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STOKLEY GARDEN EXPRESS HELPED DECK THE HALLS OF THIS HISTORIC MIDTOWN HOME.
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Sweet Traditions
As a mom to young children, Kathleen Galloway Collins is looking to pass her childhood traditions on to her own family. She’s starting in the kitchen with her favorite: her family’s peppermint layer cake.
text by AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU
We all have our favorite holiday traditions, the ones that make us exclaim, “Now it’s Christmas!” It may be a treasured sweater worn even in the coastal Christmas climate, an annual holiday party attended by family and friends or an ornament hung more for nostalgia’s sake than style. For Kathleen Galloway Collins, it’s the first bite of peppermint layer cake from a recipe her mom has made every December that signals the start of the season. More than that, it brings back childhood memories.
Christmases for Kathleen and her siblings growing up seemed close to idyllic. The Galloways attended Christmas Eve Mass and, on the way to dinner afterward, drove through Oakleigh to see the Christmas lights. “When we got home, we’d rush to change into matching pajamas and crowd onto the couch by the Christmas tree to hear my dad read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’” she says. “Then we’d always take books or toys to bed because we would need entertainment – it was so hard to fall asleep due to the anticipation!” On Christmas morning, the children ran into the living room, with their dad filming the moment, to see what Santa had brought. Every year, Santa left an orange at the bottom of their stockings and their gifts unwrapped, ready for play. “I always thought these two things were normal until I got married and was told otherwise,” she says. Piece of Cake
In the midst of it all, the peppermint layer cake has been a staple. Kathleen’s mom, Lee Ann Galloway, originally found the recipe in an issue of Southern Living and added in a few tweaks to make it her own. “It is the perfect dessert for such a special time of year — beautiful to look at and delicious to eat,” says Kathleen. “It tastes like Christmas.” Mother of 3-year-old Frederick and 9-month-old Thomas, Kathleen is eager for her children to grow up enjoying the same traditions she did as a child, including the festive favorite. She admits that she doesn’t do a lot of cooking or baking during her normal day-to-day. Times spent in the kitchen are usually relegated to special occasions. The peppermint cake is one of those times, and worth the effort. Her mom taught her how to make the traditional recipe.
In addition to a lesson in baking the peppermint layer cake, Lee Ann also passed down helpful tips for hosting the holidays with ease. “My mom hosts our extended family on Christmas Eve,” says Kathleen. “She has always stressed the importance of making as much of the food as possible ahead of time.”
Kathleen now makes a breakfast casserole on Christmas Eve, popping it in the oven the next morning for a no-fuss
Left Frederick Collins sneaks a peek out the front door in hopes of catching a glimpse of Santa. Above Kathleen learns how to bake the peppermint layer cake from her mother, Lee Ann.
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start to the day, maximizing family time and relaxation in the morning. This allows the busy mom a chance to enjoy time around the tree with the rest of the family. “It is such a treat to be able to sip hot coffee on the couch watching the joy of Christmas morning. It may be the only morning of the year that the kids are fully entertained, and I enjoy my entire coffee without reheating it!” she laughs.
Old Traditions and New
In addition to baking the peppermint layer cake, Kathleen and her husband Trey have continued the tradition of reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and placing the orange at the bottom of the stockings. “Trey and I have an orange tree in our front yard, so it’s easy for Santa to grab on his way in,” she says. They have also incorporated traditions from Trey’s side of the family to the delight of their kids. “He has a fabulous collection of nutcrackers that we set out each year all over the house. Our 3-year-old loves them and has adopted quite the bedtime stalling technique of saying goodnight to each nutcracker.”
“As a child,” Kathleen reflects, “my favorite Christmas moment was running into the living room and seeing the toys Santa left after weeks of anticipation. As a mom, it is the exact opposite. Now, I savor sitting on the couch watching the boys run and crawl into the room and seeing the excitement on their faces.” MB
Clockwise from top left Kathleen and Lee Ann decorate the family’s peppermint layer cake. Frederick unpacks the goodies Santa left, including several oranges, a tradition Kathleen continued from her childhood. Trey’s collection of nutcrackers decorates the house each year, much to Frederick’s delight. Kathleen and Thomas spend time together in the kitchen.
