Social Eastern Shore | March 2024

From the Editor

This issue is a Mardi Gras review that is uniquely Eastern Shore and uniquely SOCIAL. We are excited to share parades for the littlest revelers, ballin’ at its best, as well as some special traditions and milestones. Happy Anniversary to the Shadow Barons and the Maids of Jubilee!

We also celebrate the arts in our area as we highlight Mobile Ballet and congratulate them as they grow by moving their Daphne studio to a new larger space. Get to know Pat Pearce, ESAC’s Executive Director, a Mobile native who has worked in performing arts for 40 years. Our community is fortunate to have him back in South Alabama. We hope you enjoy these and other features in this issue.

It is time to spring into a new season of activities in our community. We are looking forward to joining you at events such as Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival and Crawfish for the Classroom. Make sure to pick up a copy of our next issue for these events and much more.

Melinda McGhee Managing Editor Alabama

MONEY

Issue

FINANCIAL LEADERS OF THE EASTERN SHORE

Publisher

David Renfro

Managing Editor Alabama

Melinda McGhee

Copy Editor

Lana Cagle

Staff Writer

Liesel Schmidt

Graphic Design

Lead Designer Kim Mesman

Chris Shenk & Brad Growden

Social Media & Web Design

Jen Meadows

Photography

Ruili Cai

Andrew Crumpton

Cindy McCrory

Holly McKinney

Stephen Savage

Wedding Photography

Ellen Talbot Imaging

Sales

Melinda McGhee | 251.767.9429

Emily Klyce Hansen | 251.583.2309

Weslyn Walters | 251.895.4563

David Renfro | 731.499.1414

Eva Keesee | 251.979.4278

Social Eastern Shore Magazine

www.socialeasternshore.com

The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the publication, Social Eastern Shore accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in Social Eastern Shore magazine are subject to the copyright of Social Eastern Shore, but not limited thereto. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON

Giving

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Asthe owner of Jubilee Gift Shop, Donna Misra has been a familiar part of the Mobile area business landscape since opening the shop in 1989. While she may be a Yankee by birth, the hospitality and warmth Misra has shown her customers—and her adopted community—is all Southern.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Misra and her husband moved to Spanish Fort in 1988. The couple relocated from Minneapolis to Mobile when Misra’s husband was promoted within his company and became the General Manager of the Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel— which ultimately became the birthplace of Jubilee Gift Shop a year later.

“Initially, the Jubilee was created to fulfill an obligation,” Misra explains. “The Radisson had attained a contract with the Miss USA organization and planned for the contestants and others related to the pageant stay in the hotel. However, there was a stipulation in the contract that there must be an on-site gift shop. The previous shop owner had vacated their space— which was essentially a refurbished coat closet on the second floor of the hotel—and because of this vacancy, the hotel found itself in a crunch to reopen a shop to keep the contract. So, my husband shared this with me and asked if I would be willing to open a gift shop. I’d had some prior business experience from owning a modeling school in Mankato, Minnesota, so I agreed.”

Thirty-five years later, Jubilee has grown in size and popularity, bringing with it the need for more space— first, with a move to a larger store on the first floor of the hotel and then to its own space in Daphne, Alabama, in 2010. In those 35 years, Misra has put down roots in the community and made connections that may never have happened, had it not been for her work at Jubilee. “People have genuinely expressed their thanks for my store and having a local place they can visit that is welcoming and has ‘something for anyone,’ which I find incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It has also given me the opportunity to get to know others around me and other businesses. Sometimes when people come by, they may not purchase anything, but we just talk. Over the years, I’ve gained a loyal customer base that is multigenerational, and I love having those relationships with people.

“

People have genuinely expressed their thanks for my store and having a local place they can visit that is welcoming and has ‘something for anyone.’

“Over the years, I have continuously donated to silent auctions, local schools, and nonprofit organizations through the shop’s profits,” she goes on.

“About three years ago, I joined the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Jubilee Gift Shop has helped me to connect to the area because I strive to reflect the local culture and community through the merchandise I carry and artists I feature. I feel a great connection to the community through my customers and history of being here. I have loyal customers from all over the area: Mobile, Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, even some from Mississippi and Florida. I have lovely customers, many of whom feel like an extension of my family because we share stories, prayers and experiences.”

As much as she has loved her work at Jubilee, Misra is ending that chapter of her life. “Coming to this point has been a process…and difficult to share with my regular customers,” she says of the decision to I close the store. “I honestly didn’t realize how much closing would impact me, but it feels like I’m going through the stages of grief. How do you suddenly stop what you have been doing for the last 34 years? Still, I’m closing because we want to travel, spend time with our children and grandchildren, and I’d like to focus more attention and time on my outreach projects, church involvement, and helping others. The gift shop has been a huge part of my family’s life. Even as much as it has been an anchor in my life for so long, I am at the point in my life were I’m looking for the opportunity to travel and focus on improving connections in my community and with friends and family. I guess you could say that I feel like it is time to retire so that I can focus on other aspects of my life.”

