Social Eastern Shore | April 2023

Founded on the fundamental principle of serving others, the staff at Fireflies is warm, welcoming and full of positive energy. From the moment you walk in the door it will be apparent that we not only love what we do. but we love the people we do it for.

We separate and elevate ourselves from the competition through our focus on continuing education; our stylists are on the

cutting edge of the latest coloring, cutting and styling trends.

Your experience doesn’t have to end with a beautiful head of hair. Ask about our facials, waxing services, massage, or enjoy a quick update to your look with our spray tan service! Remember, our goal at Fireflies isn’t to have you as a client but to welcome you as a member of our family.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING....

The BEST blonde I have ever had! I am now a forever fireflies customer! Thank you for making my blonde fantastic as well as my experience!

Fireflies has it going on! It’s a fabulous salon with the hint of a boutique in the waiting area. I especially love my face Guru, Payton who works magic in no time, every time! Treat yourself!

I loved how you took the time to listen to me about my hair and I loved the way you styled it. Thank you!

Audra MAXWELL

FROM THE EDITOR

April is all about the children in our community! In this, our Social Kids issue, we are excited to share some great events supporting education in the public and private schools in our community such as Bingo Night at Christ the King Catholic School, SEEDS Crawfish for the Classroom, Bayshore Benefit for Bayshore Christian School and Cardinals in the Courtyard at St. Michael Catholic School.

In our Editorial Features, our SuperMom shares how having a special needs son has been a blessing for her family. In Impact & Giveback, learn how the Junior Auxiliary League of The Eastern Shore has been caring for the children of our community since 1986. We celebrate our first year in print in Bride by featuring the wedding of the beautiful sister of our first beautiful Social Eastern Shore Bride.

This is our one-year anniversary, and one word sums up how we feel...THANKFUL! We are so appreciative of how this community has included us in their social events, shared their stories and expressed support for what we do. We look forward to many years of being “The Place to Be Seen.” Next month is the Money Issue, and we can’t wait to introduce you to some financial leaders you should know.

PUBLISHER

David Renfro

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Melinda McGhee

COPY EDITOR

Lana Cagle

SALES

David Renfro | 731.499.1414

Melinda McGhee | 251.767.9429

Jessica James | 205.789.3502

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ruili Cai

Emily McHaney

Stephen Savage

Wedding by Cindy McCrory, Blue Room Photography

Shelley Patterson

Jon Hague

Nicole Reynolds

STAFF WRITER

Liesel Schmidt

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kim Mesman & Chris Shenk

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB DESIGN

Jen Meadows

SOCIAL EASTERN SHORE MAGAZINE

www.socialeasternshore.com

Stay Connected:

@SocialEasternShoreMagazine @SocialEasternShore

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THE BEST OF THE EASTERN SHORE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

SOCIAL COASTAL

SOCIALIZING THROUGHOUT COASTAL ALABAMA

and the World Smiles Back

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

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

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

Preventative Care • Zoom! Teeth Whitening Oral Cancer Screening • Dental Implants NOW OFFERING BOTOX!

Your Eastern Shore Dentists Delivering Exceptional Dental Care

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

Tropic Falls is the tropical getaway with something for everybody—like the all-new, tropical wave pool, Big Water Bay, complete with Coastal Curl surf simulator! They’re just the latest at Tropic Falls, where one ticket includes 23 theme park rides, the region’s biggest indoor water park and the all-new outdoor area with wave pool, beach & surf simulator. Save almost $50 with the Family Four-Pack of tickets at VisitOWA.com!

EDUCATED An Woman

COMMUNITY leader

fter retiring from the Alabama State Department of Education, former teacher Meg Lowry stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) in August of 2021. “I wanted to find something that matched my skill set and fueled my passion for making a difference in education,” says Lowry.

“Making a difference” is precisely what FEEF does, as the organization directly impacts students. “My job is covered by an endowment, so all the funds that we generate go right back into schools— which means we can do so much more for the students,” Lowry says. “The seeing and doing that is done in STEAM-centered, hands-on, authentic learning like our signature ‘Down by the Bay’ field trips cannot be duplicated. This is learner-centered education.”

More than someone who simply understands the administrative side of the education system, Lowry also brings her understanding of teaching. “I think being in the education system is my calling,” she says. “That may sound simple, but it is really quite complex. I don’t think ‘non-teachers’ quite understand. Teaching is very difficult. There is a true art and science to teaching, and it’s not for everyone. I have always loved school—even loved professional learning as a teacher. I have spent a week at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Space Camp—where we burned up our space-walker on reentry—Environmental Camp, and also filmed and worked with Dr. Doug Phillips (Discovering Alabama) at UA. I finished my BS with 304 hours and have two Master’s Degrees. I just love learning and sharing knowledge with people. I retired from Alabama schools with 22 years in education.

In the two years that Lowry has been with FEEF, her role has been an impactful one. “Every time a child comes into the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab and squeals at all the cool things we have, I know I’ve made an impact,” she says. “They get to smell, touch, investigate, and reflect on real things. I may not have personally collected that specimen, but our fund-raising and partnership efforts have made a difference. I have an extensive background in School Improvement, and I know that when students are excited about learning and are being taught by excited and well-supported teachers, learning will improve.”

Additionally, Lowry counts accomplishments she’s made during her time at FEEF to be learning accounting procedures as well as something a little more important to the grand scheme of things: “Handing out grants and awards to teachers and watching the Board Members make dreams a reality. That’s been an incredible part of my job,” she says.

