Baldwin Women Leaders 2018 by Gulf Coast Media

BALDWIN

WOMEN

LEADERS 2018

GULF COAST MEDIA THE COURIER • THE ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE BALDWIN TIMES

Melissa Butler & Holly Shirley: Magnolia Mortgage

“It doesn’t just stop at closing. We’re here for a lifetime.” — Melissa Butler Melissa Butler, president of Magnolia Mortgage Company, says the best perk of her business is being able to help families get and afford their dream homes. “We really do work hard to make their dreams come true,” Butler said. “We want what’s best for them.” Magnolia Mortgage Company has been a staple of the local business community since 1990, as a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage company. Though it is locally owned, Magnolia Mortgage can offer all the services of a large corporation with the personal service of a small independent business. All of Magnolia Mortgage’s loans are processed locally and they also use an automated underwriting system, which helps customers with shorter turnaround time and convenience. They offer traditional lowinterest rate loans, as well as government products like FHA, VA and USDA loans. They also offer reverse mortgages and commercial loans. With all of the staff at Magnolia Mortgage, there is over a century of knowledge and experience on hand to help customers find the right program that fits their budget and helps them build their lives in their new homes. Holly Shirley is the Branch Manager of our new office in Daphne. Although we have served Baldwin County for many years, this allows more accessibility for our customers. Shirley is passionate about continuing to grow Magnolia Mortgage as an industry leader. “I have a desire to expand the exceptional reputation of Magnolia Mortgage into Baldwin County. Customers become family.” “We love to see our client’s faces at closings, as they really are at their happiest, receiving the keys to their new home!” Butler said. “That’s what it’s all about — helping people be able to get into their dream homes.”

2 • Baldwin Women Leaders

Butler herself has almost 30 years of experience in the housing industry, including processing and underwriting, so she knows what it takes to help buyers find affordable ways to reach their home ownership goals. Both women enjoy getting to watch families grow and continue relationships with them. Butler said past clients have invited her and other Magnolia Mortgage staff to weddings, baby showers and other family events because they become like part of the family. “It doesn’t just stop at closing,” she said. “We’re here for a lifetime.”

Melissa: # 111719 Holly: # 945206

Melissa Butler and Holly Shirley MAGNOLIA MORTGAGE 28600 U.S. 98 Ste. F2 Daphne, AL 36526 215-928-9370

NMLS # 1685964

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Table of Contents M E E T

Y O U R

W O M E N

L E A D E R S

GULF COAST MEDIA THE COURIER • THE ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE BALDWIN TIMES

PUBLISHER Parks Rogers

Melissa Butler & Holly Shirley: Magnolia Mortgage......................................................2 Valerie L. Vick: Premier Medical....................................4 Janet Baker, RN: enrG-IV...............................................5 Dr. Angelene Naro: Naro Audiology.............................6

DESIGN Paige Marmolejo ADVERTISING Jeniece Bouzan Frank Kustura LouAnn Love

Renee James: Insurance Specialist.................................7 Dr. Lori Minto: Infirmary Health...................................8 Jennie M. Campbell: Stewart Steelwood Investments LLC.............................................................9 Debbie McPherson: Haven Memory Clinic..................10 Tammy Robinson: LiveOak Village..............................12 Gulf Coast Media.........................................................13 Lisa Hastings & Melissa McClure: Bryant Bank...........14 Infirmary Health Breast Center...................................15 Infirmary Health Birthing Center................................16

GULF COAST MEDIA 901 N. McKenzie St. Foley,Alabama 36535 251-943-2151

The profiles included in Baldwin Women Leaders are paid advertisements. www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Baldwin Women Leaders • 3

Valerie L. Vick, MD: Premier Medical

““I feel lucky to spend my afternoon engaging with my lovely patients. I enjoy getting to know and being able to help my patients. ” — Valerie Vick As a child, Dr. Valerie Vick loved to sew and do crafts. Now, as a board certified ophthalmologist, she continues to craft but her technique has become much more technical. She performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the eyelids, eyebrows, tear ducts, and orbits. After earning an undergraduate degree in biology, Vick’s love of science compelled her to enroll in the medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. While there she completed her residency in Ophthalmology and completed her training in ocular facial plastic surgery at Washington University in Saint Louis and Saint Louis University. After becoming the “go-to-girl” for sutures a mentor steered her toward ocular facial plastics as a place where her interest in eyes and talent for detailed work might intersect. He was right. Dr. Vick now spends most mornings working with her team at Surgicare of Mobile to complete procedures on patients. She shifts to exam rooms in the afternoon to see more patients and help them navigate the best solution for their eye issues.

4 • Baldwin Women Leaders

“I feel lucky to spend my afternoon engaging with my lovely patients,” she said. “I enjoy getting to know and being able to help my patients. “My goal is to set realistic expectations for my patients and at the same time, give them what they came to me for,” she said. “A happy patient is truly why I do what I do!”