LEE ANN’S PEPPERMINT LAYER CAKE
SERVES 10 - 12
PEPPERMINT CHEESECAKE LAYERS 3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened 3 large eggs 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1½ cups sour cream 2 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 2/3 cup crushed hard peppermint candies
SOUR CREAM CAKE LAYERS 3 cups cake flour 1½ teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 3 large eggs
WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FROSTING 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup white chocolate morsels 2 cups whipping cream 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes: Lee Ann decorates her cake with round peppermint candies, white chocolate curls and silver pearl sugar sprinkles. For this issue, MB went over the top and also added candy canes and Christmas ornaments. 1. To prepare the peppermint cheesecake layers, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. 2. Line bottom and sides of two 8-inch round cake pans with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides. Lightly grease foil. 3. Beat cream cheese, sugar and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer, 1-2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. 4. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add flour, sour cream and vanilla and peppermint extracts, beating until blended. Fold in candies. 5. Pour batter into prepared pans. Place cake pans in a large pan; add water to pan to a depth of 1 inch. 6. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Remove from oven wire racks. 7. Cool completely in pans, about an hour. 8. Without removing cheesecakes from pan, cover with foil and freeze 4-6 hours or until frozen solid. 9. Lift frozen cheesecakes from pans using foil sides as handles. Gently remove foil from cheesecakes. Wrap in plastic wrap and return to the freezer until ready to assemble the cake. 10. To prepare sour cream cake layers, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. 11. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 12. In another bowl, add sour cream and vanilla. Blend well with a fork, set aside. 13. In the mixer bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. 14. Add the flour mixture and sour cream mixture. Mix until combined and smooth (do not mix above medium speed or it will over mix). 15. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 16. Let the cakes cool for 5-10 minutes then turn out. Let cakes cool one additional hour before assembling the cake. 17. To prepare the white chocolate mousse frosting, cook sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and often, for 3-4 minutes or until sugar has dissolved. 18. Add morsels and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), whisking occasionally. 19. Beat cream and vanilla at high speed with electric mixer 1-2 minutes or until soft peaks form. Gradually fold white chocolate mixture into whipped cream mixture, folding until mixture reaches a spreading consistency. 20. To assemble the cake, place one cake on a cake stand or plate. Top with one frozen cheesecake layer. Top with a second cake layer and remaining cheesecake layer. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread top and sides of cake with frosting. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish as desired.
WRAP THESE MINI BUNDT CAKES IN CELLOPHANE TIED WITH A BIG RED BOW FOR A FESTIVE TEACHER GIFT.
CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BUNDT CAKES
MAKES 10 MINI BUNDT CAKES
CAKE: 1 box chocolate cake mix (devils food cake or German chocolate cake mixes work well) 3.9-ounce box instant chocolate pudding 1 cup sour cream 4 large eggs 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil) 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 1½ cups mini chocolate chips
FROSTING: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1½ cups powdered sugar 3 candy canes, crushed
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a mini Bundt pan and set aside. 2. Combine all ingredients through peppermint extract in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until well mixed. Fold in chocolate chips. 3. Pour batter into Bundt cake pan so it’s about 3/4 of the way full and bake for 21 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 4. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then invert the pan onto a cooling rack to cool completely. 5. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until creamy. 6. Add in the vanilla and then gradually stir in the powdered sugar. 7. Transfer frosting to a large Ziploc bag, folding down the opening to keep it clean while adding the frosting. Remove the air from the bag and seal. Trim the corner off the plastic bag, making a 1/2” opening, and squeeze bag to pipe frosting onto cake. 8. Sprinkle the top with crushed candy canes and serve.
Cook’s note: You can make the cakes, unfrosted, a day head of serving. Store wrapped in plastic wrap in refrigerator. Remove from fridge and frost before serving.
SMALL TREAT BOXES FROM THE CRAFT STORE ARE PERFECT FOR BOXING UP A FEW PIECES OF FUDGE TO GIVE TO NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS.
PEPPERMINT FUDGE
MAKES 16 PIECES
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1½ cups white chocolate chips 1 14-ounce can sweetened con densed milk, divided 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy (about 5 candy canes) 1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. 2. In a large saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk over medium heat, stirring well until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate fudge into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate to cool. 3. Clean and dry the saucepan, then add the white chocolate chips and remaining 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk over medium heat, stirring well until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Add the peppermint extract and half of the crushed candies to the mixture and stir to combine. 4. Remove the chocolate fudge from the refrigerator and pour the white chocolate peppermint fudge on top and smooth it out. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candies on top. Return to the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours, or until the fudge is set. 5. Use the parchment to help lift the fudge out of the pan. Slice into 16 pieces and serve.