On the flip side, those accounting procedures she’s had to learn have been among her greatest challenges—as has “not getting to interact with students or develop curriculum as much as I would like."

As she continues her role at FEEF, Lowry has some plans for the future in the works. “We’ll be seeing phase I of our expansion plans come to fruition—the ribbon cutting is slated for Spring 2023, and the public will be invited—we’ll use that momentum to move on to Phases II and III,” she says. “Phase I is the construction of both an outdoor classroom structure and an Alabama Wildlife-certified outdoor classroom garden. This will allow us to serve not only more learners in different ways—think habitat, wastewater, water run-off, pollinators, butterflies and song birds—but our structure will also be available for community use. It will hold about 250 people. Phase II will see the renovation of four classrooms from the old K-1 center. We are calling that the Innovation Center. Phase III will be the much-needed renovation of the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab. We hope that our vision will help make eco-tourism a welcome addition to our wonderful community.”

Lowry is originally from Prattville, where her father opened a business. “You learn real fast in a small town what giving back and helping others means,” she notes. She has two married children and four grandchildren. “My grandchildren call me ‘Go-Go,’ and that is what I like to do—go.” Her hobbies include traveling with lifelong friends, reading, gardening and French hand-sewing.

Joy of Life on the Gulf Coast hosted the 9th Annual Wind Creek Hospitality “Joy of Life” Mardi Gras Ball at the Daphne Civic Center. This event benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and patients of St. Jude were presented as King and Queen. Guests enjoyed food from amazing local chefs and restaurants, silent and live auctions, and live musical entertainment.

SOCIAL

SOCIAL

KRIS Laboy

Kris Laboy is the Founder and Owner of Orange Hibiscus Day Spa and Salon. She is a Master Hairstylist, classically trained at the Aveda Institute of South Florida.

Laboy is a former color educator for Aveda and considered an industry expert in blonding and hair extensions. After spending more than a decade in healthcare as a Registered Nurse, she decided to follow her heart’s desire and become a business owner. With a passion for holistic healing, Kris incorporates elements from her former career in healthcare into each of the services she provides, promoting healing for both body and mind. She now calls Fairhope home where she lives with her husband Michael, is a proud mom to Jackson and Piper, and is a dedicated follower of Jesus.

Serendipitous Bliss in Downtown Fairhope

“ I incorporated Lifewave x39 stem cell patches into my wellness routine 4 months ago and the changes I have seen are unreal. My lower back, neck and shoulder pain have resolved, insomnia is gone. I feel like I’m 20 years younger and the benefits are increasing everyday. You have to just try it.”

BAYSHORE BENEFIT

The Bayshore Benefit, the biggest fundraiser of the year for Bayshore Christian School was recently held at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear. Parents, community members, and BCS alumni gather each year to enjoy great food, silent and live auctions, fellowship and more. Together, attendees blessed the school with giving that exceeded $240,000 this year.

CARE FOR Community

Joblessness, homelessness, food insecurity, and precarious domestic situations are all things that gravely endanger the lives and wellbeing of individuals all over the country—especially in circumstances that incl ude children and youth, who are so often at the mercy of their parents’ situations, facing the direct consequences of everything that the people they love the most are going through.

“For organizations like the Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore, meeting the needs of the families, youth, and children in the community has been the core of their mission since their founding in 1986.

“A group of local women saw a need in our area for a service organization dedicated to the welfare of our community—especially with regard to children,” explains PR Chair Libba Wilkes. “Our mission as an organization is an important one: to identify the needs of children, youth, and their families along the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County and to create projects to meet those needs, all of which are focused on enhancing educational achievement, physical health and emotional well-being.

“Our mission at JAES is crucial to the Eastern Shore community because, especially during these hard financial times, we are able to help children and families with even the most basic needs,” Wilkes continues. “We partner with school counselors to identify children who are food insecure; and each week, we deliver Blessing Bags to over 80 children in our community. These bags contain meals and snacks for children to have food on the days when they are not in school. For many, this is the only food they receive on the weekends. We also provide snacks to schools monthly for those who are unable to buy or pack snacks.”

As important as addressing the issue of food insecurity may be, the JAES does more than simply this. “We have a uniform closet where we store new and donated uniform items,” Wilkes explains. “We receive monthly requests from schools in our area to bring uniform tops, bottoms, shoes and backpacks to kids in need. These are just two of our many projects that serve children in our community.”

JAES is one of nearly 100 Junior Auxiliary Chapters throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee that make up the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), which was founded in 1941 by Louis Crump of Greenville, MS. The Junior Auxiliary was founded upon the tenets of providing for the needs of children and making a difference in their lives as well as working with women to give them the opportunity to serve in and be a vital part of their communities. The Association was created to unite the Junior Auxiliary Chapters as one entity, while its members promote the work and mission of Junior Auxiliary.

Even with the support of the Association, JAES would be unable to help the community without proper funding—or without the volunteer members whose service make the work of the JAES possible. “We are able to accomplish our projects through yearly fundraising and community donations,” says Wilkes. “Each year, we have a fall fundraiser, a Jolly Jog Event at Christmas and a fern sale in the Spring. All of the proceeds are put back into our service projects to help children and families on the Eastern Shore. Some of our greatest challenges are the result of the increasing needs in our community, which requires more money and more hands to address. More and more families are struggling to provide food and clothing. This is a purely volunteer organization, so we all have other responsibilities that limit our availability. We would love to increase our membership to help even more!”

