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Fall is in the air, welcoming in the feel of cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice everything, and sporting the colors of your favorite football team. There is one color you will see throughout the pages of this issue for a different reason. In our Women’s Issue we GO PINK in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We are grateful to the ladies who share their journey with cancer in Survivor Stories, and we are honored to highlight some outstanding women who are leaders in business and our community in our editorial features. This issue is packed with great events including the Black Tie Bingo Fundraising Gala and the Flourish Fete.
In our next issue, the November Home and Garden Issue, we look forward to featuring Pros to Know who are bringing living spaces to life along the Eastern Shore. We are also excited to partner with Baldwin County Home Builders Association to include the 2023 Parade of Homes Showcase Home in Social Living. As always, we can’t wait to capture the smiling faces at upcoming events so that we can share them with you.
Melinda McGhee Managing Editor Alabama
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
Wedding Photos
Emma PItts Photography & Hannah Clair Photography
Home Photos
Summer Davis Photography
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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.
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A SHOWCASE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES BRINGING LIFE TO LIVING SPACES
As much as the American people celebrate their national legacy as a free country, the Indigenous Tribes were here before the first settlers stepped foot on what is now U.S. soil. Theirs is a heritage filled with a rich, colorful, and often difficult history, and over the past centuries, it has been one that has needed guarding and guidance to preserve.
Of the many tribes that once populated North America, a fraction still remain. In Alabama, only one Tribe, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, is recognized by the federal government as a sovereign Indian Nation. This federal recognition provides for a government-togovernment relationship between the Tribe and the U.S. government and came about through a long and exhaustive process that required Poarch to document its historical ties to the federal government, as well as its claim to its Tribal lands. Today, Poarch Tribal Members still live on their Tribal lands in and around Atmore, Alabama as they have for centuries.
Tribal government is critical to maintaining their way of life at Poarch, and since winning her first election to the Tribal Council in 2006, Stephanie Bryan has played an important part in that government.
“I had always been interested in our Tribal government because I knew and appreciated our history, and I valued so much the social services that our government provided our Tribal Members,” says Bryan, who has spent the last 17 years serving on the Tribal Council and became Chair and CEO in 2014.
“During my years in government, we have moved from merely surviving to thriving,” Bryan continued. “It has been a remarkable time to be in government and to plan not just for our generation, but for those who come after us. Today, we are self-sufficient. We have been able to build a health center, a senior center, and a cultural center that has a Boys’ and Girls’ Club that provides after school activities for almost 500 children, who come from both Poarch and from the surrounding community of Atmore. I am incredibly proud that we made the decision to diversify our business interests beyond gaming. Today, the Poarch Creek Indians own around 40 different businesses, and we employ, both directly and indirectly, thousands of people. Considering that jobs were always so scarce here at home, that is a wonderful accomplishment.”
In her dual roles as Tribal Chair and CEO, Bryan has worked to address Poarch’s biggest concerns; maintaining its cultural heritage and providing a good quality of life for their Tribal Members and those who live nearby. Bryan noted, “We know what it is like do without, and we are committed to sharing our resources with our neighbors,”
“Our cultural heritage is something that we are extremely proud and protective of. We were here before the first settlers, and we helped them navigate the waterways as they moved into the interior of the state,” Bryan explains. “For centuries, we have lived in a very rural part of the state. Along the way, the stories of our Tribe and our traditions were handed down through generations, but our Creek language was all but forgotten. Now, we are making a huge commitment to bringing it back, including teaching it to the younger generations of the Tribe.”
“While each Tribal Nation in the U.S. shares some similarities, each is different,” she goes on. “For us, it was important to find a way out of the abject poverty our families had lived in for generations and to become self-sufficient. Gaming offered us and other tribes a way to do that. And while it may not have been the business that we at Poarch would have chosen to go into, it allowed us to create a degree of economic security for our people, to create jobs in the communities where we live and do business, and to diversify into other areas like hospitality and tourism, aeronautics, media, and skilled manufacturing.”
Bryan is clearly passionate about her heritage—and that makes her an effective leader in her community as it looks to the future. “I grew up surrounded by strong women who made the best of bad times,” she says. “I didn’t even realize we were poor growing up because, when a family was in need, we all pitched in to help. My uncle Otha had a big garden, and even when I was a little girl, he made sure I was out in the garden with him. We’d pick vegetables and then drop big bags full of fresh produce on people’s front porches. That was truly a Christian gesture that was also a part of our Indian culture. I’m very proud of where I come from and who my family was and is.”
“I hope that, as we continue to grow our business interests, we will continue to maintain our Poarch values based on the Christian principles of caring for each other and our neighbors,” Bryan continues. “I also hope that our neighbors in the state continue to understand our willingness to be part of solving some of the problems facing Alabama. For starters, that means creating more jobs, providing for more and better education opportunities such as training for skilled jobs, making sure we have good rural healthcare and that our infrastructure meets the needs of a growing population.”
Bryan is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves cooking for her family and spending time on the water: “It’s something that I find incredibly relaxing and good for my soul.”
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Guests of Berry Strong Foundation enjoyed an evening featuring food, drink, live music, a wine pull, free bingo games, and prizes. Held at Daphne Civic, this fun, social event in memory of Caroline Berry was held for a great cause--helping kids with cancer! Proceeds from the gala support the Berry Strong Foundation’s mission to help local children battling cancer as well as raise awareness and funds that will go directly towards research that is dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancers.
Brian and Audra Campbell
Rebecca Eberle and Zach Miller
Sue and Corey Freeman
Margaret Wilkins, Stephanie Evans, Lane McGough, and Brittany Luckie
Deanna Linder, Reilly Sharp, and Sarah Whittle
Presley and Jeffrey Ryan Logan Paul and Whitley Bailey
Jennifer Langner and Kelly Komyati
Leslie McCraney, Melissa Sprinkle, and Selena Parker
Kym Krebs, Cassie Etheredge, Lacey Rowell, and Jennifer Williams
Jenna Kim, Cindy Smith, Alicia Harp, and Emily Grace Harp
Austin and Haley Gibbs
Dr. Ayesha Munir, a medical oncologist, recently joined the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, focusing her expertise on breast cancer. She has been nationally recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the world’s leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer, for her work in fertility preservation of breast cancer patients, and she has been published in clinical journals.
Many cancer treatment regimens, such as chemotherapy, can damage ovarian function and lead to infertility. Because many young women with breast cancer may desire to become pregnant, Dr. Munir’s expertise provides hope to reproductive-age breast cancer patients in South Alabama. She discusses fertility preservation with her patients at the time of diagnosis and before beginning treatment.
“Ideally, all women of reproductive age with newly diagnosed breast cancer who have fertility concerns should meet with a reproductive endocrinologist,” said Dr. Munir. “Early referral for fertility preservation counseling and assisted reproductive technology can significantly impact the quality of life for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Dr. Munir is also working to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients from different racial backgrounds. Triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive type, affects one in five Black women and poses a greater risk of spreading and returning. Since it does not respond to standard therapy options, is extremely challenging to treat, and leads to higher mortality rates in Black women compared to other groups, Dr. Munir is dedicated to educating high-risk populations and researching better methods for assessing, preventing, detecting and treating this form of breast cancer.
