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At a Friday, January 26th banquet in his honor, Percy Harris was recognized as the SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Citizen of the Year.

Harris was selected because he wears many hats in his service to his community and his fellowman.  First, he has been an active fireman with City of Mobile Fire & Rescue since 1987, a dangerous but necessary position.

But those who gathered to honor him Friday night--friends; family; co-workers; pastor and church members; state, county and city officials and the Chamber--painted a much broader picture of Mr. Percy.  

During his years as a firefighter, he was often asked to pray at special events and to say a prayer for men who were hurting and struggling on their day to day jobs, and Mr. Percy felt the need to do more for his community.  He wanted to attend seminary but did not have the finances.  But, he told his nominator for COY, a man made a way for him to go to Alabama International Seminary, and that man was Jesus. 

In another capacity, Mr. Percy has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years.  He is affiliated with Troop 600 at Aimwell Baptist Church, a troop that has produced a phenomenal seven Eagle Scouts. (Troop Leader #600, David Craig, led the Pledge of Allegiance to begin the program at the COY banquet.)

Mr. Percy has also been Associate Pastor at Aimwell Baptist Church, and has been an active church member since 1991.

But again, Mr. Percy, while earning accolades in various capacities, felt that helping others is his true calling.  His nomination information reads, "He has been a part of many disaster-preparedness teams (after Katrina); he has worked with the American Red Cross, where he is currently a board member.  He has worked with Catholic Social Services, Heroes Helping Heroes; the Salvation Army; many local churches; Community Emergency Response team; the Crisis Intervention Center and many more entities.

He now trains others to be crisis-prepared and helps train emergency-response teams. He is also a Master Chaplain and trains and mentors other chaplains across the state.

Mr. Percy's fundraising and charitable activities are too numerous to name, but a current one to which he is devoted is selling tee shirts to raise funds for breast cancer research at the Mitchell Center and to provide free exams and treatment for local women.  

Monies raised also support Project Faith, American Cancer Society, Springhill Memorial Breast Cancer Center and Providence Hospital Breast Friends.

Mr. Percy believes that God put him here to help others, and that's his job and his purpose.
 

The 2017 Citizen of the Year Banquet was a beautiful tribute to such a worthy recipient, and he was well honored by so many.  The invocation was given by Rev. Michael Jackson of Aimwell Baptist Church.  And while guests enjoyed a dinner catered by Grand Catering, Twilla Pierce performed an Interpretive Dance, "My help."  Mr. Percy's son Paeton sang a fitting tribute to his father: "I was Here."

Praise for Mr. Percy's many achievements and good deeds came from all sectors:  Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl read a proclamation as did City of Mobile Council member, John C. Williams.

Representatives Margie Wilcox and David Sessions presented plaques of appreciation to the Citizen of the Year. City of Mobile Fire Chief, Mark Sealy, spoke briefly but appreciatively of Mr. Percy's charitable and philanthropical efforts.

 And last but not least, Chamber Pres. Theresa Orrell gave a COY plaque of apppreciation and honor to Percy Harris.

The Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival at Moorer/Spring Hill Branch Library offering on Tuesday, February 6, 5:30 p.m. is "To Catch a Thief."
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To make the film even more interesting, commentary and fun facts will be part of the evening's entertainment.  The film runs 103 minutes and is rated PG.  For more information, call 251-470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.

Metro Mobile Reading Council is inviting all students in grades 2-5 to submit a poem or short story to the 2018 Young Anthology. 

Students may also submit one piece of original black & white or color art work.  Work must be submitted to youngauthorsmobile@yahoo.com by January 31, 2018. 

​Jerry Pallotta, author of the “Who Would Win” series, along with many other children’s books will be the guest presenter at the 2018 Young Authors’ Conference at the West Regional Branch Library on March 17, 2018.   Questions: call Elizabeth Gillespie 251-391-5376

SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce business luncheon is Wednesday, February 7, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tillman's Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road.

Guest speaker will be Michelle Hurdle, Director Economic and Community Development with Airbus Americas, Inc. The Chamber will also honor the 2017-2018 T.A.L.L.students. as well as Star students. 

Luncheon Sponsor is Bayer and caterer is Boar Hog's Barbeque. Cost is $9 for members and $11 for potential members and guests.

         

Conde-Charlotte Museum Learning Lunch, hosted by Alabama Civil War Heritage Trails, is Wednesday, March 7, noon-1 p.m. at the History Museum of Mobile, 111 S. Royal Street.

Mobile Architectural Historian, Cart Blackwell, will tell the winding history of one of the oldest houses in the state: the Conde-Charlotte Museum. 

Built in 1822 to be the first jail in the city of Mobile, the property became the beautiful Kirkbride home prior to the Civil War. In the early 20th century, it served as a boarding house, and eventually was purchased by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Alabama, which turned it into the historic house museum that it is today. 

Admission to the Learning Lunch is free; for more information, call 251-208-7569 or visit www.historymuseumofmobile.com/

On Saturday, February 24, 1-3 p.m., the Campground Clubhouse will be the site of the Snowbirds arts and crafts display and sale. 

