give citizens the opportunity to engage with U.S. Congressman Byrne and County Commission President Connie Hudson.  

For additional information on City of Mobile events Click Here.