Cook’s note: Run your knife under hot water to help slice smoothly and easily. Fudge may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Leftover fudge may be frozen for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM BARS
SERVES 10
1 package (14 ounces) chocolate wafer cookies, crushed 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 containers (1½ quarts each) peppermint ice cream, slightly softened 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed Hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed Crushed peppermint candy 1. In the bottom of an ungreased 13” x 9” dish, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press to form an even layer. Spread ice cream over the crust and top with whipped topping. Cover and freeze until solid. May be frozen for up to 2 months. 2. Remove from freezer drizzle with hot fudge topping and sprinkle with peppermint candy. Slice into squares and serve immediately.
SURE TO PLEASE KIDS, TEENS AND THE YOUNG AT HEART, THESE ICE CREAM BARS ARE THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY TREAT FOR CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST.
MATTHEW BEES USES A CONTAINER TO ELEVATE THE TREE, MAKING ROOM FOR MORE DECORATIONS TO SWAG FROM THOSE BOTTOM BRANCHES AND LET THE PRESENTS PILE UP!
MERRY AND BRIGHT
DECK THE HALLS AND SWAG THE TREE WITH LOCAL DESIGNER MATTHEW METCALFE-BEES
text by MAGGIE LACEY • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU
THE MERRIEST
Interior designer Matthew Metcalfe-Bees remembers magical Christmases when he was a boy at his grandmother’s home in Crenshaw County. “You didn’t have to do anything, you just showed up and it was all done. It was this unbelievable Herculean display of Christmas cheer. The first time I did it for myself, I was like, ‘how is this possible?’” He concedes that Christmas is not for the faint of heart, and that much work and thought goes into it. “My generation is just starting to get what it takes to do a full holiday themselves.” With a few of his tried-andtrue tips, however, you can add some color, beauty and cheer to your home, as well.
BEES ADORES JIM MARVIN GLASS ORNAMENTS, SAYING THEY REFLECT THE LIGHT BETTER THAN ANY OTHER. “JIM MARVIN IS TO CHRISTMAS WHAT JULIA CHILD IS TO FRENCH COOKING. HE HAS DECORATED THE WHITE HOUSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS A DOZEN TIMES.” HISTORY AND BOLD COLOR
Bees set out to decorate a tree with an old-world feel, taking cues from historic Williamsburg holidays where the focus was on fruit. “Citrus and the holidays go hand in glove,” he explains, “especially here in South. I remember always getting beautiful crates of oranges and satsumas at this time of year.” Ornaments in shades of peach, orange, yellow and red adorn an artificial tree hung with cranberry garland and swags of ribbon. “When I got it all put together I thought, ‘it looks like a roll of Lifesavers!’” “Christmas is a lot about CHILDHOOD, even when you decorate on a formal scale. THERE IS SO MUCH NOSTALGIA BEHIND IT, and that’s got to be the headliner of Christmas.”
BEES SAYS THE SECRET TO THIS ARRANGEMENT IS TO KEEP THINGS IN BUNCHES — FLOWERS HERE, GREENERY THERE. HE LOVES TO INCORPORATE CURLY KALE, RED CAULIFLOWER AND, AS HERE, ARTICHOKES AND APPLES. JUST SKEWER PRODUCE WITH A WOODEN DOWEL AND INSERT INTO OASIS. BRING LAYERS OF BEAUTY TO THE TABLE
Table settings are a place where you can get creative, but if you’re feeling stumped, Bees suggests looking to your surrounding for inspiration. He carried the aubergine in the Colefax and Fowler fabric on his dining chairs to the table through votives, William Yeoward water glasses and ornaments at each place setting tied with silk ribbons. “Purple is a color for Advent and the Christmas season,” he explains. Bees also introduced blue and white with an oversized planter (“Leftovers from my rehearsal dinner!”) and modern chargers designed by Christopher Spitzmiller. The painterly design is a fun juxtaposition to Bees’ tradition Herend dinner plates. And when it comes to table linens, he has a few unwritten rules. “If I’m using a patterned table cloth, I add a solid place mat to define the space. Otherwise, I skip it. But I enjoy big French linen napkins with no monogram, the kind you can actually wash!” He prefers to serve a lap supper at the holidays as well, and says napkins large enough to truly cover your lap are a must!