Each year, JAES helps over 400 children in the Eastern Shore area. They currently have 40 Active Members in their Chapter and hope to strengthen that number during their upcoming informational meeting in the fall for any women interested in learning more about what the organization does.

For more information, visit jaeasternshore.org.

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

P.O.P YOURMAKEBUSINESS POWEROF PRINT

91of US adults read a magazine in the last six months, which translates into a diverse audience across age, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Moreover, magazines reach more adults than television and more women than the top tech sites.

- The Association of Magazine Media

The gym at Christ the King Catholic School was set to a groovy 70’s theme with the help of Pop & Pour Party Co. for the 2nd Annual Bingo Night hosted by the school’s PTO. The night included lots of fun and games, live and silent auctions, a catered meal from Naman’s, and libations from Fairhope Brewing Company and Tap and Pour. All funds raised by the event directly benefited the students and faculty of Christ the King Catholic School.

THOMAS HOSPITAL FOUNDATION GRAND SUMMER BALL REVEAL PARTY

The Grand Summer Ball is one of the premier events on the Eastern Shore, and the funds raised support the philanthropic mission of the Thomas Hospital Foundation in helping to provide access to high-quality healthcare right here in our home. The highlight of the reveal party was the announcement of co-chairs, Codi Dearing and Elisabeth Hays. Mark your calendars for the 35th Annual Grand Summer Ball on August 19, 2023.

SUPE R MOM Elaine BRUCKNER

Over nearly the past two decades, Elaine Bruckner hasn’t punched a timecard or gotten a paycheck. But the role she plays as a mother to her two boys—one of whom was diagnosed with autism at an early age—is one more important to her than any job outside of her home could ever be. “My daily life revolves around my family, and I am always busy taking Ty to his activities—which include his involvement with the Exceptional Foundation, Special Olympics basketball, Dance Without Limits, and Dream Court tennis,” says Bruckner, describing the active calendar she keeps with her 20-year-old son, Ty, who has non-verbal autism. “My biggest challenge with Ty stems from the fact that he is non-verbal, and the behaviors that go along with autism aren’t always in our favor. However, I have learned to accept those challenges and to accommodate Ty when he needs it. Ty is working at Lulu’s part-time in Gulf Shores and enjoys it so much, and I’m so proud of him for that!”

“Bruckner has been married for 25 years to her husband Sean, who works at Airgas, and the couple have raised their two boys to be incredibly close. “Luke has been our inspiration on what a brother should be, and Ty and Luke are the best of friends!” says Bruckner of her 23-year-old son, who recently graduated from LSU and now resides and works in Jacksonville, FL. “We have a very tight knit family, and having a special needs son has }just brought us all closer.”

Both Bruckner and her husband were born and raised in Illinois, and they moved their family to Daphne almost four years ago. “It has been quite the transition, moving to the South, but we feel truly blessed to be here. We are so ecstatic about all of the opportunities that Ty has in this area, and we’re embracing as many of them as we can!”

After so many years learning and adapting to her son’s disorder, Bruckner know the challenges that often arise and meets them. But she wasn’t always confident that she would be capable of being the kind of mother her son needed. “I was never sure I could be successful at raising a special-needs child,” she admits. “But I have learned so much, and it has been the greatest gift of my life. I have met the most amazing people—both families and children— who are the best people you’ll ever meet. The amount of heartache and strain we face, and finding that place of being socially acceptable, is different for a family that has children with special needs. I have learned to love and embrace all people, all children, and their families. It has been a life lesson— and a life-changing one.”

Cultivating the closest relationships she can within her family has been important to Bruckner as she has raised her boys. To that end, they have some special traditions that have helped forge bonds and make incredible memories together. “We love to do all the fun things!” she says. “We visit Disney World at least twice a year, and we love to go on cruises and travel as much as possible. We have had to make lots of new family traditions, being so far away from family and living in the South, but it has been great. We love creating new traditions that are ours alone and completely unique to us. Our favorite has been spending Christmas and New Year’s at Disney World.”

Her sons may not be school aged anymore, but Bruckner’s devotion to giving them both the best memories and the most love she can has remained constant. “The most important thing I hope my children remember about me and our family is together time,” she says. “There is no better time than all of us being together with extended family, having fun and making memories. My kids aren’t always happy about me taking a ton of pictures, but I know someday they will be treasures. My children have both taught me so much: patience, support, kindness, and inclusion. I hope that these things they have taught me are the characteristics they will remember about me and continue in their own lives.”

NATIONAL JUNIOR CHARITY LEAGUE EASTERN SHORE CHAPTER SENIOR RECOGNITION EVENT

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church served as the partner church for the 8th annual Night to Shine Daphne which was held in Trojan Hall at Daphne High School. The event was open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Events like these are held throughout the United States with support of The Tim Tebow Foundation. A red-carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest received a crown or tiara were all part of the event.

GOLF CLASSIC

2-PERSON SCRAMBLE

$150 SINGLE PLAYER ENTRY

$300 ONE TEAM ENTRY

$600 TWO TEAM ENTRY

10AM REGISTRATION

12PM SHOTGUN

AWARDS RECEPTION FOLLOWING PLAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH ROCK CREEK GOLF COURSE REGISTER AT YSAL.ORG/GOLF

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR THIS EVENT, PLEASE EMAIL MARIANN AT MLEACH@YSAL.ORG FOR A SPONSORSHIP FORM.