Dr. Valerie L. Vick, MD, FACS PREMIER MEDICAL EYE/ EAR/ NOSE/ THROAT 1302 US-98, Daphne, AL 36526 251-470-8906

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Janet Baker, RN: enrG-IV

“Energy is a main component of the therapy we offer and the therapy works to alleviate a wide variety of health problems.” — Janet Baker, RN A pair of personal medical experiences, one with a parent and one of her own, caused Janet Baker to turn from traditional medicine to looking into ways of providing alternative therapy. “I am a Registered Nurse and spent 15 years in a traditional hospital setting,” said Baker, a native of Huntsville. But when her father was diagnosed with cancer in his 80s and did not want to pursue traditional medicines, she began researching alternative therapies to make him more comfortable and to make him feel better. “We discovered IV (or intravenous) Vitamin Therapy as a way of administering nutrients directly into the bloodstream,” she said. “He was given about 6 months to live. He ended up taking high-dose Vitamin C. He lived about 9 months and we believe his quality of life was so much better than it would have been taking traditional oral medication.” Then about nine years ago, while living and working in Birmingham, Baker herself was diagnosed with an autoimmune deficiency. “I knew I didn’t want to go the traditional route, but looking around I couldn’t find any alternative,” she said. She ended up connecting with Dr. Melanie Miller and over a five year period the two worked together to develop IV therapy for a variety of issues, ranging from things that are essentially vitamin deficiencies like hangovers and sunburn to illnesses like cancer where treatments can leave the patients with chronic fatigue. When Baker moved to Baldwin County, she began looking around for a place to open an IV treatment facility and the beach area of Orange Beach seemed like a perfect location, she said. She contacted Miller and the two worked together to open the enrGIV treatment facility. “Energy is a main component of the therapy we offer and the therapy works to alleviate a wide variety of health problems,” Baker said. “We see patients who have chronic fatigue or who just want a boost to make them feel better.”

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While continuing her practice in Birmingham, Miller frequently comes to Baldwin County to assist with the therapy. EnrG-IV also employs a message therapist, Mary Susan Slaughter, and another registered nurse, Kathy Ragland. “We accept referrals, mainly from area chiropractors,” Baker said. “You can also call and make an appointment directly with us, and we also accept walk-ns.” Not only does enrG-IV offer therapy at its Orange Beach location at 3099 Loop Road, they also take their therapy on the road, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Baldwin OBGYN in Foley and every Thursday at Coastal Cryo in Foley. Or they can bring the therapy to you. “You can call and set up an IV party and we will come to you,” Baker said. “We’ve done everything from birthdays to bachelor and bachelorette parties.” EnrG-IV is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or they will work with you to schedule an appointment outside of normal office hours. To make an appointment or for more information call 251-2400842 or visit enrgiv.com.

Janet Baker, RN enrG-IV

3099 Loop Road Orange Beach, AL 251-240-0842 enrgiv.com Baldwin Women Leaders • 5

Dr. Angelene Naro: Naro Audiology

“We change lives on a weekly basis. “When I look at the beginning of the week I look at how many opportunities do we have to help people.” — Dr. Angelene Naro, Au. D. As an undergraduate student, Angelene Naro headed to Auburn University at Montgomery on a basketball scholarship. It changed the entire course of her life when the athlete was allowed to take an upper level course in hearing pathology. As a freshman she didn’t quite have the pre-requisites for the class but the material stirred a passion she didn’t know she had. “A professor who was really well known in the field taught it and it was just really interesting,” she said. “It kind of ended my basketball career.” Now Naro, who received her doctor of audiology degree on her 40th birthday, oversees a practice of three offices in Fairhope, Bay Minette, and Brewton with new locations on the horizon in Foley and Thomasville. There the staff offers a variety of services including hearing testing, hearing aid dispensing and fitting and balance testing for patients, age newborn to 100. For Naro though, there is more to the daily work than just selling the hearing devices. “We change lives on a weekly basis,” she said. “When I look at the beginning of the week I look at how many opportunities do we have to help people.” As Naro grew her business, her own family suffered a number of challenges. She continued to help care for her mother who had been severely injured and disabled in a car accident years earlier. Her sister suffered a severe health issue in 2014. Her husband had a severe accident in 2016 on the job suffering severe injuries with months of rehabilitation and recovery. Naro became business owner and caregiver as she continued to also care for her own three children, all under the age of 10. “When I first embarked on this I sat across from someone who said ‘You will not be able to do what you are trying to do.’ … We can do

6 • Baldwin Women Leaders

anything with Christ. That’s the foundation and I don’t say this lightly. “There has been a lot of happy times for me, they’re not all sad. But we’ve also had a lot of obstacles and I feel like with God’s grace we have overcome them and we’re moving forward.” As both doctor and business owner, Naro said her staff can be more family-oriented and provide better service that sees patients through to recovery, not just in the moment. “It comes down to why I am an audiologist,” she said. “I want to help people. We not only get to make the diagnosis but we provide a treatment plan and see the outcome. “When we correct hearing loss other things come in to play. When someone is battling hearing loss they are mentally exhausted and that may lead to depression and other health issues. A lot of times when we can correct their hearing they light up and they leave here a totally different person. It’s pretty neat,” she said.