​There'll also be live music and refreshments; the event is free to the public.  Snowbirds who would like to display can reserve a space by contacting Barbara Knecht at 217-827-4884.

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Dauphin Island Campground will host a Garage and Craft Sale in the Rec Room on Saturday, February 17, 9 a.m.-noon. Contact Mary LaFond, 815-383-3237 for additional information.

Grand Bay Fire District is planning a CPR event:

​On Saturday, March 3, 8 a.m.-noon, Grand Bay Fire District, 8425 Grand Bay Wilmer Rd S, is planning a CPR training/recertification class for the Firefighters and will have limited seating available for the general public to attend, as well.

​The only cost will be for a CPR card if you want one. If you are interested in taking this free class, pre-register by calling 251-865-6105. Since this is a training class, please do not bring children.

​The 2018 Dauphin Island Chili & Wings Cook-Off is set for Saturday, February 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pirate's Bar & Grill parking lot.  Local and regional teams will square off to see who has the best chili and wings while raising money for a couple of causes: Dauphin Island Elementary School and the Little Red Schoolhouse project.  Competitors can also participate in a "wild card" division where anything goes.

For a $10 ticket, anyone can join in the fun.  In addition to sampling the food, visitors can listen to live music and watch the little ones participate in various activities.

For more information, see the DI Chamber website or contact event co-ordinator Gene Fox at 251-370-8150 or genefox12@gmail.com.

The following information comes from Ashley-Nicole Flowers, activities director at Connie Hudson Senior Center, quoted:

Mobile County Commission grants City of Mobile’s Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior Community Center funding for an Art Instructor Position.  Commissioner Connie Hudson quotes, “The art classes at the Center have always been extremely popular and I’ glad to be able to assist in engaging an instructor for the program.” The funds are an appropriation of Commission District 2 funds.  

Carmel Alvis has been hired to re-vamp the art program at the Senior Center.  Thanks to County Funding by Commissioner Hudson. This position is a vital part of the Seniors Center's Program. 

Carmel is a Mobile native and local artist who attends the University of South Alabama’s visual art program.   She has been an active member of the art community for over 10 years and has been a volunteer at Somerby and for the last two years at the Connie Hudson Senior Center .  Carmel has been a member of the Watercolor and Graphic Society, Mobile Art Association and the Portrait Society of America.  She is the mother of 4 children and a soon to be new grandmother.  Her classes will be focused on the fundamentals of drawing and the principles in painting and color.   She hopes to develop self-expression through this creative process along with personal fulfillment. 

The art program was one of the first to be developed when the Senior Center opened in 2007. James E. Conlon, Emeritus Professor of Art from The University of South Alabama, was the guiding hand and person who first developed the programs the Center offered in the Arts, with the help of several volunteer teachers in drawing, painting, beading, and quilting. The painting and drawing classes have been conducted by a series of volunteer teachers for the last year and a half.  

Ashley-Nicole Flowers, Supervisor of the Center states, “We are looking forward to this partnership with the County. I am very thankful that the City of Mobile and the County can come together to offer a position like this that will help seniors in Mobile and surrounding areas add to their quality of life through their artistic abilities.”

The art program and membership for the Senior Center is offered to anyone 55 years old or older. For more information, visit the Connie Hudson Senior Centers facebook page facebook.com/chmrscc or call 251-602-4963.

Mobile Botanical Gardens "Garden Sketch Club" will be every Friday, February 2-June 1 at 2 p.m.  MBG is at 5151 Museum Drive.  For this Sketch Club, artists of all levels of experience are invited.  General admission is $5 for non-members.

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival Planning meeting will be Monday, February 5, 6-8 p.m.

This first 2018 Grand Bay Watermelon Festival Planning Meeting is open to the public. The meeting will be in the Odd Fellows Lodge building on top of the hill behind the GBUAA Ball field.

​Everyone is invited to come and bring ideas and find out what we have going on so far. Organizers say, "We need your help. Please let us know if you plan to attend. For information call: 251-865-3456."  Grand Bay Watermelon Festival is on Taylor F. Harper Boulevard in Grand Bay.

Mobile Opera Afternoon Tea will be Sunday, February 25, 3-4:30 p.m. at Bragg Mitchell Mansion, 1906 Springhill Avenue.)
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Guests can enjoy afternoon tea with music and a Puccini talk by Maestro Bernard McDonald.  Admission is $25 per person; to make a reservation, call 251-432-6772 by February 21, 2018. Hats are encouraged.

The Annual Semmes Camellia Festival, held to celebrate the Semmes nursery history, was presented on Saturday, January 27th.  And despite the recent freezing weather, Semmes First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall was filled with beautiful fresh camellias in various shades of pink, rose, red--and white. 

The event also brought a large crowd of friendly people, all enjoying the display tables filled with blossoms, the table-scapes with their stories and flowers, the exhibits and the presentation by guest speaker Forrest Latta.  The Festival is a sanctioned event in the AL200 state bicentennial celebration.
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Pictured are some of those who attended the event.  Identifications and descriptions are below each photograph.

