The Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge
The Animal Rescue Site together with Petfinder.com is awarding $300,000 in grants to eligible Petfinder.com member rescue organizations to help animals. The grand prize in each voting round is a $10,000 grant among many other prizes. Go to www.theanimalrescuesite.com to vote every day now through April 28, 2013. You do not have to register, and voting is free. Support your favorite shelter and vote today!
Mobile Firefighters Fill The Boot
Mobile Fire and Rescue, IAFF Local # 1349, and the Black Professional Fire Fighters Association are raising money through the 2013 Fill-the-Boot Campaign. They will be at various intersections all over Mobile on Fridays and Saturdays March 15 and 16 and March 22 and 23.
The Fill the Boot fundraiser will benefit local families and children with muscle disease served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA provides flu shots, wheel chair repair, clinic visits, physical therapy, and MDA Summer Camp for children ages 6 to 17. If you would like more information on Fill the Boot, MDA Summer Camp, or other services provided by MDA, you can call Angie Jordin at 334-396-4534.
Real Time Crime Mapping
The Sheriffs department has an improved feature on its website at www.mobileso.com. There is a crime mapping section under "My Neighborhood" on the homepage. The page shows users how to do their own crime mapping for all Sheriff's Office cases, in the unincorporated areas of Mobile County and in the City of Mobile.
Crime mapping is used by analysts in law enforcement agencies to map, visualize, and analyze crime incident patterns. Mapping crime, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allows crime analysts to identify crime hot spots, along with other trends and patterns. Crime analysts use crime mapping and analysis to help law enforcement make better decisions, target resources, and formulate strategies, as well as for tactical analysis.
The crime mapping feature provides crime data in real time, updated every ten minutes around the clock. The public can quickly see where a crime is committed by using a web browser or a mobile device. Users select a location where the crime occurred and then they have the ability to choose a street view, satellite view, normal map view, or even a hybrid view. A hyperlink is also provided to anonymously share tips on a particular crime.
A user may also choose to filter crimes by the crime type, a certain date or by a landmark such as a church or a school. Streetscan, a notification system, has also been developed which will allow users to be notified by email if crimes are committed within an area that they specify. There is a fee associated with this subscription. Citizens can pay $19.95 annually to receive this service. Go to Streetscan.org to subscribe to this service.
PLANTASIA! SPRING PLANT SALE AT MOBILE BOTANICAL GARDEN
When: Opening Night Preview Party and Sale 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14 and Weekend Sale beginning 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Saturday, March 15 and 16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17
Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile
Thousands of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits, will be for sale at the Plantasia! Spring Plant Sale. All plants are specially selected for the Gulf Coast climate, and hundreds were grown by the Gardens' greenhouse volunteers.
Plants for sale include multiple types of citrus, including satsumas; vegetables, herbs, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, trees, vines, ferns, roses, groundcovers, and natives. For plant collectors, rare and unusual plants will be available in the "Fab & Funky" section. The Opening Night Preview Party will feature wine, hors d'oeuvres, and music, plus first choice of plants. This annual benefit serves as an educational tool as well as fundraising event for the ongoing growth and maintenance of the Mobile Botanical Gardens.
Cost: Opening Night Preview Party Admission, $25 and Regular Sale Admission, free.
For more information contact 342-0555. For those who like to plan ahead, a list of plants ordered is posted online two weeks prior to the sale.
36TH ANNUAL AZALEA TRAIL RUN
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: go to pcpacers.org to view course maps.
Port City Pacers (PCP) sponsor this historic run throughout downtown and midtown Mobile. Join PCP to run down the streets of old Mobile, where in early spring the city is in full bloom. The pink hues of azaleas mingled with the white blossoms of dogwood and bridle wreath are everywhere in sight, and the sweet fragrance of purple wisteria drifts gently in the air. Thousands of runners race down the oak-shaded streets lined by magnificent old homes that evoke images of a time long past. The Azalea Trail run is one of the premier 10K road races in the United States. The event also includes 5K and 2K runs. All of the courses are flat and extremely fast.