Misra is the Outreach Committee Chair at Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church and has been integral in planning and executing projects such as: Yard Jubilee, Pumpkin Patch, Blessed to Blessings Boxes of Baldwin, and Prayer Ribbon Tree.

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ORDER OF MYSTIC MAGNOLIAS

The ladies of the Order of Mystic Magnolias closed out Mardi Gras on the Eastern Shore on a chilly Lundi Gras day. The organization, formed in 1993, held its first parade in 1994. Their parade includes female marshalls on horseback and floats designed and built by Royal Artists. The theme offered a look back through the decades including hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Members and their guests enjoyed a ball at Fairhope Civic Center following the parade.

Theme: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Catering: Stagecoach Cafe

Entertainment: The Molly Ringwalds, Journey 2 Mars, DJ Lynch

Production Company: Southern Sounds

Costumes: Lori McDuffie

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY M c KINNEY AND STEPHEN SAVAGE

TRADITIONS

The STARS Early Learning Academy Mardi Gras parade began as a way to spread cheer to neighbors at Country Place Senior Living as our country faced the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions it brought with it. Autumn Zellner, Director of STARS, shares, “A parade offered us an amazing opportunity to provide entertainment to the residents who were still restricted from visitors. That first year, the residents watched from their windows as we paraded around the building. Now, they are able to watch from a back patio and participate in the fun with us.”

The parents of these mini maskers create floats or decorate wagons or strollers that snake around the senior center. The staff at STARS helps the children create masks and hats for the special day. Over the years, the floats have become more elaborate, and this year, Blow House Brass Band led the parade.

Teacher and parent at STARS, Alissa Thomley, hopes her daughter enjoys the parade as much as she does. Says Alissa, “It meant so much that my family and the families of my students got to participate in this event. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the seniors as the kids came by on their “floats” was just the sweetest thing!

This was the third STARS Mardi Gras parade for Sandra Wakeley’s family and all three of her children have had the joy of participating. She shares, “They love visiting their neighbors, waving, and shouting ‘Happy Mardi Gras!’ I work in healthcare, and I love seeing the psychosocial benefits these special neighbors bring each other. Their relationship is one of my very favorite things about STARS.”

Photo

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Queen

Michelle Murrill

Emblem

Julia Trawick

APOLLO’S MYSTIC LADIES

Apollo’s Mystic Ladies paraded through the streets of Olde Towne Daphne, heralding the start of Mardi Gras on the Eastern Shore. For the second year, their emblem float by Patty Keenan preceded eight floats provided by the Conde Cavaliers of Mobile. The mission of AML, founded in 2000, is to bring friendship, fellowship, and revelry to the city of Daphne in the true Mardi Gras spirit. Following the parade, members and guests gathered for a ball at Daphne Civic Center.

Theme: We Will Rock You

Catering: Georgia Roussos Catering

Entertainment: The Chee - Weez & Gulf Coast Jams (DJ)

TRADITIONS

The spell of Mardi Gras is cast by the many things: the sounds, the lights, and the tradition and symbolism of it all. Tradition and symbolism go hand in hand with the regalia worn by Mardi Gras royalty. Mobile’s Julia Greer, owner of Revelry Bloom, and her team crafted the regalia for Queen Daphne XXIV, Michelle Murrill, who reigned over Apollo’s Mystic Ladies this year.

Julia shares, “Michelle’s train was exciting for our team because it had two elements that we had never included in our work before. There were cutouts at the base of the train and over 1,200 feet of LED lights. From design to sourcing to completion, Michelle’s train, gown, and collar took approximately 650-man hours to complete.”

The fourteen-foot-long train featured two hundred sixty-five pieces of hand sewn coral to represent each of Michelle’s AML sisters.

Hidden amongst the coral you can find the letter K for Kaitlin, a letter M for Maddux and a letter H for Hudson representing her three children. Another highlight of the train are the six rows of large rhinestones and the six cut outs at the bottom symbolizing the active riding years she had been a member of Apollo’s Mystic Ladies prior to becoming queen.

There is symbolism throughout the royal regalia with seven peaks at the bottom of the train to honor the Circle of Laurel, the founders of AML, and the CO7, the organization’s board. The nine unique types of coral used represent the nine floats of AML, and there are thirty-two rhinestone Fleur-De-Lis to highlight the twenty-four Queens and eight Emblems that have represented AML. The hand painted dress featured thirty sections of blue paint to symbolize her thirty Float One sisters.