​Dauphin Island Woman 's Club is hosting the Annual St. Jude Bike-A-Thon on Saturday, March 3.  The event will be headquartered at the DI Water & Sewer Office on Alabama Street.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the Bike-A-Thon at 8:30 a.m. The ride will end at noon.

Refreshments will be provided and participants will turn in the funds collected on March 17

For additional information, contact Joanne Sprinkle at 251-861-3212 or Cissy Napper, 318-548-4376.

​Special occasions, galas, fundraisers and fun:

*   United Way and SAFE Coalition will Provide Free Tax Preparation for Eligible Tax Payers.  Tax payers should contact United Way’s 2-1-1 or visit www.uwswa.org for more information about the various free tax preparation opportunities available.

*  Dauphin Island BINGO at St. Edmund's Parish is on Wednesdays; Early Bird games start at 6 p.m. and regular games at 6:30 p.m.  To volunteer, call John or Connie Roan at 251-861-8088.

*  Renasant Bank will be the title sponsor of  "Cuisine for Kids," a fundraiser to benefit the Child Advocacy Center.  The event is on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.  Area restaurants will participate by donating a portion of their proceeds to the CAC to help fund much needed services for children who have been sexually abused or severely physically abused.  A wide variety of cuisine will be offered. Sponsors include Budweiser-Busch Distributing Company and WKSJ Radio. Those who would like to become a sponsor or have their restaurant participate or for more information, call the CAC  at 251-432-1101. 

*  NEST Quarterly Breakfast, postponed earlier because of inclement weather, is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Original Oyster House on the Causeway.  Guest speaker Dr. Tres Stefurak of the University of South Alabama. Dr. Stefurak is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Professional Studies, Counseling Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Stefurak will discuss the impact of NEST in our community.  For information, contact NEST 251-604-3131 or info@nestofmobile.org.

*  "Spaghetti Dinner for St. Vincent De Paul Catholic School" is being hosted by St. Mary Parish on Saturday, February 3, 11a.m.-7 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic School, 107 North Lafayette Street.   All proceeds will benefit the rebuilding of St. Vincent’s School building, heavily damaged by a fire this past December.  The event will be St. Mary gymnasium.  The dine-in or take-out plates are $5 each, which includes spaghetti with meat sauce, green salad, bread stick and tea.  A delicious bake sale will also be available.  Split-the-Pot tickets will be sold for $1 each or 5 for $4. Winner does not have to be present to win. For more information, contact St. Mary Catholic School Cafeteria Staff at 251-433-9904 or ctuite@stmarymobile.org.

*  "A Pitch for Mulherin Home" is Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mulherin Custodial Home, 2496 Halls Mill Road.  Swing by Mulherin Home for ball park food, fun and games.  Admission is $5 donation.  Bring an extra $5 for a baseball signed by Jake Peavy AND bring your favorite Little Leaguer.

*  Winter Wednesdays at Bellingath Gardens is "Birding on the Gulf Coast" February 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Dr. Mark LaSalle, Director of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, will tell guests how to identify birds along the Gulf Coast and how they can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Weather permitting, he will lead a bird walk through the Gardens. The 21st Annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be held Friday, February 16, through Monday, February 19. Visit bellingrath.org to view the full schedule; call 251-459-8727 to register.

*  A Valentine's Dance & Dinner is Tuesday, February 13, 5 p.m. at Coastal Response Center, South Bay Project, Community Center, Coden (7385 Highway 188.)  The party is for everyone--couples, singles, families.  It is hosted by The Band Cherry Pie.  It's a covered-dish dinner, so guests can bring a dish, but it is not required. 

*  The 10th Annual Mobile Chocolate Festival to benefit Penelope House shelter for victims of domestic abuse is Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North.  Tickets are available at www.evntbrite.com. Advance tickets are $3, cash only, available for purchase at the following locations:  Penelope's Closet, Flour Girls, Bloomin' Lollipops, Three 
Georges-Dauphin Street and other local venues. Tickets on day of event are $5; children 13 and younger enter free.  There's plenty of free parking.

*  The Women's Resource Center Celebration Banquet 2018 is Tuesday, March 13, 5-9 p.m. at Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 S Water Street, Mobile.  A Silent Auction begins at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person; Tables of 10 start at $600.  For ticket information, call 251-473-4000 or visit http://www.savalifemobile.org/Pages/Celebration-Banquet/

*  On March 22, 2018, the Mobile Career Center will be host the 2018 Mobile Veterans Job Fair ( MVJF) in conjunction with Region 7 of Alabama. Hundreds of qualified applicants will be on hand to fill current vacancies; businesses arfe encouraged to sign up now to reserve a station.  There is no cost to vendors, but they must pre-register by February 22.  For more information, contact Marcus Brown, Local Veterans Employment Representive, at 515 Springhill Plaza Ct., Mobile; 251 461 4448 or Marcus.brown@alcc.alabama.org.

