Mobile Bay Magazine - August 2022

PHOTO BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN

first modern food truck was the Weinermobile, created in 1936 by Oscar Mayer to sell and advertise their hot dogs.

Mobile’s own food trucks (hot dogs and all) and their foray into suburbia on

ON OUR COVER TRUMPETER AND HIGHSCHOOL SENIOR AARON COVIN, ONE OF THIS YEAR’S WONDERKIDS, PLAYS IN DOWNTOWN MOBILE

BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN

ARCHIVES Discover the story of Marie Grissot, the 18thcentury midwife who battled Bienville and delivered the Pelican girls’ babies

LITERATURE Writer Audrey McDonald Atkins recounts the most valuable life lessons she learned growing up as her daddy’s little girl

ASK MCGEHEE Who was Emma Roche?

BACK STORY Relive the fleeting glory of the 1960s Causeway attraction, the Alabama Historama

AVOCADO TOAST AT BIG BAD BREAKFAST / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU JULIA SHREVE PREPPING FAMILY DINNER / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU WACKED OUT WEINER IN OLD FIELD SUBDIVISION / PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

PHOTO

Mobile Bay

PUBLISHER T. J. Potts

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Stephen Potts

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maggie Lacey

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Judy Culbreth

MANAGING EDITOR/WEB Abby Parrott

SENIOR WRITER Breck Pappas

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Amanda White

ART DIRECTOR Laurie Kilpatrick

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Amelia Rose Zimlich COPY EDITOR Lawren Largue

ADVERTISING

SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Joseph A. Hyland ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Ray PRODUCTION Melissa Heath

CIRCULATION Anita Miller ACCOUNTING Keith Crabtree

Audrey McDonald Atkins, Molly Cleaver, Pete Croatto, Marissa Deal, Tom McGehee

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Summer Ennis Ansley, Matthew Coughlin, Elizabeth Gelineau, Chad Riley

ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICES 3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609-6500 251-473-6269 PUBLISHED BY PMT PUBLISHING INC PRESIDENT & CEO T. J. Potts PARTNER & DIRECTOR omas E. McMillan

Subscription inquiries and all remittances should be sent to: Mobile Bay P.O. Box 43 Congers, NY 10920-9922 1-833-454-5060

MOVING?

Please note: U.S. Postal Service will not forward magazines mailed through their bulk mail unit. Please send old label along with your new address four to six weeks prior to moving.

Mobile Bay is published 12 times per year for the Gulf Coast area. All contents © 2022 by PMT Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily re ect the opinion of the ownership or the management of Mobile Bay. is magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions will be edited for length, clarity and style.

Time is ticking

Where did the summer go? Come August, we find ourselves face to face with back to school and the end of summer vacation, although certainly not summer temperatures. As a kid, buying school supplies was the most exciting thing in the world. First of all, when else did your mom let you go to the store and fi ll up a cart? It was major retail therapy. Checking every item off that long list appealed to my inner organizational nerd, too. And the excitement of clean, empty notebooks in every color of the rainbow waiting to be fi lled felt so full of possibility. The staff here at MB remembers piling out of the station wagon at the local K&B for folders, erasers and the like. I think some of us hit Al’s 5 and 10, too. These days, kids put items in their Amazon cart, or pay a fee to have someone else gather the list, with everything delivered to the school sight unseen. But where’s the fun in that?

I was always eager for school to start as a kid, but as a mom, I feel like summer flies by too fast. I know we had half the bike rides, ice cream cones or sunset swims as I intended. It appears I have two weeks left to cram in those lingering summer bucket list items before the rush of academics begin again.

Making the most of each moment is a theme running through this issue, as well. The Wonderkids in our annual feature have crammed more accomplishment into the last few years than many people achieve in a lifetime. Whether academics, sports, community involvement— or in most cases, all of the above— these thirteen incredible young people inspire with their drive and determination. We know they will go far!

It was a dream for MB to spend time this month with baseball legend Cleon Jones, as well. Talk about somebody who reached for the stars, and hit them! The World Series winner has accolades aplenty, but his greatest accomplishment has been giving back to his hometown and community. At the end of the day, celebrity is far less important than the impact you have on someone else’s life, and Cleon walks that walk. I fi rst met him a few years ago on another MB photoshoot on a sidestreet in Africatown. Cleon passed by on his riding mower, headed to help out an elderly neighbor who could no longer keep up their property. The unassuming baseball legend gave a wave and continued on down the street, determined to put in the work, whether big or small, to make his hometown great.

No matter our age or list of accomplishments, I hope we can all fi nd in ourselves a little greatness like that. And is it wrong to hope to fi nd an ice cream cone, too? The days are ticking, y’all...

Happy end of summer everybody.

Maggie Lacey EXECUTIVE EDITOR maggie@pmtpublishing.com

 This month we say farewell, but not goodbye, to MB’s senior writer Breck Pappas. After seven years writing for these pages, he has accepted a job as the digital content creator for George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, helping tell the story of our nation’s first president and his estate. “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.”

LOVE THIS ISSUE

HEY BATTER, BATTER WHETHER IT’S THE WORLD SERIES WITH THE METS OR COMMUNITY- BUILDING IN AFRICATOWN, CLEON JONES GIVES HIS ALL TO EVERY TASK. A TRUE BASEBALL LEGEND IN OUR OWN BACKYARD, I WAS THRILLED TO SNAG THIS COLLECTOR CARD ON EBAY. PAGE 28

INSTANT SUCCESS

I PUT MY SLOW COOKER TO WORK WEEKLY, BUT AM LATE TO THE INSTANT POT CRAZE. I HEAR THIS MODEL IS THE BEST BET FOR YOUR MONEY, AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SHAVE A LITTLE TIME OFF THE EVENING CRUSH.

BAY TABLES, PAGE 20

THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK OF THE DAY I USED TO LIVE IN MISSISSIPPI, WHERE CHEF JOHN CURRENCE IS A FOOD LEGEND. HIS BREAKFAST COOKBOOK IS SUNDAY MORNING CLUTCH. TASTINGS, PAGE 18

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

BONDI BOWLS ON A ROLL THIS PRECIOUS PINK FOOD TRUCK CAME TO OUR PRE-SCHOOL FAMILY DAY, AND THE ICE-COLD BOWLS WERE A HIT! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NEW SUBURBAN WAVE OF MEALS ON WHEELS. FOOD TRUCKS, PAGE 32

SCHOOL DAYS NOW HERE’S A BACKPACK EVEN MOM WOULD LIKE TO HAVE. PATAGONIA REFUGIO 26L, ADRENALINE FAIRHOPE

THESE TINY, HANDMADE EARRINGS SHOW YOU’VE GOT DEEP, DEEP SOUTH ROOTS. GO ONLINE FOR THE WHITE SHRIMPER BOOTS, TOO! K&B EARRINGS, MOBILEBAYSHOP.COM

Tell us how you really feel

CHEERS TO CHINABERRY

On June’s Architecture story, “Chinaberry: A Cottage to Cherish,” recounting the history and restoration of Chinaberry Cottage

I have always been drawn to this house since moving to Mobile in 1989. I once dreamed of buying the Chinaberry house to either live in or let it become a restaurant. I am so happy someone preserved this historical site in Mobile. Thank you for sharing the Chinaberry history and taking us back in time.

- Toni Kirkland Reed

I have admired this property for many years, and I never knew the history. Love that it has new life! Please keep us posted as to what happens next.

- Georgia Weiskopf

My classmate at Mary B. Austin and St. Paul’s, Roe Acre, lived there our entire childhood. It was a mysterious little cottage in the vines and in the heart of Spring Hill.

- Lizzie Little Nobles

Anne Crichton was my aunt by marriage, and I visited this house many times in my youth. She would have tea parties in the gardens in the back. She was a sweet and very special lady.

- Zoe Austin Kuschel

I have a photo of Miss Anne at my wedding reception almost 40 years ago at Spring Hill Baptist. My brother-inlaw lived in the small house for several years and helped her with the yard. So wonderful to see it in action again!

- Dianne Jones

SWEET DREAMS

On June’s Decorating story, “A Dream Bedroom by Design,” highlighting the work nonprofit Savvy Giving by Design puts into creating bedrooms for families in crisis

I have been volunteering in USA’s Children’s and Women’s NICU for about five years and had the privilege of getting to know Alex Williams. She is a great caregiver and a wonderful mom with a blessed family. Alex had told me this story was in the works, and I am so happy for the Williams family. Thank you for this article.

- Louis Mapp

ORANGE YOU GLAD?

On June’s End Piece on swimmers at the Orange Beach Wharf in 1928

I was so thrilled when I saw this very familiar picture in my newsfeed! My grandmother used to tell me about swimming here and also that she was probably one of the people in this picture, although I have never been able to identify her in it. Her mother, Hilda Dietz, built

the hotel in 1923 where my grandmother grew up. It eventually became the original Coastal Arts Center. Lemuel Walker Sr. was my great-great-greatgrandfather. Thank you for helping to keep the history of Orange Beach alive, especially since none of it has survived progress except in pictures, stories and our memories.

- Robin Walker Youngstrom

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

On June’s feature, “Not Your Garden Variety,” exploring some of Mobile’s most stunning gardens with Bellingrath’s Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne

The sneak peek into some of Mobile’s gardens was most enjoyable! The Oakleigh Garden Historic District home on Palmetto Street caught my eye with its two historic Bienville Square / Cooper Waterfront cast-iron benches. They are graceful, beautiful and iconic to Mobile — some have the Waterman Foundry stamp on them. Keep up the good work — I look forward to each issue and read it cover to cover!

- Susan Stein

Want to share your thoughts and reactions to this issue? Email maggie@pmtpublishing.com.

CHINABERRY / PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

More Ways to Connect

We’re not just in print. Find us online, on social media and in your inbox.

text by ABBY PARROTT

mobilebaymag.com

ARE YOU KID-DING ME?

Who says kids’ rooms can’t be stylish? Local homeowners and designers have found creative ways to infuse the personality and interests of their little ones into practical spaces that maximize both storage and style. Browse our gallery of impossibly cool bedrooms and play rooms for a little design inspiration.

CHILL OUT

Surviving the dog days of summer is a whole lot easier with a cool, refreshing treat in hand. Go online for some of our favorite cold dessert and frozen drink recipes.

PUT A RING ON IT

Share your proposal story, and we’ll feature your engagement online.

40

UNDER 40

We are now accepting nominations for the 2022 class of 40 Under 40! This program recognizes the top young leaders making a difference in our community. Do you know someone worthy of this honor? Go online today to submit a nomination. The deadline for submissions is September 16.

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Midtown Mule: Try this local take on the Moscow Mule. Replace the alcohol with crushed raspberries or fresh raspberry syrup for the perfect mocktail.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Want to know how we got the incredible shots on page 36? Follow Mobile Bay Magazine on Instagram for behind-the-scenes footage from this year’s Wonder Kids photo shoot with photographer Matthew Coughlin.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Finally, an email you’ll actually love to read. Get the latest in food, art, homes, local history and events delivered right to your inbox. You’ll also be the first to know about new contests and exclusive deals for our online store. Sign up today!

DIY BOYS’ BUNK ROOM //

PHOTO BY JUSTIN CORDOVA

ELLENJAY ICE CREAM SAMMIES // PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

MIDTOWN MULE COCKTAIL // PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

EXTRAS

Get Schooled

text by AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH

DIDASKALEINOPHOBIA

noun: the fear of going to school

Those late summer bedtimes and wear anything days are about to be history. Parents, dust o your sandwich game!

53

YEARS AGO

Outfielder Cleon Jones, an Africatown native, caught the final fly ball for the 1969 “Miracle Mets.” After a seven-year losing streak, in which the team never finished higher than ninth out of 10 teams, the Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles to take home the title.

Jonesing to learn more? Turn to page 28.

Did you know...

Three of the 1969 Mets’ outfielders were native Mobilians: Cleon Jones, Tommie Agee and Amos Otis. Although it was rare, there were games when the outfield was composed solely of players from Mobile!

Now, that’s something to brag about!

15,500 POUNDS

PEARL SEAFOOD & RAW BAR

CHEF WILL SAMS (formerly with Fisher s and the Link Restaurant Group in New Orleans) has just opened your new favorite dining spot for blue crab rice, redfish on the half shell and the impressive seafood tower!

334 Fairhope Avenue pearlfairhope.com

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES AND WHITE WINE?

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day and National White Wine Day fall on the same day. Sounds like a great pairing to us!

If you prefer red over white, hang tight for National Red Wine Day August 28.

3.6%

The percentage of female automotive technicians in the workforce

The average weight of an empty school bus. That number can rise up to 25,000 pounds when it’s full of kids!

In this year s Wonderkids feature, meet an 18 year old ASE certified automotive technician, page 36.

Bite of the Bay

MB’s contributing food fanatics share their go-to local dishes.

THE NIXON AT NIXON’S MIDTOWN

BENNETT HOOKS, M.D., Gastroenterologist, Diagnostic & Medical Clinic

“A roast beef sandwich without au jus is a rarity, but the garlic aioli on the namesake Nixon can carry it. The inner crust on the grilled French bread is worth every bite. The shaved roast beef is tender, covered with provolone, and the crisp lettuce gives it a “healthy” crunch. Match this with a potato salad that has both sour cream and mayonnaise. It makes me a proud patron of my local pub.”

NIXON’S MIDTOWN • 1801 OLD SHELL ROAD 586-8780 • NIXONMIDTOWN.COM

SEAFOOD POT PIE

AT HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE

LAKESHA BRACKINS, PH.D., Deputy Superintendent of Academics, Mobile County Public Schools

“I admit that pot pie seems more like a winter weather meal, and we are in summer sauna season! However, Half Shell Oyster House is marvelously air-conditioned, so I can enjoy their seafood pot pie year-round. Imagine shrimp, crawfish and crabmeat in a creamy sauce with corn, peas and carrots, topped with a golden buttermilk crust. This comfort food favorite is given a major upgrade with fresh Gulf seafood.”

HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE • 3654 AIRPORT BLVD. 338-9350 • HALFSHELLOYSTERHOUSE.COM

SQUEELIN’ PIG BISCUIT AT WAREHOUSE BAKERY

HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANT AT DROPOUT BAKERY & CO.

JESSICA DEESE, Coordinator, Wed With Style

“You might as well go whole hog when having breakfast out, especially at Warehouse Bakery. Their warm, flaky biscuit alone is worth the trip. When biting into one filled with layers of cheese, egg, pork and a dollop of spicy mayo, you might just squeal with glee and wonder if this dish is named for the pig or you.”

WAREHOUSE BAKERY • 759 NICHOLS AVE., FAIRHOPE • 928-7223 WAREHOUSEBAKERYANDDONUTS.COM

GREER, Executive Director, Innovation Portal

“While I would never describe myself as a true foodie, I’m always drawn to unique and robust flavors. When I had my first ham and cheese croissant from Dropout Bakery & Co., I was hooked! This delight has become my go-to. The flaky crust, incredible seasoning and ham and cheese inside always bring a smile to my face.”

DROPOUT BAKERY & CO. • 358 ST. LOUIS ST. 472-5456 • FACEBOOK: DROPOUT BAKERY AND COMPANY

TODD

THE NIXON / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

ZIP IT (AGAIN AND AGAIN)

A silicone sandwich bag keeps your BLT tasty. Bonus: You’ll never run out.

AMAZON • STASHER REUSABLE SILICONE SANDWICH BAGS • $13

EASY SQUEEZY

Convenient mini containers keep to-go salad dressing mess free.

PAGE & PALETTE • EN ROUTE SQUEEZIES SILICONE TRAVEL TUBES • $10

PACKED WITH STYLE

BACK TO SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE BORING— OR WASTEFUL!

text

PARTY ANIMAL

Adorable reusable snack bags make lunchtime fun.

PAGE & PALETTE •

KIKKERLAND ANIMAL ZIPPER BAGS • $4

SIP, SIP

HOORAY!

RED BEARD’S

OUTFITTER

KLEAN KANTEEN

KID CLASSIC SIPPY IN SUGARPLUM FAIRY • $18

Made from natural materials, this wrap keeps food fresh and eliminates plastic waste. AMAZON • BEE’S WRAP REUSEABLE FOOD WRAPS • $15

IN THE BAG

MARCIE-N-ME • SWIG LIFE BOXXI LUNCH BAG IN SAND ART • $40

DRINK UP, KIDS!

MARCIE-N-ME • CORKCICLE KIDS’ CUP IN ELECTRIC TIDE • $35

LET’S DO LUNCH

A classic lunch bag with plenty of storage and a pop of color is a win-win. MARCIE-N-ME • SCOUT ELOISE LUNCH BAG IN ON DECK • $30

by AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH

WE’LL DRINK TO THAT! Trust us, drinking out of a cute straw makes everything taste better.

MARCIE-N-ME • SWIG LIFE REUSABLE STRAW SET IN PARTY ANIMAL AND SAND ART • $9.95

PACK IT UP ese plastic-free bags are perfect for school and work.

WAL-MART • LUNCHSKINS PAPER SANDWICH BAGS IN SHARK • $6

RESOURCES

MARCIE-N-ME 8150 COTTAGE HILL ROAD 634-4844 • SHOPMARCIENME.COM

RED BEARD’S OUTFITTER 51 KENNETH ST. • 217-7466

RED-BEARDS-OUTFITTER. MYSHOPIFY.COM

PAGE & PALETTE 32 S. SECTION ST., FAIRHOPE 928-5295 • PAGEANDPALETTE.COM

WAL-MART

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BAY AMAZON AMAZON.COM

Big Bad Breakfast

Breakfast is for everyone and perfect at any time of day. The spectrum of customers — families in booths, retirees at the front and couples at the bistro tables — enjoying Big Bad Breakfast in Midtown right up to closing time makes that apparent.

By all accounts, patrons have embraced the concept that Chef John Currence envisioned when he established Big Bad Breakfast in Oxford, Mississippi, in 2008. The Mobile restaurant, which first opened in June, is the newest addition to the list of four locations in Alabama and 12 throughout the South. It has already garnered an enthusiastic welcome from the city — and more than a few fans.

Come by at 6:45 a.m. on a Saturday, and you’ll most likely find about 10 other patrons waiting outside with you. Take a look at the menu, and you’ll understand the urgency. The folks at Big Bad Breakfast have taken the classics and made them their own. Think deep-fried, brandy-spiked French toast or the cathead chicken biscuit topped with fried chicken, sausage gravy and cheese. Healthier plates, such as avocado toast topped with arugula and a poached egg, pack just as much of a punch. A fan-favorite breakfast margarita or an iced coffee goes well with just about any

dish you might choose. “The menu really does cover options for every single person,” says Danny Mulroy, an operating partner at the Mobile location. He hopes to one day offer a chalkboard menu of chef’s specials determined by the availability of local ingredients as well.

Blue booths, blonde wood tables and Sharpie art by Birminghambased artist Peter Wilm are standard in all Big Bad Breakfast eateries and create a bright, inviting atmosphere. However, Mobile’s restaurant boasts a Gulf Coast flair all its own. Crab traps hang from the ceiling near the hostess station and a large postcard of the USS Alabama — “Check out these guns!” — decorates one wall of the space. A smaller version of the postcard is clipped to the check at the end of the meal.

“There’s been a lot of life brought back into Midtown,” Mulroy says. Many customers live nearby, walking from their houses to enjoy a meal. Mulroy, who grew up between Florida Street and Sage Avenue, is eager to contribute to the progress. And it seems Mobilians are just as thrilled to enjoy the big, bad breakfasts he offers. MB

text by AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

JACK BENNY

This take on eggs Benedict includes all the favorites — runny poached eggs, ham and hollandaise — with a unique foundation of fried hashbrown cakes and topped with spinach.

ON THE MENU ]

FRENCH TOAST

Warm, sweet and buttery, the French bread is infused with brandy batter, deepfried and topped with strawberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar and syrup. Need I say more?

BREAKFAST MARGARITA

How do you launch margaritas into the realm of breakfast acceptability? Combine the traditional tequila and house sour mix with orange juice and Prosecco — don’t forget the salt around the rim!

AVOCADO TOAST

Two thick pieces of toast are topped with an ample amount of smooth avocado, pico de gallo, arugula, chili flakes and poached eggs for a fresh yet filling breakfast — you may even need a to-go box.

THE JACK BENNY BREAKFAST

WEEKNIGHT RUSH

Putting dinner on the table night after night can be a chore. Add to that a demanding work schedule, endless kids’ activities and community involvement, and a Tuesday meal can seem overwhelming. For these four bay-area families, a little prep — and the perfect recipe, of course — makes all the difference.

text by MAGGIE LACEY photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

Wanda’s BBQ Bacon Meatloaf Muffins, recipe

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Work: Assistant Professor of B.'/(),04<2#(3'0)(,4%+5%6+7(8'

Kids: Two, ages 4 and 6

Home: West Mobile

!"#$"%&'#()'%*+#')%,'"-.')%"#$% /'#,+0)%),1$'#,)%",%,.'%2#(3'0)(,4%+5% 6+7(8'9%:)%"#%"))(),"#,%;0+5'))+0%+5% -.'/(),04<%.'0%$"4)%(#3+83'%'=;8"(# (#?%-+/;8'=%5+0/18")%"#$%(#,0(-",'% directons. So when she gets home afer the grind and needs to feed her two young boys, she is looking to do )+/',.(#?%)(/;8'0%"#$%8'))%$'/"#$ ing. As a foster and adoptve parent, Jones wants to spend as much tme with her boys as possible, rather than cooking. “I do major meal prep on Fri days and Sundays, so during the week I can have everything ready in 30 min utes.” Although she likens being in the kitchen to being in her chemistry lab, the end product is a litle difer ent. Sheet pan fajitas, baked chicken and spaghet are weeknight staples, and once a week the family splurges on quick takeout. She also says the slow cooker does some heavy lifing at her house. Wanda credits Fostering @+?',.'0%A185%B+"),%5+0%7'(#?%.'0%)1; port on this journey of being a single, working mother. “Mobile has proven to be a family-friendly city, and I love -"88(#?%(,%.+/'9C

WANDA’S BBQ BACON MEATLOAF MUFFINS

SERVES 4

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 cup Pictsweet Seasoning Blend (frozen, chopped mixture of onions, celery, green and red peppers and parsley flakes)

2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey

2/3 cup hickory barbecue sauce

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs

2 eggs, beaten 1/3 cup finely chopped bacon

1 packet dry onion soup mix

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a medium sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped vegetable mix to the pan and sauté until lightly browned and tender, about 3 minutes.

3. In a bowl, combine the ground beef with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, bread crumbs, the beaten eggs, bacon, onion soup mix and 3/4 cup water.

4. Add the sautéed vegetables and mix until blended, being careful not to over mix.

5. Pack the meat mixture into the prepared muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.

6. Remove from oven, brush with remaining barbecue sauce and return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Wanda serves her meatloaf muffins with broccoli and mashed potatoes. They can also be prepared ahead and frozen before cooking. Just bring to room temperature before cooking and serving.

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Work: Pre-K Teacher, hrist the King 9*-"&.16$26"&&.

Kids: Seven, ages - 3

Home: aphne

!"#$%&'()*+$,-*'-,$#*'.+$/&'$0&,1#$ 2%*3,&34$!"1,$5'#,6"&&.$-#*6"#'$*' '18#,$*-$9"'1,-$-"#$:13;$13$5.#3-+$&/$ tme for other parents to drop their kids of on the morning commute. And the afernoons don t slow down, either. As a mom of seven herself, there is no shortage of homework, actvites and sports to coordinate. It s a good thing she is well orga 31<#)$*3)$"*,$*$=*'+$>&5513,75&,1 tvity that is contagious. osie loves to cook, so a more involved recipe doesn t intmidate her, but weekly meal planning and organi ing ingredi ents daily keeps her moving forward. The kids help with the planning, chim ing in on what sounds good, but osie doesn t mind, claiming they have adventurous palates. “A salad is al most always on the menu, too. ou can be creatve and there is no cook ing involved, just washing, chopping *3)$5'#5513;4?$2"#$1,$*.,&$(3&%3$-&$ make her own salad dressings. Week nights revolve around her big kitchen island, where kids do homework and visit all together. She says it s hard to nd healthy takeout optons, but Sec ton Street Pi a afer a long week is a well-earned guilty pleasure.

Visit mobilebaymag. com for Rosie’s Mango Salsa recipe!

BLACK BEAN AND SILVER QUEEN CORN QUINOA SALAD

SERVES 6

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium colored pepper, chopped

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1 1/2 cups Silver Queen corn kernels, cut off the cob

3/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1-8 ounce can chopped mild green chilies

1 bunch curly green kale, tough ribs removed and chopped small (3 cups) salt and pepper, to taste

Cumin Lime Dressing (recipe right)

1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

1/3 cup toasted pepitas

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. When ready to use, fluff with a fork.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all remaining ingredients, except dressing, cheese and pepitas. Salad can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight until serving.

3. When ready to serve, toss salad again, top with cheese and pepitas and serve alongside Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos.

An avid cook, Rosie often makes tortillas from scratch. Weeknights, however, call for something quick from a package. These store-bought almond flour tortillas are preservative-free and feel homemade.

CUMIN LIME DRESSING

MAKES 1/2 CUP

1/4 cup olive oil

3 - 4 tablespoons lime juice

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon smoked chipotle powder

1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

1. Combine ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well.

HONEY LIME SHRIMP

SERVES 6

1/2 cup lime juice (4 - 6 limes)

1/2 cup honey

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon salt

handful of cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined *

1. Combine all ingredients except shrimp and oil in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well.

2. Whisk in oil and adjust seasonings to taste. Pour half the marinade mixture into a large zip-top bag and set the remainder aside. Add shrimp to bag and toss to coat. Seal and place in refrigerator for 15 - 30 minutes. (Do not exceed 30 minutes.)

3. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill. Thread shrimp onto wooden skewers and grill for 2 - 4 minutes on one side. Turn and baste with remaining marinade. Grill for another 23 minutes, or until opaque and cooked through.

* You can substitute pork tenderloin or chicken breast for the shrimp. Increase cooking time for each protein.

Julia’s work-week trick: Choose a recipe for dinner that makes a big pot of something so there will be plenty of leftovers to take the next day for lunch. Killing two birds with one Crockpot is genius!

PROSCIUTTO, ASPARAGUS AND PARMESAN SPAGHETTI

SERVES 4 - 6

8 ounces angel hair pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups of sliced mushrooms

4 ounces prosciutto, cut into strips

1 poundasparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish salt and pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic and mushrooms until fragrant and semi-done.

3. Reserve a few prosciutto pieces for garnish and bake in a 350 degree oven until crisp. Add remaining prosciutto and asparagus to the frying pan and cook until asparagus is bright green, about 3 minutes.

4. Add cream, cheese, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until sauce has thickened, about 4 minutes.

5. Pour sauce with vegetables over pasta and toss to coat.

6. Serve with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and baked prosciutto pieces.

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SLOW COOKER CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL

1. Pour chicken broth in slow cooker and stir in canned tomatoes, olive oil and seasonings. Add chicken breasts. Cook on low for about 4 hours.

2. Remove chicken breasts from slow cooker. Turn slow cooker to high and stir in instant rice and black beans. Let cook 30 - 45 minutes on high, or until rice is tender.

3. Return chicken to crock pot, cook for 20 minutes on high, or until chicken is warm.

4. Serve with cheese and optional toppings.

The Byrnes love Mexican food, and say any leftovers from this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl can be used the next day as improvised chicken enchiladas.