Little revelers took to the campus sidewalks for the Pre-K Mardi Gras Parade at Christ the King Catholic School. Waving their colorful instruments and spreading joy wherever they went, they truly embodied the spirit of the festive season.

PreK3 King Noah Port & Queen Charlotte Kilgo

PreK4 King Chapman Crutchfeld & Queen Emily Mourad

BALL

Photos by Ruili Cai

Joy of Life on the Gulf Coast hosted the 10th Annual Wind Creek Hospitality “Joy of Life” Mardi Gras Ball at the Daphne Civic Center. This event benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and patients of St. Jude were presented as King and Queen. Guests enjoyed food from amazing local chefs and restaurants, silent and live auctions, and live musical entertainment.

Ali Hyland, Maggie O’ Donnell, and Carrie Hyland

Kevin Rackard, Trina Rackard, and Zachary Mercer

Ava Smith and Sydney Catlett

Margaret Blossom and Gabe Watson

Lisa George and Haley O’ Connor

Colt, Cale, Tara, Tim, and Brooklyn Ramer

Asher Redd and Peyton Haines

Patrick Taylor and Lola DelReal

Amy Newton, Talerie Magee, Josie Christensen, and Angela Sherwood

Brent and Angela Pinkston

Lindsay Burress, Jenine Diers, and Abbey Burnett

Callie Reid, Anita Corgill, and Ella Boutwell

Michele Holliday, Ashley Gattozzi, Joe Gattozzi, and Mary Blackwood

Mary Jackson, Lacey Fisher, Helinia Moody, and Reese Drewery

Lucy Kirkpatrick and Andrea Vavrinek

Addison and Justin Browder

Libby Duke and Lorna Gurley

Abbigail Johnson and Maria Blackmon

Jessica Devine, Tammy Mitchell, and Heather Merchant

Colsson, Andy, Hillary, and Brooklyn Layne

Ali Hyland, Ava Smith, Colsson Layne, Starla Chapman, Colt Ramer, Ella Boutwell, Abbie Eubanks, and Olivia Barlow

David and Ann Whitehurst

Stephanie Campbell, Daniel Williams, and Brianna Miller

Eli Campbell, Stephanie Campbell, Daniel Williams, Julie Williams, Brianna Miller, and Abby Miller

Brooklyn Jarrell, Candice Rowe, Emmy Byrd, Emerein Lomax, Anne Michael Lomax, and Hannah Lomax

Darrin and Charlotte Dahlenburg

Karen and Tommy Bozant

Emma Pacey and Nathan Smith

Charlotte and Martin Meckel

Cailey and Cru Turnbow

Cameron Cadillac and Sarah Hall

Addison Green, Guy Murphy, Mitchell Murphy, and Mandy Murphy

TRADITIONS

The Maids of Jubilee was founded in October of 1984 and held its first ball in March of 1985. The original emblem featuring a nautical theme incorporating mermaids and sea life is still used today. When MOJ held their first parade on February 2, 1989, the group made history as the first female parading society in Baldwin County and received notoriety as the first Mardi Gras parade to feature all female marshals on horseback. The first parade theme was “Children’s Fantasies.”

In the words of a charter member who is also the first female marshall, “I feel like it was just yesterday when we all got together and decided… we’re gonna have a Mardi Gras ball. We are going to entertain Fairhope. These women all came from different walks of life. We all came together as one sisterhood with all these different individuals, and it was kind of like magic.”

Another member who has been in the organization for 25 years shares, “It has been so rewarding to meet people, to get to know people… I never would have met a lot of the folks I know and that I am friends with if I was not a member of this organization because we all did it together.”

The 40th anniversary ball and parade celebrated the Ladies of the 80s, and the parade included founding and charter members serving as Grand Marshals. The beautifully decorated floats also celebrated ladies who made the decade so exciting including Princess Diana, Princess Leia, and Sally Ride, among others.

Photo credit: Stephen Savage

MARDI GRAS KIDS

Photos

The Shadow Barons, founded in 1999, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Floats designed and built by Patty Keenan and the organization were loaded with throws for the parade goers that lined the streets of Olde Towne Daphne. The Barons and their guests enjoyed a ball at Daphne Civic Center following the parade.

