By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Atmore City Council members gave unanimous approval during their April 24 meeting to the use of one municipal outdoor venue for a July revival and another for a July family gathering.
The council also approved issuance of proclamations designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month and June as Gun Violence Awareness Month, OKed an easement for drainage of a commercial lot, reappointed three people to a city commission and reappointed another individual to a city board.
At the request of Bana Ali Saeed “Mike” Aboubaker, the council gave the green light to an easement that will improve drainage on Innovation Parkway at Rivercane, on which a convenience store-gas station is to eventually be built.
The City Planning Commission terms of Harold Dailey, Debbie Rowell and Kenny Smith each expired April 10. The council voted to re-appoint each one to the commission. Steven Shirley was then re-appointed to a second six-year term on the City Utility Board.
The council approved a request from Marlo Young, Mental Health Coordinator for the Escambia County School System, and approved designation of the next two months as, respectively, Mental Health Awareness Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month. Mayor Jim Staff read each proclamation.
A Mental Health Awareness Walk will be held May 20, beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will walk from Emmanuel Faith Center on Ridgeley Street to Houston Avery Park, where mental health resources will be set up and light refreshments will be served.
Also approved was a request by Paulette Bolden for the use of Houston Avery Park on July 1 for the Family Fun Day, a gathering of members of her family and the families of her 10 siblings. The group plans to barbecue and enjoy fun with the younger set, then gather for supper later that night, after the event.
Renovation Ministries requested and received approval to use Boxcar Willie Park for a three-day revival Thursday through Saturday, July 13-15. The final day will include a food giveaway and more. Look for details on the church’s Facebook page.
See Proclamation below.
Proclamation
The following proclamation, designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Atmore, was approved Monday, April 24, by unanimous vote of Atmore City Council members:
Mental Health Awareness Month 2023
“Look Around, Look Within”
WHEREAS, the area that someone lives in plays a significant role in their overall health and well-being;
WHEREAS, surroundings can impact if, how, and when a person’s needs are met, which in turn affects mental health; and
WHEREAS, having safe, stable, and healthy home conditions set the foundation for achieving and maintaining good mental health; and
WHEREAS, with early and effective interventions, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and
WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, health care provider, organization, and citizen shares the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts.
THEREFORE, I, Jim Staff, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Atmore, AL. As the Mayor of Atmore, I also call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Atmore to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.
Jim Staff, Mayor
April 24, 2023