Using cutting-edge clinical research to boost cancer-related treatment outcomes, Dr. Munir is leading the fight against breast cancer.
When Pam Denham lost her hair to chemo in 2019, it was one of the only things that she would allow cancer to take from her. Over the course of her chemo treatments, the active CrossFitter didn’t miss a beat or a workout—and she inspired the people around her.
“I’ve always been an active person,” observes Denham, who has owned Pamela Denham & Associates Marketing PR Solutions for the past 25 years. “I may not be able to keep up with the 20-year-olds at the gym, but I’ll run close behind!”
That determined strength was noticed, and Denham was frequently told that her presence at the gym was motivational. “They’d say to me, ‘How can we be lazy when we see you here? You’re an inspiration for us.’”
Diagnosed in July of 2019 with breast cancer, Denham underwent five months of chemo as well as a double mastectomy and oophorectomy to remove her ovaries when she tested positive for the BRCA gene. She was given the all-clear in early 2020.
“Make sure you’re surrounded by a circle of people whom you trust that are willing to listen,” Denham advises anyone going through a personal storm of any kind—be it cancer or divorce, both of which she has experienced.
“Having people who can support you, especially if they have been there themselves, is so important. Find those people and find the places that give you strength and carry you through the struggle. Mine were my faith and a great church at City Hope Church, my daughter Nicole, my friends, and being at my CrossFit gym.”
By Liesel SchmidtIn fact, in the three years since being cleared of the vaginal wall cancer she was diagnosed with in 2020, Coker has adopted the mindset that she won’t give cancer a second thought or allow it the ability to control her life. Rather, she’s living the life she’s been granted, embracing every moment and feeling the wind on her face as she jumps from a plane skydiving, the rumble of a motorcycle as she rides through the Smokey Mountains, and the wild spirit of the horse under her as she explores the beauty of Yellow Stone National Park.
Looking back, the mother of six grown children and grandmother of four remembers the cold grip of fear that she no longer allows space in her mind. “I remember being so afraid of the pain, but the fear of a long-suffering death was the hardest,” she says. “The thought of long-term treatment is terrifying. I just knew I wanted to get old. I wanted more memories. I relied on my family and pulled strength from them and hoped to be able to repay them one day by sharing my strength.”
Sharing strength is, in Coker’s opinion, an important part of the experience. “Look around the waiting room, and you’ll see someone there who could use some encouragement, someone who is in more pain, someone who has less hope,” says Coker, who credits Dr. Jennifer Scallici and the medical team at the Mitchell Cancer Center for saving her life. “There is also someone there who is hurting less than you are, someone who is in remission, someone who is feeling stronger than you are...talk to them. We are in this together.”
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Dr. Bonnie Hodge specializes in skin cancer detection and treatment, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea management, atopic dermatitis, and other inflammatory conditions, as well as more complex conditions such as autoimmune and bullous dermatoses, pigmentation disorders, vitiligo, and prurigo nodularis. She has undergone extensive training in cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment strategies while working under several world-renowned experts in psoriasis, melanoma detection, alopecia, and pigmentary disorders and is excited to bring this expertise to the Fairhope area.
The Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Ladies Day weekend is fun filled. The 46th annual Friday Night Captain’s Meeting included a team themed costume contest, won by team Miss Ma’am, cocktails by Fishers, and a catered dinner and pass around hors d’oevres by Roaming Oyster. The perennial sponsor, Park and Rebowe Clinic for Plastic Surgery and PR Medspa, awards the “Sea Cup” to the top boat which was Yellow Steel.
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A chapter of Professional Women in Building at Baldwin County Home Builders Assocation was chartered last year. PWB gets together for a monthly lunch meeting and recently held an evening social at DesignGallery by Swift Supply. The group also organized its first Baldwin Girls Build Camp over the summer to introduce local girls to opportunities in the home building industry. PWB allows women in the building industry an opportunity to support and learn from each other.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE KITTRELL
More than 600 runners and walkers turned out to support GYN cancer research at the 16th Annual GO Run, presented by the Catranis Family Charitable Foundation. During a moment of silence, members of the Catranis family released butterflies in honor of cancer patients and those who have been lost to GYN cancers. Proceeds support basic research for women’s reproductive cancers at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute.
“Asking
this?’
Which is where organizations like AFSP become so important. Founded in 1987 by a small group of individuals who had each lost someone to suicide, these few took it upon themselves to create a private, caring source of support for suicide research and education. From its small beginnings, AFSP has become a nationwide organization providing those affected by suicide with a community empowered by research, education, and advocacy to take action.
Imagine losing someone you love forever to the thoughts in their mind.
Thoughts that tell them they are alone, and that life isn’t worth living.
But what if they knew there was help?
Over the past few years, suicide prevention has been given much more awareness as we, as a society, have begun the dialogue about psychological disorders like depression and anxiety and the consequences of leaving them untreated.
Still, there is so much more to do.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 1.7 million people attempted suicide that year, and there were 48,183 suicidal deaths.
Clearly, something needs to change.
In 2011, the AFSP brought their Out of the Darkness Walk to Daphne for the first time, on the heels of a rash of suicides in the community over a short span of time—three of them from the same church. One of the families who had lost their oldest son, Allen, felt the need to do something so that no other families would experience that pain. “They, along with other families and friends, brought the South Alabama Out of the Darkness Walk to Daphne,” says Lydia Barber, South Alabama Out of the Darkness Walk organizer.
‘Why did my loved one do
is the question that haunts most survivors of suicide. The outside world demands to know from us, and we don’t know ourselves…so we search, trying to put the pieces together.”
- Tracy T. Dean, M.S., “Asking the Question Why?”
October 15, 2023, will mark the 13th annual South Alabama Out of the Darkness Walk. Over those 13 years, there have been approximately 8,000 participants, connecting with others who have lost a loved one as well as those who are struggling with their mental health.
“The AFSP and the Out of the Darkness Walks are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss,” says Barber. “The AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the core strategies of research, education, advocacy, and survivor support.”
Part of education lies in learning to recognize the signs that someone is in trouble, which can be important in saving their lives and preventing the act of suicide. “There are risk factors and warning signs to look for,” says Barber. “If a person is talking about killing themselves, feeling hopeless, talking about being a burden to others or if their behavior suddenly changes, such as looking for a way to end their lives, withdrawing from activities, isolating themselves, sleeping too much or too little and actually saying goodbye to friends—all of these are warning signs.”