For over 166 years, the Y has responded to community needs through facility membership for fitness and wellness, Afterschool and Day Camp for out of school time, and Swim Lessons to keep people in our communities safe around water. Your participation in this event will ensure that the YMCA does not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay.

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

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

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

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

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

©2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

When the world changes, we can help you prepare for what’s next

ARDINALS in the Courtyard

The courtyard at St Michael Catholic High School served as a beautiful setting for the 7th annual Cardinals in the Courtyard. Attendees enjoyed mouthwatering food at several tasting stations, a dueling piano performance, a fabulous live auction and an online silent auction. Sponsors were invited to begin the evening with a special Mass and champagne toast. Funds raised from the event will help to continue the mission of the only Catholic high school in Baldwin County which is to support aspiring students to become scholars, leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ.

SOIRÉE BY THE B AY

Rock Creek Golf Club served as the venue for Soirée by the Bay to benefit Baldwin Humane Society. Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, a silent auction, a red carpet, and more. Attendees had the option to don red carpet attire or to come dressed as their favorite movie character.

BLACK HOUSE White House

They say that not everything is black and white. But in the case of the Little home in the Verandas subdivision of Fairhope, it’s all black and white.

The classic modern farmhouse stands one-story high, clad with bright white Hardy plank and white painted brick that stands out against the accents of the massive black shutters, black French doors, and custom-built black sliders that accent the center front entry doors running along the front facade. A large front porch offers a welcoming place to sit, and metal accents on the front porch roof which are complimented by metal accents over the front windows and three-car garage.

Built in 2020 by ARK builders and slated to be their Parade of Homes entry for 2020, the house was almost complete when Garry and Kim Little signed a contract on the home in August of 2020 and moved in on October 30, 2020. They worked exclusively with Ron and Amy Cuny (ARK Builders) to complete the interior and exterior finishes of the 3,062 square foot home. What they achieved matched the exterior aesthetic—a modern farmhouse style with clean lines and white painted nickel gap complimented by provincial English oak flooring and comfortable, inviting furniture. Charles Phillips accent pieces and a unique pantry door provide a contrast of warm wood tones with rustic charm.

The home itself is spacious, comprised of four bedrooms; three and a half baths; a three-car garage; a flex room; foyer; mudroom; large open concept kitchen, dining room and living area; and a Gunite pool that was added after the Littles closed on the house. “The first thing that people notice when they come to the house is the attention to detail,” says Kim, who retired from a career in retail sales and management, while Garry is a retired Special Agent in the Air Force. “As you enter the home, you’ll see beautiful Chicago brick on each side of the foyer and black metal framed glass sliders. The great room is both inviting and cozy, with a beautiful Chicago brick fireplace, floating wooden shelves, transom windows above the door openings, and a warm coastal palette. Most people are immediately drawn to the 12-foot sliding glass doors that lead to the large rear patio and pool, where we also have motorized retractable screens. As you step down into the pool area, a retractable Sunbrella awning provides 300 square feet of shade.”

The Estates at The Verandas, 3-5 acre estate lots on rolling hills for Custom Homes only.

The Estates at The Verandas exceeds expectations.

theverandasfairhope.com

I will exceed your expectations as your real estate professional for ALL your real estate needs. I make the entire process of buying and selling real estate SIMPLE, EASY, and FUN...just like it should be!

Michelle Bigler

Associate Broker

251-367-1111

michelleDbigler@gmail.com

Wise Living Real Estate

MichelleBigler

MichelleDBigler

As beautifully appointed as the home is with its many design details, the kitchen is naturally a showstopper. Boasting custom white double hung cabinets, the kitchen is an echo of the home’s exterior—all white save for accents of black in the vent hood and the spacious center island. Leathered granite countertops with muted gray and black veining compliment the contrasts of black and white, and the undermount farmhouse double sink in the island features a black faucet. Stainless steel appliances include a six-burner gas top range and French door double oven, with a pot-filler mounted over the range. Three glass pendant lights are suspended from a nickel gap ceiling that extends to the dining area, where an antique German dining table is offset by a large Arhaus crystal chandelier. On the opposite end of the kitchen is a spacious walk-in pantry with a custom Charles Phillips door as well as a coffee bar with free floating wooden shelving from Charles Phillips. The backsplash features grout-less glass tile that flows into the pantry and coffee bar, and a century-old wooden beam sourced from a warehouse in Chicago extends across the ceiling in the great room to provide a visual delineation between the two spaces.

This being the home that the Littles have retired to, the master suite has been designed as the perfect retreat space—starting with the hallway leading to the master bedroom, which has crystal wall sconces, rustic shiplap and a slider door to the laundry room. Inside the generous master, you’ll find a nickel gap feature wall with a Charles Phillips accent piece and soft white toned furniture accented with a small seating area and bench. A custom slider leads into the spacious bath, where a claw foot tub is prominently featured under the glow of a beautiful upside-down tree chandelier from Arhaus and offset by a feature wall. Separate custom white vanities with gray granite countertops and white porcelain sinks are anchored by two-foot by four-foot gray slate tile flooring, and a zero-entry walk-in shower with rain garden shower head and separate wand providing a spa-like feel. Black metal mirrors and lighting enhance the white spaces of the bathroom, and a pocket door leads to a massive “his and hers” walk-in closet with custom built shelving, vanity, and storage. Another pocket door leads to the adjoining laundry room, which is finished with

leathered granite countertops and a white porcelain sink as well as an ironing and folding station with a matching granite countertop.