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Work: 6+3%+,,$%+3( and onstructon Management Kids: Two, ages and Home: Midtown Mobile

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lars at the ball eld, the ballet studio and Mobile Tennis enter. Juggling two kids actvites with work and community involvement is always a challenge, but Patrick and wife aro lyn have perfected the art of lastminute dashes to the midtown Publi for recipe ingredients. Me ican food makes a weekly appearance, and on nights they are too busy to cook, it s usually Taco Mama followed by a treat from ammie s ld utch. He claims they are dying to renovate their kitch en, but any needed improvements don t stop him from whipping up a mean batch of spaghet, burgers or this easy slow cooker dinner. This Mobile natve and Sewanee grad has worked in the engineering and con structon management industry for the past years. He says there is no place like his midtown neighborhood. “We live on a dead-end street, which we love because it cuts back on tra c and allows our children to safely play outside. It also brings all the neigh bors close together, so we look out for one another.” ut the best kind of neighbor is one who shares his best recipes.

A

MIRACLE MET

AS A CHILD, CLEON JONES, OF AFRICATOWN, HAD VISIONS OF WINNING A WORLD SERIES. NOW, THAT SAME CHAMPIONSHIP MINDSET IS PROVING TO HELP THE REVITALIZATION EFFORTS IN HIS BELOVED HOMETOWN.

text by PETE CROATTO • photo by MATTHEW COUGHLIN

Ask the adults with gray in their hair. The ones who were pie-eyed, baseball-loving kids in that sprawling city of subways and fasttalking swagger back in 1969. They all knew Cleon Jones. He was the sweet-swinging hero of the 1969 New York Mets — dig that .340 average — who made, perhaps, the coolest last out in World Series history. As Davey Johnson’s towering fly ball fell to earth, Jones secured it in his mitt and knelt down, an unintentional genuflect to the Mets’ improbable one-year journey from lovable doormat to baseball.

Books about the “Miracle Mets,” as the 1969 team has come to be called, practically constitute their own section at Barnes & Noble. Jones’ memoir, “Coming Home: My Amazin’ Life with the New York Mets,” is the latest — and Jones’ second title. He penned a post-championship autobiography in 1970.

“Coming Home,” to be released on August 2, will satisfy fans of the perpetually doomed baseball team. They will learn of Jones’ ups and downs as one of the franchise’s best, if not most overlooked, players. They’ll also learn about Plateau, Alabama, where Jones was born and raised about 5 miles north of Mobile. What’s missing from the book is New York. There are no stories of Jones outrunning the night, no encounters with the city’s hip movers and shakers, not even a mention of how the pizza tasted.

New York was where he worked, but he always returned home — to the place he called Africatown. One reason was obvious. The other took time to emerge.

“The picture is becoming clearer as to why I’m here and what I’m doing,” Jones says. “It doesn’t have a thing to do with me being

on the front page or me being in charge. Somebody has to do the work. Someone has to be the bearer of the torch.”

History and baseball and hometown pride are like the seams of a baseball — they run through Jones’ soul, seemingly with no beginning or end.

For Love of the Game

As a boy, fishing with his grandmother, Mama Myrt, Jones heard stories about the Clotilda , the last known slave ship to reach the United States. Africatown was settled by the ship’s survivors after the Civil War. The stories stuck with young Cleon, as did the fact that the word “slaves” never left her lips. It was Jones’ grandmother and great-grandmother, who raised him, who also inspired his love of baseball. The family would sit, transfixed, around the massive radio, listening to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jones remembers his grandmother yelling at Jackie Robinson to avoid a head-hunting pitcher.

“That enthusiasm just rubbed off on me,” Jones says.

His community had a love for the diamond. The place teemed with large families

ruled. In the 1940s and ’50s, Black players, such as Larry Doby and Robinson, served as avatars of hope for young Blacks in the South.

At that time, the NFL and NBA were in their infancies, and baseball was truly the national pastime. Its roots ran deep in the Mobile area, extending well beyond Satchel Paige, the god-like Negro League pitcher and barnstormer who played well into his 50s. According to baseball historian James E. Brunson III, author of “Black Baseball, 1858-1900: A Comprehensive Record of the Teams, Players, Managers, Owners, and Umpires,” the earliest record of a uniformed Black baseball team in Mobile is the Union Stars in 1868. Baseball’s presence in the South boomed after the Civil War. Brunson has a theory: The game was played on plantations. Some of these former slaves then became barbers, who frequently organized ball clubs, or worked at resort hotels that hosted white and Black ball clubs.

Jones heard the stories. He knew the names. And there was support. “You were encouraged by so many people, in so many ways, because everyone had an interest in one another,” he says. Coach James “Fat” Robinson, who worked at Brookley Field,

when Cleon was growing up. He fondly recalls how he’d go outside with a mitt and a ball and within minutes, a game, nine to a side, would start. It didn’t matter how hot the weather was. The players would imagine themselves as the stars of the day: Mickey Mantle or Ted Williams or Mobile native Henry “Hank” Aaron. “We idolized all of them,” says Jones, who most often opted for Aaron or Willie Mays.

In Africatown, like Mobile, baseball

would come by after his shift with balls, bats and gloves so the kids could work on their skills. “The old men of the neighborhood,” talented local ex-ballplayers also offered pointers and spurred Jones on.

Jackie Robinson and Doby (the American League’s first Black player) proved to be exceptional. By Jones’ time, opportunities in the majors abounded for Black ballplayers so Jones wasn’t too surprised to sign a big league contract. The talent level when Jones, born

“HOME WAS ALWAYS THE DRIVING FORCE FOR ME. TO ME, HOME MEANT FAMILY, AND MY WHOLE COMMUNITY WAS MY FAMILY. I NEVER HAD THOUGHTS OF WHETHER I WOULD

- CLEON JONES, IN AN EXCERPT FROM “COMING HOME: MY AMAZIN’ LIFE WITH THE NEW YORK METS”

FAIL BECAUSE I WAS REPRESENTING A COMMUNITY THAT HAD BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE OF ME AS AN ATHLETE — A SON OF THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.”

in 1942, grew up was unreal; he wasn’t even the best athlete on the block.

In Mobile, major leaguers became a major export, led by Aaron and Willie McCovey. Billy Williams, another Hall of Famer, was like a brother to Jones. He married a girl who lived on Jones’ street. “Keep going,” Williams told him, “scouts are watching.”

The late Tommie Agee and Jones had been classmates at Mobile County Training School. Years later, they were teammates — and roommates — on the Mets. (Agee made two memorable, game-saving catches in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series.) Amos Otis lived with Jones and his wife, Angela, when he made the bigs. Otis later became an All-Star with the Kansas City Royals.

Jones recalls that those players became a support system that many of the original Black titans of sport didn’t have in the beginning. “The Js” — Robinson, Jesse Owens and Joe Louis, as Jones calls them — had been isolated. “But we were there for each other,” he says. For example, Jones talked with Jackie Robinson and comforted Aaron when he faced death threats in his chase to eclipse Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. “We could support one another and critique one another. Those guys didn’t have anyone … That’s what made it difficult.”

Sliding into Home

Although baseball is still very much a presence in Mobile, in many ways, the culture has changed. Sure, kids play in the organized leagues now. But baseball is not intricately linked with Mobile anymore. It’s not part of the town’s identity. Jones saw the change early in Africatown. The population plummeted. His son would go out with a glove and ball, and only the sun would join him.

Shadrach Collins Jr., the City of Mobile’s 50-year-old superintendent of recreation, says baseball was still the dominant sport in Mobile during his youth. Not anymore. Baseball equipment costs too much; travel teams have taken over. There’s a lack of good coaching.

Today, Cleon Jones is 80 years old and still calls Africatown home. He’s a former

All-Star and a key figure on one of the most storied baseball teams of all time. He hit .300 in the big leagues, something only the truly great accomplish.

Kids know him as the guy who cleans up his neighborhood, but “they have no idea what this man has done,” Collins says.

That’s fine, Jones responds with equanimity. That’s what Google is for.

As a kid, Jones wanted to be a baseball player. When that happened, Jones wanted to pay Africatown, “the greatest place in the world,” back for its support. Collins was a recipient of that generosity as a youngster. One day, he and his dad ran into Jones outside of JCPenney.

“Hey, Cleon, how can I teach my son hit the curveball?”

“Throw bottle tops to him. Have him hit ’em with a broomstick. The ball will look like a balloon.”

Jones wants people to see Africatown

- CLEON JONES

with that clarity. He wakes up early each day, ready to go, making sure houses get repaired, cutting grass, attending meetings and fundraisers. He’s hosted a youth baseball clinic. Another Mobile ballplayer, 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner, Jake Peavy, helped out. Jones also rallied support for a Walk of Fame honoring Mobile’s sports stars. His success as a player then, Jones says, set up what he does now. It’s all part of God’s plan, he says, but work still remains.

“What I see in Africatown, most people can’t see it,” he says. “I remember when there wasn’t a vacant lot in the whole community. I remember when there were 17 mom-and-pop stores in the community that sent their kids to college. That’s what I see. I see the family unit, and I see kids flourishing from the proper education, church values. When I came up, that’s what you had to have. If you didn’t go to church on Sunday, then you got in trouble in school on Monday. Family values were passed down to the community. That happened during my time. Ten years later, 15 years later, it wasn’t the same.”

The person who drives through Africatown and throws a fast food bag out the window doesn’t get that. So Cleon Jones, out on his tractor, picks it up. He’s determined to accomplish the vision he sees for his hometown — the reality he and his grandmother and great-grandmother cherished. MB

Pete Croatto’s sports writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Athletic, The Toronto Star and many other publications. He is the author of “From Hang Time to Prime Time: Business, Entertainment, and the Birth of the Modern-day NBA.”

“THE PICTURE IS BECOMING CLEARER AS TO WHY I’M HERE AND WHAT I’M DOING. IT DOESN’T HAVE A THING TO DO WITH ME BEING ON THE FRONT PAGE OR ME BEING IN CHARGE.

SOMEBODY HAS TO DO THE WORK. SOMEONE HAS TO BE THE BEARER OF THE TORCH.”

“Coming Home: My Amazin’ Life with the New York Mets” By Cleon Jones, written with Gary Kaschak, $30, Triumph Books

Coming To A Neighborhood Near You

Urban streets and music festivals were once the exclusive hosts for food trucks.

The pandemic, however, pushed these restaurants-onwheels into suburban enclaves, and residents and cooks alike aren’t looking back.

text by MARISSA DEAL

It is 6:30 p.m. on a midsummer evening. On these protracted days, daylight lingers, and the heat of the day begins to dissipate, luring folks out to their yards and porches to make the most of this precious time before the sky grows ablaze with red and orange, eventually falling into darkness. Commuters heading home peer out their windows to assess their dinner options. A line has already formed outside Will’s Farm Fresh Food Truck. The air around it is tinged with smoke, and the smell of short ribs and Conecuh sausage cooking on the grill wafts down the street. While the sight of a food truck parked along the sidewalk may conjure an image of a busy urban thoroughfare, this scene unfolds not in a major city but the residential neighborhood of Old Field in Daphne.

Bright pink azaleas bloom along the entrance to the neighborhood’s communal areas. A father and son arrive on bikes, and join a cluster of their neighbors. Other families lay claim to their spots, putting down picnic blankets and settling in for a leisurely meal. Neighbors zigzag to the truck, placing orders, chatting, and watching pig-tailed little girls in gingham summer dresses twirl on the sidewalk. Three older boys toss a baseball on the newly

PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

mowed lawn behind the truck, shouting and laughing. The neighborhood pool, adjacent to the truck, is also full of families with children laughing and splashing. The kids who are still awaiting dinner eye them, yearning and restless to join in. Grownups survey the menu. While the everything looks enticing, there are whispers that the short rib tacos are not to be missed.

Two days later, a similar scene unfolds down the road in the Jubilee Farms subdivision. And two days after that, across

“cookies” who manned the Chuckwagons also served as makeshift dentists, barbers and bankers. Food trucks did foray into the suburbs with the popularity of ice cream trucks in the 1950s. However, throughout the 1970s and ’80s, food trucks primarily operated in dense urban environments, with convenience, as opposed to the quality of the food, being the primary focus. During this era, perhaps unfairly, food trucks were referred to as “roach coaches” due to patrons’ fears of poor sanitation and low-quality ingredients. Despite their reputation, food trucks provided easy, affordable access to a hot meal in large cities and construction sites around the U.S.

Food trucks today are quite different, featuring innovative menus with an array of gourmet and ethnic options, often using fresh local ingredients and farm-fresh meats. Popularity has grown rapidly in the U.S. in recent years, from 8,677 food trucks registered in 2011 to 35,212 in 2022. Unlike many other businesses impacted negatively by the COVID pandemic, food trucks have had a 12.1 percent growth average from

– Sarah Wortham

the Bay in Sierra Estates. Food trucks have become deeply entwined in the daily lives of suburban families across Baldwin and Mobile counties. Weeknights remain the most popular; however, families also spill out of their homes on weekend mornings, often still in pajamas, for fresh hot doughnuts from The Lil Doughnut Factory and beignets heaped with powdered sugar and dunked in hot caramel sauce from Mo’ Bay Beignet. Food trucks fit so perfectly in a suburban landscape, it’s surprising it has taken this long for them to gain traction.

The history of food trucks mirrors the landscape of Baldwin and Mobile counties, both evolving to meet the changing needs of the population. The earliest American iteration of the modern food truck was the Chuckwagon, which served easily preserved food, such as beans and salted meats, to loggers and cowboys of the Texas panhandle. The

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

“IT’S JUST SO NICE TO PULL IN AT 5 O’CLOCK AND KNOW THAT DINNER IS READY,” SHE EXPLAINS. “SOMETIMES WE STOP AT HOME FIRST, AND WE ALL RIDE OUR BIKES OVER.”

WILL HUGHES OF WILL’S FARM FOODS WACKED OUT WEINER

year to year since 2016. Entire food truck parks and festivals have emerged in major cities. The Mobile area, with its pleasant climate year-round and abundance of local ingredients available, proves to be an excellent market for this type of al fresco dining.