Dr. Angelene Naro, Au. D. NARO AUDIOLOGY 1305 McMillan Ave, Brewton, AL 36426 251-867-7711

157A North Hoyle Ave, Bay Minette, AL 36507 251-937-8731 22530 US HWY 98 Suite 240 Fairhope, Alabama, 36532 251-929-9397

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Renee james: Insurance Specialists

““Insurance is something you’re going to use and you need to enjoy using it, I will make sure of that.” ” — Renee James When Renee James first entered the insurance business, she was just filling in. The self-driven saleswoman already had a successful career working directly with big box retailers such as Kmart and Wal-Mart with L’eggs pantyhose. Her mother, an insurance specialist, suffered a stroke and needed help at the office while she recovered. After just a few weeks running the office, James knew this was her calling and her husband, Darryl, insisted she get her license. “I was thrown into it and realized that while I would not have chosen this field, I just loved it,” James said. “Insurance is something you’re going to use and you need to enjoy using it, I will make sure of that.” James set up her own agency in 2005 specializing in Medicare related insurances and almost immediately, business was booming. “It took on a life of its own, it was like getting Sea Monkeys in the mail, adding water and poof, we were busy,” she said. James said she enjoys being available for her clients and working with them to resolve any issue. She is also able to go thru the state Medicaid system and the Social Security system to help provide extra help for people on the their premiums and medicine costs. “At this office, they don’t have to go through a series of phone menus telling them to punch this number and punch that number,” she said. “Instead they can talk to someone right away and get an answer to their question locally.” As her insurance business grew, so did her participation in the local chamber of commerce. She joined the chamber seven years ago, became a diplomat in 2012, Diplomat Chairman in 2013 and earned the distinction of Diplomat of the Year 2014. She now serves on the

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South Baldwin Chamber Board of Directors. “Volunteering with the chamber has allowed me to give back to the great Foley community that has made us so successful,” she said. This year James also received United Healthcare’s Top Medicare Advantage Sales Performance Award for January, 2018, given in honor of agents who demonstrate excellent customer service and knowledge of products. Clients will often ask her if she is going to be here for them. She always replies, “I’m not ready to leave the job I love, I’m still growing sea monkeys!”

INSURANCE SPECIALISTS

Renee James

INSURANCE SPECIALISTS 402 E Laurel Ave Foley, AL 36535 251-943-2728

Baldwin Women Leaders • 7

Dr. Lori Minto: Infirmary Health

“We are learning so much more about sleep relative to the world of medicine. It’s a growing field and it’s exciting to be part of that,” — Dr. Lori Minto When Lori Minto, M.D. entered medical school she wanted to study how the whole body worked. She loved the intricacies of medicine and how one system in the body could impact another. During her internal medicine residency one of her mentors taught Minto how sleep, or a lack of, not only impacts that entire body but was a common thread in many ailments and diseases. Minto was hooked. After completing medical school at the University of Mississippi in Jackson and a residency in internal medicine at LSU at Shreveport, she completed a fellowship in sleep medicine in Shreveport. Now, she is a board certified sleep medicine doctor. “Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder I see. However, many people do not realize that untreated sleep apnea can lead to various problems such as heart attack, stroke and dementia. In general, sleep affects the whole body — memory, heart, energy level, metabolism, everything.” What was even more interesting to Minto was the fact that the field of sleep medicine was relatively new and she had the chance to be at the forefront of new discoveries. “We are learning so much more about sleep relative to the world of medicine. It’s a growing field and it’s exciting to be part of that,” she said. Though many of her patients arrive with typical issues such as snoring, there are various sleep disorders including narcolepsy, insomnia, restless legs syndrome and various parasomnias. Every once in awhile Minto has a patient with a unique story. One patient, who was later diagnosed with REM behavior disorder, presented after suffering a broken jaw while attempting to

8 • Baldwin Women Leaders

jump through a glass window during sleep. Another patient woke up outside attempting to climb a fence while sleep walking. “Those cases are rare but can have very serious consequences if undiagnosed or untreated. When we are able to restore good quality sleep, it can be life changing,” she said. “A good night’s sleep is something a lot of people take for granted. Not everybody has that luxury. Unfortunately, many people think they just are not a good sleeper and don’t realize they have a treatable condition. My goal is to help as many people as possible realize their actual sleep potential.” Minto, who has an 8-month-old baby, says she tries to makes sleep a priority in her house. And no, sleep doctors don’t stay up all night watching their patients sleep, a common misconception. “There’s a lot of reward in this field,” she said. “It allows for a good balance of a professional life and a family life.”

Dr. Lori Minto

INFIRMARY HEALTH COASTAL MEDICAL GROUP 300 South Greeno Drive, Suite B Fairhope, AL 36532 251-929-3424

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Jennie M. Campbell: The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood

“By engaging myself more in the community and getting more involved, it has made my experience and the investment more meaningful” — Jennie Campbell