Mardi Gras news:

*  Mobile Arc, a non-profit agency that provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will hold its 36th Annual “Reveling Cavaliers” Mardi Gras Parade on Thursday, February 8 with line-up beginning at 1 p.m. The event takes place at Gordon Smith Center, 2424 Gordon Smith Drive in Mobile.  The theme will be “Superheroes.”  For more information, contact Ashley Babb, APR at 251.665.9634 or ababb@mobilearc.org.

Cook-Offs:

*  American Cancer Society's 29th Annual Chili Cook-Off is Saturday, March 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Mardi Gras Park, 104-148 South Royal Street.  The Cook-Off promises to be a day of food, fun and live entertainment where teams compete to see who can cook up the best chili in Mobile and the town's "hottest" charity event.  Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.  Proceeds from Chili Cook-Off will be used for programs to teach the importance of early detection and prevention; patient services such as transportation, prosthetics and life-saving research.

*  4th Annual Downtown Cajun Cook-Off is Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street in Mobile.  Attendees can enjoy tasting delicious eats from 20+ competitive teams, live music, cold drinks, games, giveaways, and a great time. Each Ticket includes a tasting of more than 20 dishes.   Limit tickets, available at www.cacmobile.org, are $13 online or $10 in person at the Child Advocacy Center of Mobile or Arrow Exterminators Mobile & Baldwin County, Mellow Mushroom Midtown and Mellow Mushroom Old Shell Road.  Tickets are $15 at the gate on the day of the event.   Children 6 and younger attend free with a paid ticket.  No pets are allowed.

*  The Dauphin Island Veterans' Association benefit fundraiser, 2018 DIVA Chili Cook-Off is on Saturday, March 24 (Rain Date March 31.)  All are welcome to attend.  Registration forms for teams are available at Pelican Pub.  Fee to participate is $20 per 3-member team or $15 if paid before March 1st.  Tasting will start at noon.  For a $5 donation for each taster, visitors can have a taste of the world's best chili.  Funds raised will go toward DIVA projects.  For more information, call Pelican Pub at 251-861-7180.

Events for Children/Teens/Families

*  "Take Your Child to the Library Day! A Family Event" is Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m. at West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road.  Families can enjoy regularly scheduled Arts & Crafts Storytime and a special behind the scenes tour of the Library. For more information, call the children’s department at 251-340-8571.  "Take Your Child to the Library Day" is an international initiative to encourage all families to take their children to their local Libraries. For more information, go to www.ctlibrarians.org/?page=Take.

*  5th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance, hosted by First Baptist Church of Satsuma, is Saturday, February 10, 6-9 p.m. at Satsuma High School, 1 Gator Circle, Satsuma.  Tickets $20 per couple and $5 for each additional guest. Tickets are available at First Baptist Satsuma, Satsuma High School, Robert E. Lee and Satsuma Christian School. Proceeds go to FBC Satsuma Africa Missions Team.  Bay City Grill will have a special menu and decorations; call 251-675-0360 for reservations. And Rose Bud Florist will give a 10% discount, just call 251-544-7851 and mention "Satsuma Daddy Daughter."

 *  Registration is open for Discovery Hall Programs/summer camps at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. See blog joannemcknight.com for a list of camps and activities.  For more information, go to DHPSummer@disl.org.

*  The Semmes Camellia Maids Program is looking for girls in the 6th through 11th grade who live in the Semmes area and are interested in representing Semmes Heritage Park at many events and activities. Some of the events that Camellia Maids attend are Semmes Camellia Festival, Semmes Heritage Day, Semmes Old-Fashioned Christmas, Semmes Christmas Parade, Azalea Festival, Honor Park Celebrations, Semmes Christmas Tour and other events.  The deadline for applying is March 31. For more information and application, go to Semmes Heritage Park Facebook page and send a message for an application.  

Chambers of Commerce:

*  SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce meeting is Wednesday, February 7, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tillman's Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road. RSVP at 251-666-2488.

*   Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce February Membership Luncheon will be Wednesday, February 14, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at Saraland Civic Center, 716 Mae Street in Saraland.  Guest speaker, James Thomasson, will give a presentation on the recent tax reform and how it will affect us as individuals and our small businesses. To RSVP, contact the Chamber at 675.4444.

 *  Semmes Chamber of Commerce is taking orders for Bloomin' Lollipops Gourmet Chocolate-Covered Apples--just in time for Valentines Day (or after.)  Price is $7 each.  Call the Chamber at 251-660-4808 for information or to place an order.

*  Semmes Chamber of Commerce February meeting is Wednesday, February 21, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pathway Church, corner of Moffett Road and Ching Dairy Road.

*  The 181st Annual Meeting of Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is Thursday, February 22, 5-8:30 p.m. at Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 S Water Street, Mobile.  Liz Freeman with Long’s Human Resource Services will give a quick overview of the best of 2017, and Brian Willman with Regions Bank will take the reins as the Chamber’s 2018 board chair.  Tickets are available at events.mobilechamber.com.