INVEST FOR FUTURE HOLIDAYS
When faced with the question of whether to keep the mantle decoration minimal or go all out, it isn’t even a question for this overthe-top designer. Bees’ maxed-out mantle was built on a base of artificial garland boosted with layer upon layer of individual floral pics. Gilded magnolia leaves, sparkling berries, twigs and pomegranate — all artificial — create this mantle masterpiece.
“It’s hard for us here on the Gulf Coast to see all the gorgeous live foliage in magazines, because we just can’t do that here. You cut it and it’s dead a week later. It just doesn’t hold up with our humidity and temperature.” He instead suggests investing in good-looking artificial trimmings that can be used year after year, not just in mantles but also wreaths, centerpieces and even on the tree. “Some of the pieces in this garland are 20 years old, maybe older. Some of it, I bought in high school” If you store it well, he says, it will last a lifetime. He suggests buying a little bit at a time every year, and saving it.
BEES SUGGESTS BUYING A LITTLE BIT OF DECOR AT A TIME EVERY YEAR. CHRISTMAS IS ALREADY AN EXPENSIVE HOLIDAY, HE SAYS, SO HIT AFTERCHRISTMAS SALES!
IF YOU STORE YOUR FLORAL PICS WELL, THEY WILL LAST YEAR AFTER YEAR. BEES TAKES HIS GARLAND APART, WRAPS EACH ITEM IN PAPER AND STORES IN PLASTIC BINS, SAYING IT’S A LIFETIME INVESTMENT.
THE ANGEL WAS A GIFT FROM BEES’ GRANDMOTHER, PURCHASED FROM PRIESTERS PECANS. HER FABRIC DRAPING WAS ONCE RED, BUT HE TRANSFORMED IT TO SEAFOAM IRIDESCENT WITH NOTHING MORE THAN A TRIP TO MICHAEL’S AND A COUPLE OF PAINT BRUSHES! OH CHRISTMAS TREE!
Bees’ ideal Christmas trees are purposely imperfect. Tree farms hedge their specimens into perfect conical shapes that Bees says just can’t hold ornaments. It’s just not ideal for decorating, and isn’t that the whole point of the tree? He comes by his preference for natural trees ... well, naturally, tracing it back to holidays spent at his grandparents’ house.
“My grandfather was a coon hunter and, when he was out in the woods, if he came across a cedar sapling he would pull it up, bring it home and plant it in his hay field. Those trees would grow there for years, waiting for the holidays. I loved those trees.” The cedars would be left to mature in the hay field until they reached just the right height for his grandmother’s doubleheight sun porch, and then would be dispatched and decorated. “Cedar branches can’t hold heavy ornaments, so she would decorate them with her collection of lightweight glass ornaments that I have now.”
Bees mostly uses artificial trees these days, but insists they should also be imperfect, with lots of holes to fill with all your ornaments, just like the field-grown kind.
YOU NEED AN EXTRA BUMP OF SPARKLE
For this more traditional tree, Bees used his pink and blue chinoiserie lamps as inspiration. He filled the innermost branches of the tree with colorful glass orbs that complement the lamp, and he then worked his way outward in golds and silvers. “I love glass icicles,” he says. “You can never have too many. They pick up the light and carry it outward. I’ve even hung chandelier crystals from a tree for an extra bit of sparkle.”
This tree features all clear lights to make his collection of vintage ornaments shine. “Clear lights are really beautiful but some people think they’re boring,” he laughs, saying he grew up decorating the tree with big-bulbed tree lights. “My dad would have to unplug the tree because it would get so hot. We didn’t need to turn on the heater with that damn Christmas tree!” Today’s LED versions are great because they don’t get hot. “At my house it can be dealer’s choice on lighting.” MB
BEES USES A PRE-LIT ARTIFICIAL TREE AND THEN ADDS MORE LIGHTS. TAKE OFF THE EXTRA LIGHTS BEFORE PACKING THE TREE BACK UP.
A COLLECTION OF REED & BARTON CROSSES AND GORHAM SNOWFLAKES DECKS THE TREE EACH YEAR.
[MOBILE BAY MAGAZINE PRESENTS]
ABOVE & BEYOND
photos by CHAD RILEY
IN THIS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION, LOCAL BUSINESSES DEMONSTRATE WHY THEY ARE LEADERS IN THEIR FIELDS, WITH SKILLS AND SERVICES THAT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND.
