There have been so many events to fall into around the Eastern Shore, and we are excited we captured some special ones to bring to you! As Thanksgiving approaches, we are thankful for all of the great people, organizations, and local businesses who fill the pages of SOCIAL Eastern Shore.
In this issue, you will get to know two ladies who are passionate about serving the youth of The Eastern Shore in Community Leader. Impact & Giveback features an organization that combines raising funds to support their mission with providing activities for those their programs serve...all to create an exceptional event. We hope you enjoy these and our other editorial features as much as we enjoyed putting them together.
The Fairhope Witches Ride made a tremendous return bringing smiles to faces young and old in the name of an important cause, and Impact 100 Baldwin County celebrated its 15th year with an Evening of Impact that will make a huge difference in our community. It was such a treat to be a part of these and all of the other events you will see as you flip through the pages of this issue. We look forward to continuing to be your guide for all things social.
MELINDA MCGHEE Editor-In-Chief,
On the Cover: Lindsay Goldsberry, Melanie Breakfield, Nonie Taul, Megan Doggett, Wendy Walding
EASTERN SHORE EVENING OF IMPACT | FAIRHOPE WITCHES RIDE JUBILEE FESTIVAL OF ARTS
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VOLUME 1 · ISSUE 7
PUBLISHER
David Renfro
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Melinda McGhee
COPY EDITOR Lana Cagle SALES
David Renfro | 731.499.1414 Melinda McGhee | 251.767.9429
PHOTOGRAPHY
Ruili Cai Andrew Crumpton Summer Davis Photography The Millers Photo Co.
STAFF WRITER Liesel Schmidt
CONTRIBUTING
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,
Get to know some of the Eastern Shore's Power Couples & Dynamic Duos. Learn more about how they are making it work and balancing it all, while maintaining successful local businesses.
Community Hospice Foundation hosted a full house at its annual Harvest For Hope fundraiser at Oak Hollow Farm. Attendees enjoyed cocktails and dinner while being entertained by The Tip Tops. The event also featured an impressive silent auction, and the volunteers of the year for Baldwin and Mobile counties were recognized.
Lindsey and Brandon Lawrence
Bruce and Michelle Bigler
Wendy Ledbetter and Dorothy Cordell
Judy Smith and Cindi Stewart
Ashley Raia and Nancy Raia
Jazzi Graham and Halle Fletcher
Susan Cox and Cecil Christenbury
Photos by Ruili Cai
Community Hospice Volunteers choose which part of our geographical area they would like to concentrate on are offered flexible choices in scheduling and the amount of time they wish to volunteer.
Mary Bath Svatek, Diane Glass, John McDowell, Kay Spence, Teri McKenzie, and Val Obregon
Lindsey Burroughs, Ann Ellison, Tom Ellison, Jina Brock, and Ryan Brock
Victoria Gunnison, Todd Gunnison, and Sue Alford
Shannon Johnson, Arthur Johnson, Vanessa Johnson, and Anthony Johnson
Dr. Jerry Dixon and Alison Trawick
The Fairhope Inn was the setting for the exciting reveal of the next child who will receive a magic moment. The reveal was accompanied by a wine tasting and dinner. Magic Moments is an organization granting wishes of special experiences to children in Alabama facing life-threatening illnesses.
Kelly Morrison, Laurie Weber, and Jon Morrison
Photos by Andrew Crumpton
Libby Hill and Elizabeth Wilder
Cara Braswell, Jeannie Austin, and Robin Sigler
Kimberly Etherton and Melissa Sprinkle
Sandy Naramore and Kim Corretti
Craig and Pamela Valenti
Virginia Snider and Beth Lamar
Kelly Crenshaw and Kristyn Robinson
Kate Cooper, Lori Harold, and Ally Harold
October’s Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours was hosted by Avizo Group. This monthly event brings members together in a casual setting for networking over hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
To give them the best future, children need a healthy place to socialize, learn and play. It can be a struggle to find that, but organizations like the Ruff Wilson Youth Organization, Inc., offers that. For the past four years, Tracie Brown has held the position of executive director at “The Ruff,” overseeing operations in everything from hiring employees and bookkeeping to communicating with local schools and organizing the afterschool program and summer camp. As a retired teacher with 26 years in the Baldwin County School system, Brown brings a great deal of experience with kids to her role—not to mention passion. “The children— hands down—are the most rewarding benefactors,” she says of what she loves most about her work. “To see them blossom and flourish and grow into the young people they become is simply awesome. These are the movers and shakers of tomorrow. They impact each other, and they also impact their families and peers. The communities in which they live now and will live in the days to come will greatly benefit from these young people. I’m eager to see their journeys, because I know that their destination is upward and onward. I will watch them become great!”
As greatly rewarding as she finds her work at The Ruff, Brown often times feels the desire to do more. “I only want The Ruff to be the best it can be,” she says. “I came into this position raw and inexperienced, and my journey continues as I seek to gain insight from others so that The Ruff can become all that it needs to be for these children. I am challenged to continue to grow personally and professionally. Yet, God has provided me with my ‘Wonder Twin’ in Ms. Sonya, and together, I feel that we can conquer whatever trials we face because we have the Lord and each other.”