Cost: $8 to $25 depending on which race you wish to participate in. Go to pcpacers.org to learn more or to register for the event.
For more information visit www.pcpacers.org to visit the Azalea Trail Run website or call PCP at 473-7223.
AZALEA TRAIL FOODIE FEST!!
Saturday, March 23rd
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Mobile Civic Center
Get ready to experience the best of Gulf Coast cuisine as the Azalea Trail Foodie Fest kicks off this year. The festival is free to the public and the date was selected to coincide with the Azalea Trail Run (ATR), one of the premiere road races in the country.
The non-profit Legacy 166 is organizing the event and is currently recruiting food, art and music vendors to participate in the inaugural event that is designed to become a signature happening in downtown Mobile. Legacy 166 is hoping to capitalize on the recreational dining culture that has developed in the region.
The festival will feature local and regional chefs from restaurants, hotels, caterers, and college and high school culinary programs presenting Gulf Coast dishes for purchase by festival-goers. It includes a Main Stage for entertainment, a Gourmet Beer & Fine Wines Area, and a Children's Area.
The Culinary Arts Presentation Stage will feature guest chefs from sponsoring organizations and culinary arts schools. The Marketplace will consist of vendors featuring products for "foodies" and amateur chefs. The use of Alabama and Gulf Coast products will be strongly encouraged and celebrated at all festival activities.
Go to foodiefestmobile.com for more information.
EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE EXPLOREUM
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23
Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile
The Exploreum has big plans for Easter this year. This new event will feature an Easter egg hunt with hidden prizes, Membership giveaway, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and Azalea Trail Maids, educational workshops, an inflatable obstacle course and much more. Also, the Mobile chapter of Phi Mu sorority will be helping with volunteer efforts as well as donating eggs for the hunt!
Go to exploreum.com to stay tuned in the coming weeks for a full announcement regarding this event.
MCKEMIE PLACE FASHION SHOW & SILENT AUCTION WITH EASTER EGG HUNT
When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Dayspring Baptist Church, 2200 Cody Road, Mobile
This event is a fundraiser for McKemie Place, a shelter for homeless women. Joe Emer, Host of Fox 10's "Studio 10" will be emcee and it will host guest speaker Jeff Jones, former drummer for contemporary Christian band Big Daddy Weave.
Cost: $5 entrance fee includes brunch and a drink
For more information or to purchase tickets contact chairperson Shelli Bell at 680-7848 or chairperson Elaine Sessions at 751-1212.
ARTS ALIVE!
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13 and noon until 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile
Downtown Mobile's annual arts festival is for the whole family, offering a variety of experiences, interactive and hands-on activities and showcasing a wide selection of genres including theater, film, visual, music, and dance, all featuring local and regional talent.
Cost: Admission is free to the public.
For more information go to artsalivemobile.com to view the Arts Alive! website or call 694-0457.
11TH ANNUAL REGIONS BANK RUTH'S CHRIS JAZZY LUNCH FOR THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER (CAC)
When: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Ruth's Chris Steak House,
This premier spring event benefiting the CAC, a non-profit that offers support to all victims of child abuse, will begin with cocktails under a tent served to the music of the Excelsior Jazz Band followed by a full seven-course Ruth's Chris steak or fish dinner.
Cost: $150 per person
For more information or to purchase tickets for the event contact the CAC at 432-1101.
For more information on City of Mobile events go to www.cityofmobile.org and join up for email notifications for city happenings.