Breanna Kyle rdms, rvt
Imaging Supervisor
Alabama Medical Group, P.C., has provided state-of-the-art health care to patients since 1946 and is the largest independently-owned, multi-specialty physician clinic in Mobile.
What is your mission? My personal mission is to continue to learn and grow. Becoming stagnant is what I want to avoid. I am always excited to learn something new and test my knowledge and skills. Thankfully, working in a multimodality imaging department with many patients a day creates an environment that is never dull and always exciting.
How do your services exceed your patient's expectations? Being an advocate for my patients is part of my daily job, a role that I take to heart. I feel that it is my responsibility to be knowledgeable so that I’m able to answer any questions a patient may have about the test they are undergoing. So often, my patients are anxious about undergoing these types of tests, so it is my number one goal to make each, and every patient feel as comfortable and relaxed as they possibly can while having an exam. I have held a patient’s hands while they were having a procedure, I have been there to help them dress, and been present as a shoulder to lean on as some received devastating news. It has always been important to me that I try my best to give patients the best care I can offer.
Why did you get into this field? Growing up, I knew I wanted to help and make a difference in people’s lives and my field affords me the opportunity to do so every day. The 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 fulfilling job.
Alabama Medical Group (251) 414-5900 101 Memorial Hospital Drive Building 3, Mobile AlabamaMedicalGroup.com “THE RECENT ADDITION OF ADVANCED IMAGING THAT INCLUDES MAMMOGRAPHY, CT AND MRI TO OUR PRACTICE ALLOWS US TO PROVIDE THE BEST CARE TO OUR PATIENTS MORE QUICKLY AND AT A LOWER OUT-OF-POCKET COST
THAN WE PREVIOUSLY COULD.”
— Breanna Kyle
Judy Corbett md, facog
Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics
“BEAUTY IS WITHIN EACH OF US, AND EMFACE CAN RECOGNIZE THE BEAUTY THAT ALREADY EXISTS WITHIN SOMEONE.”
Dr. Judy Corbett of Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics is proud to be the first in the Southeast to offer EMFACE, a revolutionary procedure, that simultaneously reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and lifts the face. The needle-free and noninvasive treatment sessions only take about 20 minutes, and positive results typically show up within 4 weeks.
Dr. Corbett has been practicing for more than 30 years and is constantly looking for the latest technology to improve her work for her patients. That is precisely why she is so excited to provide EMFACE. She truly believes in the product, and all that it can offer for both men and women.
Dr. Corbett says, “Beauty is within each of us, and EMFACE can recognize the beauty that already exists within someone.”
To hear more about EMFACE, or book an appointment, call Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics at (251) 424-1100.
Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics (251) 424-1100 1506 N. McKenzie Street, Suite 104, Foleu BaldwinGYN.com
Photo BaldwinGYN.com
Owners: Stephanie Hale and Preston Childress
Coastal Stone & Cabinetry
Coastal Stone & Cabinetry has served homeowners, builders, and businesses for over 17 years on the Gulf Coast & in the surrounding areas. We provide high quality natural stone, quartz, flooring, cabinetry & tile products!
What sets you apart? We provide major design elements in both new construction and remodels. Customers can select cabinetry, tile, flooring, custom showers and countertops with one visit to our showroom. And between our owners, staff and skilled installers we have the experience to ensure the job is done well and timely.
To what do you attribute your success? Our professional & dedicated staff, of course! From our design consultants, to our fabricators & installers, & those behind the scenes, we wouldn't be where we are today without each and every one of them!
How do you make sure your customers get the best results? Coastal Stone & Cabinetry strives to ensure that every customer has the best possible experience during the entire process - from the initial visit to the final installation.
Our design consultants listen to our customers' goals & preferences, and help develop a design that matches those goals & needs, all while keeping them within budget! Once a design has been created, our team of skilled fabricators & installers bring that vision to life!
Our top priority is for each and every customer that walks through our doors to feel like their project is important, no matter the size! Your project is personal to you, so therefore, it is personal to us!
Coastal Stone & Cabinetry (251) 929-3475 16020 Greeno Rd. S., Fairhope CoastalStone.net
Jared Cochran and Geoffrey Cochran
Cochran Builders, Inc.
“WORKING WITH THE COCHRAN BROTHERS FROM THE START PROVIDED A RELATIONSHIP BUILT ON TRUST AND COMMUNICATION. I KNEW I COULD COUNT ON A PROMPT RETURN CALL OR TEXT, WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT, AS SOMETIMES BIG DECISIONS NEED TO BE MADE ON THE FLY! IT WAS A FUN PROCESS WITH A LOT OF LAUGHS AND NO DRAMA.”