ennie Campbell has been the CEO/President of Stewart Steelwood Investments LLC dba “The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood” for 14 years, a time during which she has become a local staple of the community. Although a native of New Orleans, LA, Campbell has invested her time in the Mobile/ Baldwin County areas by being an active member, serving on Boards and Executive Boards of the Mobile Chamber, Eastern Shore Chamber, South Baldwin Chamber, Central Baldwin Chamber, Renasant Bank and BCEDA. As an investor in the community, Campbell believes that you not only financially invest in the communities, but also, you need to invest your time, energy and knowledge. “Business is about connections. Business is about people. People do business with people that they know and trust. Mr. Stewart and I, because of our company core values, require this belief as a key part of our decisions,” says Campbell. From projects in 2017 alone, over 15,000 new job opportunities were brought to the area, as well as over $6.5 billion in new capital expenditure opportunities from these projects. With Baldwin County being home to four of the top five fastest growing cities in Alabama, the growth is undeniable. “We invested in this community when it was a small, quiet town. We were looking for the privacy and exclusivity. In addition, the private golf course and lodge met our desires for recreation, entertainment, and the environment for our companies, clients and family. The quality of life is what we liked about it,” said Campbell. “That’s why we initially invested here. Now, with the new potential growth and opportunity, we’re excited about the return on our investment.” Campbell is deeply involved in the community and strives to make a difference for other people, a difference which she is looking forward to seeing happen. “I think I’m at the precipice of that happening right now,” said Campbell. “That’s what excites me about all this growth … By engaging myself more in the community and getting more involved, it’s made my experience and the investment more meaningful. I have made wonderful friends both personal and professional” Campbell supports giving back to the community by investing and creating

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opportunities for her teams and people “This is a relationship town very similar to New Orleans and to the business cultures that we have instilled in all of our investments.” One of the key aspects of Campbell, is her core belief in relationship selling. By developing a close relationship with vendors, clients and staff, Campbell believes this empowers people to perform at a higher level. For when individuals feel significant and that they matter to the result, they become invested and part of the dream. Our dream is everyone’s dream. For it takes an entire team where each member is important and significant to produce the result. We provide the leadership and foundation for that success, says Campbell. Change is coming in Baldwin County. Population increase, new job opportunities, and many new educational opportunities as well. “The best returns that I can have as a CEO and as an investor are seeing people grow and achieve, seeing businesses grow and achieve, and seeing the area continually grow while maintaining the quality of life,” said Campbell; we’re trying to prepare fertile ground of opportunity for the next generation moving forward.”

Jennie M. Campbell, CMP, CMM, PMP CEO/President

STEWART STEELWOOD INVESTMENTS LLC DBA “THE STEWART LODGES AT STEELWOOD”

32311 Waterview Drive E., Loxley, AL 251-602-1300 www.StewartSteelwood.com

Baldwin Women Leaders • 9

Debbie McPherson: Haven Memory Care

“We consider it a tremendous honor to care for our residents during this chapter of their lives” — Debbie McPherson Haven Memory Care, located in Gulf Shores, is now under new ownership, and is focused on providing both residential and respite care for those living with Dementia and other Cognitive Impairments. “We consider it a tremendous honor to care for our residents during this chapter of their lives,” said Haven Administrator Debbie McPherson. “What we do for them here at Haven Memory Care greatly affects their quality of life. We take that responsibility very seriously. The smiles, hugs, and happy family members are our greatest reward.” Experienced as an administrator in Long Term Care Facilities as well as Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Communities, McPherson has been a resident of Baldwin County for about eight years. She became the administrator at Haven Memory Care in October of last year when Community Senior Life purchased the community. “We are the only community along the Gulf Coast in Baldwin County that focuses primarily on caring for residents with Dementia,” she said. The community includes 40 apartments, including private and semiprivate options. We can also accommodate couples, McPherson said. The community provides a variety of daily exercise programs, stimulating social activities, including live music, motor skill therapies, outdoor activities, medication management and 24/7 nursing care in a beautiful structured and secure environment. The community includes home cooked meals, flat screen televisions with satellite services in every room, personal laundry and housekeeping services, private bathrooms with walk in showers, and an in-house beauty/barber shop. “Our goal is to provide a home-like environment where residents feel comfortable and safe. They can socialize with their friends while being well cared for by our professional team of associates. Our flexible approach to daily activities contributes to a low stress, soothing atmosphere where caregivers are present at all times.”

10 • Baldwin Women Leaders

In addition to full-time residents, respite stays are also available for those who need a shorter stay to see what we’re about, or to give family members a well-deserved break knowing their loved one will be monitored by licensed staff 24/7. “Haven Memory Care is a great place for our residents to live and a great place for our staff to work,” McPherson says. “We’re like a family here, and it shows in the quality of care we deliver each and every day. Stop by and see for yourself. We’ll be happy to treat you to lunch and a tour.” Tours are available daily. To schedule an appointment, call 251-9232800.

COASTAL ALABAMA’S PREMIER MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY 6848 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL HavenMemoryCare.org

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Ongoing and Upcoming Events, PAGE 4

Alabama coast featured in series

The Islander

INSIDE

MARCH 28, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |

PAGE 14

75¢

By CRYSTAL COLE crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com

Every year as the days get longer and the soft sand heats up along the Gulf Coast, female loggerhead sea turtles, some weighing as much as 400 pounds, pull themselves from their watery habitat onto our sandy beaches to lay their nests. For information on how you can help these creatures, jump to page 34.

The Orange Beach City Council heard public input to a change in the definition and allowance of vacation rentals at its most recent meeting. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and considered this application to amend the zoning ordinance to define and regulate hosted accommodations, non-hosted accommodations and vacation rentals at its regular meeting in February 2018. The Planning Commission gave the amendment a positive recommendation with a vote of

8-0. The amendment to Section 2.02 will add the definition of vacation rental to the Zoning Ordinance. The definition will mirror the definition proposed for the License Ordinance. The definition will include single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings/duplexes constructed for occupancy where the owner or authorized lessee offers hosted and non-hosted accommodations for a duration of 14 consecutive days or less and does not include accessory structures (garage, storage sheds) It would permit vacation rentals in the following zon-

SEE TOURISM, PAGE

Fairhope Canine Officer Segan retired last week after eight years of service to the city. To see photos from Officer Segan’s last day, turn to Page 2.