Theme: Oh, Captain, My Captain Catering: Sylvia’s Catering

Entertainment: Rubiks Groove, The Even Odds Band, David Wilson (DJ)

Costumes: Bienville Costumes

Keith Connell and Damon Henderson

Crechale and Kevin Stevens

Peter Partridge and Will Shiver

Ryan and Amy Stuckas

Lauren Ponder, Terra Warrington and Amber Lolley

Jared Patterson, Josh Oakes, Jarrod Beard, Matt Broussard and Mike Rauch

Cameron Troyer and Jett Kasch

Robin and Christina LeJeune

Victor Altamirano, Danny Ford and Winn Barnette

Abbye Brunson and Julie Brunson

by Andrew Crumpton

Jennifer Manning, Mallory Peebles and Christy Huskey

Mathew Williams and Paul Strasser

Abbye Brunson and Tony Brunson

Chuck Bartle, Hudson Sandefur and Adam Harmeier

Brandon Holdeman, Jacob Beck, Cherie Strasser and Lena Dugas

Rolland Naseman, Clark Bonnelll and Tony Robinson

Ryan Sirchia, Paben Clement, Kyle Martiniere and Peter Partridge

Amy Bruce and Wendy Knight

Taylor Godwin, Caroline Weller, Elisabeth Wiebe and Sally Caroline Davis

Emma Gaster, Luke Knight, Madison Knight, Kathryn Knight and Stephen Knight

Tracy Womack, Kathy Roberts and Janet Griffeth

Rylie Hill, Andy Hill, Elizabeth Wilder, Eddie Hill, Libby Hill and Kelly Wilder

Michelle Henderson and Suzanne Jarrell

Tim Reed and Sharon Barnett Billy and Libby Brooks

MARDI GRAS BOX PARADE

At St. James Episcopal School, the students let the good times roll as they paraded in the school parking lot for the annual Mardi Gras box parade. The parade allows students and parents to show off their creativity by decorating the boxes in which the children parade in fun and imaginative ways. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed King Cake!

TRADITIONS

AsDamon Henderson and Jeff Walding drove past the construction site of the current Daphne Civic Center a little over 25 years ago, one of them made the comment, “That would be a great place for a Mardi Gras ball!” In his message to members in commemoration of the organization’s silver anniversary, Damon shared how the Shadow Barons has given its members the opportunity to have the kind of fun most people leave behind after high school. He remarked, “Friendships have continued between guys that have known each other since childhood in some cases and have expanded to include so many more of you over the years.”

Their name honors Baron de Feriet, a career officer in Napoleon’s military. After amassing wealth and fame for his courage in battle against foreign armies and pirates, he purchased Ecor Rouge, most of what is now known as Montrose. The organization’s crest is based on a coat of arms from a Baron in Napoleon’s military service, and their

emblem is a phantom representing the Baron De Feriet risen to lead his soldiers once again into battle. The members royal blue, red, and white costumes are adapted from the military uniforms of Napolean’s officers.

Current President, Tony Brunson shares, “When we first organized, my youngest daughter was not even born, and now I have a granddaughter that is coming to our parade. In the beginning, I was just one of the guys. Now, I am Mr. Tony to many of our members, and it is pretty cool to watch as some of our “dads’ are now able to present their sons for membership into the Shadow Barons.”

As The Shadow Barons celebrate 25 years of bringing the best show possible to Daphne, they want everyone to know that they are just getting started.

MARDI GRAS KIDS

MAIDS OF JUBILEE

The Maids of Jubilee have the distinction of being the first ladies group chartered on the Eastern Shore and the first to include female marshalls on horseback in their parade. Close to 45,000 parade goers lined the streets of downtown Fairhope as they saluted the ladies of the 80s on floats designed by Daphne’s Mark Calametti and built by Craig Stephen’s Carnival Artists. Some of MOJ’s charter and founding members served as Grand Marshalls. Members and guests celebrated after the parade with a ball at Fairhope Civic Center.

Theme: 40 and Fabulous: MOJ Salutes the Ladies of the 80s

Catering: Georgia Roussos Catering

Entertainment: Fly by Radio, Journey 2 Mars, Tim Brown (DJ)

Costumes: 3 Muses

Production: Sound Associates, Inc.

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MAIDS OF JUBILEE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN SAVAGE

guests celebrated MOTB’s 5th Anniversary by dancing the night away to the sounds of Dr. Zarr and the Amazing Funk Monsters and enjoying delicious food prepared by Capers in the Kitchen. The ball was held at Belforest Pointe in Daphne.

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KNIGHTS OF ECOR ROUGE

KOER kicked off the Mardi Gras season in Fairhope as they paraded through downtown on floats designed by Brent Amacker and built by Craig Stephen's Carnival Artists. Afterwards, members joined their escorts and guests for a ball at Fairhope Civic Center. The organization, whose name is a reference to the triangular shaped bluff in Montrose known as the highest point of land that touches saltwater from Maine to Mexico, was founded by friends who had the idea while sailing in The Grenadines in 1983. The motto of Knights of Ecor Rouge is “Chevaliers a se Rappeler” or “Knights to Remember.” As is their custom, this year's theme celebrated that motto.