*  Semmes Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Semmes Azalea Festival, Saturday, March 3 beginning at 9 a.m.  Call 251-660-4808 or see Chamber Facebook--applications are available for the BIG 5K Challenge, vendors and crafts booths, Car Show and other events.

Hiring Events:

*  There will be a Hiring Event at 120 Jacintoport Boulevard, Saraland on February 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  Needed are warehouse workers and supervisors.

History/historical exhibits and activities:

*  The History Museum of Mobile, 111 S. Royal Street, downtown Mobile, now is showing the exhibit "Titanic:  Honor & Glory," which will run through April 15, 2018, making its U.S. debut here in Mobile.  In addition to the exhibition, the History Museum will also be hosting monthly events such as a Titanic Film Festival, a Third Class Irish Party, the Last Dinner on the Titanic and more.  The event is ponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Olde Mobile Antiques Gallery, Hearin-Chandler Foundation and Austal USA. For more information regarding Titanic Honour & Glory, contact Marketing and Event Coordinator, Gavin Snyder at 251.301.0273 or gavin.snyder@historymuseumofmobile.com. 

*  Learning Lunch at the Mobile Museum of History will feature Mardi Gras Trail Author and Historian Dr. Ann Pond, whose February 7th presentation is titled "Mobile’s First Mardi Gras."  The Learning Lunch series, offered monthly, allows guests to bring their lunch and enjoy a free presentation on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission to Learning Lunch is free, and all are encouraged to attend. For more information on the Learning Lunch series, call Jennifer Theeck, Curator of Education, at (251) 301-0270 or contact her by email at theeckj@historymuseumofmobile.com.

*   A Living History Crew Drill is scheduled at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, on Saturday, February 3, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  See history come alive with WWII Living History Crew. These historical re-enactors will be aboard both the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM demonstrating what life is like during wartime. Be sure to be on the deck of the USS ALABAMA at 1 p.m. for Call to Battle Stations as vintage airplanes attack the ship. (Planes fly based on the weather) Find tickets at www.ussalabama.com.

*  "Dark Tourism and the Holocaust - Amsterdam & Auschwitz" is scheduled on Wednesday, February 21, 6 p.m. in Bernheim Hall at the Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street.  Dr. Michele Strong and graduate student, Becky Ardrey will discuss issues surrounding Dark Tourism with regard to the memorization of the Holocaust. This program is sponsored by the Gulf Coast Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education and the Mobile Public Library. For more information on this program, call 251-251-460-6867.
 
*  The Tristan de Luna Chapter, Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution invites the public to a Genealogy Seminar on Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at West Regional Branch Library, 5555 Grelot Road.  Participants are encouraged to bring their basic family chart or information to help facilitate questions and discussions on how to proceed in their family research. Sign in and coffee available beginning at 9 a.m., with the first session starting at 9:30 a.m.  Lunch break will be 12:15-1 p.m.  Registration is required. Fee for the workshop is $35, which includes handouts and a box lunch for each participant. Make checks payable to Tristan de Luna Chapter NSDAR. Mail checks and registration information (name, address, email & telephone number) to Susan Crowson, Genealogy Seminar, 1219 Elmira Street, Mobile, AL 36604-2347. Checks must be received no later than February 17.  For more information on the workshop, contact Susan Crowson at 251-438-4739 or email shcrowson@bellsouth.net.

*  Conde-Charlotte Museum Learning Lunch, hosted by Alabama Civil War Heritage Trails, will be Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from noon until 1 p.m. The History Museum of Mobile is at 111 S Royal St, Mobile.  Admission to this event is free; for information, call 251-208-7569 or visit www.historymuseumofmobile.com/

*  Historic Mobile Preservation Society's "Celebrate Historic Mobile" event, hosted by Historic Oakleigh House Museum and Historic Mobile Preservation Society, is Thursday, March 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, March 9.  The program will include a number of programs and activities celebrating our city's rich history and unique architecture.  Visitors have the option to participate in a number of historically oriented tours and special events, including the Living Spaces tour, the Sacred Spaces tour, the Resting Places tour, and the Legends and Libations pub crawl.  Visit www.historicmobiletour.com for more information.

Art:

*  The Alabama School of the Arts at University of Mobile is hosting the work of artist Nicholas Tisdale in an exhibit called “Excised” in the Donald Gallery on campus through January  31. Tisdale on January 25 at 11 a.m. Both the exhibit and artist talk are free and open to the public.  For information about the show or visual art programs at University of Mobile, contact Phillip Counselman, associate professor of art, at pcounselman@umobile.edu or 251.442.2283.

*  Cathedral Square Art Gallery ART Clinic 2018 is Wednesday, January 31, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Gallery, 612 Dauphin Street, downtown Mobile. ART Clinic 2018 (First in a series of Art Talks for artists of all kinds) will feature speaker Dr. Paige Vitulli, Interim Chair Department of Integrated Studies, University of South Alabama, "The Power of Art"; Guest Artist & Presenter, Cat Pope, Oil Painter & Adventure Maker; Live Painting Demos by Devlin Wilson and Adam Underwood. Cost is $5 for non CSG Members

*   Mobile Botanical Gardens' Botanical Art III - Working with Watercolor will be on Fridays, February 2-March 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive.  .  Class fee is $125 for members and $150 for non-members.  For more information, go to www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org.