“God had His hands on us in finding and creating this home,” says Kim. “We originally were going to settle in Florida near Destin, as we were once stationed at Eglin AFB and liked the area. However, when it came time to start looking, we couldn’t find anything we liked. We stayed with our long-time friends in Mary Esther, Florida, who told us to come visit Fairhope. We did—and that ended our search in Florida. We love this community, so as much as we enjoy being retired, we have found several ways to give back. We’re active in a small group at 3 Circle Church, and we volunteer at Thomas Hospital by driving the golf carts once a week. Garry is also involved in Vet Connect at 3 Circle Church, and he serves on the U.S. Armed Forces Honor Guard of Baldwin County, which provides military honors at Veteran funerals and civic events in Baldwin County. It has been amazing to make this house—and this community—our home.”

14625 RIDGE ROAD SUMMERDALE, AL 36580

$2,495,487

The pinnacle of luxury meets Fish River. This stunning 3157+/- square feet home sits on (3) acres on a private cove with over 200 feet of water frontage that does not flood. The home was completely renovated in 2022 with over one million dollars spent to complete this masterpiece. As part of the renovation, a fully enclosed (high strength screening) gunite infinity pool which is heated and decked with travertine was constructed. As you make your way down to the water and the large dock, you are greeted with a quaint pier house with amazing views. Moving inside, you are welcomed by an inviting open area with (10) foot ceilings and (8) foot doors along with whitewashed white oak floors throughout. The living area includes tastefully done built-in bookshelves on either side of the wood burning fireplace. The formal dining area is masterfully put together with House of Hackney wallpaper. The kitchen boasts custom cabinetry adorned with Cotswold Green, and the stunning quartz countertops are illuminated by (3) island pendant lights. The kitchen features a panel front refrigerator, panel front dishwasher, double oven, and an induction cook top from Bertazzoni. The large walk-in hide-away pantry accents the kitchen subtly while providing efficient and adequate space. The large primary suite provides independent French door access to the pool area. The en suite bathroom includes custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, marble floors, Triton subway tile, a frameless glass shower door and a beautiful cast-iron soaking tub. Every detail in this home was carefully thought out down to the finishing touches. The built in bookshelves in the living area as well as the cabinetry in the kitchen and primary suite bath are accented with hand finished Armac Martin hardware made of solid brass.

-Matt & John Lumpkin

Champagne &

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

BCHBA and The PR Foundation welcomed the community to a ribbon cutting to culminate their joint project, building a new home for a deserving local couple. Attendees were encouraged to bring donations of dry goods and non-perishable home essentials to the event that included a tour of Johnny & Krystal Stewart’s new home. The project received tremendous community support with over 200 local businesses and individuals contributing. The Fairhope High School Band also joined in the festivities.

TEACHER feature

Mr.Josh HAMILTON

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

What do you feel is the biggest reward?

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

I've been fortunate to have been taught by some wonderful teachers in my life. I've got to shout out Mrs. Tillman, Mrs. Yarbrough, Professor Donaldson, and Dr. Kenneth Noe. However, my mom, Jenny Hamilton, who recently retired after 40+ years in education, had the greatest influence on my decision to become a teacher. Growing up I saw first hand the impact she had on the students in her classroom. She had such a passion for education, it was contagious. I explored many different career paths, including a year in law school, yet found none that brought real joy. I circled back to education and my mom suggested that I sign up for substitute teaching just to try it out. I immediately enjoyed the experience and realized that as usual, momma knew best!

What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?

Mrs. Wendy McClendon. My beautiful, kindhearted second grade teacher. What an amazing woman! I can't remember exactly how, but somehow, I won "teacher for the day" that year. I was able to dress like my teacher, sit at the teacher's desk, teach a short lesson to my fellow second graders, eat lunch with the other teachers, and so on. It was such a special day that I have never forgotten. She built our character, she believed in us, she made us each feel so loved, so important, and so valued. I knew that if I ever actually became a teacher, I would strive to treat my students the way she did.

What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?

Each year I gain a new classroom family; the students become "my babies"—we grow together, we learn together, we laugh and cry together, we do life together—and then at the end of each school year I watch that "family" go to the next grade level. It is part of the job, but that part never gets any easier for me.

I think the biggest challenge is learning all the different personalities and learning styles of your students. We have about 150 students in our middle school and you want to bring out the potential in all of them. We have high academic and spiritual expectations at CKCS and you want every student to rise to the challenge and meet those expectations. In order to do that it takes some time learning what makes each student tick and how best they learn. This can be challenging, but it's a good and rewarding challenge.

What do you feel is the biggest reward?

There are many rewarding moments as a teacher. For example when a student connects the dots and grasps a concept we've been working on for weeks, or when a student recalls something we covered last year and you realize they really were listening to you! But for me, the most rewarding moments are when I see students who have graduated from CKCS and they come up and say hey and ask how things are at CKCS and fill me in on what's going on in their lives. They are under no obligation to say anything to me, but you develop real relationships with these students after three years together. When they've graduated and still remember their old middle school teacher, it makes me smile every time!

If you could leave your students with one message, what would it be?

Oh! There are so many rewards! The laughter, the milestones, the hugs, the "aha" moments, the memories, the field trips, the growth, the cards from students, the authenticity of young kids, the summers off, and the list goes on and on...but the biggest reward, I believe, is the relationships with my students.

How do you make learning fun for your students?