SFHS Band returns from Chicago

The Spanish Fort High Marching Band recently returned from the Windy City. Find out why on Page 3.

By CRYSTAL COLE crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com

An arrest has been made in connection with the homicide investigation in Orange Beach. Sunday morning the OBPD interviewed Micheal Burns, a Gulf Shores resident, and arrested him in connection with the homicide. He is being charged with murder. Police chief Joe Fierro said due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and the potential

OPINION, 9 OUT & ABOUT, 6-7 PUZZLES, 12 SPORTS, 13 TV LISTINGS, 15

for prosecution, he was unable to provide many details. “What I can tell you is Mr. Burns was acquainted with the victim, Mr. Dudley, for a period of time and I can also tell you the Orange Beach Police Department in conjunction with Foley Police Department and Gulf Shores, have been diligent in this and pursuing all leads which led to this arrest this morning,” Fierro said in a press conference Sunday afternoon. On March 22, at approxi-

mately 11 a.m., Orange Beach Police and Fire responded in reference to an unresponsive person on the ground at the North end of Cypress Street on Wolf Bay. The person was identified as a white male in his 50’s who was the victim of an apparent gunshot wound. The case was quickly classified a homicide. After notifying next of kin, the police department released the name of the deceased as Raymond Curtis Dudley, 53 years of age, and homeless. Dudley was

Gulf Serving the greater NORTH, CENTRAL AND SOUTH BALDWIN communities Coast

1 SECTION • 36 PAGES

Silverhill to reimburse library for repairs By JOHN UNDERWOOD john@gulfcoastmedia.com

BALDWIN LIVING, 8

MARCH 28, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |

CLASSIFIED, 31 HEALTH, 21

LISTING & SELLING

SKIPPER

REALTY, L.L.C.

251-947-7373 22193 Hwy 59 Ste. D Robertsdale, AL

SEE HOMICIDE, PAGE

LEGALS, 24 OPINION, 9 OUT & ABOUT, 6-7 PUZZLES, 12 SPORTS, 13

GARY SKIPPER Alabama coast 251-947-7373 featured in series

SEE SILVERHILL, PAGE

DEATHS

INDEX BALDWIN LIVING, 8 CLASSIFIED, 31 HEALTH, 21 LEGALS, 24 OPINION, 9 OUT & ABOUT, 6-7 PUZZLES, 12 SPORTS, 13 TV LISTINGS, 15

TV LISTINGS, 15

FOLEY — Lightning Aviation, a local flight school located at the Foley Municipal Airport, joined forces with the Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge, based out of Mobile, to give students from Palmer Pillans Middle School the ride of their lives. “The commitment of everyone involved in making the Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge a meaningful expe-

JESSICA VAUGHN / STAFF PHOTO

Students and mentors in the Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge prepare to take a ride in an airplane thanks to the pilots at Lightning Aviation.

PAGE 13

Call for artists and vendors

Gulf Coast Media

SEE OYSTER, PAGE

LISTING & SELLING

SKIPPER

REALTY, L.L.C.

251-947-7373 22193 Hwy 59 Ste. D Robertsdale, AL

ALLISON MARLOW / STAFF PHOTOS

Schools from across Baldwin County competed in the annual Special Olympics, held in Fairhope last Friday. The day kicked off with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officers carried the torch for three miles from Fairhope High School to Fairhope Municipal Stadium where the games were held. See Out & About on pages 6 - 7 for more photos.

BCBE holds groundbreakings for Elberta High, Magnolia School

PAGE 11 PAGE 13

75¢

During this week’s Baldwin County Commission meeting, Sheriff Hoss Mack gave a presentation on his department’s spending for jail inmate meals, in light of recent reporting around the state of other sheriffs using inmate meal funds to supplement their own salaries. Mack said that wasn’t the case in Baldwin County, as inmate

meal spending is actually funded at a deficit from the state. “Meals cost $1.13 each or $3.38 per day,” Mack said. “The state gives us $1.75 per day to feed an inmate, so we’re losing $1.63 per day.” With an average of 500 to 510 inmates per day in the Baldwin County jail facility, that amounts to an almost $815 per day loss that has to be made up. Mack said he uses a housing agreement with the federal gov-

ernment and the city of Bay Minette to help bridge the funding gap on inmate meal plans. Mack said all of the county jail’s meals are prepared by Aramark Industries — a food vendor who also provides services to several universities and hospitals across the state. Mack said the meals follow a full dietary plan approved by a dietitian, and that 21 different meal plans are currently available for inmates.

“A lot of those are governed by medical conditions and other health issues inmates might have,” Mack said. “Any deviation from our dietitian approved plan has to be signed off on by a physician.” Mack said he has never taken any money from the food account as personal income and he also makes sure he samples some of the meals himself sev-

ALLISON MARLOW / STAFF PHOTO

The State Champion Bald Cypress tree near Bayou Jessamine measures 27 feet around.