The City of Mobile Animal Shelter
855 Owens Street
Mobile, AL 36604
208-2800
Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, March 16th
ADOPTION - Pet Supplies Plus - 10:00 am until 1:00 pm
ADOPTION - Semmes Wal-Mart - 10:00 am until 2:00 pm
Open for adoptions:
Monday through Friday; 9:00 - 11:00 am and noon - 4:30 pm
Saturday; 9:00 - 11:00 am and noon until 2:30 pm
(Shelter is closed between 11:00 a.m. and noon)
Find us on Facebook and Petfinder.com
www.adoptapetmobile.org
www.cityofmobileanimalshelter.com
A few of our many pets available for adoption:
"Sammy" Beagle/Hound Mix Black/Tan Male - #81851
"Jeff" Blue Tick/Red Tick Mix Tri Color Male - #86105
"Jake" Hound Mix Tri Color Male - #84102
"Selena" Lab Mix White Female - #86922
"Sally" Hound Mix brown/Black Female - #86220
"Neptune" Hound Mix Brown Female - #82329
All of our wonderful pets need a loving home. Please consider making room in your heart and home for one of our homeless pets. You CAN make a difference!!
Pictures are on Petfinder.com and Facebook!
All dogs residing in the city limits of Mobile are required to have a City of Mobile Dog License. 2013 Licenses on Sale Now!
Call 208-2800 for details.
11th Annual Lyon Newell Charity Throws Meet
UMS-Wright Preparatory School will host the 11th Annual Lyon Newell Charity Throws Meet to benefit the Child Advocacy Center on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 3:15 pm. As many as 18 local public and private high schools and 92 high schools from Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi have been invited to participate in this event in memory of the former student athlete.
This year's sponsors are the Orthopaedic Group and Hellas Construction as gold medal sponsors, UJ Chevrolet as a silver medal sponsor, and Regions Bank as a bronze medal sponsor. This event has raised over $135,000 over the past ten years! For more information on attending or donating to this event, contact Laura Davison at ldavison@ums-wright.org.
Attention College Students!
Need volunteer hours? Love history? Want to gain experience working in a museum?
If so, volunteer at the History Museum of Mobile on Saturday, March 23rd, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, and help them complete inventory of their extensive collection, which contains more than 90,000 artifacts.
When you volunteer with our Collections Department, you will:
• Gain experience working with historic documents and artifacts
• Earn volunteer hours
• Help the History Museum
• Enjoy a free lunch
Space for the March 23rd session is limited, so contact Curator of Collections Holly Jansen to sign up @ holly.jansen@cityofmobile.org.
The Friends of the Library Book Sale
Civic Center West Lobby
Saturday, April 13th, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, April 14th, 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Preview Sale for Friends of the Library Members - Friday, April 12th, 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Limit - 50 items per member.
Volunteers needed for sorting and set up. Donations are now being accepted at all branches. Call 251-208-7902 for more information
ANNIE!!
Sunny Side Theater announces its upcoming production of "Annie," the beloved tale of an orphan whose positive thinking lands her in the arms of Daddy Warbucks! Complete with all of your favorite songs, "Tomorrow," "Hard Knock Life," and "Maybe." This tale is sure to bring parents back to their childhood and open children's eyes to the wonderful world of musical theater.
Following the Sunny Side Theater philosophy, all children who auditioned received parts and everyone is involved in multiple aspects of the play! Annie will be played by Claire Frazier Bolton, Walker Carrington, Madison McGinley, and Rainey Tanner. Artistic & Assistant Director Brandon M. Caten, Music Director Julia Kirkpatrick, Choreographer Sarah Patch, and Scenic Artist Margaux Bodet have all come together to work with the kids and create a beautiful show.
Public performances are Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30 pm, Friday, May 3rd at 6:30 pm, Saturday, May 4th at 2 pm & 6:30 pm and Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 ages 13-19, and $5 for 12 and under. Performances take place at the Moorer Center for the Performing Arts located on the St. Luke's High School campus, 1600 University Boulevard. School shows are Thursday at 9:00 am and Friday at 9:00 and 11:00 am.
Call owner/director Chris Paragone at 510-1808 for more details or e-mail dramacamp@mindspring.com to make a reservation. Check out Sunny Side Theater on line at www.azaleacityarts.com to learn about classes and summer camps.