Theme:

The Wizarding World of Knights

Catering:

Naman's Catering

Entertainment:

D Play Band and Fat Lincoln

Production Company:

Power Productions

Costumes:

Bienville Costumes

ELISABETH HAYS

It is no wonder why Fairhope’s 2024 Arts & Crafts Festival selected Elisabeth, a talent well regarded throughout the South, to be this year’s featured artist. Her painting will be on the poster, T-shirts, and reproduction fine art prints available for purchase at the official festival booth in the middle of town.

“When the theme, ‘Fairhope in Bloom,’ was shared with me last summer, I immediately thought of the tulip beds throughout the town in Spring that are a staple in my memories. Each year, they welcome spring with their full blooms of pinks, yellows, reds, and purples, chasing the sun each day as the temperatures warm and the winter skies clear."

The creative energy found in her southern coastal town is a constant inspiration for Elisabeth, a Fairhope native. She is best known for her collections of bugs & butterflies which are an explorative journey of medium experimentation inspired by the imaginative narratives of her children and their simple pleasures (and fears!) in everyday natural findings.

Elisabeth resides in Fairhope with her husband, William, their two children, Mary Crider and Sam, and their Golden Retriever, Grits.

elisabethhays.com | eghaysart

MYSTIC MUTTS OF REVELRY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY MCKINNEY AND ANDREW CRUMPTON

Hundreds of pets and their humans strolled the streets of Downtown Fairhope throwing Mardi Gras beads and parading in their festive costumes for the annual Mystic Mutts of Revelry. The event, which benefits The Haven, was founded in 2004. This year’s theme was “Paws and Parrotheads: Pooches in Paradise,” inspired by the late Jimmy Buffett.

Queen Julep

King

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Spring Fashion

Every day is a fashion show. Social Eastern Shore is the runway.

The art of

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

There’s something incredibly beautiful about ballet that commands attention, something unique and romantic that no over-engineered, technically enhanced screen production can replicate or replace. In this day and age of computergenerated entertainment that threatens the integrity of true talent, it’s inspiring to know that the art of ballet is as captivating as ever.

For companies like the Mobile Ballet, encouraging expression and honing talent has been a focus since its founding as a nonprofit in 1987, offering a legacy of excellent performances and the highest quality ballet training that continues today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Katia Garza.

“As a nonprofit, the Mobile Ballet has made a tremendous impact on the cultural, artistic, and economic landscape of the greater Mobile area,” says Amanda Napper, Manager of Development and Communications. “The Mobile Ballet fulfills an important role in our region through offering worldclass performances right here at home and a ballet school that inspires and equips the youngest of dreamers to become dancers and leaders in the performing arts.”

For anyone passionate to learn dance, the Mobile Ballet School provides a full range of dance instruction to over 300 students each year, from ages three to adult, at both our studios in Mobile and Daphne. Classes include ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, conditioning, hip-hop, as well as other disciplines.

The organization also offers educational programs in partnership with area organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama, Dumas Wesley Community Center, Washington County Public Library, Light of the Village, and the BELONG organization in association with MCPSS-ESL department as well as a number of others. Community programs include in-studio immersive behind-the-scenes experiences as well as on-location educational programs and performances.

Through their Discover Dance educational program, special performances of the Mobile Ballet’s productions are also presented for area K-12 student field trips. Each year, up to 5,000 students of all ages have the opportunity to experience the magic of the performing arts through this incredible program.

Due to its success, the Mobile Ballet’s Eastern Shore studio recently moved to a new, larger facility in Daphne from their original location, which opened in 2005.

“This exciting development represents a significant milestone in Mobile Ballet’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional dance education and performances for Gulf Coast communities on both sides of the bay,” says Associate Director Kimberley Sears, who has been part of the Mobile Ballet faculty since the Eastern Shore location first opened.

The new building includes three spacious sprung-floor studios and is designed to accommodate the same number of classes as the Mobile studio location, in addition to rehearsals and community programs. The project combined the efforts of BES Incorporated, Gaillard Builders, and Goodwyn Mills Cawood in addition to many volunteers and supporters, under the leadership of the Mobile Ballet Board and president Edie Terreson.

Supporters of the ballet’s “Pointe to the Future” capital campaign made expansion efforts possible, including an Arts and Cultural Facilities Grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts, as well as numerous corporate and individual supporters.

The upcoming production of Sleeping Beauty will close out the Mobile Ballet’s 2023-2024 season, with performances March 23 and 24 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. They will also hold a Discover Dance performance on March 22 for K-12 student field trips from public schools, private schools, and homeschool groups.

For more information, visit mobileballet.org.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Mobile Ballet invited the community to join in celebrating their new Eastern Shore studio location. A Ribbon Cutting ceremony with Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce was held, followed by an open house allowing guests to tour the new studio, meet faculty and staff, register for classes, and learn more about Mobile Ballet. Moving to a new larger location represents a significant milestone in Mobile Ballet’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional dance education and performances for communities on both sides of the Bay.