That “Wonder Twin” to whom she refers is Sonya Smith, the site director at The Ruff, whose role entails assisting Brown in whatever capacity needed in addition to handling the kids, the building, and any issues that may arise pertaining to the parents. Although Smith would describe them as the “Dynamic Duo,” the fact remains that they work symbiotically to achieve what needs to be done at The Ruff and give the children in their charge the best experience possible and equip them for their journey.
COMMUNITY leaderI have always hoped that I have made my mother proud by being a caring and loving individual, and I try to pass that on to the children. My heart beats for my mother, my children, and the ones of whom God has placed in my path so that, in some way, I can share the love with them as He has so graciously loved me.” Sonya Smith
Having come to The Ruff in January of 2019, Smith may be newer to the staff, but she possesses a great love for children and experience in working with them that make her invaluable. “I have always had a passion for children, and I have worked with them in whatever job I’ve had,” says Smith, who is also a part-time photographer. “Children are the future, and I love to see them excel. I decided to come aboard, and here I am.”
In her three years at The Ruff, Smith has watched the transformation and growth of many children— something that she never tires of seeing. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing children’s eyes light up when they discover new things, especially after they have tried so hard for so long and they finally get it. That is truly exciting to me. It gives me chills.”
Like Brown, Smith finds herself often feeling as through there is more to be done. “When there are things that I really want to do for the kids or when we need help and it’s not there, I find myself disappointed because I feel that our kids deserve so much,” she says. “They’re my heart. I would give them the world if I could because that is just how much they mean to me—to all of us at The Ruff. I can honestly say that my heart’s desire is to serve the Lord. Whether it’s at The Ruff, through my church, in my family, the community or wherever He leads me, I want to serve Him first and foremost. I have a passion for helping others, especially young people and the elderly, and I am walking towards my purpose. As Tracie says, ‘It’s all about love.’”
Bri Burrell is a Mobile Native who enjoys serving her community, connecting with new people, and living life. Since graduating from the University of South Alabama, she is focused on inspiring the next generation of innovators through her social impact initiative, SAVE-A-STEM, which encourages STEM engagement in students of color and underfunded schools. She recently competed at the Miss Alabama Scholarship Competition as Miss Mobile Bay 2022 and placed 1st runner up and won the Talent award. She is excited to return next year as Miss Baldwin County 2023 and represent another great coastal community. She is preparing to attend law school, loves serving in her church, modeling for boutiques, and restaurant hopping across the South!
“The first time I met David, I felt as if I had known him forever. He is very personable and you can tell he genuinely loves his career, which makes it even more enjoyable working with him. David, Jen, and the entire team at Social make marketing in all forms easy & fun!”
SHELLEY HODDINOTT
ANNETTE DOWDLE
RICHARDSON Senior Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch
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“While Social Magazine is a new partner, my experience with them so far has been very positive! It has been wonderful collaborating with David and Jen on photos and content that perfectly represents my brand.”
Senior Vice President Hub International
Adults and children alike enjoyed the return of this whimsical Halloween themed bike ride through the streets of downtown Fairhope. Several hundred witches took to the streets throwing treats to spectators along the route all in the name of raising funds for Baldwin Humane Society. The ride was followed by a Witches Ball at The Halstead Amphitheater which featured food trucks and entertainment by The Fabulous Mr. Big and The Rhythm Sisters.
Shannon Deeds, Jennifer Norris, Tiffany Kilpatrick
Elizabeth Ladd, Samantha Broughton, Jordan Carter
Sarah Boling and Tasha Carlin
Jack Gillespie, Kelly Gillespie, Morgan Goodson, Arden Goodson, Reagan Goodson
Chrissy Nicoud and JoAnne Nelson
Rebecca Washburn and Leigh Bancroft
Allie Garner nd Sarah Jean Warfield
Jessica Griffith and Michele Kane
Morgan Corder, Kelly Lott, Haley Elkins
Yessica Gum, Katherine White, Kolbe Karr, Sage Taylor
Sarah and Nathan Chandler
Camille Butterfield and Grace Kahn
Megan Cobb and Creagh Williams
Elizabeth Williams and Holly Kozee
Sophia Holliman and Isabelle Rutland
Brittany Daines, Emily Minchew, Trinity Smith
SUZANNE JOHNSON, EVA WILMOTT, JEN BLANCHARD, LISA DUTTON AND LAURA POTIER
Deb Hawke and Marisha Chavers
Lori and Mehrdad Vaghefi
Mary Helen Marks and Christina Stankoski
Lindsey Gillen, Angela Everson, Kara Jones, Sarah Hovater
Rebecca Brown, Jody Cook, Kimberly Hansel
Mary Wells, Leslie Evans, Megan Dimoff
While growing up in St. Louis, Kelly always longed for the day she could live close to the beach. Every year her family would head South for their annual vacation, and she knew early on that she wanted to chart a path that ended close to the water. Her life has taken her from St. Louis to Little Rock, and when the opportunity presented itself, Kelly made the decision to call Fairhope home.