Summer at St Pauls
St. Paul's Episcopal School will offer Summer School Classes (math, reading, study skills, Spanish) and Enrichment Classes (music, art, computer, cooking, acting, game-ventures, super sleuths, summer serving, and more!) beginning in June.
Contact Summer School Coordinator Jill Drum at jdrum@stpaulsmobile.net or 622-7962 for further details or questions. For class schedules and registration information, visit http://www.stpaulsmobile.net.
UNIVERSITY OF MOBILE SOCCER CAMP!!
Directed by Roy Patton, Head Men's Soccer Coach
CAMP INFORMATION
Residential fee: $390
Full Day Camper fee: $275
Camp finishes at 8:30 PM
3/4 Day Camp fee: $225
Camp finishes at 4:45 PM
Age Groups: Boys and Girls 8-18
SESSION 1: June 2nd-6th
SESSION 2: July 21st-25th
LOCATION: University of Mobile
Questions & Comments
Contact Assistant Camp Director
Daniel Whelan
dwhelan@umobile.edu
442-2396
The Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challange
The Animal Rescue Site together with Petfinder.com is awarding $300,000 in grants to eligible Petfinder.com member rescue organizations to help animals. The grand prize in each voting round is a $10,000 grant among many other prizes. Vote every day now through April 28, 2013. You do not have to register, and voting is free. Support your favorite shelter and vote today!
Educational Opportunities: Changing Lives Inside Metro Jail
Statistics say that out of every 100 people in jail, more than 70 of them have reading and learning problems. If an inmate receives educational training while incarcerated, the chances of returning to jail are around 25%, compared to a 40-77% recidivism rate without training.
Goodwill Easter Seals and the Mobile Area Interfaith Coalition partnered with the Mobile County Metro Jail Chaplain's office to meet this need, by starting a GED program in 2010, and have since expanded the program within the jail system. Goodwill Easter Seals began GED testing at the jail in June 2011. Last year, 51 inmates took the GED test inside the jail, and 36 (72%) passed, at a rate higher than the state average of all test takers.
This program is run almost entirely on volunteer instruction from local people who want to make a difference in someone's life. More tutors are urgently needed, and you can help. To sign up to help someone get a GED or improve literacy, contact Cyndi Thompson at 344-9142 or Cyndi@gesgc.org.
New tutor training will be held on Thursday, February 28 at the Goodwill Easter Seals Community Center at 2423 Schillinger Road South (corner of Cottage Hill Road). Volunteers can choose between a morning (9 a.m. to noon) or an evening (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) training.
AIURBUS UPDATE
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has received information from Airbus to help answer two of the most common questions: "How does my company become a supplier for the Airbus Alabama 320 final assembly line project?" and "How does my company become a supplier in Airbus' production supply chain?” As the company moves closer to announcing its construction timeline, they are committed to working with local vendors whenever possible.
All companies with interest in doing business with Airbus should reply to the "Airbus For Suppliers" tab on the website: http://www.airbus.com/company/americas/us/alabama/. On this site, suppliers will find two registration options:
1. For suppliers interested in working specifically on the new Airbus Alabama A320 Family final assembly line project, please visit the EADS eProc tool.
In addition, Airbus has created a truly global supply chain that contributes to the success of its growing aircraft product line. More than 1,500 primary contractors in over 30 countries deliver the quality components, parts, systems and hardware that Airbus requires - at the best quality and within the established time frame.
2. If you are a supplier interested in becoming part of the Airbus aircraft production supply chain, register your company's information through the Airbus/EADS sourcing tool.
The Airbus/EADS Sourcing Tool allows you to describe your capabilities to Airbus buyers who will then contact you directly, if applicable. Airbus/EADS Sourcing also allows buyers and suppliers to exchange requirements and proposals online during the bid process. For small and medium-sized companies, your best points of contact may be our first and second tier suppliers. Please use any existing contacts you may already have with these suppliers.