Mary Frances Clarke and Kimberley Sears

Jill Phillips Crepeau and Mary Quin

Cassaundra Inge Burks and Israel Rodriguez

Rachel Sullivan, Elizabeth Ringold and Kathlene Walker

Amanda Napper and Bob Adams

David Walker and Lee Walters

Olivia and Jordan Smith

Joshua Smith and Kendra Utsey

Heather Rodgers and Lillie Conner

Kimberley Sears, Katia Garza and Paige Weller

Pelham “Pat” Pearce

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

The arc of Pelham “Pat” Pearce’s career reads like a libretto, following him on a journey that began in the late ’80s. His opening role was that of General Director of the Mobile Opera, where he served for a decade. In 1996, he left Mobile for Denver, Colorado to ultimately become the General/Artistic Director of the Central City Opera—the fifth oldest opera company in the nation. He was there for over 25 years before returning to Mobile in 2022, after which he took on the title role of Executive Director of the Eastern Shore Art Center in June of 2023.

“My job is the head administrative position responsible for managing the Art Center and working to bring its mission to life,” says Pearce. “That mission is to connect people of all ages and abilities with the arts through education, exhibitions, and outreach activities. I’m blessed with a wonderful staff and a committed board of directors who are tremendous ambassadors for this 72-year-old organization.”

Having spent nearly forty years in an industry that revolves around the performing arts, Pearce has cultivated a deep passion for his work that translates into his dedication to keeping the arts alive as well as an expertise that aids him in his leadership. “I have a clear knowledge about how non-profits work, an ability to work with people to accomplish great things and a creative mind that can see possibility,” he says. “My work life has always featured art and the people that create it and love it. There truly is no better place to be than surrounded by beauty and to be part of work that

makes a community a better place to live. Over the course of my lifetime, I have seen what great art can do for individuals as well as the communities they live in. Art can help heal tragedies. It can highlight great accomplishments. It feeds the soul—and some would say we need that more and more as time and technology move on.”

Of course, holding an administrative role means that Pearce is tasked with taking on many of the hurdles that arise in non-profit work.

“The challenge in the arts is always making sure that you have the resources necessary to maintain what you have as well as looking to the future for what the organization and the community may need,” he explains. “Art is always changing and reflecting the world around it. We revere the art of past masters and work to discover and promote the new ones, and all of that requires passion and resources from the community.”

Pearce grew up in Mobile and has lived in the Gulf Coast area most of his life, with the exception of the 26 years he spent in Colorado. “What I missed while in Colorado was big water, the verdant green of the landscape and the seafood!” he says.

In addition to being a passionate advocate of the arts, he is committed to historic preservation. “In Colorado, Central City Opera was the largest holder of historic properties in the State, and all of my summers were spent living and working in those properties,” says Pearce, who now lives in a house that was built in 1874. “It has always been something I feel is very important.”

Consequently, Pearce has joined various local organizations that are committed to preserving the physical history of Mobile and is excited to begin to learn more about Fairhope’s history as well as the history of Baldwin County, from cultural influences to art and the ways that all of it continually shapes the community.

Photo credit: Cindy McCrory, Blue Room Photography

Photos by Andrew Crumpton

Provision was the site for the exciting reveal of the featured artist for the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. This year’s featured artist, Elisabeth Hays, shared how Fairhope has been a major inspiration for her art. Limited edition prints of Hays’s “Fairhope in Bloom” will be exclusively featured at the festival.

Bryan Turner, Kim Turner, and Misty Mellett

Dannie Mixon and Allison Floyd

Tarrel James and Kay Cunningham

Darrell and Theresa Adams

Rick and Carol Kirby

Lindsey Lawrence, Marissa Thetford and, Elisabeth Hays

Anna Luce, Beth Egan, and Robin Luce

Suzanne and Frank Hicks

Mandy Bezeredi, Sherry Sullivan, and Lee Teumer

Marissa Thetford and Williams Hanes

s the owner of a public relations and marketing company that works with

Alabama, Marissa Thetford has her hands on a wide range of projects at any given time.

branding services including the planning of events and campaigns. Every day is different, Thetford, owner of the eponymous marketing

In addition to running her business, Thetford recently took on the role of chairman of the 72nd Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, which will host more than 300,000 locals and visitors in downtown Fairhope—a responsibility which falls directly in her wheelhouse and plays to her strengths.

Organization and time management is key to every facet of Thetford’s work—and especially, in her role as a mother to two boys. Naturally, she’s had to learn the fine art of balancing life and work. In fact, the desire to give her family more of her time served as a driving force in the decision to launch her own business.