In Baldwin County, the catalyst for this food truck migration into the suburbs was the COVID pandemic. Will Hughes, owner of Will’s Farm Foods, says that when the pandemic struck, many of the traditional venues for food trucks disappeared, practically overnight. Gone were the festivals, weddings, parades and art shows that provided a built-in customer base. Food truck owners were forced to adapt or go out of business. “We opened for business February 1, 2020, and a month later, COVID hit,” Crystal Schieber, owner of Chew Chew Truck, explains. “All the events we’d lined up were canceled, and we were so thankful that we were a kitchen on wheels because we were able to take our passion for great food, cooked fresh and on site, where people wanted food.”

“We barely knew food truck life before COVID, so we were learning our business and COVID at the same time,” she adds. “When we were serving in the neighborhoods, everyone was happy and excited to see us. Somehow, life felt OK. You saw communities bonding, families interacting with each other and kids being kids.”

Back in Old Field, though most restaurants have reopened, the community continues to turn out, socialize and support the local food trucks. “The food here is great and so convenient,” says Marianne Hill as she waits with her teenage son who’s still wearing his school uniform. “I even had food cooking at home, but we had to come anyway.”

Further ahead, Sarah Wortham stands, still in her work scrubs holding her young

daughter in her arms. “It’s just so nice to pull in at 5 o’clock and know that dinner is ready,” she explains. “Sometimes we stop at home first, and we all ride our bikes over.”

Although many of the patrons of the trucks are residents of the neighborhood, there are also customers driving from other locales. The popularity of certain local food trucks has created a loyal following of “food truck groupies.” The rise of social media has enabled food trucks to announce their locations in advance,

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

BLEUS BURGER

LITH’S ASIAN CUISINE

allowing operators to communicate with the people who love them. Chace Yamagata, founder of the popular Baldwin County Foodies Facebook page, recently branched out to create a Baldwin County Food Truck page where people can find out about the various trucks around the Mobile Bay area and follow their favorite trucks to different neighborhoods and beyond. “I love food trucks, and I know I’m not alone in that,” he says. “I wanted to create a site that makes it easier to stay informed on the weekly schedules and updates on all the trucks.” During the height of the pandemic, food trucks came to neighborhood residents, and those same neighborhood residents now come to the trucks.

Regardless of the next development, the heart of the food truck movement is providing eats that are fresh, local and affordable. Abbey Graves, owner of the Wacked Out Weiner truck which she franchised out from their brick-andmortar location, sums it up best. “Food trucks provide a delicious and affordable meal that everyone in the family can enjoy.”

Wortham, who now has her food in hand and her daughter at her side, agrees. “It’s been so nice talking to you,” she says. “I think I’m going to get back in line and get something else. This all just looks so good.” MB

“WHEN WE WERE SERVING IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS, EVERYONE WAS HAPPY AND EXCITED TO SEE US. SOME-HOW, LIFE FELT OK.

YOU SAW COMMUNITIES BONDING, FAMILIES INTERACTING WITH EACH OTHER AND KIDS BEING KIDS.”

– Crystal Schieber, owner, Chew Chew Truck

WONDER KIDS

In this annual recognition, MB honors 13 local teens who give meaning to the phrase, “You’re going places, kid!”

text by AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH • photos by MATTHEW COUGHLIN

DENVER PERSINGER

2022 graduate Spanish Fort High School

and Advocate

F WHY HE ROCKS

During his six years wrestling for Spanish Fort High School, Denver has made it to the individual state championships four consecutive times and has been a team captain for two years. He has received many accolades, including the Hardest Worker award three times and the Academic Achievement award three times. Denver won the Wetumpka individual tournament and placed second at the annual Swede Umbach Invitational.

F OFF THE MAT

When he’s not wrestling, Denver runs One More Moment, the nonprofit he and his mother founded. “During my sister’s battle with mental health, we came to the shocking realization that there are surprisingly few resources to help us navigate how to help her,” he explains. “We hope to give not only a plethora of resources to the families of teens in crisis but also a means to connect them with other parents facing similar struggles to show them they are not alone.”

F FUTURE PLANS

Denver plans to attend the University of Denver this fall to pursue a double major in computer science and business management.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

“My parents are the biggest influences in my life,” he says. “They have constantly shown me the importance of hard work and how, no matter what, I should pursue a career I have genuine love and joy for. I give credit for everything I do to them.”

Wrestler

VICTORIA

BLAKLEY

F WHY SHE ROCKS

Victoria began dancing 15 years ago and has been focusing on ballet for the past nine years. Last year, she was cast as Tiana in Mobile Ballet’s production of “The Princess and the Frog,” making her the first African-American to dance a lead role in a Mobile Ballet original production. “Younger dancers looking up to me motivate me to never stop doing what I do,” she says.

F OFF THE STAGE

When she’s not working hard in class or wowing the audience in ballet performances, Victoria enjoys learning more about the different aspects of cosmetology. “Specifically, nails interest me,” she says.

F FUTURE PLANS

Victoria will complete her college training in the Alonzo King LINES Ballet B.F.A. program at the Dominican University of California. “I hope to be a part of a nationally known dance company once I’ve completed my college courses,” she says.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

“Everyone who has supported me through not only school but all of the dance conventions, master classes or simply giving me a ride to dance,” she says. “All of my teachers have really made an impact on me, and I continuously thank them for all the motivation and corrections that have gotten me where I am now.”

2022 graduate Davidson High School

Lead Ballerina

WILLIAM JAMESON

F WHY HE ROCKS

William made waves — the good kind — as a swimmer for St. Paul’s Episcopal School. He has been selected as an All-State swimmer every year in high school and contributed to a new all-time, all-classification state record in the 200yard medley relay in 2020 for his alma mater’s varsity swim team. He was recently a class winner of the Larry Striplin Jr. Scholar-Athlete award, given to seniors who excel in both athletics and academics.

F OUT OF THE POOL

Swimming isn’t the only athletic arena William is involved in; he runs track and field for St. Paul’s as well. He is also gifted in academics. He was the valedictorian of the Class of 2022, a National Merit finalist and made a perfect score on the AP English Language and Composition Exam, one out of only 11 students around the world to do so.

F FUTURE PLANS

William has been accepted into the Air Force Academy and spent the summer training at boot camp. He hopes to continue swimming at the Air Force Academy and ultimately aims to become an Air Force officer and pilot, with ambitions of flying F-35s.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

William lists his parents as his biggest motivators. “They have always supported me and encouraged me to try my best.”

2022 graduate St. Paul’s Episcopal School

Scholar Athlete

RANDY TYRONE STEWART

12th Grade LeFlore High School

JROTC Leader

F WHY HE ROCKS

Since starting JROTC during his freshman year, Staff Sargent Randy has quickly moved up the ranks, winning several accolades along the way. Recently, he was the recipient of the Howard Johnson Jr. award, which is given to a cadet who exhibits outstanding character. He has also received the Superior Cadet award — three times! — as well as the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Army JROTC award and the Super Kids honor. Randy is on track to become a battalion commander next year.

F AT EASE

Besides being a standout in JROTC, Randy is involved in the psychology club at school and assists with a variety of different service projects. His favorite subject is science. “Chemistry, to be more specific,” he explains. In his free time, he enjoys gaming.

F FUTURE PLANS

After graduating high school, Randy plans to enlist in the Army Reserves while attending college to further explore his love of science. “I intend on majoring in chemistry and eventually become a chemist,” he says.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Barrow, director of army instructors, and First Sergeant Bruce Smith, an instructor who recently retired, are Randy’s JROTC role models. “LTC Barrow basically runs all the events,” Randy says, “and 1SG Smith was my instructor for two years. He gave me that little push to get involved.”

KAITLYNN AIKIN

graduate Daphne High School Automotive Technician

F WHY SHE ROCKS

Since first taking an automotive class at the North Baldwin Center for Technology (NBTech) in the fall of 2020, Kaitlynn has earned several distinctions. She was the first female from NBTech to compete in automotive technology for Skills USA, coming in fi fth in the district and seventh in the state. She was also awarded Outstanding Club Member for Automotive at NBTech and Outstanding Student for Automotive at NBTech. “I am very competitive and want to know as much as I can,” she says.

F OUT OF THE SHOP

When she’s not working, Kaitlynn enjoys pole vaulting, track and field, archery and swimming. She also dabbles in painting and various arts and crafts activities.

F FUTURE PLANS

Kaitlynn is enrolled at Universal Technical Institute in Dallas to study diesel technology. “After school, I would either like to work at a dealership or go work on an oil rig,” she says.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Kaitlynn lists Kelli Adkins, a counselor at NBTech, as her role model. “She was always very supportive of me and saw something I didn’t see in myself,” she says. “She helped me grow as a person and guided me to where I am today. Because of her, I try to live every day with the positivity that she has!”

2022

DAVID KLIMJACK

F WHY HE ROCKS

Not everyone knows an extensive amount about roller coasters, but, then again, David Klimjack is not everyone. His enthusiasm for roller coasters began when he rode The Hulk at Universal Studios in 2015. Since then, he has immersed himself in the subject and built more than 40 of his own through a virtual program. “I really want to create something that you look at and think, ‘Wow, that could actually be built in a theme park and people would really love it,’” he says.

F OFF THE RAILS

When he’s not riding — or virtually building — roller coasters, David focuses on music. “I have played the piano for 12 years,” he says. He’s also an avid chess player and has been the captain of his school’s team for four years.

F FUTURE PLANS

David will attend Emory University in Atlanta in the fall to pursue a major in either biochemistry or neuroscience. He plans on attending medical school after his undergraduate years and will use his summer to connect with doctors to see how the medical world works. “And, of course, my family and I will make our way down to Orlando to visit the parks!” he adds.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

“My parents are the defi nitive infl uence in my life,” he says. “I really believe the way that they raised me in this caring and supportive manner has shaped who I am.”

2022 graduate Bayside Academy

Math and Science Whiz

JAKAYLA ARMSTRONG

F WHY SHE ROCKS

One day, at church, Fredrick Young, a troop leader of Scouts BSA, approached Jakayla about joining the church’s troop. She had past experience in the Girl Scouts and advanced quickly through the program, making history by becoming the first female African-American Eagle Scout in Alabama. For her Eagle Scout project, Jakayla chose to create care packages for 33 residents at Wilmer Hall Children’s Home. “I chose Wilmer Hall to shine a light on their organization,” she says.

F OUT OF THE WOODS

In her free time, Jakayla enjoys working, getting her hair, lashes, and nails done as often as she can and traveling. “Experiencing new places and meeting people will never get old to me,” she says.

F FUTURE PLANS

In the fall, Jakayla will be attending the University of Alabama to major in kinesiology. “My goal is to get my doctorate in physical therapy after completing undergrad,” she explains. “With my doctorate, I want to become a sports physical therapist.”

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

“I watch my mom daily strive to provide a great life for our family,” she says. “Watching how hard she works for me really pushes me to go above and beyond and be the best version of myself.”

2022 graduate Murphy High School Eagle Scout

JAHKOBE SHAW

F WHY HE ROCKS

Jahkobe Shaw is a running back and wide receiver on the football team at Williamson High School. He made the all-star team in both the 11th and 12th grades and averaged 1,000 yards in the regular season. His accomplishments on the field led him to win the Player of the Week award, and, unsurprisingly, he leads his teammates as team captain.

F OFF THE FIELD

A strong student with a 4.3 GPA, Jahkobe was valedictorian for the Class of 2022 at Williamson. When it comes down to balancing sports, life and school, his process is simple: “I just make a schedule on a piece of paper or calendar and make sure I get my work done early before Friday nights,” he says. He also enjoys playing video games, fixing devices and filming YouTube videos in his free time.

F FUTURE PLANS

Jahkobe plans on attending the University of South Alabama in the fall to pursue a major in computer science. He also intends to be a walk-on for the Jaguars football team.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Jahkobe’s big brother Jahquinton, who also played football at Williamson, is the person Jahkobe turns to when he needs advice. “He guides me through everything I do,” he says.

2022 graduate Williamson High School

Football and Classroom Standout

F WHY HE ROCKS

When William saw an opportunity to intern with Sandy Stimpson’s re-election campaign, he jumped at the chance to further explore his passion for politics, which was sparked by the 2016 presidential race. Since then, he has branched out to become involved with the campaigns of Katie Britt and Kay Ivey. “I have a consistent desire to make an impact on my community, my country and the world,” he says.

F OFF THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

William has been a Student Government Association representative for UMS since the 9th grade and is the founder and president of the Worldly Discussions Club. When he isn’t busy with school and work, William likes to play tennis, ride his bike, listen to podcasts and read. “I go to the tennis court many times a week and enjoy competing in tournaments, when possible,” he says.

F FUTURE PLANS

He plans to study international relations in college. And, if you see William’s name on the ballot in the not-so-distant future, don’t be surprised. “I want to run for office one day,” he adds. “Hopefully at a national level.”

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

My dad is the embodiment of hard work and selflessness,” he says. “I try to follow his moral compass in everything I do. He has shown me that anyone with a good work ethic, selflessness and a positive attitude can succeed.”

Milligan Grinstead

Julia Grinstead

McGowin Grinstead

JULIA GRINSTEAD

12th Grade McGill-Toolen Catholic High School

F WHY SHE ROCKS

What does Julia not do? She is part of McGill’s Aquinas program, on her school’s HiQ / Scholars Bowl team, vice-captain of the physics team, a member of McGill’s varsity soccer team and plays club soccer for Mobile United. She is also an Azalea Trail Maid and volunteers teaching middle schoolers at her parish. To top it all off, Julia received a perfect 36 on her ACT and 1450 on her PSAT. She is currently ranked first in her class at McGill.

F OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

In her rare free time, Julia plays soccer and enjoys watching sports. “I am a huge Alabama fan,” she says. “My dad and I watch nearly every football game together, whether it be on our couch at home or from my phone while riding to a soccer game.”

F FUTURE PLANS

Julia has been attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy seminars this summer. “I’ve developed an interest in attending the service academies, but they are a huge commitment,” she says. “I am going to the summer seminars to see if I enjoy the lifestyle the students there experience.”

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

“I’ve known so many inspirational people, but the biggest influence is definitely my dad,” she says. “He has been my role model since I was very young. We spend a lot of time together, and he’s both my biggest fan and toughest critic.”