As a teacher, the best way to make learning fun and to help your students succeed is to truly get to know them. Once the students know I totally support them, the sky becomes the limit! Kids love crafts, games, and challenges. We do many hands on activities, we dance, we sing, we joke, we admit our mistakes, we share, we work in teams, and we create.

Ok, I've got two messages. First, find something you're passionate about in life and devote yourself to that subject. Never stop learning. The second one is something I really try to make clear to the students, that we are so blessed. Thank God that you were born in the 21st century and you live in America! When you study history and learn how difficult and challenging life was for the vast majority of all humans that have ever existed and compare that to the lives that we currently have, gosh you should feel blessed!

FOR THE Crawfish Crawfish CLASSR M

The inaugural SEEDs Crawfish for the Classroom Event, presented by 68 Ventures, took place on the grounds of Daphne’s City Hall. Event festivities included crawfish from MudBug Mafia, live music from Anthony Crawford of Sugarcane Jane featuring Pete Nice, children’s activities, and local brews from Fairhope Brewing Company. All proceeds benefitted the 2023 SEEDS Classroom Grant Program for Daphne schools supporting Daphne High School, Daphne Middle, W.J. Carroll Intermediate, Daphne East Elementary, Daphne Elementary and Belforest Elementary.

Phillippi + Jacob

They say you find love when you’re not looking, and neither was looking for more than breakfast when Phillippi Herndon and Jacob Pyles met at a bagel shop one October morning in 2019.

“We started speaking in line when he noticed my Moe’s BBQ shirt,” Phillippi recalls. “I got my food first and was going outside to eat, so I told him to say goodbye on his way out. He ended up asking to sit down with me, and we had breakfast togeth er, which led to our discovery that we both attended the University of Alabama and had mutual friends. We had our first date two weeks later, and the rest is history.”

History, indeed, as the two continued dating over the next two years until Jacob decided to add another page to their story. “He proposed to me on Labor Day weekend in 2021 at my family’s land in Franklin, Alabama,” says Phillippi. “It was a surprise, because I thought I was just going to be throwing his birthday party like I had the year before. Instead, he commandeered the birthday weekend and made it a surprise engagement party with our friends and family there.”

Just over a year later on November 5, 2022, Phillippi wore an ivory Sareh Nouri stretch Mikado ballgown with a halter neck and twisted detailing on the front and covered buttons running down the back to the end of the train, accompanied by an heirloom Brussels lace veil, which has been worn by each woman in her family since 1911, as she walked down the aisle at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Mobile. After being pronounced married, Jacob and Phillippi joined their 350 guests at the Striker’s Den and Mobile Carnival Museum for their reception. “Having the reception at the Striker’s Den was special because I lead the organization the year I debuted,” says Phillippi.

As everyone dined on an array of food that included shrimp, grilled oysters, tuna dip, beef tenderloin, and chicken fingers, the festivities were “one big party in the rain” until after the two shared their first dance. “We had our first dance in the rain, which was very special,” says Phillippi. “After the rain finally stopped, everyone was able to come outside and enjoy the band and party.”

Raising glasses of champagne to toast the happy couple and sipping on Mobile’s signature Mardi Gras cocktail, the Chrissy, everyone indulged in cake after watching Jacob and Phillippi cut into a beautiful fourtiered confection covered in basketweave buttercream and adorned with white, pink, purple, red, and blue flowers. After finishing the night with more dancing and a late-night snack of mini burgers, the newly married Pyleses were sent off to honeymoon in France. “We started our two weeks in Paris, then travelled south to Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux and toured wine vineyards,” says Phillippi.

Now home in Nashville, Phillippi is back at her job as an event coordinator for Deloitte LLC, while Jacob works as a sales engineer for Tom Barrow Co. And while they may have resumed life as usual, every day together is another part of the history that all started standing in line for bagels.

WEDDING PLANNER: Jacquie Burkett

PHOTOGRAPHY: Cindy McCroy, Blue Room Photography

FLOWERS AND DECOR: Ron Barrett

CATERER: Morrissette Catering Co.

CAKE DESIGNER: Betty Weber Cakes

WEDDING GOWN (BRIDAL SHOP): Carriage House, Birmingham, AL

WEDDING GOWN (DESIGNER): Sareh Nouri

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Bill Levkoff

GROOM'S/GROOMSMEN'S ATTIRE: Black Tie Traditional Tux

HAIR: Garilynn Gillespie

MAKE-UP: Salon GLS

INVITATIONS:

Gwin's

ENTERTAINMENT: Excelsior Band and Powerhouse

schoolsaretopsonmylist.Whetheryouchoosetosend yourchildrentoprivateorpublicschools,yourchildren willreceiveatop-notcheducation.Secondwouldbe thegreatlocalshopping…Ilovetosupportoursmallbusinessownersandtheirone-of-a-kindproducts.Lastly, I’mgratefulforanexceptionalsocialcommunitywith lotsof localeventsandcelebrationstoenjoylifewith WHATADVICEWOULDYOUGIVEAYOUNGER VERSIONOFYOURSELFJUSTSTARTINGOUTIN Iwouldtellmyyoungerself thattobesuccessfulwithin allaspectsof yourlife,youneedtosetgoalsforyourself. Knowthecommunityaswellasyourcustomers.And finally,believeinyourself andyourcompany.

thingsustopassontothenextgenerationthose thatwillhelpthembecomesuccessful.THEWHATISITYOULOVEMOSTABOUT NORTHSHORECOMMUNITY?

