Social Eastern Shore | February 2023

SOCIAL

FROM THE EDITOR

The dynamic duos and power couples in this issue have stolen our hearts. We are certain you will enjoy reading about how they have succeeded as a team while supporting our local economy and charities in our community.

The 2022 holiday season was full of festive events. Bayside Academy’s Ladies Luncheon and Chocolate Affair presented by Family Promise of Baldwin County are a couple of those that we are excited to feature in this issue.

Included in our editorial features this month, we share with you how Bounds Family YMCA supports the mind, body, and spirit of our community. We also introduce you to a husband-and-wife teaching duo making a change in the lives of students at Fairhope High School.

2023 is in full swing, and we hope you are as ready as we are to let the good times roll! We look forward to bringing you coverage of Mardi Gras 2023 in our March issue along with other great events, organizations, and people.

FLIP. CLICK. TAP.

THE BEST OF THE EASTERN SHORE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PUBLISHER

David Renfro

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Melinda McGhee

COPY EDITOR

Lana Cagle

SALES

David Renfro | 731.499.1414

Melinda McGhee | 251.767.9429

Jessica James | 205.789.3502

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ruili Cai

Andrew Crumpton

Emily McHaney

Stephen Savage

Wedding by Rae Leytham Photography

Home by Summer Davis Photography

STAFF WRITER

Liesel Schmidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kayla Bertucci

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kim Mesman & Chris Shenk

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB DESIGN

Jen Meadows

SOCIAL EASTERN SHORE MAGAZINE

www.socialeasternshore.com

Stay Connected: @SocialEasternShoreMagazine

SHOW US YOUR SELFIES WITH SOCIAL AND ENTER TO WIN!

and the World Smiles Back

A dazzling, healthy smile has many benefits; it instills confidence, allows you to enjoy the food and drinks you love and enhances your appearance.

Nobody understands this better than Doctor Sweeney, Doctor McEvoy, and Doctor Bailey – We are more than your neighborhood dentist – we’re friends, parents, neighbors and active members of our community, just like you!

We are a full-service family dentistry practice. We offer the latest cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance your smile. For the children and elderly adults in your family, we offer pediatric and geriatric dental care. All of your needs can be met at our office, including:

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Your Eastern Shore Dentists Delivering Exceptional Dental Care

We welcome the opportunity to make the Eastern Shore a better place by instilling confidence, pride and excellent oral hygiene habits in patients like you. Schedule an appointment now to discover the what makes us different.

“Matt was the most attentive realtor we have ever worked with! From the moment we reached out to begin our search he never ceased to support us. He was there each step of the way but in a calm and easy-going manner that we just loved. We can’t say enough great things about this home purchase and would recommend Matt whole heartily!”

Let’s Get Real

Born

SOCIAL COMING2023

COASTAL

SOCIALIZING THROUGHOUT COASTAL ALABAMA

AT THE OF THE MATTER Heart

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

In the 17 years that Dr. Christopher Malozzi has been practicing medicine, his career has followed a trajectory that he might never have imagined when he graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006. Three years of Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at the University of South Alabama led to Malozzi’s selection to Chief Resident in Internal Medicine for an additional year before he entered the USA Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship. He completed the three-year Cardiology fellowship in 2013 and has since been a practicing cardiologist. He first spent two years in a private practice group along the Mississippi Gulf Coast before returning to an academic faculty position at USA in the Division of Cardiology in 2015 and is currently an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiology and the Associate Program Director of the USA Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship.

“I chose Cardiology because it is a field that is challenging and interesting,” Malozzi explains of what made him focus his specialty on this particular field. “Cardiology provides the opportunity to take care of patients, significantly impact their lives, and build long term relationships with them. It also provides a great mix of hands-on procedures and imaging tests that allows for variety in the day-to-day care of patients. Cardiology is also a field of innovation. There is constant research aiming to provide the best, state-of-the-art care for our patients. Something new is always on the horizon, so work can never get stagnant.”

Being in academic medicine as he is, Malozzi’s work is a combination of clinical patient care and education. “I see patients in the clinic and at the hospital,” he says. “I work with fellows, residents, interns, students and other learners to teach them about cardiovascular care of their patients. I participate in research, as well.”

COMMUNITY leader

With so much demanding of his time, balance is a constant challenge. “Academic medicine can be just as busy as private practice medicine, and the balance of clinical work and academic work can be difficult,” Malozzi says. “Sometimes it’s hard to complete all the clinical work needed to provide great patient care and leave enough time to conduct a teaching session, prepare an educational lecture or work on a research project. Still, I really enjoy the time I get to spend with my patients, getting to know them and their families, helping them understand their cardiac conditions, and engaging them in the management of their cardiovascular health. However, the most rewarding thing about my job is the fellowship training. I am able to work with cardiology fellows over the course of their three years of training, and it’s very rewarding to watch a fellow grow over those three years and have them take your teachings and experiences into their future careers.”

"My son’s diagnosis in 2015 was one of the reasons I returned home to USA.”

The future is something that Malozzi considers a great deal, being a physician with his eye on the upcoming technologies and treatments, as well as a teacher of up-and-coming practitioners. But as a father, he considers it even more—especially having gone through his son’s treatment for Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer in the bones and bone tissue. Now, he serves as Director of Cardio-Oncology Services at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. “My son’s diagnosis in 2015 was one of the reasons I returned home to USA,” he says. “My son received his cancer treatment with the Pediatric Oncology team at USA Children's and Women's Hospital. As I studied the potential effects of his treatment, I realized that the chemotherapy and radiation he was receiving could negatively affect the heart either during treatment or long after. As I investigated further, I stumbled on the relatively new field of Cardio-Oncology. Cardio-Oncology is a team approach to cancer care to reduce the potential cardiac risks of cancer treatment. Some chemotherapeutic medications and radiation treatment can lead to heart failure, arterial blockages and valve disease among other cardiac issues. I work closely alongside the Oncologists at MCI to help navigate cancer treatment with patients who are at risk of developing heart issues because of the treatment they are receiving or to mitigate cardiac issues in patients who already have risk factors for heart disease or cardiac conditions at the time of their cancer diagnosis. I see patients prior to starting cancer treatment and during their journey. I can also follow up with them after they complete treatment to monitor them and reduce future cardiac risk. More importantly, I am readily available to see patients who develop potential cardiac problems during treatment so that these issues can be handled quickly in an effort to avoid delays in cancer treatment which will hopefully improve their outcome to cancer treatment.

“Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with the fantastic team of Oncologists at MCI who are very supportive of the concept of Cardio-Oncology,” he continues. “I have also met some wonderful patients with whom I have shared stories and experiences of my family's journey. There is a special bond formed amongst those who have dealt with cancer personally or in a family member. I have lost count the number of times my Cardio-Oncology patients either started or ended a clinic visit asking how my son was doing. I am pleased to tell them that he remains cancer-free now almost eight years after he finished his treatment. The development of a Cardio-Oncology Clinic, the only one of its kind regionally, is another example of the benefits our patients receive from an academic medical center.”

"I work closely alongside the Oncologists at MCI to help navigate cancer treatment with patients who are at risk of developing heart issues because of the treatment they are receiving."