Much of the AFSP’s funding comes from the approximately 750 Out of the Darkness Community Walks, Out of the Darkness Overnight Walks and Out of the Darkness Campus Walks held across all 50 states, as well as overseas. With that funding, they have created community and educational programs such as Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention, It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health, It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health for High School Students, It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health for Middle School Students, Finding Hope: Guidance for Supporting Those At Risk, Mental Health First Aid, Safe Side Prevention, Soul Shop and Stronger Communities: LGTBQ Suicide Preventions.
For more information about suicide prevention, visit afsp.org. For registration information on the South Alabama Out of the Darkness Walk, visit afsp.org/daphne.
The area’s only community-based oncology practice, Southern Cancer Center has been taking care of patients in Baldwin County for over 15 years.
We know each cancer is unique and so is every patient. That’s why our experts deliver comprehensive cancer treatment through an integrated, team-based approach to give you the best possible outcome.
Eastern Shore Republican Women gathered for their monthly lunch meeting, held the second Thursday of each month at Fairhope Yacht Club. Speakers were Attorney General, Steve Marshall, and John Wahl, Chairman of the Republican Party.
Max Miller, Carter Frego, John Wahl, McKenna Durnin, and Sophia Miller
Photos by Andrew Crumpton
Mary Gammer, Jane Barton, and Darlene Prudhomme Broxton Cook, Jonah Elliott, and Attorney General Steve Marshall
Carrie Hosier and Tami Lightfoot
Nicke Keimer and Cindy Scivieque
Carole Jones and Jo Anne Keller
Robin Rowan and Carol Wilson
Barbara Wheeler and Laurie Weber
Donna Scully, Laura Justinius, and Anita Sawrie
Faith has always been a cornerstone of Ann Schilling’s life.
As a child, she lost her father and watched her mother raise five children alone. Her mother’s faith carried her and served as an example to a young Schilling, who saw miracles happen quite frequently that she didn’t fully understand until adulthood. Later, she lost a sister to breast cancer.
Then Schilling received a diagnosis of her own in January of 2018. “I knew God, but my faith really was tested big time when I was diagnosed,” she admits. “And then, I had so many people praying for me that I could actually feel God’s arms wrapped around me. Because of that, I was never really worried. He gave me a peace that I still don’t fully understand, but I know it was from Him.”
Five years later, Schilling has been living a life in remission, coaching volleyball at Bayside Academy as she has for 36 years and maintaining a streak of 21 consecutive volleyball titles. She is an avid golfer and bird watcher and enjoys working out.
While not a member of any cancer support groups, Schilling shares her story—and her faith—with those who she feels could benefit. “Having a personal relationship with God really helped me,” she says. “That’s the only way I have gotten through this. My doctors were fantastic—I asked God to send me the right people to take care of me, and He did. It’s important to remember and believe that God can heal. I think sometimes we don’t realize His power and strength. That’s the advice I would give: Put your trust in God first always, and the rest will work out.”
When Kim Earl received her diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 2012, the 46-year-old supervisor, internal auditor, and deputy clerk at the County Clerk’s office in Mobile didn’t let her mind “go to the worst scenarios.”
In fact, she was determined to not let her loved ones feel that her head was in a negative place. “Staying positive and understanding that my cancer was a hiccup in my life that had to be addressed kept me strong,” Earl says.
“I also had to make my loved ones understand that I wanted no negativity
All women need to understand that their annual mammogram is so important. Even though I was religious about having my annual mammogram, I developed cancer from one year to the next. It was unbelievable to me. Because I was faithful with my mammograms, I’m a survivor and very proud to be able to share this experience and be encouraging to all women.”
After months of chemo treatments, Earl was declared cancer-free in 2013. To women like herself facing the battle of cancer, she says: “Stay positive.
It’s important that your family, friends, work amily understand they must treat you normal. Live your life as you always have. It is a worry in your life, however, not talking about it to every person will help you mentally.”
Kristen Niblett is a lifestyle content creator who shares affordable beauty, fashion, and home finds. Before starting her career in content creating, Kristen owned her own consulting company that specialized in government design proposals for Veteran and women owned small businesses. Even in her corporate setting, Kristen loved expressing her style and looking “the part” in the office. She decided to bring her two passions together by sharing women’s fashion while working directly with her followers. In two short years as an influencer, she has gained an incredible community and partnered with national brands such as Amazon, Target, Sephora, Walmart, and many more. Through this journey, Kristen has loved connecting with her followers by helping them feel confident each day. It has been her biggest reward!
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As proud as Audra Maxwell is of owning a successful salon, her heart and soul lie with another calling: being a wife and mother. The Fireflies Salon and Spa stylist and owner has been married for 17 years and is raising three daughters with her husband, Hamp.
“Being a working mom feels like I'm living two separate lives sometimes, but I love the craziness of it,” Maxwell says. “I share the same emotions as most working moms—I’m just trying to do the best I can for everyone who depends on me. The ‘mom guilt’ is real some days, and on those days, I'm so grateful to have such a strong partner who steps up to ensure our girls get what they need. I'm grateful for the support I get from both my husband and my children for getting everything done in a day. With three kids and two dogs, there's never a dull moment around our house. Between running kids back and forth to the soccer field, going to church events, being a business owner, and still spending time behind the chair as a stylist, things can get a little crazy. I still try to make it to the gym three times a week—but honestly, the days all run together.”
Despite those run-together days, Maxwell feels the importance of the example she is showing her girls. “I don’t know if any of my daughters will decide to follow in my footsteps, but they are learning the ins and outs of running a salon and even some hands-on skills. My oldest already helps out working our front desk and my little ones help clean up and do other small tasks,” she says. “I think it’s good for them to learn customer service skills and to understand that anything is possible if you’re willing to focus and work hard for it. They are seeing that in action every time they come to the salon and see what I have built.
“Through everything, I am so proud of my family for the support they give me and the grace they show me when I’m working late,” Maxwell goes on. “I’m also proud of the team I work with at Fireflies. As crazy as it gets sometimes, I am forever grateful for Fireflies. I feel I’m walking in my purpose, and I just pray that I do something right along the way that might have a positive impact in the lives of my family, staff and clients.”
As children do, Maxwell’s daughters, ages 15, nine and seven, are growing up quickly—but no matter how old they get, she wants her girls to always know the pride she takes in them. “I hope that they know how much they inspire me,” she says. “The time I have with them reminds me to slow down and enjoy the fun, silly moments. I want them to always follow their hearts and do what they love. Being a mom has helped me be a better businesswoman by motivating me to be the best I can because I know they are watching me. In hard times, I have asked myself what advice I would give my daughters if they were in that situation, and it encourages me to be that example for them. I hope my children see how much I love what I do and that they can be and do anything in life. And I hope they know how to slow down and appreciate the small wins along the way.”
Maxwell and her daughters hold hands and say a quick prayer for the day before they get out of the car at school each morning, and Fridays are made special with after-school ice cream dates. The Maxwell family also takes a summer break to the beach for the 4th of July—a tradition they have kept for the past 13 years.