Going back to her childhood, Kelly has always had a passion for all things beauty related. At a very young age, her enthusiasm inspired her to jump into the cosmetics industry in which she has built an impressive resume. Kelly's desire to open her own boutique began to cultivate. Beige is the result of that desire coming to fruition. Alongside her interior designer, Hunter Bridges, she has created an environment that captivates you as soon as you walk through the door. Beige will offer an array of products and services, along with curated gift boxes and wrapping. From skincare and cosmetics to lashes and spray tans, Beige will truly be a one-stop shop for everything beauty services related.
ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS: Photographer: Rhand McCoy, McCoy Visuals Dress: Sadie's of Fairhope Photo Concept and Design: Hunter Bridges Interiors/Gulf Coast StagingBeige is a luxury beauty services boutique carrying the best quality in carefully cultivated makeup, skincare, bodycare and men's grooming products. Our experienced makeup artists and certified lash and spray tan technicians are ready to provide you with a complete beauty experience.
Our professional makeup artists will customize a beautiful look for you for any event on and off-site. From personal makeup lessons to all out glam sessions, we have you covered. We can also help you with beautiful lashes and the perfect glow. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!
The environment will be luxurious yet inviting with a lounge area for the girls to relax and have champagne before a night on the town! Husband(s) with you? Beige will have a men's lounge with luxury men's grooming products.
As the Director of Education for Zimmer Biomet Solutions, Leila Nichols’s job is to coordinate the learning paths for their sales force as they work with orthopedic surgeons and clinicians in restoring mobility, alleviating pain, and improving the quality of life for patients through their innovative musculoskeletal technologies. At home, her work might be far less technical—but it’s every bit as important.
The mother of five children between the ages of 16 and one, Nichols certainly has her hands full, keeping them all going in the right direction and managing countless schedules on top of her own. “Our life is loud, busy and sometimes like a Petrie dish, with five kids at two schools,” says Nichols, who helps her husband of nine years, Bo, on nights and weekends in marketing the properties he represents as a Realtor in his family company, Nichols Real Estate.
As busy as it can be, Nichols can’t imagine things any other way. “I was raised by a working mother,” she says. “My mom instilled in me the importance of having something of your own that brings value to your life and the world outside the home. She put a lot of emphasis on education and making sure that you have the means to support yourself and not rely on someone else. Being a working mom is all I've ever known, so I can't say whether it is more or less difficult than being a mom who does not work outside of the home. I do know, however, that I am personally fulfilled by my work, and that makes me better for my children. Whole parents raise whole kids, and whatever that looks like for you is what you should do. Women are so flexible and resilient and hop in and out of the workforce constantly because of a myriad of reasons, but usually because of family obligations. We fall behind professionally, then we catch up. Being a working mother is not linear and looks a lot like the game Chutes and Ladders, but I'm here for it.”
What her kids see isn’t just that she is working, but that she is thriving and cultivating relationships that make her grow as a person and as a mom—and that, even as an adult, she is still learning. “I think working gives me opportunities to learn things that I would not necessarily take an interest in otherwise,” she notes. “For example, when starting at Zimmer Biomet Solutions, I had never worked in the orthopedic space. I had been doing major gift fundraising for USA Health, so while I was familiar with the workings of sales and health systems, the specific vocabulary for this position was totally foreign to me. My oldest daughter quizzed me on flashcards one night just for fun. My children also get to hear about my wins and losses and get a better understanding that the world is all about relationships in a variety of settings and navigating those relationships. We all have to follow rules, show respect for authority, and earn our spots at the table. These are not just kindergarten guidelines, and they get to see that first-hand from me.”
Her kids will grow, as they do, and eventually leave home to start their lives and have families of their own. But no matter how old they get or how far they go, Nichols hopes they take with them the memory of how she loved. “The love language that I use to show my love is acts of service,” she says. “I hope that they feel loved by my actions and that they will remember getting lots of hugs and kisses and ‘I love yous’ and special meals and random gifts. I hope they remember when singing to pick a note—just not mine (this is how we learn to harmonize around here). I hope they remember my heart for hurting people. And when they show empathy, compassion, or serve, I hope that they feel me with them in spirit.”
As she watches them become individuals and navigate life, Nichols sees the many things that her children have taught her. “I don't think I learned anything before my children,” she says with a laugh. “They are the embodiment of every lesson I've ever learned. Parenting teaches so much grace and mercy and patience and selflessness and self-control. You learn to be more organized. You learn to budget better. You learn to sneak vegetables into random foods. What did I learn before I was a mom?
Each patient is different. We’ll work to find the specific course of treatment that’s best for you. We want our patients to feel confident treating their varicose veins.
Our process is simple — it starts with an online screening or you can give us a call.
Canterbury Park is a gated residential subdivision located in the heart of Spring Hill catering to those who want to reside in a highend community and minimize the worries of everyday property maintenance.