— Julia Sledge
The mission of Cochran Builders, Inc. is and always has been to provide customers with the very best construction process. From design to move-in day, attention to detail is the standard.
The men and women who represent Cochran Builders, Inc. are the very best at their trade in the surrounding area. In order to obtain the best results, Cochran Builders, Inc., only works on a couple projects at a time to enure the jobs are managed properly. This also allows for use of the same craftsmen on all the jobs, which results in delivery of the very best work. If you can dream it, the team of talented craftsmen can build it. Your home is your biggest investment, and when the build or renovation is complete, Geoffrey and Jared Cochran make sure the outcome is more stunning than words can describe.
Cochran Builders, Inc. (251) 423-9686 (Geoffrey) (251) 401-9059 (Jared) CochranBuildersInc.com facebook.com/cochranbuilders instagram.com/cochranbuilders
Photo | Matt Coughlin
Front row (left to right): Tyler Flowers, David Cain, Toby Brown, Billy Bonner, Steve Nicholas. Back row (left to right): Joe Steadman, Lucy Tufts, Robert Mitchell, Jenna Jayjohn, Dave Wirtes, Aaron Maples, Brian Duncan, Skip Finkbohner, Amanda Herren.
Cunningham Bounds Trial Attorneys
Cunningham Bounds (251) 471-6191 (800) 472-6191 PO Box 66705, Mobile CunninghamBounds.com Cunningham Bounds has been representing members of our community for over 60 years. The firm has achieved a national reputation based on its trial expertise and precedent-setting verdicts for its clients both locally and throughout the United States. The firm is known for taking cases to trial that involve catastrophic injury and death caused by work related accidents, defective products, truck and automobile accidents, and medical malpractice, as well as for its national and state class action litigation involving defective products and consumer fraud.
Sudden tragedy can grip a family when they least expect it – a breadwinner is burned in an industrial explosion, an elderly parent is defrauded by an unethical financial services provider, a homemaker is paralyzed due to medical negligence, or a friend is killed in a collision with a commercial truck. With 14 trial attorneys, 3 full-time investigators, and access to the best experts in the fields of engineering, design, trucking safety, fire cause and origin, human factors, biomechanics, economics, medicine, vocational rehabilitation, life-care planning, and more, Cunningham Bounds takes care of your case so that you can take care of your family.
Winning any case is challenging and complicated. Cunningham Bounds has a track record of success in the courtroom which has been key to the firm getting the best possible results for its clients. Cunningham Bounds has obtained over $26.8 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of the people and businesses they represent. There is simply no better metric for going “above and beyond.”
Ship Maitre,
DMD
— Patient Testimonial
Providing dental care for the whole family is the heart and soul of Dr. Robert Blankenship “Ship” Maitre’s mission as a dentist. He focuses on aesthetic, restorative and implant dental procedures, offering highly skilled dentistry and routine Botox injections to patients along the Gulf Coast.
Dr. Ship completed a comprehensive implant residency where he acquired skills to surgically place and restore dental implants from a single tooth to a full arch of teeth. He continues his education through annual conferences and hands-on workshops, learning from some of the brightest minds in dentistry. Combining advanced dentistry, personalized care and the latest technology, Dr. Ship and his staff provide high-quality smiles for every patient.
“There are few things in life as satisfying as giving someone a newfound confidence in having a healthy, bright smile,” said Dr. Ship. “Providing customized services and exceeding my patients' expectations are at the root of my passion for dentistry, and the reason I strive to expand my dental education.”
Maitre and Crabtree Dental Group (251) 344-4571 | ShipTheDentist.com 801 S. University Boulevard, Suite A
Jan Oman, North Baldwin Infirmary Auxiliary President; Glenn Porter, Mobile Infirmary Auxiliary President; Peri Summersell, Thomas Hospital Auxiliary Member
Infirmary Health
Mobile Infirmary (251) 435-2400 5 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Mobile InfirmaryHealth.org
Thomas Hospital (251) 928-2375 750 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope
North Baldwin Infirmary (251) 937-5521 1815 Hand Avenue, Bay Minette Infirmary Health is the largest non-governmental, not-for-profit healthcare system in Alabama. With just over 1.3 million patient visits in the last year, the staff and physicians work tirelessly to care for our communities.