Book Clubs, readings, book signings, storytelling, recitations:

*  The "Classics Revisited"  Book Club will meet Monday, January 29, 6:30 p.m. at Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street.  Under discussion will be "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L’Engle. For more information, 251-208-7902.

*  Extravagant Readers Book Club meets Saturday, February 3, 3 p.m. at Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road.  This month’s topic of discussion is "I Almost Forgot About You" by Terry McMillan. For more information, call 251-438-7075.

*  African-American Read-In - Books, Poetry & Songs! will be Monday through Thursday, February 5-8 at Toulminville Library Branch, 601 Stanton Road.  Library guests are encouraged to "Come out and join our special guests and community partners as we celebrate Black Heritage in reading, poetry, storytelling and songs". AARI is a national literacy initiative ongoing since 1989, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) beginning in 1990, and later endorsed by the International Reading Association. For more information or a complete schedule of events, call 251-438-7075.

*  There will be a Book-Signing Event for Mobile author, Paula Webb, on Tuesday, February 6, 11 a.m. Webb's "Mobile Under Siege" concerns Mobile during the Civil War. This is a free event open to everyone. 

*  Friends of the Mobile Public Library is holding a BOOK SALE, March 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and March 25, 1-6 p.m.  The event will be at Abba Shrine Auditorium, 7701 Hitt Road.  For indivduals or groups are interested in volunteering, e-mail Marie Mack at VOLUNTEERSMOBILEFOL@GMAIL.COM. For more information on the Book Sale, contact Amber Guy at 251-208-7902 or e-mail aguy@mplonline.org.

*  Heart and Soul Book Club will meet Tuesday, February 27, 6-7:30 p.m. to discuss "The Five Love Languages" 

Crafts/arts and other vendor shows:

*  Port City Craftsmen monthly meeting is Monday, February 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Mobile West Regional Library, 5555 Grelot Road, Mobile.  Prospective members are always welcome.

*  Abba Shrine Craft & Attic Show Event is February 17 and February 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  Abba Shrine auditorium is at 7701 Hitt Road near Schillinger Road.  Admission is $2; concessions available for purchase. (Cash only for Admission and Concessions)  Booth fee is $35 for first table and $10 for each additional table.  For additional booth information, contact Elsie Davis 251-895-3821.  

*  The 16th Annual Semmes Azalea Festival, held on the campus of Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes, is Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Vendors and crafters are encouraged to participate.  To apply, download form at www.semmeschamber.org.  Booths are $50 with $30 added if utilities are needed.  For more information, call sponsor Semmes Chamber of Commerce at 251-660-4808.

*  The Fowl River Community Arts and Crafts Show is scheduled Saturday, March 10, 9 a.m.-noon in the downstairs event room at The Pelican Reef, 11799 Dauphin Island Parkway, Theodore.   Space is available for 25 artists.  See Pelican Reef site for more information.

Writing:

*  "Writing Nature Prose and Poetry Class" at Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, will be on Wednesday continues through February 28 at 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  Cost to members is $125; for non-members, the fee is $150.  This 6-week introductory class will be taught by Gail Gehlken and Poet Laureate of Alabama Emerita, Sue B. Walker.  For more information, see www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org.

*  The public is invited to join Mobile’s top literary talent, including Carolyn Haines, Sue Brannan Walker, Emily Blejwas, Linda Busby Parker, Angela Quarles, and many more at the 2018 Mobile Literary Festival, March 3, 2018, at the Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street.  For details and festival schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/MobileLiteraryFestival/   The event is sponsored by Mobile Public Library, Mobile Writers’ Guild and the Metro Mobile Reading Council

Plants/Flowers/Gardens:

*  Tomato-Palooza! is coming to Mobile Botanical Gardens. The tomato seeds have been planted. Here's a quick list of the plants that will be for sale through MBG online catalog beginning February 1st: Amelia, Atkinson, Bella Rose, Better Boy, Black Cherry, Bush Champion, Celebrity, Cherokee Purple, Coyote, Creole, Fantastico, Juliet Hybrid, LaRoma Hybrid, Mexico Midget, Sun Sugar, Sungold Hybrid, Super Sweet 100, Terenzo, and Tomatillo Toma Verde. Remember:  Online catalog opens February 1st.

*  Mobile County Master Gardeners 2018 Spring Seminar is scheduled for Saturday February 17, 2018, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m..  The seminar will be at Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile.  Cost is $30 for Master Gardeners and $35 for non-Master Gardeners.  For more information, call 251-209-6425.

*  Mobile Botanical Gardens's "Can You Dig It?: A Practical Gardening Class," is every Thursday continuing through March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at MBG, 5151 Museum Drive.  Tickets are available at mbgrebloomshop.com; cost is $125 for members and $150 for non-members.