Former councilman’s lawsuit against Elberta continues

In search of the ancient

By CLIFF MCCOLLUM

By ALLISON MARLOW

cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com

allisonm@gulfcoastmedia.com

Former Elberta Councilman John Conti and Elberta town officials found themselves in Baldwin County District Court last week for a hearing involving Conti’s lawsuit against the town for reimbursement funds the former councilman said are owed to him, but no resolution came from the hearing. Conti filed a lawsuit against the town of Elberta Jan. 18 following a continued issue involving travel reimbursement for a conference Conti attended in 2015. According to the lawsuit, Conti sought the full $2,761.64 reimbursement as well as $176 in court costs and $587.41 in interest. “The defendant has wrongfully and in bad faith repeatedly failed to pay the plaintiff upon numerous requests for payment for the plaintiff’s travel expenses on official town business as a representative to the National League of Cities Conference in Washing-

We looked out over the forest floor, covered ankle deep in water and muck. The three men looked at me. We were so close. Or at least we hoped. One GPS directed our trek left. The other pointed to the right. They needed to find it before they ever attempted to bring a crowded boat of tourists out. But with the water well above a level that was comfortable for even seasoned hikers, my Nikes and I were no match for their wading boots. We would carry on only if I was comfortable with the risk. By God, I was seeing that tree. We were on a pilgrimage to the State Champion Bald Cypress tree near Bayou Jessamine. Words like big and huge are far too trivial to describe its

SEE JAIL, PAGE

CLIFF MCCOLLUM / STAFF PHOTO

District Judge Bill Scully hears the case involving a lawsuit brought against the town of Elberta by former Councilman John Conti (right) regarding travel reimbursements from 2015. ton D.C. in March of 2015,” the lawsuit said. “In August 2017, the State Deputy Attorney General recommended the town pay the travel expenses.” The reimbursement has continued to be an issue between Conti and the town since 2015, when Conti was still a member

of the town council. Numerous votes were taken to reimburse the money to Conti during his tenure on the council, which ended in Nov. 2016, with all of them tying 3-3 and failing. In the hearing in District Court March 23, Judge Bill Scully entertained a motion from the town

of Elberta’s attorney, Lawrence Wettermark, for a possible summary judgement of the case. Wettermark presented Scully with an exhibit that said the town council had adopted a resolution requiring council approval SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE

SEE ANCIENT, PAGE

More information surfaces on illegal immigrant accused of manslaughter By CLIFF MCCOLLUM cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com

addition is a 35 classroom expansion that will help accommodate movement of students to Magnolia from the overcrowded Swift School in Bon Secour.

Gulf Coast Media VOLUME 110 • ISSUE 11 1 SECTION • 36 PAGES

CLIFF MCCOLLUM / STAFF PHOTOS

LISTING & SELLING

SKIPPER

GARY SKIPPER 251-947-7373

REALTY, L.L.C.

FOR SALE

22193 Hwy 59 Ste. D Robertsdale, AL

DONNA SKIPPER 251-747-7373

251-947-7373

GARY SKIPPER 251-947-7373 Elberta Sausage

Festival Saturday FOR SALE DONNA SKIPPER Easter Events 251-747-7373

Sheriff Mack gives presentation on jail inmate meal plan By CLIFF MCCOLLUM

Foley is accepting applications for vendors to participate in the Heritage Park Marketplace. Our first market days will be Friday, April 20 and April 27. The marketplace will be closed for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival on May 5 and for Art in the Park on May 12 (for their set up in the park). Heritage Park Marketplace will resume on May 18 and 25, June 1 and

Baldwin County Special Olympics

Last week, Baldwin County Schools officials broke ground on nearly $14.5 million in school expansions. School system staff, Baldwin County Board of Education members and other elected officials were on hand at Elberta High School and Magnolia School for the groundbreaking ceremonies. Elberta High’s groundbreaking was for Phase II of construction that will help finish the project of creating a high school for Elberta. Magnolia School’s

ums can include oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil, mixed media, ceramics or Sculptural media types. The winning artwork must be ready for display, completely dry and

Scholarships you must be a high school senior of Baldwin County in the 2017-2018 school year with a minimum 2.5 GPA, have participated in recent school or community art event and submit artwork that reflects the Original Oyster House in some way. Artwork medi-

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Submitted

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a 2004 graduate of Fairhope High School, a Fish River Fire Department Rescue Diver, an Original Oyster House employee and a talented artist. Tragically, Chelsea’s life was cut short in a boating accident in 2005. To qualify for the 13th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award

The Baldwin Times

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The Original Oyster House will award two $1,000 Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships to high school seniors in Baldwin County. In 2006, the Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship was created in loving memory of Chelsea Garvin who was

MARCH 30, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |

Lightning Aviation gives Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge students a new perspective

SEE LIGHTNING, PAGE

Original Oyster House will award two Chelsea Garvin Spirit Scholarships

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James E. Comstock Jonathan Walker Fuller Cheris Grinnell Dewey Leon Littleton Earl J. Maddalena Sr. Delores Marie Malec David N. McVay Joan J. Olszewski Daniel Glynn Shade Alice Elaine Woodall

Covering all of Baldwin County, AL every Friday.