Photos by Ruili Cai

Bayside Academy kicked off the holiday season at The Hope Farm with the second annual Ladies Luncheon. This event is an open luncheon for moms and grandmothers in the Bayside community.

Alice Cutright, Jessica Cutright, and Christine Wilson Rebecca Roberts, Leighton Mosteller, and Taylor Houser

Teresa Sellers and Natalie Smith

Brooks Chew and Nikki Rider

Krissy Shamburger and Gini Napper

Jamie Wright, Whitney Mason, Stefanie Wright, and Lauren Babcock

Laura McDaniel and Jenny Ross

Regan Fargason and Melanie Campbell

Kristen Grider, Mosie Watts, and Christina Tunstall

Kelli Mayer and Aeana Carpenter

Courtney Miller, Abby Richardson, and Lacey Cordova

Britten Britt, Elizabeth Moore, and Misty Blair

Norma Powell, Leslie-Ann Snead, and Mary McDonald

Taylor Houser, Brittanie Koenemann, and Ashley Lieb

Pamela Leggett and Amanda Roberson

Mary Lafitte Buster, Leighton Mosteller, and Ashley Lieb

Ali LeBlanc and Taylor Houser

Meryl Hyderally and Christy Rowland

Kristan Knight, Jenna Rachal, and Alex Watkins

Misty Blair, Leah McTaggart, Britten Britt, and Meg Powelson

& COLLIN KAYLA

STORY BY MELINDA MCGHEE// PHOTO BY EMILY MCHANEY

Collin's meticulous attention to detail, honed by his background in engineering and overseeing ship acquisition contracts for the Navy, has resulted in multiple operational excellence awards. Kayla's passion for marketing and management enhances the customer and crew experience. Due to Collin and Kayla's combined strengths, their store has risen to the top 5% of over 600 stores company wide.

Great pride is taken in serving FAST, FRESH & WARM gourmet cookies at Crumbl, the nation’s fastest-growing cookie company. The ability to spark joy in someone’s day is what the couple loves the most. Cookies bring people together, and Collin and Kayla feel so honored to be a part of their customers' lives.

The couple is proud to be opening three more stores this year that will create 60 jobs each for the Alabama Gulf Coast, two in Mobile and one in Gulf Shores. They feel very honored to create these jobs while bringing the world’s best cookies to these

cities. Kayla shares, “Our people are our greatest asset, and we’re so honored to have such incredible employees that greet every customer with a big ‘WELCOME TO CRUMBL!’”

After moving to the Eastern Shore, they knew they had found their forever home. Collin and Kayla appreciate that it is a gorgeous place to live with incredible sunsets, but it’s the people they love the most. The Roofs are passionate about giving back to our local community. They have donated over 5,000 cookies to our teachers and schools in Baldwin County. They also donate weekly to our local police officers and firefighters.

Jo and Dom

Collin and Kayla give the advice that “you should be open to every new opportunity that may come your way. You never know where the journey is going to lead.” They never thought they would be baking cookies but here they are, and it’s SO SWEET!

“Our people are our greatest asset, and we’re so honored to have such incredible employees that greet every customer with a big ‘WELCOME TO CRUMBL!’”

MICHELLE BRAD

STORY BY MELINDA MCGHEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUILI CAI

Brad and Michelle Murrill have combined varied strengths to create successful businesses and develop a dynamic team. Brad is the one who can learn and figure out any technology, a key skill in an industry in which trends change almost daily. Michelle has the ability to ensure a business owner's message is heard and presented to the community in the way they want by matching digital marketing tactics with their goals.

Owners of several businesses, digital marketing is Brad and Michelle's primary industry. They work with business owners to craft a strategy to make sure their business is found online, prove their credibility, grow an audience, generate leads and build relationships with potential customers using the wide range of digital tools available to them. Each business is unique, and they work to set up the right strategy based on that business's goals and current needs.

For Brad and Michelle, the main goal has always been to help the community and the businesses within it. They know small businesses is the heartbeat of the community, and by helping small businesses grow, the entire community will benefit. Their company, Southern View Media, offers free training every quarter and sponsors several non-profits, allowing employees to have a say in where sponsorship money is spent. Everything they do is geared around making, starting, owning, running and growing a business easier for those in our community.

The Murrills live each day by the motto that "good isn't good enough." It is important to Michelle to be top notch, and if it is just good enough, she knows her team has what it takes to do better. Brad believes the devil is in the details. He always finds the one line of code of the one small conversion that can make a big difference. Together, along with a carefully cultivated team, they are working to help the economy of the Eastern Shore area thrive by supporting local businesses.

POWER Couple

We live each day by the motto that good isn't good enough.

ELECTED OFFICIALS Luncheon

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Elected Officials Luncheon at the James P. Nix Center in Fairhope. This event gives members of the ESCOC an opportunity to connect with elected officials representing the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County. The goal is to build relationships and establish a continuous discussion regarding issues that impact the business community.

Photos by Ruili Cai

State Representative Alan Baker and Wiley Blankenship

Karen Moore and Casey Williams

Denise Seale and Bo Blackwell

Judge Bill Scully and Judge Joe Norton

Molly Tillman and Catherine Reaves

Jim Solomon, Gregg Wood, Amanda Gray, and Greg Strachan

Kevin Hellmich and Scott A. Tripoli

Cathy and Mike Saucier

Will Menas and Cam Jackson

Wesley Carpenter and State Representative Matt Simpson

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CPWA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute®. For more information about the Institute and the CPWA certification, please visit investmentsandwealth.org. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. The ChFC® is the property of The American College of Financial Services, which reserves sole rights to its use, and is used by permission.

A Portfolio Manager can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own Personalized or Defined Strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. ©2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Kat Gray, Samantha Coppels, and Joanna Almond

Amy Groves, Mia Burmeister-Laws, and Pam Hunter

Jodi Keating, Michael Daniell, and Joey Butler

State Representative Donna Givens, Marina Simpson, and Arcelia Miller

A Place to BELONG

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Since it was created in 1844 in London, England, the YMCA has been an organization offering a healthy, safe haven from unhealthy social conditions and later providing support in the areas of spiritual, mental, social and physical improvement. As the organization grew and evolved, the “young men” served by YMCAs around the world changed to include women and children, as well, and pools, gyms, and auditoriums were incorporated into the buildings along with dormitory spaces. In essence, YMCAs became a place to stay as well as a place to address the needs of the mind, body, and spirit.

As the 1900s dawned, the next century brought more changes—but still the Y’s focus on creating a safe space has never wavered. As one of those safe spaces since it was established in 1999, the Bounds Family YMCA’s three main areas of focus have been youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. “Our mission has always been and continues to be to provide the life-saving skill of swimming lessons as well as a safe place to go after school and during the summer, a place to learn the fundamentals of sports, grow in healthy living and so much more,” says Member Services Director Mariann Leach. “Together, we are becoming a better us! Communities with a YMCA are stronger because they always have the support from the YMCA, and we try to meet many community needs.”