*  Restoring Order: Pruning Demonstration will be at Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive. on Tuesday, February 6, 10-11:30 a.m.  Tickets are available at mbgrebloomshop.com.  The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members; the meeting place will be at the Gardens.  Attendees can learn from Curator Amanda Wilkins about the art and science of pruning  trees and shrubs (and herbaceous perennials.) She will cover tools of the trade, techniques to help you maximize the form of your plants,will demystify when you should do what. Bring your pruners, your questions and yourself! 

*  The 41st Annual Mobile Area Orchid Show and Sale at Bellingrath Gardens is Friday, February 16-Sunday, February 18.  Mobile Area Orchid Society members will display their best orchids and will be available to answer questions and provide tips on growing and caring for orchids. Vendors will be selling orchids, supplies and accessories. Guests may also shop for new spring merchandise in the Bellingrath Gift Shop.  Admission into the Orchid Show is free of charge, but guests are encouraged to tour the Gardens and Home during their visit. Gardens-and-Home combination tickets are discounted through February 28 during Bellingrath’s Snowbird Special. The Magnolia Café will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., making it easy for guests to visit the Gardens and Home either before or after viewing the orchids on display.  For information on the event or to participate as an individual entry, please see the information below or contact the show chairman, Joe Paine, at 251.209.1008 or at joe6w@aol.com.

*  Plantasia! Mobile Botanical Gardens' Spring Plant Sale is March 16-18 with the Preview Party on March 15. Early plant-buying opportunities will be announced soon.  MBG is at 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile.  For more information, visit  www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org or call 251-307-5382.

Runs, Walks, biking events and paddles, car shows and cruise ins:  

*  The 2018 Joe Cain Classic 5K Run, 1-Mile Run and Moonpie Dash is coming up Sunday, February 11, 8-11 a.m.  Participants, convene at Broad and Canal streets, Mobile.

*  The 15th Annual, Cruise-In, Biker Ball and Rally at Abba Shrine Auditorium, 7101 Hitt Road, is February 9-February 11, 5-12 p.m. The party is not restricted to bikers. A limited number of tickets are available at the Abba Shrine office or by phone (credit/debit card with a minimal service charge) to pick up later. 

*  The Semmes Azalea Festival BIG Challenge 5K Run. sponsored by Semmes Boys and Girls Club, will take place at the beginning of Semmes Azalea Festival, Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the campus of Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes (corner of Moffett and Snow roads. 

*  On Saturday, February 17, at 9 a.m., Fort Gaines canons will fire the starting shot to begin the 22nd Battle of Mobile Bay 5KRace.  Sponsored by the Port City Pacers, this popular race typically attracts some 300 runners.  The event is also a fundraiser for the preservation of the fort.  Post-race awards and blacksmith demonstrations will take place inside the Fort.  For more information, see the Port City Pacers site.

*  Get ready:  Azalea Trail Run is March 24th.

A few senior events: 

*  Tax Preparation for Senior Adults and Lower income Families is being offered by the United Way of Southwest Alabama. UWSWA will prepare simple Tax returns for qualified persons/must not have income over $50,000.  Contact United Way at 251-219-8411 to schedule an appointment.  Do not call Civic Center to schedule appointment.  Service will begin February at the Chickasaw Community Shelter.   

*  The Dauphin Island Baptist Church Senior Day committee will welcome guest speaker, professional baseball player, Bernie Carbo, to the February 6, 6 p.m. meeting.  All ages are invited.  The event will be held in the new church building followed by refreshments in the Resort Ministry Center.  A Love Offering will be taken.

*  Celebrate Our Seniors" Luncheon, originally scheduled for Thursday, January 18, 11:30 a.m., but was postponed due to inclement weather, has been re-scheduled for Thursday, February 22 at Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin Street.  The event is open to the public; admission is $50 per person.  For tickets or more information, call 251-470-5229.  Original tickets can be used.

*  On Friday, February 2, 6-9 p.m., Seniors at Connie Hudson Center will hold a Mardi Gras Dance.  There'll be gumbo King Cake and lots of fun.  Tickets are $8.

Markets:

*  The Night Market at Mobile Museum of Art is Thursday, February 1, 5-8:30 p.m.; the Museum is at 4850 Museum Drive.  The Night Market showcases makers, artists, artisans, and craftsman who make locally-sourced, handmade goods. Visitors are encouraged to support local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food and drink from Ben's Burga Kaboose and the DJ stylings of Neil Byrne aka Hot Lobster.  

Music, Music, Music!

*  Bluegrass Music with Wild Bill and the James Younger Gang will be Saturday, February 3, 1-4 p.m. at Coastal Response Center, 7385 Highway 188, Coden.

*  "Night of Classical Masters," presented by the University of Mobile - Alabama School of The Arts, is Tuesday, February 27, 7-8 p.m. at the University, 5735 College Parkway, Eight Mile.  Featured will be Ludwig van Beethoven's Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C major, Op. 56, more commonly known as the Triple Concerto featuring faculty soloists and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy in C minor with student soloists.