Twelve private lots make up the exceptional development where each home plan has been exclusively designed by McCown Design and landscaping design by WAS Design
Thomas Harris, Olivia Harris, Kathy Chavers, and Tom Boller Drew DeLaney, Kristen DeLaney, Brooke Dodson, and John Dodson
Mary Ollinger Robinson and Margie Friedman
Chris Pierce, Dr. Jennifer Young-Pierce, Katie Bonner, and William Bonner
Kevin Dean, Maryann Dean, BJ Kominek, and Gorden Kominek
Genie and Owen Bailey
Dr. Caleb and Tricia Butts
Janet Hayes, Gina Marymont, Cherish Posey, and Dr Rodney Posey
Tasha Garriga, Monica Chambliss, Casey Hitson, Tracy Coleman, Caroline Smith, Sheila Cochran, Nancy Calhoun, Marley Harris, and Meg Laubinger
Taylor Ward, Megan Rohe, Bailey McCammon, Madison Bauer, and Rachel Kropf
Liz Doll, Mindy Kirk, Valerie Heinl, and Kristen Noles
Dr. Nancy and Staples Wood
Freda and Randy Niederhofer
The Eastern Shore Kiwanis Club hosted its 11th Annual Best of The Bay Gumbo Championship in downtown Fairhope at Coastal Alabama Community College. Teams competed against each other for the best tasting gumbo on the Eastern Shore! The showcase event included a craft show, inflatables & face painting for children with live entertainment by the Marlow Boys.
Amy Taylor, Addison Brock, and Ben Brock
Theresa Bradley, Meg Bradley, Zoey Bradley, and Carter Bradley
Randi Starr, Judd Gillespie, and Alison Ward
Scott Gonzales, Sarah Hastings, Teresa Denson, and Lexi Devine
Judge Jody Bishop, Michael Daniell, Ashley Bell, Jodi Keating, and Tim Kant
Sandra and Fred Bostrom
With its cream and white brick exterior, arched windows and doorways, finialtopped roof and cupola, there’s an incredibly unique style to the Breland home in Point Clear—something akin to a home you’d find somewhere in the Mediterranean, rather than the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
Boasting a series of floor-to-ceiling windows along the front façade, the otherwise monochromatic home is given a burst of color with celery green full-height shutters and coastal landscaping that softens the angles of its single story. Architectural detailing just under the roofline and arched ornamentation over the deeply recessed windows as well as a copper archway over the front entryway offer visual interest that continues inside.
As light and bright as the exterior is, the kitchen is a marked contrast, with rich dark custom cabinetry and brick flooring. Centered around a marble-topped island, the perimeter cabinets are crowned with matching marble counters and accented with a herringbone patterned backsplash behind the gas range. A top-ofthe-line stainless-steel double wall oven and massive Samsung fridge give the kitchen chef appeal, and a beautiful chandelier is suspended from the steeply pitched hand-painted ceiling overhead.
Ceilings, in fact, are a particular point of interest in the house, as a number of ceilings have been hand-painted by decorative artist Alicia Leatherbury of New York, New York—including that of the office, which features stripes that radiate from the circular pendant light at the center of the ceiling and continue down the walls. The ceiling above the entryway is another showstopper, with wood plank ceiling that gives the space a sense of depth and incredible warmth.
In the master suite, a coffered ceiling adds elegance that is heightened by a massive chandelier—one whose much chicer counterpart can be found in the ensuite just steps away. Complimented by white alabaster marble finishes and a decorative medallion surrounding the light fixture, the master bath is a spa-like space perfect for the homeowners. “We love living here because of the uniqueness of the home and the proximity to our son, who we raised here since he was a year old,” says Yvonne Breland, a custom jewelry artist who shares the home with her real estate investor husband, Buddy.
Taking full advantage of its location, the covered outdoor entertaining area boasts a wood plank ceiling that echoes that of the interior foyer, constructed of brick with a series of archways that leave the space open and airy feeling. An outdoor kitchen makes entertaining even more convenient, with seating and a cozy fireplace to complete the picture. Just across the flagstone patio is a massive pool with a water feature from a coordinating brick privacy wall.
“We enjoy having the space to entertain family and friends in our home, and we love how special the home is, with so many unique touches,” says Yvonne.
Home should be a place that you feel is
Eastern Shore Republican Women welcomed Republican nominee for the upcoming US Senate race, Katie Britt, as their guest speaker. The club meets for lunch on the second Thursday of each month to discuss current issues and upcoming events.
Senator Chris Elliott, Pete Riehm, and Daphne Councilman Benjamin Hughes
Braden Cockrell, Judy Motlow, and Pete Riehm
Judy Barlow, Katie Britt, Matt Simpson, and Laura Burks
The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce hosted the 34th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts in conjunction with the City of Daphne. Art, music & local cuisine meet southern charm at the annual festival, set along the oak-lined streets of Olde Towne Daphne. The Jubilee Festival of Arts featured more than 130 local and regional artists, along with the Jubilee Market for local food makers.
Grayson, Clara, and Adele Dennis
Lilly Weeks, Ann Slater, Bo Blackwell, and Alva Blackwell
James and Melissa Ezelle
Halstead Amphitheater came alive with an entertaining dueling pianos experience at Pianos in the Park. Attendees had the opportunity to dance the night away and enjoy delicious food by outstanding local restaurants. All of the fun was in the name of supporting an amazing cause, Fairhope public school students.