IhavebeenaNorthShoreresident oursinceshortlyafterbirth.Ihaveseen communitygrowincredibly. TheNorthShorecommunityprovides businessexcellenceineducation,medicalcare, entertainmentopportunities,andartsandinasmall-townatmospherewithatremendoussenseof pride.Itis spendawonderfulplacetoraiseafamilyand timewithfriends.

634VILLAGELANENORTH | SUITE201 (985)MANDEVILLE,LA70471 674-3744 | PJDEMARIE.COM

“Neverquiteducation; studyyourtrade;learn thanleadership;workharder inspireanyoneelse;and thosearound inyoutoachieveexcellence businesses,theirlives,intheir and intheirfamilies.”

The Eastern Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours for March was hosted by Southern View Media and Pelican Promos in Daphne. This monthly event brings members together in a casual setting for networking over hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Additionally, guests enjoyed music by DJ Derek Rowan.

REAL ESTATE Issue The

Children’s of Alabama celebrated Tee Off Fore A Cure with a weekend of internationally-themed events designed to celebrate the 18th year of the fundraiser that honors Fairhope cancer survivor Frances Grace Hirs. The international themed pre-party was held at The Lakewood Golf Club. Guests enjoyed great food, beverages, live music, a silent auction, and more. Proceeds from Tee Off Fore A Cure benefit the Alabama Centers for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders (ACCCBD) at Children’s of Alabama.

Over 1300 patients from Mobile and Baldwin counties visit Children’s of Alabama each year for life threatening illnesses and injuries. There are several events along the Gulf Coast this summer if you’d like to help support by giving, volunteering or attending!

SAT, APRIL 29

Birdies for Barron Golf Tournament

Rock Creek

SAT, MAY 13

Children’s Cup Regatta Fairhope Yacht Club

SAT, JULY 15

Dive For A Cure Spearfishing Tourney

Panama City Beach

AUGUST 25–27

Hooked on A Cure Deep Sea Fishing Tourney, Bear Point, Orange Beach

Please contact the Children’s of Alabama Gulf Coast office at 251-610-4969 for more info on any of these events!

ADVANCED BUILDING PRODUCTS

COOK’S PEST CONTROL

INFIRMARY HEALTH CANCER CARE ONCOLOGY

WOMEN’S IMAGING SPECIALISTS

HOMEFRONT LENDING

KNOCKOUT INSPECTIONS

FAIRHOPE SELF STORAGE

EASTERN SHORE REPUBLICAN WOMEN

NEW MEMBER SOCIAL

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce welcomed members who joined over the past six months to a New Member Social hosted by Trustmark bank. Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and they had an opportunity to enter to win several door prizes.

USA Health unveils new Mother/Baby Unit at Children's & Women's Hospital

[MOBILE, AL] — USA Health today unveiled a new Mother/Baby Unit designed to promote comfort and bonding for families and their newborns. The 20-suite postpartum unit is located on the fifth floor of the women’s tower at Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the area’s leader in births.

“This beautiful new unit is another example of how Children’s & Women’s Hospital focuses on providing high-quality care that is patient-centered,” said Deborah Browning, M.S.N., R.N., C.E.N.P., interim administrator for the hospital.

The new unit is designed to facilitate couplet care, a family-centered approach in which mother and baby are cared for in the same room by the same nurse from the time a baby is born until both are ready to go home. Research has shown that couplet care creates a stronger bond between parents and their newborns, builds a baby’s immunity and increases success rates for breastfeeding.

“We want to provide care for both mom and baby at the bedside,” said Vicki Curtis, M.S.N., R.N., director of women’s services at USA Health. “The unit will have the amenities in the rooms that allow the babies to stay comfortable with mom.”

The new unit features soft lighting and soothing colors of deep grays, golds and blues. Stylish birds-in-flight wallpaper adorns the foyer ceiling, and beach images are incorporated into the signage and wall art.

Each of the 20 suites includes a spacious bedroom, a recliner, couch and private bath with luxury amenities such as bidets. Each suite also incorporates a baby bath and scale, and a height-adjustable bassinet for the newborn so that assessments and other procedures can be completed at the bedside.

In addition, a new lactation space will be located within the unit, staffed by an expanded team of lactation consultants. Two private rooms for breast pumping will be available for patients, visitors and staff to use.

“We want our approach to be family-centered,” said Teneshia Edwards, R.N., nurse manager for the new unit. “This is a life-changing experience for families, and we only have them for a few days, so we want to make sure that their experience during those few days is great.”

Eastern Shore Alabama Lemonade Day Registration is NOW OPEN! Lemonade Day will be April 22, 2023!

Our mission is to help today's youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow...one lemonade stand at a time! Experience Lemonade Day with photos, videos, news and more. events Learn about Lemonade Day events happening in Eastern Shore AL.

lemonadeday.org

Infirmary Surgical Specialists Welcomes Darren Rowan, M.D., FACS

[FAIRHOPE, AL] — Darren Rowan, M.D., FACS, boardcertified general surgeon, joins Infirmary Surgical Specialists at their location in Fairhope, AL. Infirmary Surgical Specialists is one of the Gulf Coast Region’s most comprehensive surgical teams encompassing more than 200 years of experience. Their specialties include the most advanced surgical treatments for bariatric, pancreas, hepatobiliary, breast, surgical oncology, gastrointestinal, colorectal, endocrine reconstructive plastic and general surgery as well as wound care.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Rowan has provided advanced surgical care to patients in Alabama and Louisiana. He is board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Rowan earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans. Dr. Rowan went on to complete his residency at the University of South Alabama where he also served as a clinical instructor.