The Bounds Family YMCA offers a wide variety of workout equipment in their gym as well as swimming pools, basketball courts, racquetball, and various group exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates, cardio training, and water aerobics in addition to childcare.

“When you join the Y, you become a part of something that is much more than a gym,” says Leach. “You will always be greeted with a smiling face and a well-wishing on your way out. The health benefits of the Y are just a small portion of what we provide. You will also have full access to our facility as well as our two other locations comprising YMCA of South Alabama and nationwide YMCA privileges across the US.”

Named for the Bounds family whose donations, joined by the generosity of others, made the Daphne-based YMCA possible, the Bounds Family YMCA is a nonprofit whose funding is raised through membership as well as their Annual Campaign for Youth, Seniors and Families—an initiative that enables the organization to fulfill their mission of helping those in the surrounding community. “Through business partners, trusts, foundations, individual donors, and so many more, we are able to give back,” says Leach.

Being the nonprofit that they are, the Bounds Family YMCA faces the same challenge that many nonprofits do: reaching new donors. “We do not turn anyone away due to their inability to pay, so we strive to collect as much as we can through donors and special events so that everyone who applies for our Financial Assistance program can comfortably pay,” says Leach. “We pride ourselves on the fact that everyone is welcome through our doors. We are always wanting people and families to join our ‘Y Family.’ Swim lessons and water safety classes are also something we are very proud to provide, as they make the members of our

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open late to join in the excitement.

Lynn Brayer, Craig Brayer, Tater and Peunia

Veronica Predmore and Kelley Lyons

Clark Underbakke and Tamatha McElmurry

Meghan Dunkin, Taco and Audrey Kutrzal

D’ Juana Moreno, Emalee Johnson, Bryant Whelan, and Mari Tanakaura

Lauren and Tyler Butts

Daniel and Brittney Calametti

Alison, Emma, and Alec Peek

Monica and Steve Mesarick

STORY BY MELINDA MCGHEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUILI CAI

Thomas and Amanda consider themselves highly competitive people that work hard for their clients. They share, "We work as a team, bouncing ideas off one another, while bringing our own unique perspective to the table."

THOMAS AMANDA POWER Couple

The couple describes themselves as being in the business of helping generations achieve their financial goals and dreams through the use of investment and insurance strategies. They strive to stand out as a differentiator in their industry by leading with planning and creating tailor-made solutions for each family that entrusts them with its finances. Thomas and Amanda have over 55 years of combined experience, and they feel so fortunate to work with a team that offers expert solutions in every area of the financial industry.

The Montzs are honored to get a front row seat to watch multiple generations achieve things such as retiring with peace of mind and passing assets to children and grandchildren to pursue their educational and financial goals due to proper financial planning.

A quote the pair lives by is, “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend”. – Theophrastus

Thomas and Amanda make it a priority to balance their time spent between work and their family life, making the most of every moment.

Thomas and Amanda love the Eastern Shore because it is a great place to raise a family. Whether you love the outdoors, history, art, food, and many other things; there is something here for everyone. They love to travel but feel fortunate to live in a place that is their own slice of paradise.

The advice they would give to a younger version of themselves just starting out in their industry is that nothing will be given to you. In their words, "If you are willing to work hard, learn from mentors, and gain insight from experience, you will reach your goals. This industry and market are ever-changing, and this career will require continuous learning."

LESLEY JENA

STORY BY MELINDA MCGHEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUILI CAI

Jena Yaeger and Lesley Hendon know the secret that every great business owner comes to appreciate early on...learn from those who share your passion. After Jena and Lesley met at events for which they were both providing services, they began sharing ideas. Jena, founder of FairPOPPers, was taking the art of balloons to a new level, finding joy in helping every client no matter if the need was a few balloons for a birthday lunch or a large corporate event. Lesley searched the globe until she found a Piaggio mini truck that she crafted into the coolest custom mobile bar one could imagine for her company, Tap and Pour. When the perfect space in Olde Towne Daphne became available, they agreed they should partner to make every event they touched a tour de force.

The ladies share that, while they are very similar, they differ in the scope of their shared visions. Lesley is big picture and Jena is detail-oriented. They are proud to be

fearless, and they live to celebrate every day. Thriving in the colorful and bright, their goal is to make everyone that enters the doors of Pop & Pour Party Co. feel that vibrancy. "It allows us to tap into our creative side - there are literally endless opportunities to celebrate any and all occasions." Jena and Lesley feel privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of their customer's happiest moments. They have the most fun industry possible and embrace that it's ever changing and incredibly dynamic. They also look forward to the incredible amount of growth and potential they foresee.

Everyone has a birthday, and everybody has a reason to celebrate. These talented ladies have given The Eastern Shore another reason to celebrate by opening their doors and sharing with all that enter the beautiful spirits they possess.

Thriving in the colorful and bright, our goal is to make everyone that enters the door of Pop & Pour Party Co. feel that vibrancy.

DYNAMIC Duo

River Bank & Trust kicked off the holiday season with their “Jingle & Mingle” customer appreciation event at The Balcony, which featured unique and popular area vendors, a ladies fashion show and door prizes from local merchants. Guests also enjoyed a demonstration of how to make some great holiday cocktails that will make their parties shine this season.

Rachel Reeves, Cindy Zebryk, and Georgia Sumlin

Sherry Griggers, Joy Nash, and Tara Hickey

Sandra Warble and Sherry Coker

Allison Horner, Darlene Twilley, and Tricia Graham

Rachel Sawyer and Erin Moody

Doug Thomas and Tara Hickey

Carolyn Byrne and Bobbi Sue Thomas

Kelly Welfel and Donna Jackson

Jessica James, Laura Burks, and Rachel Wachter

Lexie Turner and Bryan Edgerly

Photos by Ruili Cai

Jessica James, Julie Jenkins, Rebecca Byrne, and Leigha Bolton

Jessica Watkins and Stephanie Casto

Karen Morris, Amy Coleman, Kenzie Endres, and Sandra Warble Stephanie Sandefur and Katherine N. Robison

Mayor Sherry Sullivan and Darlene Twilley

TEACHER FEATURE

Mrs. Gabby Gilson Mr. MATTHEW Gilson &

Health Teacher Head Girls Basketball Coach Assistant Girls Soccer Coach

FAIRHOPE HIGH SCHOOL

Who, specifically, in your life influenced your decision to become a teacher?

Gabby: My dad was the biggest influence in my life to become a teacher. Growing up, when I wasn’t at school, I was always with my dad in his classroom or at his practices. I was able to watch him interact with his students and players and learn from an early age the impact a teacher and coach can have.

Matt: My wrestling coach and my wife were big influences in my decision to become a teacher. From 2007-2012 my coach would constantly strive to make a change in everyone’s life whether it be helping motivate them for their next game or match, or being someone that we could talk to in times of need. My wife, always drawn to teaching, urged and motivated me to consider teaching while also coaching wrestling.

What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?

Gabby: I think the biggest challenge is keeping kids motivated all year. Teaching high school students, it can be hard keeping them engaged and focused all year. Typically, in the spring when summer break and graduation are knocking on the door.

Matt: I agree with Gabby that the biggest challenge is motivation. Some students will start off the year great, but as winter break slowly approaches, their attention begins to diminish.