Photo credit: Stephen Savage

“Before opening my business, I worked at a couple of agencies in Mobile and in-house as the marketing director for a regional retailer, which meant that my life revolved around somebody else's schedule and deadlines,” she recalls. “After the birth of my second child, I knew I wanted to create a life with more balance for my family. The timing was right, so I started Marissa Thetford Marketing. As it is for most moms, it's a juggling act. I'm very fortunate to have a super supportive husband and a flexible schedule that prioritizes my family.”

Even when the juggling act seems a little tenuous, Thetford considers it important for her boys to see her hard at work. “I think it's good for them to see their parents work hard and then apply that type of work ethic to their own schoolwork or sports commitments,” she says. “I also think it's good for them to be a part of my volunteer projects, too, whether it's my involvement with school fundraisers or just volunteering in their classrooms. I want them to grow up as civic-minded adults who are engaged in helping their community, and there is no better way to teach them than by example.”

With so much on her plate, Thetford had to learn the art of saying no—which she admits was challenging. “I wanted to take on every project that came my way, and it was easy to find myself overwhelmed, with little time left over for my family or myself,” she notes. “FOMO is a very real thing, but so is burnout. Being mindful about what I take on helps me stay balanced.”

Being balanced gives Thetford more time to be a present mom to her boys—and giving them memories to treasure. “When I was growing up, my mom made every birthday and holiday extra special, and I've carried that into my life as a mom,” she says. “We host friends and family over often, and I love that my kids call our house ‘the party house.’ Nothing makes me happier than a full house. I love it when all the neighborhood kids are piled in our tree house and our snack bins are empty— even when I’ve just been to the grocery store. I want them to remember that our house was always welcoming and that we celebrated often and made every occasion special. Celebrating the everyday things makes life more fun. I lost my mom a couple of years ago, and I treasure those memories and how warm and special she made our home feel.”

Award Winners

Flourish Community Nonprofit of the Year

Presented by Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Martha Davidson Ambassador of the Year

Presented by Cockrell’s Body Shop

Ormand Thompson Community Leader

Presented by All In Credit Union

Taylor Weiman Service Award

Presented by Baldwin EMC

JBT Power Small Business of the Year

Presented by Trustmark

Brett Shelby Young Professional of the Year

Presented by Riviera Utilities

Bluegill Restaurant was the site for the 100th Annual Celebration held by Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. The event, presented by BankPlus, honored individuals, businesses, and organizations making a difference in the community and celebrated all of the great work done by ESCOC throughout the prior year.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Gia Long and Frances Holk Jones

Stephen Goulet, Deanna Goulet, Jordan Perry, and Megan Perry

Danielle Gaston and Jessica Walker

Greg Strachan, Sam Jeffcoat, Kine Phillips, Ormand Thompson, and Lisa Hastings

Kristen and Ben Wood

Sonya Goins and Robin Riggins

Chris Curry and Jes Wofford

Mark and Deann Servos

Brett Shelby, Phillip Greer, and Cory Luckie

George Ferniany and Kine Phillips

Eastern Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours for January was held at BankPlus in Fairhope. This monthly event brings members together in a casual setting for networking accompanied by refreshing beverages and hors

Photos by Ruili Cai

d’oeuvres.

Mary Brabner and Kerry O’ Conner

Melinda Byrd Murphy, Tommy Faust, and Casey Williams

Ginger McNamara and Leslie Beard

Harry and Joy Dodich

Aaron Huggins and Jessica Walker

Lee Anne Ashurst, Tina Green, and Lisa Prim

Susan Crutchfield and Cindy McCrory

Lisa Prim and Samantha Harris

Terry Harbin and Earl Blackmon

David and Bonnie Bell

Our roots. Our home.

Our greatest investment.

At BankPlus, every decision we make is driven by community. We’ve done it that way for over 100 years, because we’re more than just bankers and customers – we’re neighbors. Today, our commitment to the stability and growth of our communities is stronger than ever. Learn more at bankplus.net

Angela Gable, Cindy Zebryk, Nancy Grace, and Sherry Sullivan

Jason Schmitt, Mark Stejskal, and Colin Johnson

Ross Sykes, Zack Cox, and Josiah Chester

Casey Williams, Tom DeBell, and Kerry O’ Conner

Influencer

Mollie launched her company in 2015 after working for five years in the portrait brokerage and art sales business. Mollie’s love of art can be traced back to childhood but was cultivated through her studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and English. While in school, Mollie studied art and architecture in Florence, Italy, and cherished her time in a place so rich with art and culture.

Well + Wonder proudly curates an online gallery of southern art in a price range fit for allcollectors—those buying their first pieces, and established collectors looking for a fresh perspective. In just over three years, Well + Wonder has created a community rich with southern, female artists that began with six emerging artists and has grown to over fifty artists located in cities all over the southeastern United States. Mollie works and lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and two young children.