MCGOWIN GRINSTEAD

2022 graduate McGill-Toolen Catholic High School

F WHY SHE ROCKS

With a 4.43 GPA and a 34 on her ACT, McGowin’s hard work is evident — and so are its rewards. The AP Scholar with Honors and member of the Aquinas Academy at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School has been admitted to Harvard University. “God is always my every motivation,” she says, “but I also think it’s important to work hard for the people who have supported me, for my parents who have made all of this possible, and for my teachers and friends who have always wanted to see me succeed.”

F OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

In her spare time, McGowin writes poetry. Her writing has been featured in her school’s literary magazine, Ingenium, where she is a staff member, and has won multiple awards.

F FUTURE PLANS

Considering her talent for writing, it isn’t a surprise that McGowin has plans to major in English when she begins college in the fall. “I hope to one day enter law school or work for a publishing company,” she says. “And, of course, move back to the South!”

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

“Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore my little brother,” she says, “and my sister, Julia, is probably my favorite person to talk to about anything. My twin sister, Milligan, and I are also very close — you’ve never met anyone sweeter than Milligan.”

MILLIGAN GRINSTEAD

2022 graduate McGill-Toolen Catholic High School

F WHY SHE ROCKS

Milligan’s academic achievements are some for the books. She is a National Merit finalist, scored a 35 on her ACT and is the valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at McGillToolen Catholic High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and, in her junior year, she won the Rensselaer Medal, which is awarded to the top junior in mathematics and science student as chosen by the faculty. She was also one of the two winners of the Rotary Club of Mobile Student of the Week scholarship. “My family’s support and encouragement are so motivating,” she says.

F OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

In addition to working hard on academics, Milligan plays classical piano and competitive tennis.

“I have been playing piano since first grade,” she says. “I’ve been on McGill’s tennis team since seventh grade and on varsity for 11th and 12th grades.”

F FUTURE PLANS

Milligan, along with her sister McGowin, has been accepted into Harvard University in the fall. “I plan to major in mathematics,” she says. “I’m still open to possibilities, but I am considering becoming a college professor. After tutoring peers in math and physics, I realized I find joy in teaching.”

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Milligan designates her mom as her role model. “Her work ethic and her loving care for our family is simply inspiring,” she says.

AARON

COVIN

F WHY HE ROCKS

Aaron has made the Alabama All-State Band’s Red Band, its highest-ranking, several times and performed as part of the All-State Jazz Band. Currently, he is the principal trumpet player for the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Jazz Studio. Recently, Aaron became a member of the iconic Excelsior Brass Band, with whom he played his fi rst show when he was around 13. “I think it’s an honor to be in at such a young age, considering how long they’ve been around,” he says.

F OFF THE STAGE

Aaron’s musical talents aren’t limited to trumpet; he also enjoys playing the piano. Other skills include photography and fi lmmaking, and he even managed a news website for a short amount of time. “I like to keep myself busy,” he explains.

F FUTURE PLANS

In the next couple of years, Aaron plans to go to college to study journalism or fi lmmaking, two interests that he would like to explore.

F BIGGEST INFLUENCE

“My father, easily,” Aaron says. “I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now if it weren’t for him.” In fact, Aaron originally wanted to play saxophone, but when his dad brought home a trumpet on “take it or leave it” terms, Aaron picked it up, and the rest is history. MB

12th Grade Murphy High School Jazz Prodigy

[ MOBILE BAY MAGAZINE PRESENTS]

LEADERS IN HEALTH

photos by CHAD RILEY

THE BAY AREA IS HOME TO TOP-NOTCH MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, EACH OF WHOM IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING UNSURPASSED CARE AND EXCELLENCE TO THE REGION.

Baldwin Bone & Joint, P.C.

What is your mission?

At Baldwin Bone and Joint, our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive orthopaedic care to help our patients get “back in the game” of an active, healthy lifestyle free from pain and limitations.

What sets your practice apart?

For more than 30 years, our team of fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeons and experienced clinical sta have been committed to providing each patient with leading-edge orthopaedic care in an environment where each individual and their family members are given time to ask questions and discuss their concerns.

In addition, with patient-centered care and convenience in mind, we o er on-site MRI and digital X-ray service, physical therapy services, as well as telehealth appointments.

At Baldwin Bone and Joint, our goal is that our patients and their families will notice the di erence the moment they walk through our doors.

How has your practice grown?

Currently, our specialized clinics include e Spine Institute, e Center for Sports Medicine, e Shoulder Center, the Osteo Health Clinic and Workers Compensation Services. We have also recently added

a fellowship-trained pain management specialist to our team of twenty-two licensed medical providers. We have also expanded our reach to include o ces in Daphne, Foley, Bay Minette and Atmore. Baldwin Bone & Joint is now the largest full-time orthopaedic practice in Baldwin County.

Our vision for the future is to continue to build our practice with a team of sub-specialty trained surgeons who provide multi-specialty orthopaedic services covering all facets of orthopaedic care—allowing our fellow residents of south Alabama and the Gulf Coast to receive quality care near home.

BALDWIN BONE & JOINT IS A GROUP OF BOARD-CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS WITH OFFICE LOCATIONS IN DAPHNE, BAY MINETTE, FOLEY AND ATMORE.

MATTHEW GOLDMAN,

MICHAEL

E.

KELLEY PATTON,

RACHAEL HARTMAN,

PATRICK DUNN, PA-C SHIREEN KNOWLES, CRNP ELIZABETH “HILL” LUSCHER, CRNP KRISTY BARRENTINE, ACNP-BC KALEIGH HORNBERGER, CRNP HANNAH DUNN, PA-C HOLLY SCOTT, CRNP

ALLISON HUNTER, M.D. RICHARD WEBB, MD MATTHEW POLLARD, MD

AMADEE STOKLEY, PA-C

Baldwin Bone & Joint is pleased to welcome Dr. Richard Webb and Dr. Matthew Pollard

Dr. Richard Webb joins the Baldwin Bone & Joint team of fellowship-trained orthopaedic specialists bringing leading-edge comprehensive pain management to the residents of the Gulf Coast. Dr. Webb is both a boardcerti ed anesthesiologist and fellowship-trained pain management specialist.

“FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT IS WHAT LEADS TO A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. ALL OF MEDICINE SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY OF LIFE, AND THAT IS WHAT MY FOCUS IS AS WELL – GETTING MY PATIENTS BACK TO ENJOYING LIFE.”

— Dr. Richard Webb

Dr. Matthew Pollard recently joined Dr. Paul Canale and Dr. Charles Gordon of e Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone & Joint, bringing decades of clinical experience to the orthopaedic spine surgery team and the residents of the Gulf Coast. Dr. Pollard is board-certi ed in both spine surgery by the American Board of Spine Surgery and orthopaedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He is a fellowship-trained spine specialist.

“EACH PATIENT AND EACH SPINAL PROBLEM ARE UNIQUE AND REQUIRE A THOUGHTFUL INDIVIDUALIZED CARE PLAN. MANY SPINAL CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITHOUT SURGERY, BUT WHEN IT IS NECESSARY, I LOOK FOR THE LEAST INVASIVE OPTION TO HELP THE PATIENT HEAL QUICKLY AND ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME.”

— Dr. Matthew Pollard

Heart Group of the Eastern Shore, PC

THE HEART GROUP OF THE EASTERN SHORE, PC IS PRIVILEGED TO PROVIDE ADVANCED CARDIAC CARE TO THE GULF COAST COMMUNITY, A COMMUNITY WE ARE PROUD TO CALL HOME.

How do you make sure patients get the best care and results?

In addition to medical care, we believe the key to healthy living is patient education. We are here to see our patients through all aspects of cardiac care, from treating chest pain, high blood pressure, atrial brillation, congestive heart failure, valvular disease, and many other cardiovascular issues and routine maintenance to improve quality of life.

What sets your practice apart? Our small practice allows for individualized care that puts patients at ease. We create patient speci c care plans to t each need of the patient. We o er state of the art testing to include Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Ultrasound, Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography, Pacemaker Monitoring, Congestive Heart Failure erapy, Peripheral Vascular Disease Monitoring and Treatment, and will soon provide in-o ce Pet/ CT scanning.

How has your business grown or changed and where are you going from here?

As the community continues to grow, Heart Group of the Eastern Shore is growing as well. We are pleased to introduce Dr. Glenn A.

Elizabeth R. Key, PA-C

Glenn A. Harris, MD, FACC

Harris, board certi ed in Cardiovascular Medicine, as the newest member of the team. Dr. Harris graduated from University of Mississippi School of Medicine and has over 25 years of experience.

Is there anything else we should know about your practice?

We also have a clinical trial research division that patients can participate in. Clinical trials are conducted for many reasons: to determine whether a new drug or device is safe and e ective for people to use, to study di erent ways to use standard treatments or currently approved treatments so that they will be more e ective, easier to use, or decrease certain side e ects, and to learn how to safely use a treatment in a population for which the treatment was not previously tested. Clinical trials are at the heart of all medical advances. Treatments might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. e goal is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe, also improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. We currently have several active trials covering Congestive Heart Failure, Hypercholesterolemia, and Coronary Artery Disease.

HEART GROUP OF THE EASTERN SHORE, PC

Michael S. Pursley, MD, FACC

Michael S. Charles, CRNP

Sunrise Dermatology

Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center

DERMATOLOGY IS A FULL-SERVICE DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE

What is your mission?

At Sunrise Dermatology, our goal is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care throughout the life of our patients’ skin –from infants to seniors.

What sets your practice apart?

Sunrise Dermatology has remained dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive, personalized dermatologic care for patients of all ages in south Alabama and along the Gulf Coast since 2011. We are a full-service dermatology practice specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. With two fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons on sta , we o er on-site diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers at our Skin Cancer Surgery Center.

We are deeply devoted to the physicianpatient relationship and family-oriented

The Mobile Clinical Team

approach to care, as a physician-owned and operated practice. Our team of boardcerti ed, fellowship-trained dermatology specialists have the experience and expertise to meet the skin care needs of our patients, utilizing the latest in leading-edge diagnostics and treatments.

Whether you’re dealing with common conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, or you’re concerned about your risk for skin cancer, our goal is to create a customized plan to resolve your issue and to ensure the overall health and well-being of your skin for a lifetime.

How has your business grown or changed and where are you going from here?

Since rst opening in Mobile in 2011, we’ve expanded to include o ces in Daphne and Chatom. We’ve also recently added an

additional fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon to our Daphne team to better serve residents of the Eastern Shore. Looking to the future, our goal is to provide comprehensive, conveniently-located dermatologic care to residents of the Gulf Coast and surrounding south Alabama communities.

SUNRISE DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER SURGERY CENTER

70 Midtown Park East, Mobile 8832 US HWY 90, Daphne 14714 St. Stephens Ave, Chatom 251-289-1786 • sunrisederm.com

Scott Freeman, MD, FAAD

Ryan Ramagosa, MD, FAAD

Melissa Williams, CRNP Tia Janicki, PA-C

SUNRISE

FOUNDED IN 2011 BY DR. RYAN RAMAGOSA & DR. SCOTT FREEMAN WITH OFFICE LOCATIONS IN MOBILE, DAPHNE, AND CHATOM, ALABAMA

Mobile

Vernon Forrester, M.D.

Sunrise Dermatology Welcomes Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon Dr. Vernon Forrester To Its Daphne Clinical Team

“Several of my family members have dealt with skin cancer over the years, and that’s what really inspired me to go into dermatology. My goal is to be an advocate for my patients and to make sure they receive the treatment they need. I’ve seen rsthand the patient-centered care that Sunrise Dermatology is known for, as well as the camaraderie among the team and I look forward to working with them to expand that excellence in care to more communities along the Gulf Coast.”

— Dr. Vernon Forrester

Dr. Forrester completed his fellowship training in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (Mohs) from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation and has been at the forefront in the development of the latest and most advanced dermatological treatments and techniques.

EDUCATION

University of Virginia MEDICAL SCHOOL

VCU School of Medicine

INTERNSHIP

UVA Health System

DERMATOLOGY RESIDENCY

UVA Health System

FELLOWSHIP

Mohs Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation

SUNRISE DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER SURGERY CENTER

70 Midtown Park East, Mobile 8832 US HWY 90, Daphne 14714 St. Stephens Ave, Chatom 251-289-1786 • sunrisederm.com

Ryan Ramagosa, MD, FAAD

Melissa Williams, CRNP

Tia Janicki, PA-C

Daphne

The Daphne Clinical Team

Alabama Medical Group

DESIREE SOTER-PEARSALL, M.S., M.D., HAS BEEN PRACTICING MEDICINE FOR 23 YEARS, 10 OF WHICH HAVE BEEN WITH ALABAMA MEDICAL GROUP, P.C.

Why or how did you get into your eld?

I love being a doctor. For me, being a physician is the ultimate opportunity to help others. I pursued a career in medicine because I wanted to make a di erence in people’s lives. My father was a physician, so growing up I saw rsthand the impact that he had on his patients. e idea of being a part of a profession that’s committed to helping others and focused on facilitating people to live healthier lives is truly rewarding—I can’t imagine having a more ful lling job.

What contributes to your success?

Caring for patients of all ages is truly a remarkable experience, one that has a orded me so much joy in my life. Working the last 23 years as a primary care physician, I consider myself a patient advocate. I’ve had the privilege of taking care of patients by managing chronic illnesses, diagnosing new issues, evaluating concerning symptoms and interpreting the care they’ve received from other specialists. I believe my commitment to quality patient care and building a healthier community has led me to my newly appointed position serving as Chairman of Mobile County Board of Health. In this role, my goal is to promote, improve and protect the overall health of the residents of Mobile County.

How do you make sure patients get the best care and results?

To me, medicine is both a science and an art. e science involves the obvious, knowing when someone needs to be admitted to the hospital, when they need antibiotics (or don’t), and treating medical issues. e art involves the ability to create a personalized approach for each patient. Some require “tough love” others need someone with a gentle demeanor. Having the skill set to determine which method to use is invaluable.