As she watches her daughters grow and become young women, Maxwell takes the lessons they teach her to heart. “My children have taught me unconditional love,” she says. “They have also taught me not to be so hard on myself—to let go of things I can’t control and that things will never be perfect. Seeing them grow up so fast has reminded me how quickly life goes by. They have made me a better person by giving me a reason to think more before I speak, and they have a way of slowing me down at times. My girls have taught me
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FAIRHOPE, ALA – Thomas Hospital has earned accredited status by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a quality program administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The comprehensive breast cancer program at Thomas Hospital is the only NAPBC accredited program in Baldwin County and comprises the Breast Center at Thomas Hospital and Infirmary Cancer Care. NAPBC is the gold standard in breast cancer program accreditation.
As an NAPBC-accredited center, Thomas Hospital is committed to excellence in the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary care for patients with breast disease. Patients can be confident that their breast care team includes professionals from a variety of disciplines including radiology, laboratory, surgery, oncology and pharmacy.
Patients receiving care at Thomas Hospital’s comprehensive breast cancer program have access to:
• The highest standard in breast imaging and cancer detection technology
• A Commission on Cancer accredited multidisciplinary team coordinating their treatment plan from prevention, early detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment and remission
• Nurse navigators who guide patients through each step of the process
Accreditation by the NAPBC is granted only to those programs that are committed to providing the best possible care to patients with breast cancer. To achieve voluntary NAPBC accreditation, a breast center demonstrates compliance with the NAPBC standards that address a center’s leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement for patients.
The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers represents a consortium of national, professional organizations dedicated to the quality of care of patients with diseases of the breast. Its board membership includes professionals from more than 20 national organizations that represent the full spectrum of breast care. For more information, visit https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/napbc.
Infirmary Health is the largest not-for-profit, non-governmental healthcare system in Alabama. For more than 110 years, Infirmary Health has provided comprehensive, state-of-the-art healthcare to the Gulf Coast region. Today, Infirmary Health is the largest private employer in the region and is composed of four acute care hospitals, two post-acute rehabilitation hospitals, a physician clinic network with more than 60 locations, six diagnostic imaging centers, two full-service breast imaging centers and two freestanding emergency departments, along with other affiliated entities.
Phyllis Tate Lewis gave herself one day and one night of crying before she started her fight against the invasive ductal cancer she was diagnosed with in March of 2019. The ER/PR positive, HER2 negative, stage 1A cancer required chemo and radiation, after which time she was declared in remission.
Four years later, Lewis looks back on her battle with hindsight to see what got her through: “You’ve got to find peace so that you can fight and be strong. It’s like training for the Army. I kept the faith, prayed to God, and continued reading my Bible. I had support from my husband, my sisters, and my family and friends.
“I stay ‘prayed-up’ each day,” she continues. “One of the affirmations I used then and still use today is ‘I’m healed.’ If you speak healing, then you will be healed.
Lewis is an active member of Pink Pearls, Infirmary Cancer Care’s breast cancer support group. “What a great support group!” she says. “It has helped me to listen to other stories and testimonies and also share my own testimony. The group helps with questions, concerns—and laughter. Laughter is very important during this time. I look forward to Pink Pearls every month. Libby, our leader, is awesome. She and the others make you feel at home, like you are talking with family. I love my Pink Pearls!”
By Liesel Schmidt“I really just want to just say, ‘Cancer sucks’—for everyone involved,” says Shannon Preston. “We are the lucky ones that get to tell our story, but so many don’t get that privilege.”
Preston’s stark honesty is tempered by her humor and bravery— two coping skills that helped her navigate the appointments, treatment regimens, and uncertainty. “The minute you’re diagnosed, you find yourself in lots of doctors’ offices with lots of appointments,” she recalls. “It was started as a joke, but I began counting the number of new people that have seen my bare breasts since I was diagnosed. As of 2023, the number has reached 76. Clearly, one of my coping mechanisms is trying to find humor in things that are terrible. Being told you have cancer, of any kind, is very overwhelming and surreal…so take lots of deep breaths. Ask for help when you need it. Don’t give up. Be brave.”
Preston was diagnosed on September 1, 2020, a month after finding a lump that prompted her to make an appointment that later resulted in a biopsy. She has been cancer-free since her mastectomy in October of 2020.
Two years on the other side of the “you’ve got cancer call,” she is active with Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. In her role as Executive Director of Foundations for Infirmary Health, she is involved with raising money for the organization’s three breast centers. “That reminds me every day how important access to high quality healthcare is, Preston says. “I have received the best medical care in the world, and my doctors at Mobile Infirmary and Thomas Hospital have taken incredible care of me.”
Katherine is the most helpful realtor we’ve ever had! She went above and beyond at every turn! She made the whole process so much easier than it often times is. We moved to the area and didn’t know where to begin. She guided and helped us find exactly what we were looking for. She will be our realtor for all future buying and selling. I highly recommend her!
- Aubrey Miller
The community was invited out for an evening to celebrate the Flourish Community for teen girls. Guests enjoyed dinner, cocktails, a silent auction, and live music from Symone French at beautiful Belforest Pointe. Supporters had the opportunity to hear how the community’s support is impacting the lives of teen girls in Mobile & Baldwin County.
Darin and Natalie Wynn
Sarah Watson, Natalie Clarke, and Molly Cameron
Hannah Reehl, Allison Beebe, Kristen Niblett, Audrey Pittman, and Marlo Lowery
Dena Pittman, Cindy Zebryk, Angela Perry, and Kelly Gardner
Kelsey and Casey Stewart
Jessica and Smith Prestwood
Maddie Walker and Morgan Waddell
Dr. Amy Ananth and Dr. Katrina Skinner
Allison Reese and Mandee Conkle
Marci Malec, Lindsey Lee, Maggie Norton, and Maggie Haag
Allie Ward, Kate Ferguson, and Amanda Bateson
Jenni and Jonathan Spuler
Amy Phillippi and Beverly Smith
Dawn Gilley had two children at home and was eight months pregnant with her third when she was given the news that she had triple negative stage 2B breast cancer in 2006. She was 12 years on the other side of that battle when she heard those words again after a routine mammogram in 2018, this time with stage 1.
As a two-time survivor of this insidious disease, Gilley feels that she has something to give those who newly find themselves in that place of uncertainty and fear. “I am here to support them in any way they need,” she says. “There is likely to be so many emotions on any given day, any hour, and I want that person to feel completely at ease with reaching out to someone who could help them feel safe and to assure them that what they are feeling is completely validated. As someone who is on the other side of this diagnosis, I know that our fears can really paralyze us. We need support and really, sometimes, just to cry. I feel that I can be of most support to people who know me and what I’ve been through who will connect me with a newly diagnosed person. I’ve been blessed to have formed some beautiful relationships through these connections.
“Looking back, I won’t say the journey to now has been an easy one; but I can say that the connections I’ve made and the support I’ve had through the years has definitely attributed to me becoming stronger,” she goes on.
“It’s a great feeling knowing I’m on the other side and I can offer hope to others.”