Airbus and its recruiting partner, Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), will post specific vacancies for Project Management and associated support roles as the positions are defined. The postings will provide the required qualifications and application methods.
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 has 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 contact the Mobile office at 479-5700.
MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART: NEW HOURS
The Mobile Museum of Art in beautiful Langan Park is the largest art museum along the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Tampa. The 95,000 square foot facility is the setting for a permanent collection of over 9,000 works of art spanning two centuries of culture, as well as world renowned traveling and regional art exhibits. The Mobile Museum of Art is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.
The Museum is now closed on Mondays, with the exception of school tours. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. It is open until 9 p.m. on Thursday. Admission currently is FREE from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday evenings. The Museum is now asking the public to vote for a new free admission day. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VJH9JNJ to cast your vote.
Go to http://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/ to view the Mobile Museum of Art webpage which offers event information, admission costs, contact information, and more!
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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 go to http://mobilehd.org or contact 208-7281.
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 go to http://www.bellingrath.org to visit their website.
For more information on City of Mobile events http://www.cityofmobile.org/calendar
As most of you know, the curbside paper recycling program was never funded, contracted, or run by our City. The Newark Group provided this service free of charge. They were reliable and over 14,000 residents participated in this paper recycling program. When the Newark Group sold their business to a business named Greenie in A Bottle, free paper pickup was discontinued. Because they are a private business the City and my office can no longer promote the program.
I have heard from many of you, wanting to know if Greenie in A Bottle could charge residents for the recycling bins or carts. I did read a portion of the State Code which may respond to this issue, which states:
"Unless otherwise agreed, where unsolicited goods are delivered by mail or common carrier to a person, he has a right to refuse to accept delivery of the goods and is not bound to return such goods to the sender. If such unsolicited goods are addressed to or intended for the recipient, they shall be deemed a gift to the recipient, who may use them or dispose of them in any manner without any obligation to the sender."
Mrs. Pam Hall, owner of S&K Recycling, wishes to implement curb side paper pick up again as a courtesy program. Mrs. Hall has detailed her program and has even started paper pick up in a couple of neighborhoods. She may be reached at psandersonhal@yahoo.com if you wish to discuss courtesy paper pick up in your neighborhood.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church will open an Early Education Center for 2 and 3 year olds this August in conjunction with St. Paul's School. Due to the enthusiastic response from our community additional classes have been created, a limited number of places in both the two and three year old programs are currently available. Please contact Erin Schwant, Director of Early Childhood Education by email erin@stpmobile.com or phone 610-8184 for more information.
About The Early Education Center:
The Early Education Center at St. Paul's Church was founded with the goal of providing children with a safe, loving and nurturing environment where they can grow spiritually, emotionally, physically and academically. Our hope is that our young students will find great joy in coming to school and that they will develop social skills that will help them to form meaningful friendships. We believe that children who are enthusiastic about learning, feel loved and known within their school and are skilled at collaborating with their peers will thrive in a school environment for years to come. The focus of our program will be to instill a love of God, of people and of learning in each child.
RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTER
On November 6, 2012, Mobile County received a letter of approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirming a $2,500,000 Coastal Impact Assistance (CIAP) Grant for the establishment and construction of a residential recycling drop-off facility on the old Brewer Center property off Hitt Road. With funding approved, the recycling center is now in the final design stage and the construction contract should be put out for bid in early Spring 2013. The facility is expected to be completed and operational by the first quarter of 2014. Prior to the construction of the recycling facility, road improvements to Hitt Road will be completed, to improve visibility and traffic flow near the park entrance and the location of the recycling center.
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
Foster Grandparent Program of Mobile County (FGP) is a volunteer organization with more than 30 years of history. Its mission is to offer volunteer opportunities to use the experience of individuals 55 and older to serve special needs children. More than 80 volunteers bring an amazing commitment to serve approximately 700 children in 50 agencies and schools every day.