Mobile Infirmary one of two hospitals in Alabama awarded Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Certification by The Joint Commission

[MOBILE, AL] — Mobile Infirmary has earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement Certification by The Joint Commission, making it one of two hospitals in Alabama to achieve this distinction. The certification recognizes Mobile Infirmary's unwavering dedication to providing safe and top-quality care to individuals undergoing joint replacement procedures.

"We are very proud of our orthopaedics and total joint programs here at Mobile Infirmary,” said Susan Boudreau, FACHE, Mobile Infirmary President. “This certification from The Joint Commission highlights our physicians’ and staff’s commitment to excellence and to providing exceptional care to our patients.”

The Joint Commission’s review process included interviews with team members and an evaluation of compliance with certification standards developed in consultation with healthcare experts, providers and patients. Mobile Infirmary’s orthopaedic services include orthopaedic surgery, inpatient rehabilitation, sports medicine, inpatient and outpatient physical therapy, total joint replacement classes and more.

Shea joins department of microbiology and immunology

[MOBILE, AL] — A lifelong interest in science led Allyson E. Shea, Ph.D., to study marine science before switching gears to pursue a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences.

Shea recently joined the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, where she will further her research into the pathogens associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), one of the most common types of infections worldwide.

Urinary tract infections occur when microbes such as bacteria from the skin or rectum infect the urethra, then ascend to the bladder and/or kidneys. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

Women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

“Dr. Shea brings to our university a distinct but complementary area of research in a field with a recognized need for advancement of scientific knowledge,” said Kevin R. Macaluso, Ph.D., professor and Locke Distinguished Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

Shea said she was attracted to the Whiddon College of Medicine by the department’s capability to conduct single-cell sorting and gene expression analyses, and the expertise in that field held by researcher Robert A. Barrington, Ph.D., who has more than 20 years of experience in flow cytometry.

Shea earned her doctoral degree in biomedical sciences at the University of Florida, with an emphasis in cellular and molecular biology. She then completed her postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan under Harry Mobley, Ph.D., an expert in Gram-negative bacterial pathogenesis research. “Now, the goal is a combination of the two – looking at both the host and bacterial response in urinary tract infections, to understand mechanisms at the host-pathogen interface,” she said.

Infirmary Health hospitals earn recognition in multiple 2023 Women’s Choice Award®

“America’s Best” categories

[MOBILE, AL] — Infirmary Health is pleased to announce Mobile Infirmary, Thomas Hospital and North Baldwin Infirmary have earned recognition in multiple 2023 Women’s Choice Award categories. This marks the sixth year in a row the hospitals have been recognized. Infirmary Health provides comprehensive women's health services that focus on all stages of a women's life across the continuum of care. Its teams and facilities ensure that patients are given the tools and resources necessary to preserve health and wellness in fulfillment of its vision to be the FIRST CHOICE for women's healthcare services in the Gulf Coast region.

Mobile Infirmary Best Hospitals for Cancer Care

Thomas Hospital

Best Mammogram Imaging Center

Best Hospitals for Obstetrics

Best Hospitals for Orthopedics

Best Hospitals for Patient Safety

North Baldwin Infirmary

Best Hospitals for Obstetrics

The Best HospitalsTM designations are the only evidence-based designation which identifies the country’s best healthcare institutions based on robust criteria that consider patient satisfaction, patient recommendation rating and what women say they want from a hospital.

COURTESY OF BAYOU BELLE and SIPSavory

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CRUMBLE BARS

Growing up in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, we always looked forward to strawberry season! Many of my family members were strawberry farmers, and although that time has passed, it is still as special to us as it has ever been. Our berries are said to be the best, and I hope that you will one day be able to enjoy them.

Last year, I made these strawberry shortcake crumble bars, and they were a total hit. Bring them to work, for the kid’s class treats, or just simply enjoy them at home.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar

1 large egg at room temperature

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon juice (for cream cheese mixture)

1 tsp lemon zest (for cream cheese mixture)

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1 cup plus ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup chopped strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350

Line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper

Using a stand mixer with a paddle, beat the butter and brown sugar on low/medium

Mix until creamy, about 4 minutes

Scrape the sides of your bowl

Add the egg, beating until just combined

Add flour, salt, vanilla until your dough forms

Add about ¾ of the dough to your pan, and press it down

Bake for about 15 minutes until it is a light golden brown

Allow it to cool in pan (Completely!)

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper

Add the rest of your dough while crumbling, onto the cookie sheet

Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until nice and golden

Allow it to cool and set aside

In a clean bowl of a stand mixer, still using the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese

Beat it on medium high until nice and smooth

Reduce it to low and slowly add your confectioners sugar (about ¼ cup at a time)

Add lemon juice and lemon zest

Transfer to a bowl and set aside

In a clean bowl of a stand mixer, this time using a whisk attachment

Beat heavy cream on medium high until stiff peaks form

Fold heavy cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture carefully

Fold in chopped strawberries

Spread into cooled pan on top of the crust

Spread evenly

Add the shortbread crumbles on top of cream cheese mixture

Refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours), uncovered

When completely cooled, you can carefully pick it up by the parchment paper and cut into servings

Optional:

Make it cute:

• Add freeze dried strawberries

• Add sprinkles

• Cut into cute shapes or triangles