They say that things happen for a reason…
“I had missed my annual mammogram and was six months overdue when my husband unexpectedly had to have heart valve replacement surgery in 2016,” says Carrie O’Connor. “During his five-day stay at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, I wandered downstairs to the radiology department to see if I could schedule a mammogram.”
Fortunately for O’Connor, they were able to see her that afternoon. It was later found that she had stage 1 DCIS, which required two separate surgeries to ensure that the cancer had been removed. Now seven years on the other side of the devastating diagnosis, she is triumphantly cancer-free and living her dream as the co-owner of a boutique women’s clothing store called Love, Jude with her best friend.
To women everywhere, she would shout this from the rooftops: “Get your annual mammograms! Had I not gotten the mammogram at the hospital that day, it would have been an additional six months before my primary care physician would have rescheduled it. By then, the cancer would most likely have spread to my lymph nodes and progressed to a more advanced stage.”
She also recommends not letting cancer or treatment dictate your life. “Keep living and doing the things you love with the people you love!” she says. “Cancer thrives in a stressful environment, so surround yourself with positive people, be kind to yourself, and do what your doctors tell you to do.”
Less than eight weeks since its official opening on August 12, 2023, Press & Co. has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike as they’ve stopped in (repeatedly) to experience the Eastern Shore’s new health-focused café.
Press & Co. is open six days a week serving an organic-based menu of cold pressed juices, smoothies, coffee, breakfast, lunch, cocktails and more. The restaurant’s mission is to impact the community by creating a gathering place
“I had a calling to create something impactful that everyone in our community could enjoy and be proud of. As a small town, we don’t have all the same kind of amenities and health alternatives as bigger cities, so being able to bring this to life is so fulfilling. I could not have made it happen without the help of my amazing team, and especially my Operating Parnter, Alex Pikul. As fun as it is to welcome new faces every day, it is even more rewarding to see the same faces there over and over. A hangout that locals felt was ‘their spot’ was always an integral piece of the vision,” said Kimberly Cox, owner.
“It has been humbling to hear so much postive feedback about the energy and kindness of our staff, quality of our food, and an atmostphere they describe as feeling like they’ve been transported to South Florida or LA.”
Kimberly Cox, owner of Press & Co., got inspired to create a café concept after embarking on her own personal health journey. Years ago, she realized she had not been feeling like herself, and she visited with numerous healthcare providers who determined she was medically “just fine.” Unsatisfied, she elected to take matters into her own hands. She educated herself on all things health and wellness through books, podcasts, conferences and befriending knowledgeable people. As a result of her efforts, she has not only cured what ailed her though nutrition, but has also impacted countless others by educating and inspiring them.
When Kimberly travels with her family, her favorite thing to do is to seek out fantastic healthy places to eat since there aren’t currenty many options in our hometown. These experiences planted the desire in her heart to cultivate a place like this in her own community.
After years of dreaming and figuring things out as she went, Press & Co. is now a beautiful reality for all of us to enjoy!
Supporters of Spanish Fort Toros Athletics enjoyed an evening of great food and live music at USS Alabama Battleship Park. The event, hosted by the Toro Foundation, also included a silent auction, and a BIG cash prize for the winner of the drawdown.
Photos by Andrew Crumpton
Lynley Corley, Miranda Reeves, Hillery Montell, and Jade Salter
Preston and Gabbi Presley
Matt Waters, Heather Waters, Christy Kent, and Kevin Kent
Billy Howerin, Katherine Howerin, Erin Coumanis, and Michael Coumanis
“Over the last 5 years, Stephanie Hale and her team have helped Limitless Homes provide beautiful finishes for dozens of homes each year. As a custom home homebuilder, we strive to provide a personal, tailored experience for each of our clients, and Coastal Stone & Cabinetry partners with us to help achieve just that. Stephanie Minter and Kaileigh Jones provide their expertise to guide our customers in making their dream home visions come true.”
-Gina Cox, Limitless Homes
When Prentiss and Beverly Smith look at their home, they don’t see what others do.
The coastal home boasts an architectural style that sits right at home on the water, complementing the landscape with its use of brick and clapboard siding, its color palette and its wood accents.
But for the couple, this 5,000 square-foot house is the keeper of memories that make its name— Sweetbay—all the more apt. “We have spent so many happy times here with friends and family,” says Beverly, who raised three children with her husband, a retired radiologist.
The Smiths moved to Fairhope from Mississippi and built Sweetbay, looking toward the future. “We built this home to grow older in,” Beverly notes. “For that reason, it has a number of features that are handicap accessible. But more than that, this home is the fulfillment of a promise. Our life here at Sweetbay, in Fairhope, is so special because Prentiss always told me that we would retire on the water. I had no idea just how wonderful it would be. He’d told me when we found this property that he would buy it if I would stop buying shoes for a year.”
It would seem that Beverly’s shoe collection would tell the tale of how that bargain went…
Nevertheless, Prentiss bought the land, and planning began for the house that later became Sweetbay. Enlisting the services of Clay Adams as architect, Tom Bierster as builder, and Elizabeth Hays and Cathy Pigott as interior decorators, the home came to life and was completed in 2009. The stunning landscape architecture surrounding it was designed by Prentiss and Lissa Faulkner of Faulkner Landscaping. “If we moved away from Sweetbay, we would definitely miss our beautiful yard,” Beverly says. “We’ve spent so much time on our porches, looking out over our yard at the spectacular sunsets. We have so many favorite places in the house, but the front porch has to be one of our most loved spots. It has views of Mobile Bay, and looking out at that water is what we have dreamed of for so long. How can you possibly replace memories like that?”
The four bedroom, four and a half bath home sits on three levels. On the main floor, the open plan makes the living spaces seem even more spacious, flowing from one room to the next, with high, pitched ceilings lined with planking, and stained wood accent beams that mirror the color and finish of the old heart pine hardwood flooring. “What inspires us the most about this house is how livable it is and how it flows,” Beverly observes.“There are no bottlenecks, and there are no areas that feel stuffy.”
“This is our dream home. We feel so blessed to live here and look forward to spending the rest of our lives living here and making more memories.”
Being the consummate hosts and avid cooks that they are, the Smiths can frequently be found in their kitchen—which, consequently, also affords magnificent views of Mobile Bay. “The kitchen is so important to us, because our whole family loves to cook,” says Beverly, including in that reference the couple’s three children, five grandchildren, and three sets of in-laws.
A run of custom cabinetry whose color hovers somewhere between gray and blue sits against the back wall of the kitchen, broken at midpoint by a large window. Honed black granite tops the lower run of cabinetry as well as the massive center island, which offers additional seating and prep space. Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances complete the space and provide a high-grade cooking experience for the family.
Aside from the views, one of the most noticeable features of Sweetbay are its eclectic interior, which boasts a number of decorative pieces that are, in fact, antique architectural pieces that the Smiths have collected over the years. Fittingly, the color palette leans toward the coastal hues of greens and blues, used artfully in a way that avoids being thematic. The home also gives a gallery feel with their ever-growing art collection—most of which are from regional and local artists.