10th Grade Physical Science Teacher Assistant Wrestling Coach

FAIRHOPE HIGH SCHOOL

What do you feel is the biggest reward?

Gabby: By far the biggest reward is watching kids master a new skill. To see them learn something new is exciting but to continue to watch them work to understand and grasp the concept is rewarding.

Matt: My biggest reward is seeing students start to grasp the concepts that we are covering in each unit. You are able to watch as students who initially struggled with the concept slowly start to grasp the idea until they have completely mastered it.

How do you make learning fun for your students?

Gabby: Teaching Health, we can do a lot of hands-on projects to make learning fun. One example, students can become CPR certified during the semester and can practice their CPR skills on mannequins.

Matt: Labs, breakout rooms, and projects. We use labs heavily when we are in the chemistry portion of my classes while projects are used more during the physics portion of my classes. Finally, the breakout rooms are card games in which groups of students are racing against the clock and each other to crack a scientific code that changes with each different unit.

STORY BY MELINDA MCGHEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN SAVAGE

Geoffrey describes himself as a people person and his brother, Jared, as an excellent businessman. "What makes it work is that neither of us step into the other one's sandbox. I trust him to do the right thing for our business and he trusts me to do the same."

The brothers are custom builders with an emphasis on architectural homes and renovations. Working with the best craftsman and tradesman in the area gives them the ability to build some truly magnificent homes.

The thing Geoffrey and Jared love most is watching something that people have spent many years working for come to life. "Seeing that beautiful design come to life and watching many talented hands put it together is one of the most rewarding things to be part of." It was a natural fit for these brothers to become partners in business…they have just always been a team. Good or bad, no matter how difficult the situation, they always have each other to lean on.

The secret to success for the Cochrans is perseverance. They share that there have been plenty of failures and many days giving up would have been easy. "In the end, our mindset is to get up and just keep punching!" Their greatest accomplishment is their repeat customers. For Geoffrey and Jared, there is no higher compliment than to have a customer hire them to do a second and sometimes a third project.

If he had the opportunity to go back and give a younger version of himself some advice about this business, Geoffrey would tell him to be patient…."The race is long and there are going to be many obstacles. A bad reputation rides a thoroughbred, and a good one rides a donkey. Don’t skip steps and do it the right way….Your time will come."

Seeing that beautiful design come to life and watching many talented hands put it together is one of the most rewarding things to be a part of.

DYNAMIC Duo GEOFFREY JARED

total sales

The WHITE WHITE

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUMMER DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s not quite one defined style for the white brick house in Fairhope where Michele and Michael Strength live. Instead, it’s a fusion of Dutch Cape, modern, and Spanish revival, all somehow married together in a way that makes sense rather than fighting against one another, creating a home that is uniquely beautiful and incredibly distinctive. The front elevation is clean and simple, with a circular window over a covered arched entryway as its most prominent features. Along the back, French doors open to the courtyard off the first-floor master and to balconies above.

“I’d define it as having a coastal European vibe with mostly white painted brick or stucco, parapet walls and untreated Cyprus wood that has been allowed to weather,” says Michele, who studied as an interior designer at New York School Of Interior Design and operates her own business, Inhabit, from a home office.

Boasting 4300 square feet, the two-story home comprises an open plan living/dining area, kitchen, mudroom, keeping nook and master bedroom downstairs as well as a family room, small office, and three bedrooms upstairs, plus a detached carriage house with Michele’s office for Inhabit downstairs and her husband’s home office for his remodeling and contracting business upstairs.

“The interior keeps a very similar feeling to the exterior with its white walls, painted wood ceiling details, bleached white oak cabinetry, and rice white peacock pavers throughout the first floor,” says Michele, whose eye and design sensibility guided every aspect of the home’s aesthetics. “We went with a simple white stucco fireplace, and the clean lines and white walls make a wonderful backdrop for the many antiques I have collected over the years. It helps make them seem more relevant and fresher, instead of stuffy and out of place. In the living room, the full wall of bookshelves is a space that I love to arrange and rearrange with family photos, books and travel memorabilia—one of which is a cherished old 10-foot monastery table I purchased from an antique dealer in Germany. I just love the patina, and even though it’s quite substantial, it has a very minimal quality. I was also mindful of visuals with the television, so I hung a Samsung frame TV in the center of the bookcase, which feels like a picture rather than a blank television when we aren’t watching it.”

The kitchen is Michele’s favorite area of the home, and she spent a great deal of time working on the layout and elevations of the space. “I wanted to make sure what I envisioned in my head was going to not only be that in reality but function as a working kitchen,” she says. “I opted not to have upper cabinets and keep the cabinets inset and just highlight the natural quality of the bleached oak.” The unlacquered brass sink taps were sourced from Perrin and Rowe, adding texture and a warm patina to the many shades of white throughout the kitchen. The countertops and backsplash are Alabama white, and the white stucco hood mimics the fireplace. “I choose an AGA range and Subzero refrigerator, and above the fridge are old terra-cotta chimney flues that I white-washed and hoped to use for wine storage—but I can never keep a bottle for very long,” Michele laughs. “I wanted a large island in the center of kitchen for hanging out and painted it white to contrast with the oak. At the end of island is an old, distressed farm table on casters that I didn’t originally plan on incorporating into the kitchen, but it seems to work. A wet bar is situated across from that with open shelving to display barware and dishes.”

Michele’s touch can be seen in the master bedroom and bath, as well, kept minimal in things like the slimline but interesting trim and juxtaposed with wide crown molding that runs around the perimeter of both spaces. Bleached oak cabinets and Alabama white countertops echo the finishes used in the kitchen, with polished nickel fixtures and faucets. A matte finish free-standing tub and wall-mounted faucet add more dimension and texture to the room, as well as a spa-like feel.

As predominantly white as the whole home is, there are some bits of color peeking out every once in a while. “I like color and enjoy working with color; but for myself, I tend to stay pretty neutral,” Michele notes. “The theme of the house is white, white, and more white—with the exception of the very whimsical feminine peony wallpaper I chose for the ceiling of my closet. I think that’s why my husband insisted on doing the opposite in his office. Surprisingly, I think it might actually be another favorite place in the house for me. The walls and ceiling are all juniper wood, and its smells heavenly. With the old beams and the circular window at the top, it also feels very spiritual.”

Outside, the Strengths have what Michele calls a “mini farm”. “You can see the lovely glow of the sunset from the balconies and the pen where we keep our two goats, Juan and Pablo,” she says. “I tried to cascade Peggy Martin roses off the fence, but apparently, Juan and Pablo thought the roses were delicious. We recently added chickens and a chicken coop, and I insisted Michael do the coop roof in cedar shakes.”

HOLIDAY PARTY

Photos by Ruili Cai

Members of Eastern Shore Art Center gathered for a holiday party full of cheer. The party featured live music, festive refreshments, door prizes, and a photo booth.