However, at the heart of Infirmary Health hospitals is its Volunteer Services & Auxiliary teams. At Mobile Infirmary, Thomas Hospital and North Baldwin Infirmary, dedicated volunteers offer care and compassion to patients and an invaluable service to the community.
As a volunteer, these individuals selflessly donate their time to provide little extras for patients and visitors during their stay, including giving directions, serving in the gift shops or connecting patients with their families. Additionally, through the support of the auxiliaries, the hospitals are able to purchase needed equipment to serve the community as its FIRST CHOICE in healthcare.
Want to get involved? To volunteer at Infirmary Health, call the hospitals directly or visit infirmaryhealth.org/volunteers:
Mobile Infirmary: (251) 435-2187 Thomas Hospital: (251 ) 279-1686 North Baldwin Infirmary: (251) 580-1740
Jennifer Jenkins, apr
President & Founder JJPR Agency
JJPR is a top-ranked, full-service public relations, marketing and advertising agency focused on building, protecting and elevating brands. Leaders take risks, challenge the status quo and influence others to reach their potential. Long before the entrepreneurship bandwagon, Jennifer Jenkins was leading the way for other women when she made a bold move to leave the big agency world to create a company all her own.
She believes powerful storytelling is what creates and grows brands. In her 25-year career in public relations, Jennifer has been promoting clients from the Gulf Coast to the West Coast in industries from healthcare to manufacturing as well as relentlessly volunteering, mentoring, teaching and serving both her profession and community.
Empowering her team to feel and think like owners, creating measurably successful work, and giving back to their community with time and talent is what makes JJPR stand out.
JJPR Agency (251) 375-1297 jjpragency.com
Left to right: Michael Barnett, Investment Counselor; Bragg Van Antwerp, Managing Director; Alex Arendall, Investment Counselor
Mitchell McLeod Pugh & Williams
Investment Advisor
“IT IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR LONGTERM CLIENTS TO KNOW THAT THE NEXT GENERATION OF MMPW ADVISORS IS ALREADY HERE."
— Bragg Van Antwerp
MMPW is an independent, employeeowned investment advisory firm. As of October 31, their regulatory assets under management were $1.7 billion. MMPW provides investment advice and financial planning for individuals, and they work extensively as a fiduciary investment advisor for 401(k) plans. Their clients also include trusts, estates, non-profits, endowments, foundations, corporations and municipalities.
In addition to the growth of the company’s client base and assets under management, MMPW has grown from within. The firm was founded in 2006. Bragg Van Antwerp joined the firm in 2013 after 13 years on Wall Street. Alex Arendall came on board in 2021 after a long career in banking. More recently, Michael Barnett arrived after more than a decade in financial services.
“It is important for our long-term clients to know that the next generation of MMPW advisors is already here,” said Van Antwerp, “particularly with the number of ‘Baby Boomers’ retiring or on the verge of retirement.” “And as young professionals come to the realization that they need a solid financial plan,” he continued, “they want to work with someone here who genuinely understands their current situation and where they want to be in the future. We feel that we have put MMPW in the perfect position to serve clients of any age and at any stage of life.”
Mitchell McLeod Pugh & Williams (251) 471-2027 2610 Dauphin Street Mobile
mmpw.com
Dr. Kevin Michaels
Mobile County Health O cer, Mobile County Health Department
“I KNEW FOR A VERY LONG TIME THAT THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO DO. I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO RETIRE IN MOBILE, ALABAMA, AND BECOME THE HEALTH OFFICER FOR MOBILE COUNTY. THIS JOB IS A DREAM COME TRUE.”
The Mobile County Health Department’s mission is to promote, improve and protect the overall health of Mobile County.
Mobile County’s Health Officer, Dr. Kevin P. Michaels, has a proven track record of dedicating his life to service. He spent 24 years serving as a public health and occupational medicine physician in the U.S. Army, retiring just five years ago and moving back to Mobile to work as an occupational medicine physician.
Dr. Michaels continues his community service in a new light, focusing on public health and the diverse areas it encompasses. As the area’s lead advocate for health in all policies, Dr. Michaels continues to strive for Mobile County to be a healthier place for all who live, work and play here. Managing the dual roles of public health is not easy, but it’s Dr. Michaels’ mission and priority for the foreseeable future.
Download the My MCHD Health Check app today.
Mobile County Health Department (251) 690-8158 mchd.org
Brad Pitts, m.d.