With their location on the water, it is only natural that the master suite boasts a fabulous view of the Mobile Bay. Making the space even more relaxing, the large master bath features Alabama marble, granite flooring, a travertine walk-in shower, massive free-standing tub, and spacious closets.
“This is our dream home,” says Beverly. “We feel so blessed to live here and look forward to spending the rest of our lives living here and making more memories.”
Fall is an excellent time to buy or sell a house as the changing season mirrors the changes you’re about to make in your life. The bustle of competition in the spring and summer months tends to lessen in the Fall real estate market, allowing sellers to stand out and buyers to negotiate more favorably. The pleasant weather and visually appealing autumn scenery make property showings more enjoyable, while motivated buyers and sellers often lead to quicker and smoother transactions.
Don’t miss out on the opportunities that Fall has to offer in the real estate market – start your search today!
Allen Butler, Jessica McDill, and Corinne Kearbey
Photos by Andrew Crumpton
Baldwin County Bar Association gathered at the James P. Nix Senior Center in Fairhope for lunch, networking with their colleagues, and continuing legal education (CLE). Speakers, Presiding Judge J. Clark Stankoski and D. Robert Stankoski, Jr., Esq. presented Trial Tips 201.
Megan Doggett and Karol Kemp
Lynn Biles and Daphne Rudicell
Erin Fleming and Natalie Jones
Josh Kesling and John Roach
Judson Crump and Lang Floyd
Jordan Hawk and David Zimmerman
Robert Stankoski and Judge Jody Bishop
Dottie Barker and Mandy Barton
The Daphne High School Band Booster Club invited the community to enjoy tasty treats provided by local restaurants, live music, drinks, and dancing at Taste of the Eastern Shore. The event, held at Daphne Civic Center, supported “The Sound of the Eastern Shore,” the Daphne High School Band.
Stacey McDonald, Nina Münch, Angela Cobb, Joanna Cantrell, and Danielle Carteev
Photos by Andrew Crumpton
Matthew Aubrey, Dr. Katrina Skinner, Natalie Clarke, and Adam Clarke Chip Wright, Stephanie Harrison, and Zal Chitty
Kayla Smith and Stacey Taylor
Coleman and Kim O’Gwynn
Jackson Callaway and Emily Schaffer
Randy and Kelly Bartnick
Jenn Bartnick and John Steingraber
Natalie Mergell, Michael Mergell, and Linda Shaffer
The United Way of Baldwin County held their kick-off luncheon at the Daphne Civic Center with special guest speaker, Jason Campbell, former Auburn and NFL quarterback and current Auburn sports radio analyst. The organization’s collaborative effort with health and human service agencies works to build, grow, and enhance the well-being of citizens in Baldwin County. The United Way of Baldwin County provides support for 30 nonprofit health and human service agencies serving residents in all of Baldwin County.
Kimberly H. Neal, Dwight Norman, and Katie Durham
Mayor Robin LeJeune and Frank Shepard
Michael Daniell and Jimmy Conyers
When Misty Whitehead started her fir st Chicken Salad Chick franchise in 2011, she wanted to have more time with her family than her job in medical device sales allowed and despite her lack of experience in the restaurant industr y, her deter mination and hard work brought her a g reat deal of success. It’s also helped her attain the ultimate goal: a tighter family unit, more quality family time and g reater means with which to give back to the community she loves
“Some dear friends of mine got involved in CSC before me, and I did some research and decided to jump in very early in the franchising process,” Whitehead explains. “My husband, Peter, and I joke that I can get more done by 8:00 am than most people do all day. I was born a worker bee! Let’s be honest, though—I couldn’t accomplish opening and running successful restaurants without the best team in the industry. Peter joined me in opening restaurants together three years ago, and this will be our third restaurant opening together! Our area manager, Ali Hughes Smith, has been with us for nine years, and we open all of our restaurants with her right by our side!
“When Stacy Brown started CSC back in 2008, she wanted to remain a stay-at-home mom,” Whitehead continues. “I can honestly say that Peter and I have twice the amount of free time with our children now. In the beginning, it was a little bit hard. I would drop the kids at school, work in the restaurants all day and pick them up at three in the afternoon to run them around to sports practices. It took about four years of me working that hard to build the ‘dream team.’”
Clearly, a full plate doesn’t overwhelm Whitehead—in fact, she thrives on it. “The old saying, ‘If you want something done, give it to a busy person’ is one that holds true for me,” says the mother of two and stepmother to two. “If I don’t have a million tasks or plans going on, I get bored—it’s that simple. I love that, as a mom, I’m showing my kids that hard work and determination are the best way to succeed—and I enjoy volunteering at my children’s school and giving back to my community and giving them that example.”
She is indeed giving them an example of giving, as Whitehead has been working with Ronald McDonald House since her days as an Alpha Delta Pi in college. “I love everything that they stand for,” she says. “When you have a sick child, the last thing that needs to be on your mind is a clean, safe bed, a roof over your head, and a hot meal.”
Whitehead first got involved with RMHC of Mobile in 2012 and has since served the organization in as many ways as she can, including chairing event committees, volunteering and cooking at the house, and serving as the RMHC executive board president.
Whitehead and her husband have adopted one of the new pediatric ER rooms at USA Children’s and Women’s in addition to adopting rooms at the RMHC of Mobile as well as the RMHC family room inside Children’s and Women’s. They are also involved in fundraisers with almost every public, private, and Catholic school in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Whitehead also sits on the CSC marketing team and the CSC Foundation to fight cancer, partnering with local children fighting cancer as well as CURE of Atlanta, Georgia. “Our family and restaurants have been so loved and supported by our local community,” says Whitehead. “How could we not give back to that community?”
“Our family and restaurants have been so loved and supported by our local community. How could we not give back to that community?”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRETT FOSTER
The Baldwin County Home Builders Association recently hosted its annual Fishing Tournament to benefit The Child Advocacy Center/CARE House. Fishing began at safe light, and the weigh in at American Legion Post 199 allowed participants to fellowship and enjoy refreshments while supporting a good cause. Species include Speckled Trout, Red Fish, Flounder, White Trout, and Tripletail.
Hooked on a Cure, an offshore fishing tournament benefitting Children’s of Alabama, kicked off with a Captain’s Party at OSO at Bear Point Harbor. Attendees enjoyed great food and drinks, live music and a live auction.
Paige Duke and Mike Morgan
Jamie and Kim Willman
Katie and Tom Watts
JC Bush and Will Thames
Erica and Noah Rand
Richard, Reid, Virginia, and Katherine Whitworth
Sarah, Collins, and Nathan Shanks
The International Goat
James Tarabay brought his addictive Middle Eastern cuisine to The International Goat, a gourmet deli inside the store.
R Bistro
In May, R Bistro joined the family, bringing their delicious recipes hot, to go, or packaged to serve later.
Andree's
A Fairhope staple for 30 years, Andree's offers custom cakes, casseroles, quiches, soups, salads and dips.