Ryan and Carson Baker

Sonya Van Cleave and Katie Duncan

Emily and Doug Revere

Cheyenne and Keuler Gates

Samantha and Jen Herrmann

Betty Bowdoin, Savan Wilson, and Margie Gewirtz

Evan and Marcie Stanley

Names

Bryant Whelan and Paul Canale

Brittney and Daniel Calametti

Sandra Bostrom, Fred Bostrom, and Janie Stone

Amie Wright and Laura Montgomery

Angie Holmes, Lynda Crum, and Leslie Anne Tarabella

Sharon Dearing and Judy Oxford

Tarrel James and Kay Cunningham

New Year’s Eve Bash New Year’s Eve Bash

Mobile Baykeeper welcomed guests to celebrate 25 years while ringing in the new year. Bay Bash brought together Mobile Baykeeper’s biggest supporters and advocates in one room for a night of festivities. Taking place at The Battle House in downtown Mobile, guests enjoyed private, balcony views of the New Year’s Eve festivities happening in the street below. The event featured a reception style meal as well as a signature open bar.

Donna and Al Marron

Lauren and William Strickland

Madelyn St. John and Linda St. John

Bryan and Michelle Redetzke

Jordan Parent and Davina Morgan Kelley and Hunter Cutrell

Cecelia, George, Heather, and George Talbot

Photos by Ruili Cai

Lyndsey Dixon, Will Dixon, Ryan Swindall, and Christy Swindall

Boris Kresevljak, Madison Welch, Alex Bertolini, Colby Sims, and Wesley Wyatt

Sheldon Snyderman, Kevin Chen, Taylor Best, Xavier DuPriest, and Joseph Bishop

Cece Pless, Mary Elizabeth Chambliss, Rachel Lichenstein, and Julia Murray

Alexander and Andrea Turner-Long

Denny and Debbie Dufour Todd and Sandra Wamble

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MCHANEY

s two people who ran in the same professional circles for decades, Mike and Cathy Saucier knew of each other for years before they ever really met. After multiple occasions of crossing paths, the two began dating long distance, became best friends, and later married in October 2021 at their home in Covington.

Now working together at Gulf States Real Estate, the Sauciers have proven the power of teamwork. “Coming together later in life, we are fortunate to both have had many life experiences and successes,”says Cathy. “When you think of a dynamic couple, what might come to mind are the many professional achievements that they have had, but more important than that, I believe our many life passions and incredible friendships are what really define us as a couple and give us true joy in life. And while Mike and I are both in the real estate space, our expertise is in different segments of that industry. My professional career has evolved over time from owning a commercial real estate brokerage and property

management company to now investing and redeveloping mostly commercial properties. Mike’s development career of envisioning and creating new projects spans decades, and it is so exciting to see his visions take shape!”

Adds Mike, “I would say we are both determined individuals that ascribe to excellence in our work and satisfaction for our clients, while still having fun and enjoying our many common hobbies. We’re generally very social people, which one must be to successfully sell yourself and your product. Our industry is ever-changing and sensitive to many factors—some controllable but most not. Like interest rates. But it is highly rewarding to be the catalyst of Ground Breaking and Grand Opening ceremonies, while we Turn ideas into Reality”

CATHY &MIKE

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUILI CAI

Looking good and feeling good…two things that go together like peanut butter and jelly. As do best friends Audra Maxwell and Kay Warren. As the owner of Fireflies Salon, Audra is in tune with styles and trends, while Kayotic Fitness owner, Kay, is all about getting fit to feel your best.

Having met each other through mutual friends, the two women found complimentary things in one another that gave them a great deal in common—and a great connection that forged a deep, ride-or-die kind of friendship. “We’re both driven, we both love a challenge, we share the passion of helping people become better versions of themselves…and we’re fun!” says Audra.

Kay adds, “In both of our industries, we can be a positive influence and a part of enriching people’s lives. We’re also both very hands-on and genuinely care for the people who put their trust in us.”

What both Audra and Kay love most about their respective work comes down to one simple word: impact. “We have the unique opportunity to have a positive impact in our community and help people reach their full potential,” says Audra.

Working with people at her gym, Kay believes strongly in the power of “good ole hard work,” she says. “What doesn’t challenge you doesn’t change you. What I love so much about owning Kayotic Fitness is knowing I’m helping people be strong physically as well as mentally, which helps them in so many ways, even outside of the gym.”

For Audra, the greatest point of pride is the business she’s built and the team she’s created there. “I’m proud of having a safe, encouraging, stable environment for them to also be the best version of themselves.”

We have the unique opportunity to have a positive impact in our community and help people reach their full potential.

DYNAMIC Duo AUDRA &KAY

KatelanneTony &

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAHY BY RAE LEYTHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

After meeting as kids at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in 2008, Katelanne Whitehead and Tony Fadalla stayed in each other’s lives—even if merely in the peripheral sense. The two dated briefly before Katelanne went off to college in 2013 and then exchanged birthday and Christmas texts for the next six years. Tony smiles when he shares that he would get one extra text every two years when Katelanne always reminded him to “Go Vote”.

Fate intervened in 2020 when they literally bumped into one another at Pirate’s Cove. Even after so many years, their chemistry was still undeniably there—and so they began dating once again. Just over a year into dating, Tony knew that the time had come to pop the question. “Tony and I closed on our first home on December 4th, 2021,” says Katelanne. “He had plans to propose right after the closing, but unfortunately the ring was not ready. Instead of celebrating our new home, he convinced me that we both needed

Tony

to go back to work. I immediately started freaking out, thinking he was planning to break up with me because I had convinced him to move into town, which is something he said he would never do. I thought the new house had ruined everything." Katelanne was unaware of Tony's plans to propose, and his angst over several scheduled delivery dates that came and went with no ring. "But what was really happening was that, after Tony realized the ring was not ready, my amazing mother-in-law put pressure on the jeweler. Because of that, Tony was able to pick up the ring after he got off of work. He then called me on his way home from work and rattled off three things he did not like about the house and suggested that I meet him at the house so he could show me. I thought I was going to throw up the entire drive over. I just knew I was about to be single. But I was so wrong! I walked in the front door of our new home, and Tony was on one knee.”

Only five months later, on May 28, 2022, Katelanne walked down the aisle to meet Tony on the alter at the very place they had met 14 years before, St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Katelanne shares that her dream wedding day was one full of joy and celebration. "I was literally surrounded by all of my very favorite people our entire wedding weekend." Katelanne's mother, grandmothers, and bridal party surrounded her with love as they all readied themselves for the joining of Tony and Katelanne as husband and wife. Her boss, a mentor for many years, Mayor Sandy Stimpson and his wife graciously opened their home to Katelanne and 29 of her closest friends allowing them to get camera ready together for this most special day. After exchanging vows, the two were pronounced married in front of more than 400 of their nearest and dearest—but not before a few very memorable things transpired. “There was a miscommunication between our bus drivers, and my entire family from Brewton (literally more than 60 people) were left at their home away from home for the wedding weekend, The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel, with no transportation to the wedding,” Katelanne recalls with a laugh. “Our ceremony started 20 minutes late because I refused to walk down the aisle without my family being present—I love my family, and we are all very close. Also, if you know a McMillan, chances of us being late are pretty high.