Photos by Andrew Crumpton
Brandon Jones, Jessica Tobon, Jordan Johnson, and Peyton Golich
Kevin and Fallon Usselman
Marla Warner, Kendra Johnson, and Avery Warner
Five area non-profits will now be able to better fulfill their missions thanks to new grants from Impact 100 Baldwin County. Impact 100 is a philanthropic organization comprised of women coming together to make high-impact grants to improve the lives of people in Baldwin County. At its annual An Evening of Impact, the organization celebrated its 15th year by awarding $545,000.
Photos
GIGI & JAY’S
400 Fairhope Avenue 251-928-2011 shopgigiandjays.com
FOXGLOVE
332 Fairhope Avenue 251-517-7043
SADIE’S
5 S Section Street 251-929-3222 sadiesoffairhope.com
Nicke Olson, Bryant Whelan, and Carol Eberlein
Candace Jennings and Michelle Huguley
Kim Gibson, Cheryl Filliater, Sally Banta, and Vickie Weyand
Andie Noonan, Katrina Renfroe, Susie Bridges, and Nancy Moorman
Lucia Smith, Deann Servos, and Karen Matthews
BY LIESEL SCHMIDT
a teacher for the past decade, Krystle Smith has seen the way teaching— and learning—has changed in those years. For the Spanish Fort High School teacher, adapting to those changes has been a challenge that she has risen to meet…and she’s done it in some unique ways that help keep her students engaged. “I’m in my second year teaching a Superhero Sociology and Psychology course, which I designed based off the state and local standards for those classes,” she says. “We learn about different aspects of a unit, and instead of a test at the end, students relate the topic to a specific film or TV show with superheroes. It has really been amazing to see students, some of which don’t even like superhero narratives, make connections with modern societal issues.”
As students leave her class to do life, she hopes that they always carry this message: “Find your voice. Students today are bombarded with messages being thrown at them and have so many expectations put upon them by society. High school is a busy and fulfilling time, but really, it is a time when students need to learn about their own voice. There is a lot of noise with friend groups, families, jobs, and other factors of life. The more they learn about themselves and how to advocate for themselves, the easier the transition to college and adult life will be.”
Local and regional elected government officials, judiciary, court personnel, law enforcement, business professionals, physicians and mental health providers, treatment providers, and many tireless volunteers in our community attended the Eleventh Annual Foundation event benefitting the Baldwin County Drug Court Foundation featuring baseball legend, Pete Rose. The Foundation was created to provide educational outreach and supplement these rehabilitative efforts through the courts by providing resources for educational intervention in our community and promoting accurate and proactive community awareness.
Brianna Owens, Lindsey Weatherford, Tucker Clay, and Brandilyn Lascari
Photos by Ruili Cai
David Sessions, Jackie Wireman, and Larry Wireman
John Petrusa, Clark Blair, and Ingram Haley
Ken and Amanda Herren
Bubba Steiner and Virginia Guy
Jimmy and Joy Mitchell
Daphne and Steve Robinson
Virginia Guy and State Representative Matt Simpson
Ed Irvin, Steve Irvin, Mark Ingram, and Jessica McDill
We all need a place to relax, unwind, have fun, and enjoy the company of others—and that fact doesn’t change for individuals with special needs. But unlike those of us who have no real physical or mental challenges, they can’t manage or navigate so many of the recreational activities that we take for granted on their own.
It takes planning, space and, of course, the people to handle all of the logistics and facilitate the fun, which is where Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast truly shines. Providing social and recreational opportunities for the special needs community of Baldwin & Mobile counties, EFGC is a group of community leaders and caregivers who dedicate themselves to giving others a unique experience that they might not otherwise have. “Social and recreational opportunities are few and far between for adults with special needs,” says Executive Director Jennifer Flad, who has been successfully growing the organization and expanding its capabilities since taking the position in 2013. “The issue for the special needs community is that there’s no structure to facilitate socialization. Organizations like EFGC promote group activities that cultivate friendships, which is especially appreciated by the families who utilize EFGC’s services to give their loved ones an opportunity to meet and interact with their peer group in a fun environment.”
Each year, more than 100 families participate in EFGC’s programs and activities, which include art, cooking and music programs, horseback riding, yoga, dance and Special Olympics sports such as basketball, baseball, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics and cheerleading, as well as field trips. Summer programs are open to adolescents, while day-to-day activities and programs are available to adults 18 and older.
As a non-profit, EFCG’s biggest challenge is finding the funding to continue serving in all the ways that it does. “We are not state or federally funded,” says Flad. “Donations from individuals, corporations and grants fund the majority of the EFCG’s operating costs. The rest is paid for by participant fees. That said, no participant or family will ever be turned away from EFGC for financial reasons. Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance.”
Aside from the hurdle of financing, EFCG’s other great need is space. “We have an incredible need for additional space,” Flad explains. “We currently rent the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Daphne Life Center to use for our activities. It’s a fabulous facility, and the congregation is wonderful and so supportive of our program, so we’re so thankful that we’ve been given the gift of that space. However, with the growth that we have experienced, we find that we need space that suits our participants and their needs a bit better. Each day, we have between 40 and 45 participants attending EFGC, and we need to be able to more suitably accommodate that number.”