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By JESSICA VAUGHN SILVERHILL — After a somewhat heated discussion at its March 19 meeting, the Silverhill Town Council agreed to reimburse the Silverhill Library Board for roof repairs at the historic Oscar Johnson Memorial Library. Repairs on the more than 100-year-old structure were first brought up at the council’s Feb. 5 meeting when they were tabled to decide on the cashing of a certificate of deposit owned by the library, then were tabled again at the Feb. 19 meeting after Director Shirley Stephens questioned the use of library funds for the repairs, which will cost approximately $9,300. At the Feb. 19 meeting, Stephens stated that the funds were raised through the annual Memorial Weekend car show, which started as a fundraiser for the library, along with bake sale and other fundraisers and were designated for future

SEE CYCLIST, PAGE

CLIFF MCCOLLUM / STAFF PHOTO

IN DE X Dudley

Burns

originally from the State of Massachusetts and a registered sex offender. Fierro said he and the department were confident the crime occurred where the body was found. He also said Dudley and Burns were acquaintances who

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James E. Comstock Jonathan Walker Fuller Cheris Grinnell Dewey Leon Littleton Earl J. Maddalena Sr. Delores Marie Malec David N. McVay Joan J. Olszewski Daniel Glynn Shade Alice Elaine Woodall

OBPD makes arrest in homicide case

LEGALS, 24

The Eastern Shore Arts Center recently announced the winners of its annual Outdoor Art Show. Check out the winners on Pages 34-35.

DEATHS Schools from across Baldwin County competed in the annual Special Olympics, held in Fairhope last Friday. The day kicked off with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officers carried the torch for three miles from Fairhope High School to Fairhope Municipal Stadium where the games were held. See Out & About on pages 6 - 7 for more photos.

CLASSIFIED, 31

SEE ROUTTEN, PAGE

At approximately 12:25 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, Alonso-De Leon Alabama State Troopers responded to the scene of a fatal crash involving a bicycle on County 13 north of AL 104. Jose Luis Alonso-De Leon, 36, of Silverhill, was traveling south on County 13 in a 2003 Dodge Ram pick-up

Baldwin County Special Olympics

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HEALTH, 21

The Rotary Club of Fairhope recently presented the Blake Bauer Memorial Service Award to Fairhope Police Department Communications Officer Jennifer Routten. Routten works in the FPD’s dispatch center, where she proudly serves the citizens of Fairhope and helps advocate for officer safety. Her enormous sense of duty, tremendous work ethic and personality to affect positive change has earned her this year’s high honor within our department.

Eastern Shore Arts Center announces Outdoor Art Show winners

PAGE 19

IN D E X

Cyclist dies in hit and run Submitted

Fairhope canine officer retires

Best of the Best

BALDWIN LIVING, 8

PAGE 14

By THE COURIER STAFF

Herb Malone told the Gulf Shores City Council that current spring break tourism numbers are on pace to beat 2017 and a peak is expected in the next two weeks. Malone, President and CEO of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, gave his update at the end of a recent council work session. Mayor Robert Craft also gave a report on the progress of the

The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber honored its “Best of the Best” at its Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration on Tuesday, March 13 at the Orange Beach Event Center. For winners and more info, see page 2.

James E. Comstock Jonathan Walker Fuller Cheris Grinnell Dewey Leon Littleton Earl J. Maddalena Sr. Delores Marie Malec David N. McVay Joan J. Olszewski Daniel Glynn Shade Alice Elaine Woodall

Team Focus honors Coach Nick Saban

GCM contributor

Baldwin County Special Olympics

DEATHS

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Jennifer Routten wins Blake Bauer Memorial Service Award

By JOHN MULLEN

ing districts: RM-1, RM-2, BR, MHP, NB, MR, GB, RVP, AG and prohibit vacation rentals in the following zoning districts: RS, MHS, RO, I-1, GOV Section 5.2704 will allow the legal nonconformity to stand unless: (1) Ownership of the property changes (2) Structure is substantially damaged (3) Expansion in the number of sleeping rooms or increase in the floor area of the existing sleeping rooms SEE VACATION, PAGE

INSIDE

Gulf Shores Council talks tourism, theater

MARCH 28, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |

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Team Focus honors Coach Nick Saban

Orange Beach discusses vacation rental change

Loggerhead turtles return to lay eggs

HEALTH: 40th Annual Spring Fever Chase, PAGE 21

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More information has come out regarding Jose Luis AlonsoDe Leon, a Silverhill resident and illegal immigrant accused of killing Daphne woman Amy Hawkins on the morning of March 25. Alonso-De Leon allegedly

case say when Alonsohit and killed Hawkins De Leon was taken into while she was riding custody he was in posher bike along County session of a stolen pisRoad 13 in Fairhope. He tol and was drunk. fled the scene and was Baldwin County later arrested by the District Attorney Bob Fairhope Police Department on Greeno Road at Alonso-De Leon Wilters said they have found seven different the Baldwin Shopping aliases for Alonso-De Leon durCenter. ing this investigation and that Investigators assigned to the

he has been deported twice. Wilters said Alonso-De Leon is currently charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of the accident with injury/death and felony third degree receiving stolen property, as well as an immigration hold. Bond has been set for $500,000. SEE IMMIGRANT, PAGE