FGP is affiliated with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) which funds approximately 80% of the total program budget. Utilizing Foster Grandparents allows non-profit agencies to offset operating costs while having an impact on critical community needs involving children. The program recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with opportunities based on their skills and interests. Those who meet certain income guidelines receive a small stipend. All FGP volunteers receive accident and liability insurance, meals while on duty, reimbursement for transportation, and monthly training.
Many of the Foster Grandparents read to children ages 4 to 6 to help strengthen their vocabulary skills, increase their comprehension and ability to re-tell a story, and develop a lifelong love of reading and appreciation of books. They also provide guidance and leadership to youth to model and reinforce appropriate social behavior, provide nurturing support and encouragement, engage in education-related activities to enrich the child's appreciation for academic skills, and foster positive self-esteem.
During the 2010-2011 program year, 80 foster grandparent volunteers provided 96,795 in service hours, the economic equivalent of more than $1 million. Community partners and agencies include faith-based groups, Head Start Centers, schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, day-care centers, libraries, hospitals and other youth facilities.
Benefits of this program include,demonstrated gains in school readiness in terms of literacy skills, and math skills, and improved academic engagement and performance.
FGP's effort to help children achieve and succeed is their priority. While volunteers offer a huge benefit to children and youth served, members enjoy the connections that bring fulfillment to them as well.
For more information on FGP services, contact Toni Robinson at 574-6488 or trobinson@mobile-county.net.
For all the latest information from the Mobile Police Department, please visit www.mobilepd.org. From this link, you can access individual Precincts and their newsletters along with City-wide information.
MOBILE AREA CRIMESTOPPERS ASSISTING LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
The Mobile Area CrimeStoppers organization assists local law enforcement agencies by providing a method to persons who have knowledge of a crime or the location of a fugitive to report that information, but remain anonymous and also potentially receive a cash reward.
Mobile Area CrimeStoppers is affiliated with the national CrimeStoppers USA organization. It is a nonprofit charitable organization that was first incorporated in Mobile County in 1989. Its focus to date has been in assisting Mobile County law enforcement agencies. Future plans involve expansion of CrimeStoppers to service seven counties in southwest Alabama. The local CrimeStoppers outfit is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
A person who has knowledge of a criminal offense, can provide the identity of the perpetrator, or information that will assist in identifying the offender, or can provide the location of a fugitive by calling 208-7000. This phone number is manned twenty-four hours a day by the Mobile Police Department. Callers are not asked to identify themselves in any way. No effort is made to trace the call or attempt to identify the caller. The first tip on a particular crime or fugitive is eligible for a reward.
The tip information is transmitted to the appropriate city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency for handling and that agency is requested to provide feedback to the CrimeStoppers organization as to the value of the tip, whether it results in arrests or the solutions of crimes, etc.
The system has resulted in the apprehension of hundreds of offenders. The crimes solved have run the spectrum of criminal activity from theft of property to murder. There is little doubt that numbers of offenders would not have been apprehended but for the CrimeStoppers tip system and reward payments. It provides a proven method for persons who do not wish to be identified to provide information and potentially receive a cash reward for the information.
Any individual or company wishing to support the non-profit CrimeStoppers effort may send donations (checks only) to CrimeStoppers, 2407 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, Alabama 36606; or for more information, contact David Evans, Sr., President of the Board of Directors, at 973-1051.
Gulf Coast Exploreum - Voted Mobile's #1 Family Attraction!
RABIES CLINICS
City of Mobile Animal Shelter
855 Owens Street
Mobile, Al 36604
251-208-2800
Alabama State Law requires dog’s cats and ferrets to have a current Rabies Vaccine.
All dogs within the city limits of Mobile over three months of age are required to be licensed. A license may be purchased during normal office hours, including 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 pm on Saturday. Proof of current rabies inoculation is required for all license purchases.
License Fees: Spayed/Neutered Dog - $3.00
Unaltered Dog - $15.00
Citizens over the age of 65 - Spayed/Neutered dog - $1.50
Unaltered Dog - $3.00