Past the challenges are the accomplishments, the triumphs that give them purpose. Those accomplishments can be seen in the many faces of their participants—whose number has grown exponentially in the years since they first opened their doors to the special needs community of Baldwin County. “The growth of our program has been incredible, from 12 participants at the beginning to now over 300 families served over the years,” says Flad. “We’re also very proud of our Special Olympics program that began five years ago with one single basketball team to fielding seven teams prior to Covid.”
Covid presented challenges of its own, but EFCG weathered those with grit, as well. “The EFGC campus was closed for two months during Covid,” says Flad. “During that time, the staff operated an online program to continue to keep our participants engaged and assist their caregivers with much needed respite. Once the doors re-opened, we basically went back to normal, with the exception of running our activities and programs with necessary social distancing and sanitizing processes in place. Our staff and participants were rock stars.”
Two years later, they continue to be rock stars, growing in number and proving just how special they truly are.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT EXCEPTIONALFOUNDATIONGC.ORG.
Champions of the Fairhope Film Festival gathered at The Fairhope Inn to celebrate 10 wonderful years of the festival. Sponsors, volunteers, and other supporters enjoyed wine and beer along with delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres. They also got a first look at the promotional film created for the festival.
Barb and Lee Stassen
Photos by Andrew Crumpton
Frances Robinson and Nouna Schacher
David Colvin and Stacy McKean
Judy Roberds and Mary Riser
Pat Hawthorne and Angus Cooper
Christina and Kevin Hellmich
Savan Wilson and Rae Shetter
Richard Pate and Shelley Springer
Gwen Pitts and Amanda Wood
S. Wesley Carpenter, CPWA®, CFP ®, ChFC®
Managing Director
Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor Portfolio Manager 251.990.2361 wesley_carpenter@ml.com
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 601 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 fa.ml.com/thehartycarpentergroup
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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.
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The Lakewood Club served as the host venue for The Exceptional Event charity golf tournament. It was followed by an auction of art created by participants in the activities provided by EFGC with the assistance of volunteer artists. Attendees enjoyed a fun day for a great cause which included food, beer and wine, arts and crafts created by EFGC participants available for purchase, and a DJ.
Steve Welch, Jennifer Flad, Paul Cooney, and Tim Simmons
Ian Patton, Trevor McCord, and Andrew Lewis
Anne Frost Kennedy, Jennifer Flad, Traci Vittitow, and Jennifer Grant
Like the tagline so famously says, Hinge is “The dating app that’s meant to be deleted,” and that’s precisely what became of it when Kennedy Adcock and Tyler Martinez met through the magic of modern technology in May of 2020. “I was 23 at the time and had never been on a dating app,” says Kennedy, who works as the Project Manager for Adcock Custom Builders, while Tyler is the Earth Moving Shop Supervisor for Thompson Caterpillar in Spanish Fort.
“A friend and I downloaded Hinge as a joke because COVID had completely stalled our chances on meeting someone in person, and we were being dramatic. But it worked! Within the first week of having it, I met Tyler. We fell in love fast.”
And so, the fate of Hinge was sealed—as was the young couple’s, which grew more and more apparent over the next year. “In the time that we were dating, we bought and sold a house and began building our dream home,” says Kennedy. “We knew within the first couple of weeks that this was forever.”
“Forever” became a reality when, on July 30, 2021, Tyler asked Kennedy to spend the rest of her days as his wife. “He proposed at sunset on the Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta, overlooking the city,” she recalls. “We were going up there with some friends for a Braves game—or so I thought. The couple that was with us was pregnant at the time, so they made up a story about wanting to get some maternity pictures on this bridge. The plan was to do that on the way to dinner while we were all dressed up. Atlanta is an incredibly special place to Tyler, being the place that he lived during three months of rehab at the Shepherd Center after a spinal cord injury left him a paraplegic in May of 2013.”
Not a year after saying yes, on April 9, 2022, Kennedy wore her mother’s wedding dress—updated from the poufy-sleeved ’90’s satin confection to a more modern look with spaghetti straps—as she walked down the aisle at St. Francis at the Point in Fairhope. With 150 of their friends and family literally standing in witness, the couple exchanged vows and were pronounced married. “Our officiant forgot to tell everyone to be seated once I was up at the altar, and Tyler and I didn’t realize it until about halfway through,” Kennedy says with a laugh. “It was so loud when everyone finally sat down in the middle of ceremony, Tyler says it sounded like a herd of cattle running around!”
Ceremony complete, the newlyweds joined their guests for a reception at The Venue, where everyone enjoyed a buffetstyle dinner catered by Tamara’s Downtown, including a mid-reception snack of Tamara’s truffle fries—though the couple can’t say they partook in much of the menu. “I don’t even remember exactly what all there was,” Kennedy admits. “We each barely got a small plate, so all I know is it that everyone says it was fantastic and they loved it.”
What the couple does remember, of course, are some very unforgettable moments. “During the reception, my mom, her two sisters, and their daughters had a surprise performance to kick off the party,” Kennedy recalls. “They got on stage, and my mom and aunts sang ‘We Are Family,’ and then my two little cousins joined them onstage to sing ‘Lady Marmalade’ from Moulin Rouge, which is a song that we seem to always crank up real loud at family functions and sing and dance and act a fool. It was hilarious. They all had boas and inflatable microphones, and everyone loved it.”