After exchanging vows, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Fadalla were introduced at their reception held at the home of a family member. The breathtaking affair was coordinated entirely by Katelanne's mother who assembled what she describes as her dream team, Jenna Laine Weddings, Wild Flowers Floral Design, and Classic City Catering. “I have, hands down, the best mother in the entire world,” she says. “I love to work, and the truth is that I would much rather be working than planning a wedding, even though I love a good party. I gave my mother five photos of things I ‘thought’ I liked, and she took the five photos and surprised me with the reception of a lifetime! The entire thing besides my cake and the groom's cake was a surprise.” Those cakes, created by Betty Webber, included a six-tiered bridal cake with different flavored crumb and filling for each layer as well as a German chocolate groom’s cake made to look like a turkey.

Dining on a delicious array of everything from lamb to sushi towers, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed quite the celebration—complete with dancing on a dance floor that was more than just a dance floor. “It was actually a painting by Amber Ivey,” Katelanne explains. “My mother described my personality to Amber, and she created a beautiful piece of art that was used as our dance floor as well as the backdrop behind the bar. The original painting now hangs in our breakfast room.” A few other touches made the reception even more special: “The goblets that Tony and I drank out of during our wedding have a lot of family history,” says Katelanne. “They were a gift to my 4th great grandparents and also used during their wedding, then passed to my 3rd great grandparents, who also drank out of them at their wedding. After that, my great-grandparents, my grandparents, my parents, and my aunt and uncle all used them at their weddings.” After being sent off in Tony’s great-grandfather’s 1948 Chevy Delux Coupe, the newly married Fadallas spent their honeymoon relaxing at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope.

AFTER REHEARSAL RECEPTION: Crown Hall

BRIDAL LUNCHEON: The Fairhope Inn

WEDDING PLANNER: Jenna Laine Weddings

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rae Leytham Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY: Story Live

FLOWERS AND DECOR: Wildflowers Floral Design

CATERING AND BAR: Classic City Catering

CAKE DESIGNER: Betty Weber Cakes

CUSTOM ARTWORK: Amber Ivey Fine Art

BRIDAL SHOP (BRIDE'S WEDDING GOWN): Mandi Jackson Bridal

BRIDAL SHOP (BRIDE'S VEIL): Over the Moon Bridal

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaids

TUXEDOS FOR GROOM AND GROOMSMEN: Francia's Formal Affair

LIGHTING: Willow Bridge

FIREWORKS AND CONFETTI GUNS: Up Like 7

RENTALS: SOHO Event Rentals

ENTERTAINMENT: Az-IzZ | Atlanta, GA

HAIR: Salon West

MAKE-UP: Ali West

ruilistylephotography.com

251.504.5674

COMING MARCH 2023

MASTERS OF THECeremony

In March, Social Eastern Shore highlights bridal vendors throughout the region that offer our community the best of the best for planning the perfect wedding!

Be the first in the area to take part in this exclusive offer to showcase your business.

For more info reach out to: Melinda@SocialEasternShore.com or Jessica@SocialEasternShore.com

Members of Baldwin County Homebuilders Association gathered at Oak Hollow Farms to celebrate the holiday season and a successful year for the organization. Awards were given to individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment to BCHBA, and new officers for the upcoming year were installed.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Leslie and Bobby Thimmes

Reagan Milton and Erin Armstrong

Eric Craig and Mark Williams

Alyson and Dylan Steward

James and Melissa Ezelle

Lauren Hicks, Noah Segars, Kathy Mccord, and Shane Mccord

Stephanie and Mike Hale

Jennifer and Cain Roberds

Robin Collier and Regina Craig

Kim Hilton and Beth Geddes

Mike Gilroy, Marsha Jordan, and Chip Stone

Jimbo Bailey and Amy Cuny

Missy and Todd Posey

Andrew, Grayson, and Lydia Cuny

Ginny Stopa

Amy Slade

Perdido Beach Resort was the setting for the White Christmas in the Tropics holiday event benefiting local children’s charity, Christian Service Center. The event featured live music, dining, and dancing. Attendees were asked to bring an unwrapped toy and the event also featured a raffle.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Eddie Keesee, Jimmy Sims, and Chuck Crotwell David Phares, Cathy Phares, Mary Herring, and Tim Herring

Jason and Jessie Rainwater

Belynda Brock and Lindsey Loftin

Nancy and Larry McMeekin

Tonya Fleming, Donna Ryals, Lisa Jones, and Pam Young

Tina Dodd and Mark Nettles

Chastity and John Cloutier

Eva Keesee, Terri Long, and Jane Sims

Karen Milton and Michael DeJusto

Galina Santuryan, Lori Klein, Tatyana Hall, and Anitra Gwin

Kendall Hoffman and Robin Crotwell

Sally Collins, Gretchen Parsons, Dawn Gregerson, Mallory Stephens, Maridith Hollis, Anna Adams, and Linda Johnson

Liesl Kropf, Carmen Watkins, Teresa Jeffers, and Donna Stump

Dana and Paula Litman

SUPERMOM

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

As someone who has worked in the commercial real estate industry for 18 years in various capacities, Heather Peoples knows the ins and outs of the industry intimately—a strength she most recently brought to the role of Development Coordinator at Hix Snedeker Companies in Daphne. “Working with property owners, brokers, land developers, city officials, third party vendors - architects, civil engineers, environmental engineers, and others to entitle and permit approved sites for development and construction are all part of this role,” explains Peoples. She volunteers with Hire Heroes USA and served on the

Community Impact Committee at HSC. Recently, she was awarded the 2022 Karl Landreneau CCIM Scholarship by the Louisiana CCIM Chapter to assist in her pursuit of the CCIM designation.

“I do a lot of research and coordination. Communication is huge, and attention to detail is a must to make sure we maintain our intricate timelines, and everything is in order for us to close on the property. Then we ensure we have all necessary permits in hand so that the construction team can get to work, meet deadlines and turn a store over to the customer on time.”

As high pressure as her work is, being a mother comes with its own pressures, but Peoples loves going home to the two children who call her mom. “Being a working mom can be challenging, but I feel like it enriches my children’s lives by them seeing me then and now,” says the 39-year-old, who shares parenting duties with her husband, Jeremy, an active-duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard. “They are seeing that truly doing something because you enjoy it and being able to walk away from it when the workday is done matters. They also see that it’s important to find something you excel at and enjoy doing, so you can really live out the cliché and never work a day."

“My most recent role, prior to Hix Snedeker, became draining on me—I was finding it hard to spend my days, sometimes long days of answering to ‘Heather can you help me,’ and then having anything left to give to my family after work,” she continues. “I struggle with being a perfectionist. Being in a position where it was my job to specifically help others and to try to solve the problems they were experiencing was a huge burden that I struggled to leave at the office when the workday was done. Being remote and working from home made it hard to step away and blurred the lines for when the day truly ended. While I had the flexibility so that I could come and go as I needed with two young kids in school and multiple activities, and still work full time and part time, I was burning the candle at both ends—never sleeping, always stressed, becoming the true definition of hot mess. In December of 2020, I came to terms with the realization that I was not healthy, and my priorities were not in order. The way I thought, the way I parented, the way I worked-everything was wrong. I realized that learning to focus on myself first and practicing self-care is really important.”