Pulmonary Associates of Mobile
“PULMONARY ASSOCIATES IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE GREAT PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP & DR. PITTS IS A YOUNG PHYSICIAN WHO IS CONTINUING THE TRADITION.”
— Joseph Zurfluh, CEO
Dr. Pitts is a Mobile native who attended Spring Hill College for his undergrad- uate studies before graduating from The 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 Office 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 staff. 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 Zurfluh, Chief Executive Officer.
Pulmonary Associates of Mobile (251) 633-0573 5955 Airport Blvd, Mobile lungmds.com
— Lonnie A. Burnett, PhD, President, University of Mobile
The University of Mobile
Know and Be Known
With a mission of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” the University of Mobile goes above and the beyond the standard expectations for a college – to provide a quality education that prepares graduates to excel in their fields. The University of Mobile does that – and so much more! Here, “Know and Be Known” describes a unique Christ-centered university where students are known by professors who care about them, pray for them, challenge and prepare them to pursue God’s calling for their lives.
Here are just a few ways students can “Know and Be Known” at the University of Mobile:
• Perform before an audience of thousands at the annual Christmas Spectacular musical extravaganza. • Gain hands-on experience with human cadavers in one of the very few gross anatomy labs in the nation dedicated to undergraduate education.
• Prepare to be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the only Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program in a four-state region.
• Learn in small classes averaging 14 students taught by faculty – not graduate students.
• Experience the #1 Best Small College in Alabama with the #1 Dorms in the state, ranked by Niche.
View a complete list of academic programs at umobile.edu/academics or call (251) 442-2222. Schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit or sign up for a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday.
University of Mobile 5735 College Parkway (251) 442-2222 UMobile.edu
“Our patients do not have to leave our facility to get the medication(s) and support they need. It’s unique that our team is able to communicate so closely with our patients.”
— Brittney Carden, PHARMD, Specialty Pharmacy Manager
LeAnne Bolton, MS, RDN, Oncology Nutrition Coordinator; Brittany Walker, LMSW, Social Worker; Haley Orillion, LMSW, Social Worker; Brittney Carden, PharmD, Specialty Pharmacy Manager
USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute
The USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) provides unmatched specialty services to guide patients through their cancer journey – from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship.
Together under one roof, a specialty pharmacist, registered dietitian and social workers collaborate to offer interdisciplinary care in one integrated plan with the same goal for each patient – to fight cancer smarter.
As the region’s only academic cancer research center, the MCI provides patients options for low-cost medication grants, one-on-one consultations for financial counseling, nutritional therapy services to ensure optimal nutritional support for patients and emotional support groups for patients and family members.
Beyond the physical challenges caused by disease itself, some patients face mental health issues. Some are at nutritional risk. And on top of all that, increasing medical costs can lead to financial hardships. Taking a holistic approach to cancer care, the MCI uses AssistPoint technology beginning immediately after a treatment decision is made to combat financial difficulties by ensuring that every patient is connected with every opportunity for financial assistance. Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but at the MCI, treatment doesn’t have to be.
USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251) 410-1010 usamci.com
Left to right: Michael Whigham, Joe Moore, Mike Whigham
Wigman's Ace Hardware
“HAVING DEPENDABLE PEOPLE WHO ENJOY WHAT THEY DO AND APPRECIATE OUR CUSTOMERS WILL ALWAYS PUT US ABOVE AND BEYOND OUR COMPETITORS.”
— Mike Whigham, owner
Wigman’s Ace Hardware, Wigman’s Vessel Supply & Wigman’s Marine Construction Supplies 251-471-3138 1623 Dauphin Island Parkway wigmanshardware.com W igman’s isn’t just a hardware store — we also specialize in other areas, including marine construction supplies, boat lifts, cargo lifts, piling restoration and vessel supply. But what really sets us apart is our dedication to listening to the needs of our customers. In doing so, we have been able to grow our business to include unique and different specialties.
One person can’t do it all; it takes a village. Or in our case, a great staff. Our employees are another example of what sets us above and beyond our competitors. Each has a wealth of product knowledge, a desire to meet customers’ needs and the willingness to source hard-to-find items. Wigman’s sources as many products as possible locally.
Family owned and operated, Wigman’s Hardware Inc. has been in business for over 60 years. Constantly changing and adapting to fit the needs of our coastal customers has allowed us to stay viable for those six decades, and it is our hope to continue our service for many years to come.