Having come to that point in the festivities, the couple cut into a threetiered almond vanilla cake covered with white buttercream and adorned with flowers from their rehearsal dinner the previous night, topped with an antique Lladro bride and groom cake topper from Kennedy’s parents’ wedding cake in 1991.
After being sent off to start their honeymoon, the couple spent their first days as husband and wife in Charleston. “We ate a lot of good food and enjoyed a relaxing week together,” says Kennedy.
Now back home in Spanish Fort, the couple is enjoying their new life together— one that all started in a very unexpected place and seemed, once upon a time, like an impossibility. “People are still calling us and telling us how much fun they had at our wedding, and that’s really all we ever wanted,” Kennedy says. “We wanted to celebrate our marriage with everyone we love the most. It was also a very special day for Tyler’s family because they went through so much after his accident, and the idea of marriage just seemed so far off and there were so many unknowns and challenges to overcome before he felt ready for it. His parents are so proud of him and how far he’s come and what he’s done with his life in the almost ten years since then.”
“People are still calling us and telling us how much fun they had at our wedding, and that’s really all we ever wanted.”
Local authors were also set up in the Courtyard Gallery to sign and sell their works. As always, the excitement continued throughout the surrounding streets as downtown Fairhope merchants extended their hours to support the event.
Paul Lynch, Martha Lynch, Meredith Lynch, and Bryan Counts
Taylor Crouch, Mike Mayr, Lorna Mayr, Jimmy Killion, and Julie Killion
Nathan Payne, Chelsea Payne, Matt Denton, and Katie Denton
The Daphne Civic Center and The City of Daphne joined together to host the 16th Annual Black and White Ballroom Dance featuring City Rhythm Big Band. Attendees were entertained by area professional dancers while the band was on break. Well known ballroom enthusiast, Mark Swalley, returned as Emcee.
technique.community. transformation. Transform your body at Pure Barre in Fairhope, AL and feel the burn with isolated movements, targeting muscles in your arms, legs, hips and thighs. Each workout is crafted carefully with each fitness level in mind. Find your balance at our studio and be inspired by our community of strong women.
Pure Barre is an effective workout in a studio full of professional and friendly instructors. I have never loved exercise but know how important it is. I can honestly say I look forward to my Pure Barre classes every time and the results have been amazing! -Katrina
210 l Fairhope, AL
Joevy Ytol, Desiree Edem, Larry Bunch, and Sherri Bunch
Holly Sherman, Kasey Barry, and Nancy Emery
Shane and Sherrie Williams
Rose Dumworth and James Brune
[MOBILE, AL] — Gulf States Real Estate Services of Alabama announces a major industrial listing at the Port of Mobile in Alabama. Gulf States has secured a listing for approximately 120 acres of deep-water property adjacent to the Alabama Shipyards on the Mobile River.
The listing includes vacant sites, warehousing, and other buildings that the Shipyard has determined it will not be utilizing to support its robust current operations of repairing and decommissioning ships and other marine apparatus. Mike Saucier, President of Gulf States, and Donald Holyfield, Gulf States’ Alabama Broker of Record, declared, “This property has been one of the hottest collections of real estate along the entire Gulf Coast and the nation.
Many companies are looking for distribution and other logistical advantages this property provides given its deep-water access and is located minutes from Interstate 10 and Alabama’s major rail AND air complexes.”
[MOBILE, AL] — Gulf Orthopaedics, an affiliate of Infirmary Health, welcomes Grant Stone, D.O., double board certified pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Dr. Stone is fellowship trained in pain management and provides a range of treatment options, including medication management and interventional techniques.
Dr. Stone received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and a masters of business administration from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. He earned his doctorate degree in osteopathic medicine from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Stone completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as a fellowship in pain medicine, at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, La. Dr. Stone has practiced in the Mobile area for the past four years.
Gulf Orthopaedics’ team of experienced physicians provide the Gulf Coast Region with the latest, most cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical treatment methods, specializing in trauma, sports medicine, spine disorders, pain management, shoulder replacement, hip replacement, knee replacement and foot-ankle treatment. Learn more at gulfortho.com.
[MOBILE, AL] — Seema Singh, Ph.D., professor of pathology at the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, was recently appointed to the Medical Advisory Council of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA).
The Medical Advisory Council has the critical job of reviewing the foundation’s funding requests from researchers across the state, ensuring that the science is sound and BCFRA investments have maximum impact.
Singh, who is also a senior member of the cancer biology program at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, said she is honored to represent USA on the council. “I would advocate for funding the most impactful science, out-of-the-box research ideas, and research aimed at improving health equity,” she said.
Her research interests include the role of inflammatory signaling in cancer progression, angiogenesis and metastasis, cancer stem cells, and cancer health disparities.
Founded in 1996, the BCRFA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to find a cure for breast cancer by funding promising breast cancer research in Alabama and raising community awareness and funding for that research. BCRFA’s investment in life-saving research totals over $12 million.
[FAIRHOPE, AL] — The Thomas Hospital Auxiliary presented a donation check of $75,000 to theThomas Hospital Foundation. This donation presentation was made at the Auxiliary’s 60 th annual meeting and will help fund the expansion of the Thomas Hospital Cath Lab.