As her kids grow up, Peoples hopes that the example she set for them teaches them a few things that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

“I want them to remember that I’m human, that they’re human, and that each day we’re all just trying to make it,” she says. “Also, that it’s so important to have compassion for others and give 100 percent in everything they do. If they do that, they’ll be just fine.”

Knowing and connecting with her kids is important to Peoples, so she’s established an evening ritual with them to help keep that connection strong.

“In the evening, I make a conscious effort to ask each of the kids how their day was,” she says. “Not just a passing ‘How was school?’ I want to

know what they did, how they felt, did they learn anything? Struggle with anything? It helps us have open communication.”

Naturally, raising children has taught Peoples a few things, as well. “From babies, I learned that my kids are both individuals, each with a mind of their own,” she says. “Each processes things differently and enjoys different things. And even though they are independent little creatures, they are not grown yet. They still need me—I’m the oxygen to their fire.”

heatherpeoples

Eastern Shore Republican Women welcomed members, elected officials, and guests to Provision to celebrate the holidays. Checks were presented to the Mental Health, Drug, and Veterans Courts for Baldwin County as part of the Caring for America Program. The event featured live music, door prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a special appearance by Santa.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Terri Somme and Patti Abramson

State Representative Frances Holk-Jones, Santa Cliff McCollum, and Jerry Ann McCarron

Louise and John Wallace

Don and Carolyn Clay

Patrick McWilliams and Tracy Gatewood

Karne Brashear-Hall and Fran Coet

Becky and Bill Bennett

Judge William Scully and Donna Scully

Suzanne Deriso and Debbie Sartain

Jeff Poor and Ray Billups

Alison Ward, Charlotte Crigler, Laurie Weber, Judy Barlow, and Libby Franklin

Mary Anne Flippo, Debra Holyfield, and Erin Fleming

Donna Forbes, Jennifer Sage, and Marcelina Sermon

State Representative

Donna Black Givens, Santa Cliff McCollum, and District Attorney Bob Wilters

JULIE SNIDLE

For me, creating art has been a favorite pastime since childhood. Careers as an elementary school teacher and a corporate training administrator didn’t satisfy my creative urges. I relied on library books and art materials to teach myself about drawing and painting. Later, as a stay-at-home mom in my early 40s, I took local art classes and attended national art retreats whenever possible. My work was primarily water based mediaacrylic, watercolor, collage. In 2004, I took an encaustic* workshop which was so fascinating I studied it further in San Francisco in 2006 and began teaching the medium in 2011. I work primarily with wax-based paints in a process that is intuitive rather than pre-planned. As I build up layers and scrape back through them, I enjoy finding a balance between complexity and calm. My work is influenced by the muted color palette and organic lines and shapes found in the natural world. As a full-time artist, I paint and teach oil painting and encaustic workshops nationwide and offer private workshops in my home studio in Fairhope, AL. I work as an Artist/Instructor for R&F Handmade Paints based in New York and as an Ambassador for Ampersand Art Panels based in Texas. My work has received numerous awards and can be found in private collections and public spaces throughout the United States. I am represented by Kolman & Reeb Gallery in Minneapolis, my hometown. I also have paintings at Dauphin Island Gallery.

*The Greek word Encaustic means “to heat” or “to burn in” which refers to the process of fusing the beeswax-based paint with heat after each layer of application. Humans have been painting with wax for over 2000 years.

julie.snidle | juliesnidle.com

Proud Member

15TH ANNUAL

The 15th Annual Chocolate Affair, A Night of Promises Kept, is an annual fundraiser event to benefit the mission of Family Promise of Baldwin County. The organization provides shelter and housing services to families with children experiencing homelessness. The event, held at Daphne Civic Center, featured an online and in-person silent auction, live “fund the mission” auction, desserts galore, area restaurant chef’s specialties, a signature cocktail, and music by Bo Grant formerly from the Platters!

Beth Biggs and Cecilia Mace

Sunny Nicholson and Roselyn Spaan

Joan Sulzmann and Elaine Bielicke

Shannon and John Foster

Luke Walding and Peter Heim

Charlotte Cox, Carlaynia Galatea, Bethany Washington, Shawn Washington, and Jamie Foote

Mitch and Holly Kidd

Gayla Jackson and Vickie Mitchell

Chris and Stacie Hartsfield

Dee Dee Avent and Bill Murray

Photos by Ruili Cai

John Thomas and Martin Haleigh

Scott and Tammy Whitney

Lindsey Gurley, Anjanette Davis, and Ivy Armstrong

Joan Sasser, Sharon Thorpe, and Linda Scott

Andres and Shelby Santa

Katelyn Stegall and Luke Waterbury

Tory Bals and Julie Farber

Own and Kim Simmons

Terri and Michael Carr

Barbara Blakeney, Rick Allen, and Sarah Neese

Jamie Foote, Robyn Roberts, and Beth Biggs

WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU SAW A DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE?

91

of US adults read a magazine in the last six months, which translates into a diverse audience across age, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Moreover, magazines reach more adults than television and more women than the top tech sites.

P.O.P YOURMAKEBUSINESS POWER OF PRINT - The Association of Magazine Media

Elizabeth Simpson, Marina Simpson, and Ashley Jones Davis

Kristin Koppen, Sandi Dorff, and Rhonda Morris

Tom Boller, Tom McKinney, and Jen Zoghby

Kate Christian, Terri Carr, and Rhonda Gulledge

CROSSBAY DIGITAL

ANEW, BODY, BEAUTY AND WELLNESS SPA

POP & POUR PARTY

EASTERN SHORE PHARMACY

FAIRHOPE LANDING RV RESORT

HOMEFIT FAIRHOPE

December / January Ribbon Cuttings

ANCHOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY!

ENJOY NETWORKING, PRIZES & MORE! www.EasternShoreBusiness.com

April 27th | 12pm - 5pm Fairhope Civic Center

MILLENIA JEWELERS

SOUTHERN MOON COFFEE

SOUTHERN NIGHTSCAPE

December’s Eastern Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours was hosted by Cadence Bank in Spanish Fort. This monthly event brings members together in a casual setting for networking over hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Dan Mahone, Cam Jackson, and Harry Dodich

Photos by Andrew Crumpton

Van Knight and Martha Davidson

Chris Vaughn and Daphne Robinson

Paula Knodel and Brad Moore

Earl Blackmon and Crystal Menas

Beatrice Hayes and Rebekah McCoy

Will and Bill Menas

Mike McMillan and Ben Bloom

Meghan Battles and Amanda Turnage

Chris Curry and Barbara Charnetski

JOLLY JOG

Participants donned their best holiday attire for the 2nd annual Jolly Jog presented by Junior Auxiliary League of the Eastern Shore. After a 1/2 mile fun run, the family-friendly celebration of the Christmas holiday continued with Santa, live music, and holiday activities.

JAES is a volunteer organization of women that serves the needs of children, youth, and families in the area.