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53K

Smile 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 and Doctor McEvoy – 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:

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.

Kathleen + Phillip

Kathleen Dismukes and Phillip LeMere’s love story begins with a wedding…

Just not theirs.

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

The couple met in April of 2021 at mutual friends’ wedding—Kathleen sitting on the bride’s side, Phillip on the groom’s. “We’d actually met a few days before the wedding,” Kathleen says. “Phillip kept trying to get my attention, but I wasn’t returning it until the night of the wedding. Phillip asked me to dance, and I said yes. By the end of the night, we had our first date planned. The next Thursday, we met at El Papi in Mobile.”

Just under a year and a half later, on September 28, 2022, Philip asked her for much more than a dance. “He’d coordinated with my parents and family to make it seem everyone was going to a dinner in Fairhope for my brother’s birthday—and that he wouldn’t be able to make it because of work,” Kathleen recalls. “Once the photographer was there and my family and I were getting ready to go to dinner, he walked over to my parents’ house from where he’d been waiting next door and called me to tell me to come outside. Once I came out, he took me down to the beach and proposed.”

After more than a year of planning, Kathleen walked down the aisle at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach wearing a strapless Mikado Silk gown with a mermaid silhouette and a fingertip length veil with horsehair trim, topped off with a tulle cape for the ceremony. Surrounded by their loved ones, the couple stood at the altar with their 11 bridesmaids and 12 groomsmen to exchange their vows. After being pronounced married, the newlyweds joined their guests for an onsite reception, where they dined on a delicious array of food, including an incredible oyster bar, and hit the dance floor.

And oh, how they danced…

“I surprised my dad with ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ by ZZ Top for our father-daughter dance,” Kathleen says. “He’s always wanted to dance to that. We started off with a more ‘appropriate’ song, ‘Father and Daughter’ by Paul Simon, then it changed to ZZ Top. It made him smile so big, and I will never forget that!”

Also unforgettable were the cakes—including a four-tiered wedding cake with alternated layers of chocolate with mocha buttercream and hazelnut praline spread, vanilla bean with strawberry jam and strawberry Swiss buttercream, and blueberry lemon with lemon buttercream and lemon curd, adorned with palette knife florals with beading and edible pearl dusting.

The inspiration for the groom’s cake was a Bob Dylan album cover, a caramel flavored sponge with salted caramel buttercream and caramel drizzle, decorated with Bob Dylan’s profile in black, featuring his hair in different colors on a white background. “I think it was the coolest cake I’ve ever seen,” says Kathleen.

Keeping spirits high throughout the night, the bar featured custom Italian wines made for the bride by a family friend, including Nebbiolo and Val Rosa. After festivities came to an end, the couple left to honeymoon at Sandals Royal Barbados. Now home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Kathleen and Phillip are looking forward to many more weddings together, happily reminding them of their own, and the one wedding that began it all.

Photos by Andrew Crumpton

Krewe of Mullet Mates was founded in 2001. Members and guests gathered at Oak Hollow Farm to enjoy live music by Journey 2 Mars, great food, and fun at the organization’s annual Mardi Gras Ball. KOMM is also a parading organization, and this year their theme was Rock the Float. A more laid-back parading organization, the KOMM parade welcomes various groups to join in on Joe Cain style floats.

Charlie and Kathy Freeman

Bill and Darlene Sommer

Piper Uhlig and Andrew Strickland

Rebecca Ward and Mary Williams

Steve and Maureen Alan

Tina Tafs, Patsy Zillow and Rochelle Brimlow

Cherea and Andrew Schellhase

Rebekah Bell and Angie Jimmerson

Fred Watkins and Cyndi Olander

Debora Weaver, Ted Leiser and Joanne Vicich

GENTS Southern

COMING IN JUNE

FEATURING MEN’S HEALTH, STYLE, HOBBIES, AND MORE!

Eric Smith, Katelynne Smith and Joel Smith

Amanda and Phillip Alan

Dean Behnken and Leonard Lyndall

Mike Walker, Lindsay Hanlin and Mike Moore

Champagne &

Friends of the Fairhope Public Library invited guests to enjoy chocolate desserts, savory hor d’oeurves, champagne, and wine. The event also featured silent and live auctions, and all proceeds benefitted Fairhope Public Library.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Donna Weber and Jennifer Vestal

Anne Johnson, Kay Cunningham, and Sandy Tormoen

Christine Banjanin and Mary Ludvigsen

Bryant and Patrick Whelan

Eric and Gin Duncan

Catherine Dorrough, Bernie Dorrough, John Richardson, and Jasmine Hodges

Mary and Noah Funderburg

Danielle Mashburn-Myrick and Matt Myrick

Terry and Brian O’Neil

Jim and Debbie Hilderbrandt