ALABAMA MEDICAL GROUP

101 Memorial Hospital Drive • 251-414-5900 alabamamedicalgroup.com

Desiree Soter-Pearsall, M.S., M.D., Internal Medicine

Cardiology Associates

CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES IS EXCITED TO WELCOME ANDIN H. MULLIS, MD, CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST, AND JAMES D. GLADDEN, MD, PHD, INTERVENTIONAL & STRUCTURAL CARDIOLOGIST.

Andin H. Mullis, MD Cardiac Electrophysiologist

Dr. Mullis returns to his hometown of Mobile after completing his medical education and training with a sub-specialty fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Andin joins our experienced team of ve electrophysiologists treating patients with mild to complex heart rhythm disorders.

Dr. Gladden, an Alabama native, moves to Mobile after completing his cardiovascular fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, which included advanced training in structural cardiology. He joins our talented team of interventional and structural cardiologists treating patients with coronary artery disease, complex valvular disorders and other structural heart problems.

James D. Gladden, MD, PhD Interventional & Structural Cardiologist

With a team of thirty cardiologists, sub-specialty trained from some of the most respected institutions in country, Cardiology Associates provides the most comprehensive and advanced cardiovascular services in the area. Our providers o er unparalleled care with diagnostic and treatment options for coronary artery disease, atrial brillation and other heart rhythm disorders, advanced heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, structural heart disease and complex vein disorders, all supported with state-of-the-art diagnostic CT and PET imaging.

Both Dr. Mullis and Dr. Gladden are now seeing patients in Mobile.

CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

Mobile — Fairhope — Foley

Atmore, Jackson, Chatom, AL & Lucedale, MS 251-607-9797 cardassoc.com

Coastal Chiropractic

Dr. Ryan Nobles and Dr. Zachary Byrne

“

e best advice I was ever given was from my father, who from the beginning, has been a role model for me in the medical eld. He instilled in me to always listen and to never talk to any patient with your hand on the door. My passion is to help patients recover and grow in health, with precision and e ciency.”

Dr. Ryan Nobles has been on the Eastern Shore operating Coastal Chiropractic for the past eight years. Two years ago, the clinic moved into a state of the art facility that o ers digital X-rays, private treatment rooms designated for soft tissue, along with a specialized rehab room that focuses on sports and work injuries. Coastal Chiropractic’s mission has always

been to change the public’s perception of chiropractic one patient at a time, while providing the best possible care to each patient and focusing on individual treatment plans. Coordinating care with other physicians has always been a priority to get the patient back to their normal routine as quickly as possible.

In August of 2021 Dr. Zachary Byrne joined the team to focus on high level non-surgical injuries from spinal injuries to the full extent of all extremities. Both Dr. Nobles and Dr. Byrne specialize in dry needling. is cutting edge technique has allowed patient’s to increase mobility while minimizing patient down time. As a team, we got your back!

COASTAL CHIROPRACTIC

27535 US Hwy 98, Daphne 251-375-0131

coastalchiro.us

Maitre and Crabtree Dental Group

Robert Blankenship “Ship” Maitre, DMD

Attention to detail and technical pro ciency set Dr. Robert Blankenship “Ship” Maitre apart from other dental professionals. e eld of dentistry is constantly evolving, and Dr. Ship understands the importance of keeping pace with advances in dental treatments and techniques. His mission is to treat patients with unparalleled care and compassion, helping them not only achieve their desired results, but con dence in their smile.

Excellent dentistry is never achieved by accident. Dr. Ship is intentional in every case, focusing on the small details that lead to optimal results. His success stems from the support of his entire dental team – the front o ce sta , hygienists and chairside assistants, his thirst for knowledge through his continued education certi cations, and most importantly, his patients who entrust their care to him.

Dr. Ship is a skilled, compassionate and dutiful practitioner in his eld, giving patients a reason to smile.

CRABTREE DENTAL GROUP

“I LIVE IN A WORLD OF SMALL DIMENSIONS WHERE FRACTIONS OF A MILLIMETER CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD RESULT AND A GREAT RESULT.”

– Dr. Ship Maitre

Haley Dermatology

Why or how did you get into your eld?

Mohs surgery is one of the very few elds in medicine that provide immediate grati cation to the patient and physician. e patient is able to enter the o ce with a speci c problem and leave a few hours later after having their skin cancer removed completely. I was also fascinated by the Mohs technique and its ability to obtain such high cure rates. Patients love the peace of mind knowing the cancer is gone the day of surgery. I also take great pride in making sure my patients get the best possible cosmetic outcome.

What sets your practice apart?

We o er a wide variety of services to meet patient needs, ranging from medical and surgical dermatology to cosmetic procedures like lasers, llers and Botox. Our o ce is located in a convenient location and we have a newly remodeled space designed just for Mohs surgery.

During patients’ visits we will ensure they feel relaxed in what can be a stressful situation. is is done by providing a comfortable environment, quality care, and involving patients in the decision making process.

How do you make sure patients get the best care/results?

Often there is more than one option for treatment or wound repair. Being able to discuss these with the patient in real time is a great bene t of Mohs surgery. is allows us to take into consideration patient preferences such as wound care, degree of activity restrictions, and need for follow-up when developing a treatment plan.

HALEY DERMATOLOGY

200 Rock Creek Parkway, Fairhope 251-928-3844 • haleyderm.com

DR REYNOLDS IS A FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED MOHS SURGEON AT HALEY DERMATOLOGY. HE HAS RECEIVED EXTENSIVE TRAINING IN SKIN CANCER REMOVAL AND RECONSTRUCTIVE PROCEDURES.

“MY MISSION IS TO DEVELOP LONG -TERM RELATIONSHIPS WITH MY PATIENTS AND IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE.”

Infirmary Pediatrics

Nina Ford Johnson, MD

Nina Ford Johnson, MD, FAAP, has been practicing as a general pediatrician with In rmary Pediatrics since 2013. She graduated in 2003 from Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. Shortly thereafter, she completed her medical doctorate from Meharry Medical College in 2008 and nished her pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.

Dr. Johnson is the current vice president for the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and served as the president of the Mobile Medical Society from 2020-2021. Recently, she was featured in the Centers for Disease Control and Health and Human Services national advertising campaign, “We Can Do This,” to increase con dence and understanding of the COVID-19 vaccine in black children. Dr. Johnson has a passion for educating the community and ensuring they have the knowledge and tools they need to care for themselves and their family.

Infirmary Pediatrics, an affiliate of Infirmary Health, has provided the Mobile community with personalized, quality pediatric care for 25 years. Located off of Airport Boulevard, Infirmary Pediatrics’ board-certified physicians offer comprehensive medical care for children from birth to 17-years-old. To learn more, visit infirmaryhealth.org.

INFIRMARY PEDIATRICS

4013 Airport Blvd, Suite C 251-435-5437

Pulmonary Associates of Mobile

Brad Pitts, M.D.

Dr. Pitts is a Mobile native who attended Spring Hill College for his undergraduate studies before graduating from e University of South Alabama Medical School. Dr. Pitts trained extensively in Mobile for Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care. He lives with his family in West Mobile. He loves DC Comics and is a huge fan of Metallica. He sees patients in his West Mobile O ce located on Airport Boulevard and cares for patients at Providence Hospital.

Dr. Pitts and his partners have created a practice dedicated to improving the lives of patients with respiratory disease and immunologic conditions. He demonstrates great leadership and is an example to his partners and his sta . He leads the way in evaluating new diagnostic equipment and he is an advocate for the company’s Chronic Care Management Division. His patients are able to enroll in a program that monitors their adherence to care plan goals and works to keep them healthy and out of the hospital.

“Pulmonary Associates is fortunate to have great physician leadership and Dr. Pitts is a young physician who is continuing the tradition by using his superb skills to continue to improve the group,” says Joseph Zur uh, Chief Executive O cer.

PULMONARY ASSOCIATES OF MOBILE

5955 Airport Blvd, Mobile 251-633-0573 • lungmds.com

“

PULMONARY ASSOCIATES IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE GREAT PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP & DR. PITTS IS A YOUNG PHYSICIAN WHO IS CONTINUING THE TRADITION.”

Joseph Zurfluh, CEO

Southern Cancer Center

Diana Turberville, RN, BSN

From the time she was very young, Southern Cancer Center nursing supervisor Diana Turberville had an interest in the sciences and a desire to study medicine. When the time came to choose a profession, a ‘hands on’ career in nursing sounded like a suitable option.

“Looking back, I really didn’t know what I was getting into, yet it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Every nursing job in my career has taught me something valuable and made me who I am today.”

Originally from Madrid, Diana moved to the United States as a teenager to study abroad, but after falling in love with the region she decided to make the Gulf Coast her home. She soon received her nursing degree from the University of South Alabama and has been caring for patients in the Mobile area ever since.

“Oncology is truly special and making a di erence in patients’ lives is what drives me. To do that successfully I believe every care team needs a strong leader, a solid mentor; someone who sees the potential in people and brings out their best. As a leader here at SCC, that is exactly what I strive to be for my team.”

SOUTHERN CANCER CENTER

“ONCOLOGY IS TRULY SPECIAL & MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PATIENTS’ LIVES IS WHAT DRIVES ME.”

Diana Turberville, RN, BSN

The Birthing Suites at Springhill

Medical Center

What sets e Birthing Suites at Springhill apart?

Our patients tell us over and over again that it’s our family-centered culture that is unique to Springhill. From the moment they enter the hospital before delivery through every moment in their delivery room and the day they are discharged to go home, they encounter friendly, helpful, and professional associates to assist them.

Why do patients prefer e Birthing Suites at Springhill?

Our standard is the best care for every patient, every time. Our experienced, hard-working team works diligently to coordinate with the patients’ physicians to ensure that every facet of their experience meets or exceeds their expectations. New mothers love the updated, warm and welcoming delivery rooms, modern

operating rooms, and safe & secure Nursery o ered at our Birthing Suites. Also comforting to them is the large team of board certi ed lactation consultants available to assist them with important breastfeeding questions.

What specialized training has the sta completed?

Our staff has completed Intermediate Fetal Monitoring training, and two of our nurses are certified. We have 5 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and 2 Lactation Counselors. In addition, we have a Certified Childbirth Educator teaching our courses.

How do you assist new Mothers with their transition home?

In life there are few moments that can

ever compare to “the big day.” Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most incredible things you can ever experience. Our education classes and transitional instruction help new Moms feel more con dent caring for their new baby once they leave us. We even provide them with their rst at-home meal to make the transition a little more relaxed.

SPRINGHILL MEDICAL CENTER BIRTHING SUITES

3719 Dauphin Street 251-344-9630 springhillmedicalcenter.com

The Emergency Department

at Springhill Medical Center

What stands out about Springhill Medical Center’s Emergency Department?

Our Emergency Department is the only one in our area sta ed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week only by physicians who are board certi ed in emergency medicine. eir expertise makes it possible to expedite life-saving procedures. All nurses are certi ed in advanced cardiac life support. e facilities were recently expanded and updated and include more patient rooms, more nursing stations, and more negative pressure rooms to prevent the spread of disease. In fact, Springhill was the rst hospital to set up a separate area for treating covid patients in the rst days of the pandemic. e hospital later constructed a permanent negative pressure treatment area in the ED with a

separate entrance to prevent the spread of infectious disease.

Why do patients prefer Springhill Medical Center’s Emergency Department?

We consistently exceed the standard of care for our patients. We address the most serious health issues while keeping our patients and employees safe. In an emergency, speed is imperative in diagnosing and treating serious conditions, and our team delivers safe, e cient, timely treatment utilizing the most advanced technologies.

Why would a patient choose Springhill Medical Center’s Emergency Department?

Not only are we extremely easy to get to on Dauphin Street at the intersec-

tion of Interstate 65, our family-centered mission stands out to our patients. Upon arrival they always notice the di erence in our team’s caring approach to their care. Springhill o ers access to the best emergency care in the heart of Mobile.

SPRINGHILL

3719 Dauphin Street 251-344-9630 springhillmedicalcenter.com

University of Mobile School of Nurse Anesthesia

e Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program in the University of Mobile’s new School of Nurse Anesthesia prepares potential Certi ed Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) to provide safe and e ective anesthesia care for all populations in any setting at full scope of practice. It is the rst and only DNAP program in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia.

UM President Lonnie Burnett, PhD, said the program addresses a critical need along the Gulf Coast in the eld of nurse anesthesia. It is under the direction of Todd Hicks, DNP, CRNA, formerly associate pathway coordinator

of the BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia Pathway at e University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

UM’s 36-month DNAP program is o ered in a blended format, combining on-site and online learning. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and more than one full year of critical care nursing experience. e university admitted its second cohort of students in August 2022. e deadline to apply for the third cohort is November 1, 2022, with classes beginning in August 2023.

For more information or to apply, visit umobile.edu/dnap or call Enrollment Services at 251-442-2222.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MOBILE SCHOOL OF NURSE ANESTHESIA OFFERS THE FIRST AND ONLY DOCTOR OF NURSE ANESTHESIA PRACTICE PROGRAM IN A FOUR-STATE REGION.

USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute

e USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Dr. Brian Persing is revolutionizing how patients receive cancer care along the upper Gulf Coast. As MCI’s division director of hematology and medical oncology, Dr. Persing leads the strategy to build disease-oriented clinical programs, with each medical oncologist focused on a speci c cancer type or subtype.

Disease-oriented focus provides patients access to advanced diagnostic testing and more individualized treatment plans, leading to better outcomes. Dr. Persing also trains and supervises medical oncology fellows, growing our next generation of cancer specialists.

“A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming,” said Dr. Persing. “Getting an appointment with an oncologist who is an expert and specializes in speci c cancers provides patients with additional reassurance.”

e MCI’s clinical divisions encompass multidisciplinary teams and active research programs, providing patients with seamless coordination of care. Understanding the genetic drivers of cancer compels Dr. Persing and the medical oncology team to build bridges across more than 100 cancer disease types to apply the latest, most advanced cancer treatment protocols.