Deaths Page 25 Arthur Allen Jr. Charles Luther Ewing Joan V. Hartsell William Christopher Sanders Mary Jo Palmer Schwaiger



BALDWIN FAST FACTS

11.7 percent of Baldwin County residents live in poverty. Source: US Census Bureau

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Tammy Robinson: LiveOak Village

“Our Primary Goal is the Health and Happiness of our Seniors and their Families” — Tammy Robinson

t has been a year and half since Tammy took over as Executive Director of LiveOak Village in Foley, AL., When asked about her time there she exclaimed, “It has been incredible! As a not-for-profit corporation LiveOak Village is committed first and foremost to the spiritual, social, and physical needs of our residents. Our primary goal is the health and happiness of our seniors and their families.” When asked about the future of LiveOak Village, Tammy’s eyes light up with enthusiasm. “Because of our uncompromising commitment to serving our residents and the surrounding community, the demand to live at LiveOak Village has gotten so great that we have recently announced expansion plans.” When asked to elaborate on what’s already been done she replied “In addition to aesthetical improvements such as new hardwood floors other upgrades were made in order to keep pace with the twenty-first century. For example; we upgraded our library into a movie theater and improved our Wi-Fi speeds facility wide.” With a smile she quips “Our residents are very savvy when it comes to modern social media sites and devices such as cell phones. Many sites such as Facebook allow our residents to keep connected to their friends and family members, no matter the distance.” When asked if there were any other expansion projects currently planned Tammy said “Glad you asked! We will also be adding a number of new living options such as apartments over at our Independent Living community, which by the way is conveniently located across the street from LiveOak Village Assisted Living Facility right here in Foley.” In early 2018 LiveOak Village was ranked in the top ten (7th) in the state of Alabama. The rankings are based on factors ranging from the compliance of state regulations to resident testimonials. “I was very excited and proud for my incredible team when I heard about this current ranking” Tammy said when asked about the recent accolade “But…” she continues, pausing for a moment. “We are not satisfied with a top ten finish. Our staff

12 • Baldwin Women Leaders

doesn’t strive daily to be the best assisted living facility in Baldwin county. We want to be the best assisted living facility in the country… period. The determination and passion in her voice and in her eyes… made me a believer. Tammy, has a baccalaureate degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. She holds a Level II license in multiple states and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Tammy is very involved within the Community. She’s a member of the Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition, (HERC) President of HERC Leadership Committee, South Baldwin Chamber Diplomat, Sits on Mobile Senior Coalition board, member of impact 100, and has been a part of Rotary for fifteen years. Tammy stated “I am very proud to be a part of such a wonderful community and work for such an amazing company.”

Tammy Robinson

LIVEOAK VILLAGE

2300 North Cedar Street Foley, AL 36535 251-943-6733 • 1-800-871-7066 www.liveoakal.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

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Lisa Hastings & Melissa McClure: BRYANT BANK

“I think women are definitely becoming more powerful and we’re more of a source of knowledge. It used to be kind of an all boys club.” — Melissa McClure

ryant Bank has a lot to offer the communities it serves. From credit cards to business banking and mortgages, there is something for everyone at Bryant. Perhaps its most valuable offering, though, are its employees. Lisa B. Hastings, Vice President and Daphne Branch Manager, and Melissa McClure, Vice President and mortgage loan officer at the branch in Orange Beach, have more than 60 years of experience in finance between them. Hastings, who grew up in Bay Minette and graduated from Baldwin County High School, has served her entire career in Baldwin County. “It’s important to serve the community we live in as well because we eat, work and play here,” Hastings said. “We’re friends and neighbors with the people that we serve, and we go to church with them. There is just a high-level of expectation of customer service from us and a great reputation with Bryant Bank.” McClure, who will have lived the island life four years this August, said working with people during one of the most stressful times in their lives can prove challenging but rewarding. “You want to educate and help people through this very important step in their lives,” McClure said. “You want to be calming, a source of knowledge and have them feel comfortable coming to you if they have any questions or concerns along the way. You want to give them a path that is of the best benefit to them, their families and their financial needs.” She said something unique about her job in Orange Beach is her client base, often times Buyers feel more comfortable working with a Bank, especially a Bank with the reputation and tradition such as Bryant Bank. 90 percent of the people she lends to do not live here. They are from Kentucky, Tennessee or other neighboring States. “I feel this is

14 • Baldwin Women Leaders

a testament to that excellent reputation and tradition Bryant Bank is known for within the Community. We have local underwriting and processing which is a huge benefit to our Borrowers. You can’t get more local than Bryant Bank. Our Underwriters and Processors are familiar with this area and it’s financing needs, ” McClure said. Hastings said she enjoys seeing people at different ages and different walks of life come in to her office and watching them be successful at different things. “It’s our job for the customers and the bank to make sure we put them in a better situation when they leave than when they came in the door,” Hastings said. “That’s very important.”

BRYANT BANK

1502 N. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 251-971-4999 1801 U.S. Hwy. 98, Daphne, AL 251-607-5750 24847 Commercial Ave., Orange Beach, AL 251-981-2800 BryantBank.com | NMLS ID: 1224709 www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

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Baldwin Women Leaders â&#x20AC;¢ 15

16 â&#x20AC;¢ Baldwin Women Leaders