Island Spirit Recipient for January 2009

by Vicki Stillings

The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce Catch the Island Spirit Committee presented its award for the month of January to Susan Eades of the Winn Dixie Pharmacy in Orange Beach. Susan received several nominations for the Island Spirit Award. The nominations for Susan stated, “Susan is always cheerful and upbeat. She is very helpful with customer’s questions and is willing to help”. “Working with Susan keeps my spirits up. She always has a funny comment and has a heart of gold”. “Susan always makes me feel better and truly invokes the true Island Spirit. She is the definition of southern hospitality. She greets every customer as a friend and is a joy and inspiration”.

In addition to a plaque, Susan received an ‘Island Spirit’ lapel pin, a cash award, flowers from Flowers by the Shore and a one night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Orange Beach.

The Catch the Island Spirit Award is presented each month to an individual who works on our island and offers great customer service to our guests or residents. Do you know someone who deserves this recognition? Contact the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce so that your nominee can be considered. Written nominations are necessary. Call the Chamber office at 968-6904 for more information or visit our website to download an application.

Photo: Front Row L-R: Brenda Lazenby, Hilton Garden Inn; Suzanne Parker, Holiday Inn Express; Vicki Stillings AGCACC; Susan Eades, Island Spirit Recipient; Rebecca Evans, Winn Dixie Pharmacy.
Back Row L-R: Michelle Ostbloom, Magnolia Mortgage; Allen McElroy; Tom Denton and Clay Nicholas, Winn Dixie Pharmacy.

Christmas Boat Parade Winners

January 11, 2009-- Orange Beach / Gulf Shores, AL-- The 23rd annual "Nautical Night of Lights" Christmas boat parade, sponsored by the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, featured 17 decorated boats. The parade route began at LuLu's at Homeport Marina to the Intracoastal Waterway to Zeke's Landing Marina in Orange Beach.

Each boat was judged on a combination of creativity, lighting, theme, music and crew attire.

Following the parade, participants and guests gathered at the Down Under Seafood and Oyster Bar at Zeke's Landing for the post-parade party and awards presentation.

In the "Power Boat 33 feet and Above" division, first place was awarded to Capt. Craig Kayda and crew aboard the Independence. Second place was awarded to Capt. Mark Mallet and crew aboard the Bama Lady. Third place was awarded to Capt. Seth Wilson and crew aboard the Rip Tide.

In the "Power Boat 32 feet and Under" division, first place was awarded to Capt. Mike Authemant and crew aboard Da Boat. Second place was awarded to Capt. Mike and Capt. Lori DeAngelis and crew aboard the Dolphin Queen. Third place was awarded to Capt. Bob Pitts and crew aboard Hurricane.

In the Sailboat Division, first place was awarded to Capt. Adam Langston and crew aboard On Call. Second place was awarded to Capt. Robert Clark and crew aboard Leave A Message. Third place was awarded to Capt. John Bozeman and crew on Caddy Wampus.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, established in 1981, is a 1,000-member strong business organization serving Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan.

The South’s Other Gulf Coast

DEBBIE AND BROCK HATTOX started their hunt for a second home with two conditions. “He wanted to play golf year-round,” Mrs. Hattox said, “and I wanted to be on some type of water.”

The couple were living in Atlanta when they began their search 10 years ago. They visited many spots, including Hilton Head, S.C., where they had lived in the 1970s, and various waterfront sites in Florida. When Mr. Hattox’s younger brother suggested Gulf Shores, Ala., Mrs. Hattox turned to the map. “I didn’t realize Alabama had a coastline,” she said.

She learned that Alabama does in fact have 32 miles of shoreline, the shortest among the five states that front the Gulf of Mexico. The Hattoxes visited the white beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach next door, studying housing options that included condos and houses that were on the beach, as well as properties inland along golf courses, bays and waterways.

New York Times

Wolf Bay lodge destroyed by fire

December 7, 2008- Wolf Bay Lodge, a restaurant well known to locals and tourists alike was destroyed in a pre-dawn fire, according to firemen who fought the early morning blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials believe it began in the attic.

Click here to read the full article and watch a slide show from WKRG-TV5.

WKRG.com