Brian E. Persing, MD Division Director and Chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology Arlene and Mayer Mitchell Chair of Medical Oncology Board-Certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist

Riding Into August

THROUGH AUGUST 20

FLASHING THE LEATHER

Focusing heavily on the 1990s to the present day, this exhibition highlights works of art that illustrate common themes within baseball and the unique rituals and history of the game.

ALABAMA CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER ALABAMACONTEMPORARY.ORG/EXHIBITIONS

THROUGH SEPTEMBER

ILLUSIONS

The Exploreum Science Center hosts this exhibit that explores the workings behind illusions and how they impact the perception of reality. Admission: $14 for adults, $12 for children ages 7 - 12 years old and adults over 65 and $8 for children ages 3 - 6 years old.

EXPLOREUM SCIENCE CENTER EXPLOREUM.COM

THURSDAYS IN AUGUST

DOWNTOWN RUNNERS CLUB

6 p.m. Join fellow runners in downtown Mobile for a 1-mile or 5K run. Stay after for a beer and fellowship at Braided River Brewing Company. Win some cool prizes in the raffle! Your favorite pup is also welcome.

BRAIDED RIVER BREWING COMPANY DOWNTOWNMOBILE.ORG

AUGUST 1

OPEN MIC NIGHT

6 - 10 p.m. Hit the stage to showcase your best rendition of your favorite jam and listen to others’ performances at this energetic night of music led by Cathy Pace. Admission on a first-come, first-serve basis and regular cover applies at the door.

FLORA-BAMA • FLORABAMA.COM

AUGUST 4 - 6

ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL RODEO

6 p.m. Enjoy nights of watching barrel racing, bull riding and more! This rodeo features eight nightly events and free children’s activities. Tickets: $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 3 - 12 years old and free for ages 2 and under.

FOLEY HORSE ARENA VISITFOLEY.COM

AUGUST 6

MR. BELLINGRATH’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission to the gardens for Mobile and Baldwin County residents, a fried fish lunch and complimentary cake are all part of the fun-filled party honoring the founder’s birthday! Be prepared to show proof of residence.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS • BELLINGRATH.ORG

AUGUST 6

RUBBER DUCKY REGATTA

10 a.m. Adopt a rubber duck and join in the fun as thousands are launched into Mobile River to race. All proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile. Ticket prices vary.

COOPER RIVERSIDE PARK RUBBERDUCKYREGATTA.COM

AUGUST 6

KEITH URBAN

7 p.m. The Grammy-winning country music star will play with special guest Ingrid Andress on his “The Speed of Now World Tour.”

THE WHARF AMPHITHEATER • ALWHARF.COM

AUGUST 11

MADAME OCTAVIA LEVERT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

6 p.m. Celebrate the 212th birthday of Madame Octavia Walton LeVert with party favors, birthday cake, rare archival items on view and a discussion with local author Paula Webb. Tickets: $35.

HISTORIC OAKLEIGH HOUSE MUSEUM HISTORICMOBILE.ORG

AUGUST 12

FREE LITTLE ART GALLERY LITTLE GRAND OPENING

5 p.m. Attend the ribbon cutting and reception for this mini art gallery. Artists are encouraged to leave their work for attendees to enjoy — and even take home!

CONDÉ CHARLOTTE MUSEUM HOUSE CITYOFMOBILE.ORG

AUGUST 12

LODA ART WALK

6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Herald National Makeup Day and Back-to-school Day while supporting local artists, businesses and arts organizations.

LOWER DAUPHIN ARTS DISTRICT MOBILEARTS.ORG

AUGUST 13

SATSUMA 2-MILER

6:15 a.m. Join the Port City Pacers for a run through Satsuma and stay for the post-race party and awards show. Registration prices vary.

SATSUMA COMMUNITY CENTER PORTCITYPACERS.COM

AUGUST 13

LIVING HISTORY DRILL

8 a.m. - 3 p.m. WWII historical reenactors drill at Battleship Memorial Park, bringing the stories of its crewmen to life. Activities included in regular admission to the park.

USS ALABAMA BATTLESHIP MEMORIAL PARK USSALABAMA.COM

AUGUST 13

GRAYSON CAPPS

4 - 8 p.m. The Alabama native tunes up for a night of Americana music. Authors Robert Gwaltney and Mandy Haynes will be present during the performance for a book signing of their newest works.

PAGE & PALETTE PAGEANDPALETTE.COM

AUGUST 13

SATURDAYS AT THE COOP!

CONCERT SERIES

7 - 10 p.m. Bring a chair and blanket and bask in this free night of music under the stars. Rock cover band Disco Kiss and food trucks will be on site.

COOPER RIVERSIDE PARK MOBILEARTS.ORG

AUGUST 14

MOBILE BAY MAKER’S MARKET

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stroll along Mobile Bay and peruse the work and goods of local artisans, food vendors and farmers at this outdoor, open air market.

FAIRHOPE MUNICIPAL PIER FACEBOOK.COM/MOBILEBAYMAKERSMARKET

AUGUST 14

BRIDES JUST WANNA HAVE FUN EXPO

1 - 4 p.m. Discuss all the wedding details with vendors and attend a fashion show to get inspiration for everything you need for your big day! Ticket prices vary.

THE BATTLE HOUSE RENAISSANCE MOBILE HOTEL & SPA • EVENTBRITE.COM

AUGUST 18

OLDE TOWNE DAPHNE THIRD THURSDAY

5 - 7 p.m. The shops in Olde Town Daphne will stay open late and offer refreshments to patrons as they shop during this special open house event.

OLDE TOWN DAPHNE • GRAND1847.COM

AUGUST 25

PJ MORTON

7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy the vocal stylings of the Grammy-winning singer and musician as he brings his “Watch the Sun” tour to Mobile. Ticket prices vary.

SOUL KITCHEN • SOULKITCHENMOBILE.COM

AUGUST 26

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

6 - 11 p.m. Bring a chair, sit back and behold a free evening of live gospel and jazz music in downtown Mobile.

DAUPHIN AND FRANKLIN STREETS CITYOFMOBILE.ORG

AUGUST 26 - 28

VINTAGE MARKETS DAYS OF MOBILE

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Shop this vintageinspired market to find original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry and more.

THE GROUNDS • VINTAGEMARKETDAYS.COM

AUGUST 26 - 28

JURASSIC QUEST

1 - 8 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Su. This event brings life-size, realistic animatronic dinosaurs, interactive dinosaur shows, fossil digs and more to Mobile. Ticket prices vary.

MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER ASMGLOBAL.COM

AUGUST 28 - 29

BATTLE OF FORT MIMS REENACTMENT

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Relive the history of the most intense battle between Creek Indians and settlers in America at Fort Mims.

FORT MIMS • FORTMIMS.ORG

SEPTEMBER 17

15TH ANNUAL GO RUN

8 a.m. 5K. 9 a.m. 1-mile fun run. Benefits gynecologic cancer research at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. Registration: $30 for adults, $15 for children under 12. Virtual registration: $32.

HANCOCK WHITNEY STADIUM RUNSIGNUP.COM/GORUN22

SEPTEMBER 18

MOBILE RIVER FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

2 - 7 p.m. Chefs from local restaurants and local musical artists team up for a good time. Tickets: $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 - 10.

COOPER RIVERSIDE PARK MOBILECOUNTYAL.GOV

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 1

ALABAMA COASTAL BIRDFEST

Take a boat trip to iconic birdwatching locations and attend workshops at this four-day event. Registration prices vary.

MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTIES SOUTHALABAMALANDTRUST.ORG

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 2

FREEDOM FEST

Enjoy a car show, concerts, speakers, children’s activities and food, along with an appearance from Miss Alabama, at this second annual beach bash.

THE WHARF, ORANGE BEACH ORANGEBEACHAL.GOV

* Check event websites for most current status.

LABOR PAINS

Meet the midwife who battled Bienville when Mobile was the capital of French Louisiana.

text by MOLLY REID CLEAVER

Three days before Christmas in 1718, Marie Grissot lay dying, giving her last will and testament. The 48-year-old maitresse sage-femme (master midwife) knew that “there is naught as certain as death and nothing more uncertain than the day and hour thereof,” and nowhere was this truer than the harsh home she had made for 14 years, in the fledging colonial capital of Mobile. Grissot had spent virtually all of those years as Louisiana’s sole midwife, bringing new lives and new hope into a settlement in dire need of both.

Settling her affairs, she declared herself a devoted Catholic, willed various sums of money to several people, and left the rest of her modest estate to her nephew. The will is formal and standard, with one exception: she took great pains to ensure that her heir’s father, André Pénigault, be “wholly excluded from her succession, without ever being able to pretend to anything whatever.”

Grissot’s bitterness toward Pénigault stemmed from a years-long feud with the young colony’s commandant and de facto ruler, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, sieur de Bienville. Grissot and Bienville had gone head-to-head during the desolate years of Mobile’s early existence, and Pénigault, a carpenter in the colony who had married Grissot’s relative, walked away from the conflict with half of Grissot’s royal salary. It was an offense she took to her grave.

On the surface, the Bienville-Grissot feud was a salary dispute, but the conflict also called into question the value of Grissot’s work, which centered on women and babies. Bienville apparently decided that midwifery presented no appreciable benefit

to the colony and attempted to take away her entire salary on the grounds that she was “useless for Louisiana,” according to a 1710 report.

Whether done out of desperation, political malice, misogyny, or a combination of all three, Bienville’s attack on Grissot ran counter to France’s official policies and stated goals for colonial development. Not only was a midwife such as Grissot more than useless: The difficult, dangerous business of bearing children was of utmost importance to the young colony.

The Royal Midwife and the “Future Mothers of Louisiana”

In January 1704, Jérôme Phélypeaux, comte de Pontchartrain — the king’s top official in Versailles overseeing the affairs of the colony — wrote to Bienville that a special shipment would be headed to Louisiana. In addition to carrying supplies and soldiers, the Pélican was to bring 24 girls “of recognized and irreproachable virtue … to be married to the Canadians and others who have begun to make themselves homes on the Mobile in order that this colony may be firmly established.” The Pélican girls were “the future mothers of Louisiana,” writes Jay Higginbotham in his meticulous history “Old Mobile: Fort Louis de la Louisiane, 1702–1711.”

It had been five years since Pierre Le Moyne, sieur d’Iberville, had claimed a vast swath of North America for New France. New Orleans wasn’t even a glimmer in Bienville’s eye yet; the only settlements in the entire colony were tiny outposts at Ship Island, Fort Maurepas and Massacre Island (Dauphin Island). In 1702, Iberville had established Mobile, called Fort Louis de la Mobile or Fort Louis de la Louisiane, with the intention of growing it into a large, thriving colonial capital. It was little more than a camp, located at present-day Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff and populated mostly by Canadian fur trappers and French soldiers. (The site of Fort Louis, now referred to as Old Mobile, completely flooded

Above The Scientific Revolution and the advent of the printing press brought about the codification of medical knowledge such as midwifery over the course of the late 16th and 17th centuries. The English midwife Jane Sharp first published The Midwives Book in 1670; it went through many other editions (the frontispiece to the 1724 edition, known as The Compleat Midwife’s Companion , is seen here) and would have been in use at the time of Louisiana’s founding. IMAGE COURTESY WIKICOMMONS

Girls,

was the same—to

in New Orleans

and was abandoned in 1711 for Mobile’s present-day location.) The resident Canadians, hard-living coureurs de bois (or woods runners), were seen as “a heap of the dregs of Canada, jailbirds without subordination for religion and for government,” as Antoine Laumet de La Mothe Cadillac, governor of Louisiana from 1710 to 1716, later described them. Many of the Canadians lived with Native American women; some of these relationships were explicitly forced, through enslavement, while others assumed a more nebulous form, yet the higher-up officials viewed all such arrangements as “shameless dissoluteness,” as Pontchartrain described the situation in 1711. “It is quite contrary to religion and to the increase of the colony.”

The young female conscripts of the Pélican were seen as crucial to reversing that trend and to helping both the Canadians and Native Americans adopt European custom. But these new arrivals would need help. “By the same vessel, his Majesty is sending a midwife,” Pontchartrain told Bienville. The midwife in question, however, was not Marie Grissot. It was Catherine Moulois, a master midwife who had trained in Paris. Under the king’s employ, she was granted an annual salary of 400 livres. In comparison, Bienville’s salary was 1,200 livres per year. Grissot, a native of Lorraine, and another unmarried woman were hired to look after the health and safety of the girls and assist Moulois as needed.

The Pélican completed its three-month transatlantic voyage in July 1704, and “a short time after arriving all the girls married the Canadians and others [French craftsmen and soldiers] who are in a position to support them,” Bienville reported to Pontchartrain.

Bringing Life into a World of Hardship

Not long after the Pélican’s arrival, Catherine Moulois died or disappeared — her death is not confirmed in the historical record — and Grissot took over as midwife of the colony, inheriting the job’s 400 livres-per-year salary. As early as October 1704, Grissot is documented as having helped deliver a child into the colony.

As sage-femme, Grissot and others that followed her held a level of authority and independence uncommon for most women of the time. In addition to earning a sizeable royal salary, she was able to enter any home and could travel at all hours throughout the colony. Grissot held enslaved people in her service: In 1708 she presented for baptism a man named André, listed as belonging to her, and one census documents four enslaved Native Americans (three male and one female) belonging to the midwives.

Grissot held religious authority, as well: She was able to perform home baptisms in cases where the newborn was not expected to live. Baptismal records of the Archdiocese of Mobile show Grissot carrying out this sad service a number of times. The winter of 1705 was an especially trying one for the colony’s infants, and it is estimated that at least three newborns died. Accusations flew about who was to blame — Bienville accused the parish curé, Henri Roulleaux de La Vente, of baptizing the children naked in winter, and one family complained that Bienville did not allow them a ration of milk during the infant’s illness — but the record does not show Grissot’s level of care being called into question. At the time, even in the palaces of Europe, childbirth presented lifethreatening risk to mothers and babies; no one in the

Fetuses in the womb as illustrated in the first edition of Jane Sharp’s midwifery manual, The Midwives Book; or, the Whole Art of Midwifery Discovered (1670). None of the babies shown here are in an ideal presentation (position) for birth, which highlights some of the many dangers Grissot’s patients faced in bearing children. IMAGE COURTESY

WIKICOMMONS

Above The 24 marriageable girls who arrived on the Pélican in 1704 were not the famed Casket

who arrived

1721 (depicted here), but their reason for being sent to Louisiana

help populate the colony. COURTESY THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

colony would have been unfamiliar with the reality of infant mortality.