Jessica Frostholm, Lindsey Lemley, and Molly Cameron

Photos by Ruili Cai

Vivian, Heather, and Lochlan Kinder

Elizabeth Coumanis, Leighton Mosteller, Carlisle Mosteller, and Clifton Mosteller

David and Sue Phillips

Carla Coleman and Lindsey Simmons

Emma, Terri, Henry, William, and Charlie Thompson

Olivia Waldrop and Libba Wilkes

Carla Wright and Sarah Cranton

Megan Smith, Ashley Greer, Brittani Lee, and Veronica Bishop

Mamie Brett and Santa Ty

Photos by Ruili Cai

Baller Dream Foundation celebrated the season as well as the expansion of the organization’s mission into the Central Gulf Coast Region with a wine tasting soiree at Jubilee Suites. This special gathering brought together donors, supporters, and volunteers. Guests were also introduced to a special young lady who is a new “Baller,” one of the children and young adults with whom the organization builds relationships.

Vicki Bailey, Emily Gibson, Pam Hunter, and Nancy Barter

Nicole Shipman, Justin Law, and Casey Williams

Dana Maloney, Christy Wells, and Steve Carey

Ashley Holmes and Tamara Weinert

Jody and Laura Bishop

Jim and Heather DeLapp

Rickey Reed and Hailey Winston

Beth and Lynn Rabren

Mikaila Jones and Frank DeBlasi

Stephanie and Scott Tripoli

Infirmary Health, Gulf Orthopaedics announce partnership with Bayside Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

[FAIRHOPE, AL] — Infirmary Health and its orthopaedic specialty clinic, Gulf Orthopaedics, are proud to announce a strategic affiliation with Bayside Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. The team at Bayside Orthopaedics includes Joanne Baird, M.D.; Joey F. Carter, M.D.; Jason R. Determann, M.D.; Leslie V. Rush, III, D.O.; A. Jay Savage, M.D.; and Thomas Terral, M.D.

Together, with the team at Gulf Orthopaedics, these experienced and trusted physicians will provide the latest, most advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment methods, specializing in trauma and sports medicine, shoulder replacement, hip replacement, knee replacement, spine, foot-ankle treatment and interventional pain management.

"In 2021, Infirmary Health partnered with some of the best orthopaedic surgeons in the region, and we are excited to grow and extend that partnership by adding the physicians and team from Bayside,” said Mark Nix, President & CEO of Infirmary Health. "Through partnerships like this one, Infirmary Health continues to fulfill its vision as the FIRST CHOICE for healthcare in the Gulf Coast region.”

Williams Hogue named Future Trauma Leader for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma

After a highly competitive application process, Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., a trauma surgeon at USA Health University Hospital, recently was selected as a Future Trauma Leader (FTL) through the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.

As one of the highest honors for a junior trauma surgeon, the recognition was given to only five surgeons nationwide this year.

“To be selected as a Future Trauma Leader is a supreme honor. It gives me an opportunity to work alongside others who are leaders -- trailblazers in the field,” Williams Hogue said. “I’m excited for the mentorship, and I’m just ready to learn.”

Her area of expertise is injury prevention and community wellness. She seeks to learn various ways to advocate for the underserved and to provide resources that will positively impact the communities in which her patients live and work.

William Richards, M.D., gastrointestinal surgeon at USA Health and professor and chair of surgery at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, said, “We are thankful to have Dr. Williams as a member of our team at USA Health. She has excelled at each task she has been given and has exceeded all expectations.”

Through the FTL program, Williams Hogue will receive an in-depth training and mentoring opportunity from the Committee on Trauma. She will also have the opportunity to participate in a disaster management and emergency preparedness course, trauma system design and implementation training, and a rural trauma team development course.

“Williams has developed a national reputation in the creation of gun violence prevention programs, such as Project Inspire,” said Jon Simmons, M.D., trauma medical director and chief of trauma and acute care surgery at USA Health. “The FTL program will facilitate enhanced collaboration with other national experts in gun violence prevention and traumarelated social determinants of health.”

Pathology faculty from USA receive funding for breast cancer research

[MOBILE, AL] —Three pathology faculty members at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama were awarded grants from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) as part of the organization’s $1.3 million investment in state-based research in 2022.

Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology; Seema Singh, Ph.D., professor of pathology; and Luis del Pozo-Yauner, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology, will examine different aspects of breast cancer, the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States.

The highly competitive grants provide each researcher $50,000 in funding per year for two years. The awards function as seed funding for early-stage studies, allowing researchers to generate the additional data needed to attract major national funding.

[MOBILE, AL] — Infirmary Occupational Health

welcomes Julia Dannelley, M.D. and Andrew Paul, D.O. Dr. Dannelley and Dr. Paul are trusted and experienced certified occupational medicine physicians. Infirmary Occupational Health provides quality occupational health, workers’ compensation injury treatment and wellness services.

Dr. Dannelley has practiced medicine for more than 25 years. She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine with the University of South Alabama. Dr. Paul has served with the United States Navy as a flight surgeon for a decade; he retired as a Lieutenant Commander. In addition to his military training, he is a graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and earned a master’s in public health at the University of West Florida. He completed his residency training at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute.

Over 140 students will be able to participate in a special intensive ACT Prep program to begin in January 2023. Participants will learn how to take the ACT, what to expect, have the opportunity to take a practice test, then in the spring they will be able to take the ACT.

This program in conjunction with the City of Foley will give students to opportunities to take the ACT to improve their scores to know what they will be facing with taking the test and to get the optimum result.

The $7,000 donation provided by Representative Holk-Jones allows the students participating in the program to be able to take the test and not worry about the financial commitment that would have been incurred.

USA Health holds dedication ceremony at Mapp Family Campus in Baldwin County

[FAIRHOPE, AL]—USA Health celebrated the dedication of the Mapp Family Campus Medical Office Building, a three-story 50,000-square-foot structure that anchors the health system’s largest presence in Baldwin County.

The building houses Baldwin Family Medicine and several USA Health specialty care providers for adults and children.

“Collaborating with community physicians, providers from USA Health are bringing their specialized expertise to meet the healthcare needs of people in the region,” said Owen Bailey, M.S.H.A., FACHE, chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs at USA Health. “As the only academic healthcare system in the region, USA Health continues to expand relationships with community providers and other partners as we strive to provide increased access to the care that people need and deserve.”

“The Mapp Family Campus will be another important location for educating and training the next generation of healthcare providers,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., M.B.A., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. “Having this additional site also will allow USA Health to help alleviate some of the healthcare provider shortages being faced in our region.”

Additionally, a 24,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery center is scheduled to be complete in 2023.

[FOLEY, AL] —Thanks to the generosity of State of Alabama Representative Frances HolkJones, juniors at Foley High School will be able to take the ACT Prep classes and the ACT test in the spring.

Pictured are Foley High Principal Jessica Webb and Frances Holk-Jones, State Representative District 95.

PLEASURE ISLAND JUNIOR WOMEN'S CLUB NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNAH MOODY

Be one of the first to experience the beautiful new surroundings and amazing flavors we have to offer! Dine under our relaxing oak tree with a wonderful menu selection for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Enjoy comfort food classics, traditional Southern entrées, and items for every taste!