Car Shows:

*  The Azalea Festival Car Show, sponsored by Floorz N More, brings more than 60 classic, custom cars, bikes and trucks to Semmes Azalea Festival, Mary G Montgomery High School on Snow Road in Semmes.  The Festivasl is March 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Information concerning registration and awards can be found at semmesazaleafestivalcarshow.com. Proceeds from the show go to Donate Life, an organization committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Visit that organization's website at DonateLife.net. 

Pets:

*  Reading PAWS: - Meet, Greet & Read is Saturday, February 3, 2-3 p.m. at Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street.  Children can meet Lily, a Pet Therapy dog, and her owner, and can learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. AND it's an opportunity to practice reading skills with a four-legged friend.  For more information, call the children's department at 251-208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
*  "Mardi-Paw Party," hosted by MyHappyDog123, is Monday, February 5, 2018, 5-7 p.m. at OK Bicycle Shop, 661 Dauphin Street.  Dog owners are invited to enjoy an evening with their dog and help raise funds for rescue group Krewe de Rescue (See https://www.facebook.com/KreweDeRescue/)  For more information, see myhappydog123.com.

*  "Krewe du Shoppes Pet Paw-rade" at The Shoppes at Bel Air, 3299 Bell Air Mall, is Wdnesday, February 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Admission is $5 per pet with all proceeds going to Animal Rescue Foundation.  MUST pre-register online to participate.  Link to register is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/krewe-du-shoppes-pet-paw-rade-tickets-42509235267.

Stage and film:  

*  Playing at the Crescent Theatre is "The Shape of Water."  Check time schedule at Crescent online site.  Ticket information is at https://www.brownpapertickets.com.

*  Auditions for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" to be performed at Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street, will be held January 29, 7 p.m.  Rehearsals will begin in mid-February.  Performances will be May 11-27, 2018.  A large cast is needed.  For more information, call Nedra Bloom at 251.661.9669 or email at nedrabloom@comcast.net.

*  "Movie Time with Mr. Butch" at Moorer/Spring Hill Branch Library features "Beauty and the Beast" on Saturday, February 3, 2 p.m.  For more information, call 251-470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.
 
+*  "Seussical the Musical" will be performed Friday, March 2-March 4 at W. P. Davidson High School Auditorium, 3900 Pleasant Valley Road.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students. Children 4 and under are free.

*  The Mobile Mystery Dinner Players will present "Murder at Fruitcake Inn" on Sunday, February 18, 5:30 p.m. at Azalea Manor, 751 Dauphin Street downtown. Doors open at 5 p.m. Advance reservations are at http://azaleamanormobile.com/?q=content/mobile-mystery-dinners-reservation.  Tickets are $59 per person, which includes a delicious hot buffet-style meal by Naman's. free parking, and, of course, the play. For more information, call 251-865-7398 or 251-479-3212.

*  Rocky Horror Anniversary Show, hosted by Mystic Society of Rocky Horror and Crescent Theater, is scheduled for February 9-February 15, 8:45 p.m. at the Crescent Theater, 208 Dauphin Street, Mobile.  Tickets are at www.brownpapertickets.com. From the host comes this message about the Rocky Horror Show:  "Celebrating 10 years of Time Warp in Mobile! All seven shows feature the original cult movie, live cast, audience participation, $5 prop bags, t-shirts, merch table and absolute pleasure."  Shows start following the last Mardi Gras parade every night and there will also be two shows after Fat Tuesday.

*  The Playhouse in the Park presents SchoolFest Performances of “The Miracle Worker” February 22 and 23 and March 1 and 2, Thursdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  Admission is $8 for students and chaperones; teachers are admitted free.  The play is recommended for students in grades three through twelve.  Contact Pamela Mollise at 251-422-0079 to book seats for classes.  All performances will be at the Playhouse-in-the-Park, 4851 Museum Drive (across from the Mobile Museum of Art) in Mobile

Congratulations/Good Job/Thank You:

* Congratulations to Lee Elementary School students for winning several awards at the recent Future City competition.

​Extravagant Readers Book Club meets Saturday, February 3, 3 p.m. at Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road.  This month’s topic of discussion is "I Almost Forgot About You" by Terry McMillan. For more information, call 251-438-7075.

​Reading PAWS: - Meet, Greet & Read is Saturday, February 3, 2-3 p.m. at Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street.  Children can meet Lily, a Pet Therapy dog, and her owner, and can learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. AND it's an opportunity to practice reading skills with a four-legged friend.  For more information, call the children's department at 251-208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.
 
 

The Azalea Festival Car Show, sponsored by Floorz N More, brings more than 60 classic, custom cars, bikes and trucks to the Festival on March 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Information concerning registration and awards can be found at semmesazaleafestivalcarshow.com. Proceeds from the show go to Donate Life, an organization committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Visit that organization's website at DonateLife.net. 

​Heart and Soul Book Club will meet Tuesday, February 27, 6-7:30 p.m. at West Regional Library Branch, 5555 Grelot Road.  This month's topic of discussion is "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. For more information, call 251-209-3559 or email heartandsoulbookclub@gmail.com.