The miserable conditions in Louisiana made survival difficult for everyone, young and old. “There is nothing so sad as the situation of this poor colony,” began one report in 1708. Yellow fever had already torn through the settlement in 1704, arriving with the Pélican from the ship’s stop in Havana and killing approximately 40 people. A tropical storm (“violent squall”) blew down Mobile’s warehouse and several other structures in August 1708. Livestock was scarce, and supply ships often suffered long delays.

The colonists’ attempts to grow wheat and corn as subsistence crops failed utterly: None of them were skilled agricultural workers, and few were desirous of becoming so. Sandy soil and flooding killed many of the plants, and what little grain survived to harvest was quickly spoiled by pests. The agriculturallyadept tribes around Mobile successfully grew corn and traded maize with the colonists, but excessive flooding killed some of their crops in 1710 — when the colony had not seen a French supply ship since 1708.

More than once, conditions were so dire and famine so imminent that Bienville sent groups of soldiers to live with allied tribes for the winter, because the colony could not provide for them.

Bienville’s Gambit and the Feud with Grissot Bienville’s plans for Louisiana were failing, as was his health. Over 1707 and 1708 he lobbied, unsuccessfully, to make a return trip to France, believing that it would cure his “sciatic rheumatism … hepatatic colic and gout.” In short, he was desperate, and it was around this time that he attempted to relieve Marie Grissot of her salary.

Grissot immediately shot back, complaining to Pontchartrain through Nicolas de La Salle, who related the midwife’s testimony in a 1709 letter to Versailles. La Salle, the colony’s commissaire (supply chief), was a veteran bureaucrat 30 years Bienville’s senior, and he had recently launched a raft of mismanagement allegations against the young leader, dividing the loyalties of the colonists. Grissot said she had refused to back Bienville and that ever since, he had “authorized whatever

evil he wished upon her, by making the argument that a midwife is useless in this Colony, where, he says, the women can give birth on their own.” Grissot pointed to several “accidents” that had happened prior to her and Moulois’ arrival as evidence to the contrary.

Bienville’s justification was that Grissot had been neglecting her duties: He claimed she was supposed to be tending to the sick of the entire population, as well as laundering the soldiers’ linens. “Mr. d’Artaguiette and I thought that it was useless to have a salary given to a person for no service at all,” he wrote.

Grissot said there had been no such scope of work over the preceding years of her service, and moreover, mixing with potentially infectious patients amounted to medical malpractice. In a letter of support from Governor Cadillac to Pontchartrain, she argued that “the care of the sick was contrary to her profession; that the majority of the soldiers were subject to scurvy” — mistakenly believed to be contagious — “and that thus after having cared for the scurvy patients she could not at all touch the women in childbed or even the children at birth without running the risk of communicating the disease to them.”

The ministère sent a succinct rebuke to Bienville: “I have been informed that you have treated badly the woman named Marie Grisot [sic], a midwife, and that you attempted to prevent her from performing the duties for which she was appointed … I must tell you that since this woman was sent there by the King’s order, His Majesty’s intention is that she should remain there, that she should serve there, and that you should be careful not to give her any bad treatment.”

In 1711, after receiving Pontchartrain’s orders, Bienville and d’Artaguiette presented what they considered a compromise: reinstating Grissot’s salary at 50 percent, taking it from 400 to 200 livres. The other 200 livres they gave to Pénigault, the carpenter, “who is much more useful,” they argued.

For Pénigault, it helped that he was cut from the same cloth as Bienville. After he returned to France in 1721, he compiled his journals and recollections into a narrative, the first full-length account of the French in Louisiana. Neither Grissot nor her services

are mentioned anywhere in the document. Just as she excised him from her will, Pénigault omitted her from his story.

The Louisiana Grissot Left Behind

At the time Grissot died, Louisiana was in a period of transition: In August 1717, France handed control of the colony to the Company of the West, the brainchild of Scottish gambler and financier John Law. In less than three years’ time it would cause a massive financial boom and bust.

Bienville turned his attention elsewhere, to a new site for the colonial capital 140 miles to the west. By June 1718, months before Grissot died, Bienville’s team was clearing land for what would become New Orleans. Three years later, Grissot’s first official successor arrived: Jeanne Sulmon Dauvillé, a master midwife from Paris, was sent to New Orleans under an annual salary of 1,200 livres — a far cry from Grissot’s pay, even at its fullest. She would remain the colony’s only official midwife until 1749.

Grissot and the women and children she served endured unimaginable hardship and loss, facing steep odds to fulfill the reproductive roles France had assigned them. Despite the greater failure of Mobile as a colonial capital and economic engine, Grissot and her patients played an essential role in populating the young colony. Each successful birth must have infused the downtrodden settlement with a dose of the mirth and hope that only new life can bring.

Such was the dream and folly of colonial imperialism: filling distant shores not only with French forts, plantations, and statesmen but also French families, so that the glory of France could spread around the world. MB

Molly Reid Cleaver is a senior editor at The Historic New Orleans Collection. A writer and musicologist based in New Orleans, her work has appeared in the New Orleans Advocate, NPR.org, and the New York Times. This story was originally published in 2021 by The Historic New Orleans Collection.

Special thanks to THNOC Curator Howard Margot for his generous assistance and expertise with the French archival documents referenced in this story.

Daddy’s Little Girl

Sure, Audrey McDonald Atkins is a daddy’s girl — just not the kind you imagine.

MCDONALD ATKINS

Iam Daddy’s little girl. The firstborn. The only daughter. While everyone says I look like Mama, I am infinitely more like Daddy in temperament and personality. Daddy and I are people people. We like to talk to strangers. We like to joke. We have both been known to dance spontaneously if the right song comes on.

But what I am not is the bat-your-eyes-Daddy-buy-me-amink-and-a-Mercedes type of Daddy’s little girl. Not hardly.

Daddy would not stand for that.

You see, Daddy didn’t buy me everything I wanted. He instilled in me the value of hard work. From mowing the lawn (all gazillion acres of it with a push mower) to scrubbing toilets, no job was too menial, no task too common for his darling daughter. Daddy made sure I understood that everyone has to pitch in, no matter how laborious the task, no matter how dull, and no matter whether you just polished your nails because, as the poet John Donne would say, I was “a part of the main” and that requires pulling your own weight. As well it should have been.

And Daddy didn’t let me slide through school on my good looks and charm. He made sure I learned. From the first books he read to me, trailing the sentences with his finger so I could follow along, through declining nouns and conjugating verbs on past algebra and chemistry until the day I graduated from college, Daddy always recognized my potential, even when I doubted it. Daddy made sure I understood the value of an education, even when I was ready to quit. Daddy always encouraged me, even when I failed.

And Daddy didn’t come to my rescue every time I tried to play damsel in distress. Daddy taught me how to change my own tires, how to balance my own checkbook, how to shoot a gun. I learned how to be self-sufficient, to rely on me and only me. I learned that some hurts are too big for Daddy to

make better with a Band-Aid and some Mercurochrome, no matter how much he might want to. Daddy does, however, kill roaches and snakes, because that’s what daddies do — just so you don’t have to, even though you could.

And Daddy was adamant about good manners. Good posture. Elbows off the table. No talking with your mouth full. Speak when spoken to. Be respectful. Why? Well, first and foremost so Brother and I didn’t act like we were raised by wolves. But also because “good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” Clarence Thomas gets credit for that quote, but Daddy drove it home, every day.

If Daddy had cooperated with my grand life plan, by all accounts I should be driving the coastal highway through Orange Beach in a red Mercedes convertible, with perfectly manicured nails and coiffed locks, on my way to ride my thoroughbred onto a yacht while eating caviar from a silver spoon. But I am not, thank goodness.

I am far richer than that girl. I have been given gifts that will never lose their sparkle, will never wither and fade – invaluable, intangible gifts. That is why I proudly call myself my daddy’s little girl. MB

Born and raised in Citronelle, Atkins shares stories about growing up and living in the South in her book, “They Call Me Orange Juice,” and at her blog folkwaysnowadays.com.

excerpt from the book THEY CALL ME ORANGE JUICE by AUDREY

Who was Emma Roche?

text by TOM MCGEHEE

Emma Langdon Roche (1878 - 1945) once described herself as an “artist, writer, housekeeper and farmer.” In retrospect, she could well be termed Mobile’s “Renaissance Woman.” She was born in the sprawling family home on the west side of North Lafayette Street north of Spring Hill Avenue. Her father, Thomas, was an Irish immigrant who first appeared in Mobile’s 1874 city directory with the occupation of “Coach Painter.” His address was listed as “North Lafayette Street between Spring Hill Avenue and Centre Street.” This is where his daughter would be born four years later.

Thomas Roche (pronounced “roach”) soon went from painting coaches to renting them out as part of the Waverly Stables on Royal Street. In the 19th century, those carriages were often hired out for funerals and by the mid-1880s, he had added a mortuary to the business.

Thomas had married Annie James, a Mobilian and the daughter of Thomas James, one of the city’s famous “builder / architects.” James was the contractor for some of Mobile’s most prominent 19th century structures, including Barton Academy, Government Street Presbyterian Church and the City Market (now the History Museum of Mobile). The former James home on Lafayette Street would become home to the Roche family for nearly a century.

The Roches had four children: Edward (1873), Frank (1876), Emma (1878) and Thomas (1883). The eldest, Edward, was never associated with the mortuary, and when his father died in 1904, Roche Mortuary was bequeathed to Frank and Thomas. Edward received $300, and Emma was not mentioned in her father’s

will at all. There must have been some agreement that the brothers would look out for their sister.

According to city directories, Emma resided in the family home with her brothers Frank and Tom. The arrangement may explain her terming herself a “housekeeper,” and the large property undoubtedly earned her the term “farmer” as well. But her passion became art.

The New York Experience

Emma studied under a local artist named Armantine Broun and, as her interest grew, Miss Broun convinced her to go to New York and study at the Art Students League in 1912. By that time, her brother, Tom, had married, and she was living with Frank who apparently financed his 34-year-old sister’s travels and art education.

The Art Students League dated back to 1875 when a group of both male and female artists broke away from the more conservative National Academy of Design. By the time Emma arrived, the organization had built a landmark structure on West 57th Street. There, she was taught by some of the nation’s most renowned artists, including Frank DuMond, impressionist William Merritt Chase and many others. Her studies would have encompassed both landscape painting and portraiture.

One of the tenets of her art teachers was the idea to paint everyday scenes and people. Upon her return to Mobile Emma did just that. She began to study and appreciate the different cultures living in her home town, including American Indians, African Americans and Creoles.

A year after leaving New York, she organized an art exhibition of local talents

Convent

“Renaissance Woman”

within the Battle House Hotel. That show was a first for Mobile. Its timing coincided with President Woodrow Wilson’s visit, and he took time to take it in.

Historic Sketches of the South

At this same time, Emma began to regularly travel to an isolated community known as Plateau where the last nine survivors of the Clotilda had resided since their emancipation in 1865. It is unknown if her brothers knew anything about her trips there.

Although their story was generally known, she took time to form relationships with the men and women and used

Above Emma Langdon Roche in 1894 at the age of 17, when she graduated from Mobile’s

of the Visitation. Unfortunately, no one ever took the time to fully interview this

of Mobile. PHOTO COURTESY HISTORIC MOBILE PRESERVATION SOCIETY

her artistic skills to depict them. In 1914, a New York publishing house printed her “Historic Sketches of the South,” which included their stories. Had she waited much longer, many of the individuals of whom she wrote and their memories would have been gone.

Emma’s relationship with the residents of today’s Africatown did not end with her book’s publication. For more than 20 years, she would make regular visits and maintain those friendships.

Mobile’s First Art Museum

In 1925, Miss Roche joined with local artists to found the Allied Arts Guild and started promoting the idea of creating an art museum for Mobile. She continued her study of art, and records show she boarded a Holland-American liner in 1928 to bring her home from a trip to France. The ship’s manifest indicates she was occupying a “Tourist / Third Class” cabin.

A decade later, she was appointed the Alabama State Director for the Federal Art Project — a WPA program under the New Deal. As a result of those new programs, Emma Roche established Mobile’s first publicly funded museum in 1936. It was located within the Mobile Public Library on Government Street.

After opening the museum, Emma Roche retired and taught art to neighborhood children. She died at the age of 67 in 1945. Her will left her “household effects” to her brother, Frank, her books to the Mobile Public Library, and sums to local orphanages, Little Sisters of the Poor and the Rotary Crippled Children’s Clinic at the Mobile Infirmary.

Today, a number of her works of art are owned by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society and are on display in Oakleigh. Unfortunately, the location of many other of her drawings and paintings is unknown. MB

Alabama Historama

Photo courtesy Alabama Department of Archives and History

ON MAY 15, 1966, a venture called the Alabama Historama officially opened for business alongside the recently established USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The attraction featured a train (pictured below cutting the ribbon on opening day), a mock train station, and a “historama” museum, said to feature a dynamic history of Alabama in four diorama displays. A small sign indicates that this attention-grabbing billboard, which featured the six flags of Mobile, was created by Crawford Advertising Agency, a business operating in Mobile from 1950 to 1970. Unfortunately, the Alabama Historama was a short-lived Causeway attraction; it would shutter its doors within a couple of years.

“[The Alabama Historama is] the only attraction of its kind in the country. The complete history of the State is depicted in diorama displays, among which are Indian massacres, naval engagements, Civil War battles and the world's largest relief map of Alabama.”

– Back side of an Alabama Historama postcard

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