The goal of Private Gallery has always been to provide every customer with a meaningful shopping experience in an environment that is fun & inviting, while offering a selection for every style, occasion, and price point.
The Fall Fashion Show at The James P. Nix Center showcased the latest in fall fashion from some of downtown Fairhope’s premier boutiques modeled by the center’s very own senior ladies. The event featured door prizes donated by local businesses and refreshments.
Sonya Reed & Corrine Clark
Donna Weaver & Linda Hutchins
Sandra Sims, Linda Browning, & Betty Busby
Carole Anderson & Mary Alice Cherry
June Bonner & Paula Wilson
Donald Hicks & Michelle Patton
Don White & Richard Good Allison Elgin & Barbra Wheeler
Karen Worsham & Sarah Schemmer
Betty Bruce, Sarah Savery, Lanna Wilson
Members and friends of the Shadow Barons joined together for the organization’s annual summer celebration, held at Belforest Pointe. Everyone enjoyed this evening of great food and drinks, live music, and socializing that allowed them to get together for a good time ahead of the highly anticipated Mardi Gras activities soon to come.
Whether you desire Private Air Charter or have an interest in one of our Fractional Aircraft Ownership Programs, we are here to assist you with all of your personal and business travels from the Gulf Coast area. Looking for Travel Ideas, Travel Packages & Dining Destinations? Please contact us for details, we look forward to having you experience these exceptional offerings. Kel Jones
| 877.925.5359 x1101 execshares.com Elizabeth.Jones@execshares.com
Julie Brunson, Tony Brunson, Janet Griffiths, Frank Griffiths, and Jeff Walding
Candi McKean and Jamie Rauch
John Daniel Campbell, Lauren Plato, Dalton Plato, and Steve Dewberry
Leanna Shaffer, Leah Teel, and Chelsey Patrick
Emily McAllister and Jamie Doggett
In March, Social Eastern Shore highlights bridal vendors throughout the region that offer our community the best of the best for planning the perfect wedding!
Be the first in the area to take part in this exclusive offer to showcase your business.
Maybe not poetry, but when Harper Haygood spoke those words to Kathryn Delahunty at a college party in 2017, it was the beginning of their love story. “A dear friend of mine had introduced us to each other at one of our sorority and fraternity swaps, and then we saw each other a couple nights later at a Halloween party. He walked up to me and asked me to dance, and I was swept away.”
The two began dating three months later and continued to see one another throughout college. When Harper graduated and moved to Birmingham while Kathryn finished college and stayed in Fairhope, they dated long distance for the next 18 months. Then, on Labor Day of 2022, Harper asked Kathryn a question that was more beautiful than poetry.
Harper decided to drive down on Friday and got stuck in two hours of traffic on the interstate, barely making it for sunset,” Kathryn recalls. “We went to our favorite place, The Fairhope Yacht Club, and when we got there, he had everything set up, from rose petals to a ‘Kathryn, will you marry me?’ sign and pictures of us. When I saw it all, I screamed, ‘Yes!’”
“Hey little mama, you want to dance?”
Just shy of a year later, on July 22, 2023, Kathryn walked down the aisle at the Venue in downtown Fairhope to meet Harper at the altar, wearing a simple but elegant gown designed by Justin Alexander, from Bliss Bridal. As perfect as the day was, the weather wasn’t quite as ideal. “It was absolutely hot that day,” Kathryn says. “We were even under a heat advisory. But ten minutes before the ceremony started, it began to storm. It was coming down heavy with lots of lightning. It finally stopped as I was walking down the aisle, and it immediately dropped the temperature outside, taking it from miserably hot to bearable and everyone was able to have the best night ever! It made me feel like God was watching over us and our guests that evening!”
Having been pronounced married, the newlyweds joined their guests for an onsite reception, celebrating as they enjoyed the
talents of the band 12eleven. “Those guys know how to put on a show, and they had all of our guests dancing and singing the whole time!” says Kathryn.
After dining on a meal catered by A Gathering Place, the couple cut into a five-tiered cake with layers of vanilla and strawberry, adorned in flowers. “I feel like all of our vendors made the wedding unique,” Kathryn notes. “Each and every one of them poured creativity, beauty and love into our day, and they made my dreams of a fairytale wedding come true!”
After being sent off to start their honeymoon, the newlyweds spent a week in St. Lucia. Now home in Fairhope, the Haygoods are looking forward to their life together, with many adventures—and dances—to come.
MAIN PHOTOGRAPHER: Emma Pitts Photography
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: Hannah Clair Photography
FLORAL DESIGN AND WEDDING PLANNING: Deedra Stone Designs
WEDDING AND RECEPTION VENUE: The Venue Fairhope
WEDDING GOWN: Bliss Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Birdy Grey
MAKE-UP: Chasen Lipscomb Minniefield
HAIR: Lindsay Bailey
CATERING: A Gathering Place
INVITATIONS: Soiree Signatures Invitation Studio
LIVE PAINTER: Breanna Earls Paintings
CAKE: Cakes by Vickie
BAR SERVICES: Bottles Up Mobile
"For me, art went in lots of directions, including music, choir, and live theater. I also made costumes for competitions, bridal, pageant wear, general sewing, and Mardi Gras. This all changed suddenly in February of 1993 when our van was hit by a drunk driver. Due to the injuries that I sustained, I should not be able to do the detailed paintings I create.
But God stepped in! Turning back to painting was a way to work through the pain. Within a few years, painting became a business. In 2007, I participated in my first large art show, The National Shrimp Festival, and it has been on my schedule ever since. My husband and I travel to about a dozen major shows a year, traveling as far as Melbourne, Florida. I have been blessed to have won several awards, and I am still thrilled when people let go of their hard-earned money to buy my work.
My works focus on marine life created using a limited palette of acrylics. Each summer, I create 100 paintings in 100 days and write about them on my blog. This year, I am featuring work with colored sea life on the shadowbox canvases that my husband, Chris, builds exclusively for me.
My works are now in collections all over the United States and various countries around the world. I am still having a wonderful time creating and using my talents to teach while on mission trips in Africa, as well as building sets for my church when needed. May you always have sand in your shoes and shells in your pockets.
The Fairhope High School Class of 1973 gathered at The Fairhope Nix Center for their 50th Year Reunion. The evening included dinner, a DJ, dancing, and a moment to remember classmates who have passed away. Classmates got together for Friday night football the evening prior to watch Fairhope face off against Mary G. Montgomery.
Haley Bishop, Jeff Bishop, and Erin Bilbo
February Wallace, George Hansell, and Sara Simon
Debbie Quinn, Carol Bassmith, and Michael Quinn
[FAIRHOPE, AL] — Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation’s, The Pavilion at The Nest, was the brainchild of dedicated FEEF Board Members over a span of 26 years and was made possible with generous donations from Fairhope Single Tax Corporation, the City of Fairhope, and countless local businesses and individuals. The central focus of The Pavilion at The Nest is to expand STEAM learning opportunities to all K-12 students and the community. While at The Pavilion, visitors will enjoy a Butterfly Garden, Frog and Toad Habitat, Log Decomposition Station, Pollinator Garden, Sensory Garden, Songbird Sanctuary and Weather Station. Each element encompasses hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a green space that preserves our natural habitat in Fairhope.