“We so appreciate the Thomas Hospital Auxiliary’s support of the Thomas Hospital Foundation,” said Nathan Payne, Thomas Hospital Foundation Director. “Not only do they provide valuable hours of work that keeps the hospital running, they have given generously to the Foundation to ensure we have state-of-the art facility for our community.”
The Auxiliary raises funds through the Thomas Hospital Gift Shop, and other fundraiser events,such as books, jewelry, linens and uniforms, throughout the year. The Auxiliary has donated more than $2.5 million to the hospital through the Thomas Hospital Foundation.
The Breast Center at Thomas Hospital Receives the 2022 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Mammogram Imaging Centers
[MOBILE, AL] — This summer, The Breast Center at Thomas Hospital, a state-of-the-art, fullservice breast center with dedicated parking and registration, celebrated its fifth anniversary and for the fourth year in a row, was named one of America’s Best Mammogram Imaging Centers by Women’s Choice Award, a national agency. “Knowing where to go for the best mammogram will reduce your risk of a false positive or the possibility of missing cancers,” says Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “By letting women know which imaging centers in their
area are among America’s best for mammograms, we are able to reduce risk by helping them make better decisions and smarter health care choices,” adds Passi regarding the recent award.”
When Thomas Hospital’s breast center first opened in 2017, both 2-D and 3-D mammographywere offered. Since then, Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) has been added, and themammography technology has been upgraded to offer all 3-D. “While screening mammograms are recommended at regular intervals for most women in certain age groups, a diagnostic mammogram is performed when there is a sign or symptom of disease,” says Kathy Linam, manager of The Breast Center at Thomas Hospital. “We offer 3-D mammography which allows doctors to examine breast tissue layer by layer, but to complement our screening services, and for those who have dense breasts, we now have Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), a whole breast ultrasound unit for early detection of abnormalities.”
For more information about The Breast Center at Thomas Hospital or mammography services offered at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne, call 251-279-1633 or visit infirmaryhealth.org.
[DAPHNE, AL] — The first City of Daphne Junior City Council was sworn in on September 6, 2022, by the Honorable Judge Michael Hoyt at the Daphne City Council meeting. They will serve the Jubilee City for one academic year.The nine-member junior council will meet once a month and members are also required to attend one Daphne City Council meeting per month. During their year of service, the group will learn how the City Council and city departments operate and will have the opportunity to share ideas with those groups as well.
Jr. Council members were chosen by Mayor Robin LeJeune, City Council members and City Clerk Candace Antinarella after an extensive application and interview process. Applicants were required to have at least a 2.5 GPA and be enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior. Eight of the council positions are held by students living in the city limits of Daphne and the ninth position is open to a student who lives outside city limits but attends a Daphne area school.
[MOBILE, AL] — USA Health neurosurgeon Richard P. Menger, M.D., M.P.A., has been awarded the Samuel Hassenbusch Young Neurosurgeon Award from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons for his abstract on how variations in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement among the states affect access to healthcare.
Menger, chief of complex spine surgery at USA Health and an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, will present his research Oct. 10 at the 2022 CNS Annual Meeting in San Francisco. The abstract is titled: “State-to-State Variation in Medicaid and Medicare Reimbursement: Implications for Healthcare Access Among Vulnerable Populations.”
The Congress of Neurological Surgeons is the leading organization dedicated to advancing neurosurgery through education and innovation.
Menger focuses on complex spinal reconstructions for spinal deformity in children and adults. He performs minimally invasive spinal procedures and has a special expertise in the entire spectrum of state-of-the-art surgical and conservative management of pediatric scoliosis. He joined USA Health in 2019
I work with a variety of mediums, but my favorite expressions are in oil and acrylic due to their depth and richness. I find inspiration in nature so I can transport the vivid colors, textures and emotions onto a canvas with many layers of paint. However, my work is often more traditional when the focus is portraiture of children and animals or architecture. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Birmingham Southern College and a Masters of Art Education from University of Alabama in Birmingham. In 2006, I opened an art gallery for a year in Fairhope and participated in the Fairhope art community. I also taught art and art history for several years at Faulkner Community College. I have since adjusted my priorities as a working mom, as I continue to accept art commissions and donate my art to many local organizations and fundraising efforts. As a mom of a special needs child, one of my favorite organizations to promote is the Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast. I have collaborated with some participants by encouraging them in their art. In 2020, I was honored to be the featured artist of the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. Today, I am balancing my time between family, art and marketing activites in my family business. Exploring this beautiful country (inspiration for future artwork) in an RV with my husband, 3 kids and dog has been the highlight of recent years.
Norris Ashurst Art
November is a month-long celebration throughout OWA! Stop by Downtown OWA for a Brandon Styles Variety and Magic Show (see dates/showtimes online), Clash eSports’ All You Can Play Mondays or the Tropic Takeover Super Smash Bros Tournament, Nov. 12-13. The Holidays take center stage Nov. 19 with our majestic Tree Lighting in Downtown OWA. Catch incredible deals on Black Friday, Nov. 25! Plan your celebration at VisitOWA.com!
THRILL, THEN CHILL.
