When I first heard about the local Newcomers Club, my neighbor was out walking her dog and noticed my “West Virginia” license plate. I had just stepped outside and saw her wave. She said, “Hi, I’m Nancy. I’m from Huntington, West Virginia.” (Such a small world we live in!) Then she asked if I’d like to join the Newcomers of Eastern Shore. “It’s $25.00 for the year, and I’m the treasurer, so if I’m not home, just set your check under my welcome mat.” This was within weeks of our arrival in Fairhope.

I’ve heard a lot about Impact 100 Baldwin County over the years and knew it was a group of women who were collectively making a difference throughout Baldwin County communities.

Therapy Dogs of South Alabama opens with a major impact. Seven registered Therapy Dog Teams are already visiting Mobile Infirmary in Mobile, and three Teams are registered to visit Thomas Hospital in Fairhope and Daphne.

If you have traveled down Baldwin County Highway 104 between Fairhope and Robertsdale, you have passed by Brodie’s Cream and Bean. It sits prominently on the south side in the heart of Silverhill. Silverhill is one of those quaint, charming, rural communities with enough interesting shops and restaurants that entice people to stop and see what’s going on. So I did!

Julian MacQueen has been wildly successful in the hotel business with Innisfree Hotels. An adventurer of sorts, he decided at an early age that the beach is where he wanted to be. Much has been written about his hotel management and development company, flying exploits, and religious sojourn. He’s quick to point out that the best thing he’s ever done was marry his wife of over four decades, Kim. They are truly a team.

At this time of Thanksgiving, we encourage you to remember the organizations in the Scenic 98 Coastal communities that are making a difference and serve as the glue that holds our towns and neighborhoods together.

You may have read about John Shell, the Junior at St. Paul’s High School in Mobile who came up with a brilliant yet aggressive undertaking to earn his Eagle Scout badge. It’s a story that inspires, especially if you love and cherish the waters surrounding the Scenic 98 Coastal area.

What’s in the water in Pensacola causing a revitalization as I have never seen? I had an inkling of what the catalyst was and set out to find it. I started on Palafox Street where we often go to the Saturday market to eat and shop with all the other happy people and dogs.