The Pavilion at The Nest is also available to the community for private event use. All guests hosted at The Pavilion at the Nest will be provided with educational resources to enhance their environmental awareness. FEEF hopes to share the beauty of this historical location with the community while simultaneously raising integral funds for our children’s STEAM education. Whether your event calls for a prime downtown location, covered seating for up to 200 people, or an expansive lawn, The Pavilion at The Nest is the ideal choice. events@thepavilionatthenest.org www.thepavilionatthenest.org
FEEF’s
[DAPHNE, AL] — In 12 years, JBT Power has grown from a two-person lawnmower shop to a 25-employee outdoor power equipment, utility trailer and tractor dealer with locations in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Gregg Wood, owner and president, says “being active in the community is one of the reasons for our success.” JBT Power’s community involvement, school support and energy led the 2023 Alabama Retailer of the Year judges to name Gregg Wood and his son, Ben, as the Silver Alabama Retailers of the Year in the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category.
We are lucky to have a dedicated team at JBT Power as well as great customers,” said Gregg.
Casey Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, who nominated the Woods as Retailers of the Year, said, “No words can truly express all that this company does for our community and our chamber. Gregg serves on the chamber board and Ben on its young professionials board. They donate their time, their location and their manpower.” JBT Power supports local sports in various ways and even partnered with the University of South Alabama athletics in 2022 to provide a tailgating event at each home football game for its customers.
Gregg and Ben aren’t the only family members involved the business. Paula, Gregg’s wife, works part time as an administrative assistant; and his daughter, Megan, a junior at Auburn University, has worked summers and holidays since she was 14.
The Alabama Retailer of the Year awards, started in 1999, honor retailers who have demonstrated growth, innovation and a commitment to their community. This year’s 11 winners were selected from 57 entries submitted from a pool of 86 nominees. “Gregg and Ben Wood are retailers of the year EVERY year to their customers, their 25 employees as well as Baldwin and Mobile counties,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown.
Diagnostic & Medical Clinic welcomes gastroenterologist, Carmen Lopez, M.D.
[MOBILE, AL] — Carmen Lopez, M.D., fellowship trained gastroenterologist, joins Diagnostic & Medical Clinic (DMC). As a gastroenterologist, she specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach and intestines). She uses surgical and non-surgical treatment methods for common diseases such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers, colitis,irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer screenings. Additionally, Dr. Lopez will conduct exploratory and therapeutic procedures.
Dr. Lopez is a graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. She earned her doctor of medicine degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine with Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Following her residency, Dr. Lopez completed a fellowship with the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. She is board-certified in internal medicine.
[MOBILE, AL] — Mobile Infirmary has earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Resuscitation Gold quality achievement award for their commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve survival rates. Each year, more than 300,000 adults and children experience an in-hospital cardiac arrest. [1] Survival from cardiac arrest largely depends on timely medical emergency team response and effective CPR.
The Get With The Guidelines - Resuscitation program was developed to help save lives of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrests by consistently following the most up-todate research-based guidelines for treatment as outlined by the American Heart Association. This achievement by the Mobile Infirmary and Infirmary Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute (HVI) highlights the collaborative effort put into following protocols for patient safety, medical emergency team response, effective and timely resuscitation (CPR) and post-resuscitation care. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines.
This achievement by the Mobile Infirmary and Infirmary Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute (HVI) highlights the collaborative effort undertaken by physicians, advanced practice providers, emergency physicians, nurses and other professionals who care for patients. This award-winning team provides some of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art heart care across the Gulf Coast Region.
[1] Annual Incidence of Adult and Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the United States, 9 Jul 2019, Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005580
[MOBILE, AL] – Meagan Taylor, D.O., board-certified family medicine physician, joins Diagnostic & Medical Clinic (DMC). As a family medicine physician, she will see patients of all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics, providing a broad range of acute, chronic and preventative medical care services, including diagnosing and treating illness, routine checkups and health lifestyle management.
Dr. Taylor is a graduate of the University of Mobile with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She earned her degree in osteopathic medicine from the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in family medicine at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Dr. Taylor has practiced as a family medicine physician formore than five years in Hattiesburg.
[MOBILE, AL] —Two of Infirmary Health’s cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr. Kareem Bedeir and Dr. Peter Pluscht III, are the only surgeons along the Gulf Coast performing pulmonary artery autograft replacement of the aortic valve. Commonly known as the “Ross Procedure,” this is a unique alternative to traditional valve replacement operations. The physicians perform the life-changing procedure at Mobile Infirmary and Thomas Hospital. Infirmary Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute is currently the only community-based program in the region to offer this unique alternative to traditional valve replacement surgery.
A major benefit to the Ross Procedure is the increased survival rate compared to other valve replacement operations. Additionally, this procedure uses human tissues valves, which lower risk for infection and the need for reoperation compared to other materials used in traditional valve replacement surgery. Patients will benefit from improved blood flow to the body and as a result, the ability to live an active lifestyle. Those who have the surgery can avoid life-long blood thinners, and female patients have the opportunity to have children, which is not an option while taking traditional blood thinners. Finally, the downtime for the procedure can be minimal, depending on the health and other co-morbidities of the patient.
[MOBILE, AL] — Roberts Brothers, a distinguished leader in the real estate industry, is thrilled to announce its invitation to join the prestigious Leading Real Estate Companies of the World's Luxury Portfolio. This exclusive partnership marks a significant achievement for Roberts Brothers and underscores its commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury real estate services in the Mobile Bay region.
Since its establishment in 1946, Roberts Brothers has been synonymous with excellence in the Gulf Coast real estate market. With a rich legacy built on integrity, expertise, and personalized service, the agency has consistently set the benchmark for real estate excellence.
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World's Luxury Portfolio is a recognized network of toptier luxury real estate brokerages. By joining this respected group, Roberts Brothers gains access to a platform that connects luxury buyers and sellers, offering unparalleled marketing tools, resources, and a far-reaching network of seasoned professionals.
As Roberts Brothers embarks on this exciting journey with LeadingRE Luxury Portfolio, the agency remains committed to its core values of integrity, innovation, and exceptional client service. This partnership positions Roberts Brothers at the forefront of luxury real estate in Mobile, and the expanded cities of Dauphin Island, Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Alabama, and more, and sets the stage for new levels of success in the luxury market.
Eastern Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours for September was held at The Balcony. This monthly event brings members together in a casual setting for networking accompanied by good food. The host, Baller Dream Foundation, is a nonprofit that provides various levels of support to alleviate stressors families of children and young adults encounter throughout their cancer journey.
Photos by Ruili Cai
