TGIF Fairhope! We are coming to you this morning with excitement for a fresh new start to 2025! It has been an exciting week here in Fairhope and we are now hoping for a nice, quiet weekend. We’ve included some local events and happenings but if we missed any, let us know so we can spread the word.

First, your Friday funny: What do you call someone who loves going to work after the holidays? Retired!

Now that you’ve had a laugh, grab your coffee and dive into this week’s updates. Share this with your friends and neighbors - and if they subscribe at FairhopeNow.com (or click the big blue button below), you’ll be entered to win a $25 Kind Cafe gift card! Just email us at [email protected] to let us know, and we’ll add your name to the raffle. – John Oldshue & Anne Dorman

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

1. Response to Road Wash Out

2. Riley Leonard: Sugar Bowl MVP

3. Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade

4. Hope Community Walk / Race

5. Our Southern Souls

6. Sunset Shot

7. Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Oreo

8. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Quick Action Taken by City of Fairhope

After intense rains measuirng at around 9 inches over the weekend and a wash out on Section Street, The City of Fairhope quickly closed the road, called for a special City Council meeting, and began repairs. Section Street near Bayou Drive and the sidewalk are closed until further notice.

The construction is expected to last only a couple of weeks and the approved amount to spend on repairs is See WKRG News Report Here

Home Town Support for Riley Leonard

Fairhope’s own Riley Leonard was named the Offensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl! The No. 7 Notre Dame relied on a dominant defensive performance Thursday night, defeating the No. 2 Georgia 23-10 to win the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans and advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Fairhope support showed up far and wide at restaurants, bars, and in living rooms all over town that packed in spectators to cheer him on from a distance.

After trailing 3-0, Notre Dame scored 20 points, fueled by a strong defensive effort and special teams play. While offensive production was limited on both sides, one player stood out: Riley Leonard. Riley Leonard completed 15 of 24 passing attempts for 90 yards, one touchdown, and rushed 14 times for 80 yards. Fairhope’s hometown hero was the game's leading rusher and sealed the victory in the 4th quarter, putting his body on the line for a crucial first down to keep the drive alive. Way to go Riley!

Lights in the Pedestrian Tunnel

The Fairhope Times reports that: Lights have been installed in the new pedestrian tunnel under Veterans Drive in the new Flying Creek Nature Park; connecting trails are under construction on the west side ... and being designed on the east. The lights are self-activated by motion sensors. Learn more on The Fairhope Times

Hope Community Race / Walk

Tomorrow is the big day! Come on out for the Hope Community Walk that begins in the morning at 8:00 am. The Hope Community, in collaboration with the Mobile Bay Maker’s Market, invites you to join us in this fundraiser to be held in the historic Fairhope South neighborhood. After the race, Hope Community invites the community to enjoy food, music, and fellowship while strolling through the booths of local makers and growers of Baldwin County on the grounds of the Anna T. Jeanes School property.

Our Southern Souls: Alma’s Story

Ms. Alma’s story was the most-loved Souls story in 2024. “You can look at this picture and see how I could lie about my age. I was fifteen but said I was older to get jobs. I had just started working at Greer’s market in Fairhope, wrapping meat and cleaning cases. Jimmy was the assistant manager. He was twenty-five and so nice… and asked me to the drive-in movie. I was thrilled. Six of us went in his uncle's little coupe to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Jimmy picked me a rose that night–I kept that flower in my Bible all of my life. When the movie was about over I told him, ‘I think I love you.’ He said, ‘I think we should go.’ He was very responsible, and my age dawned on him. We went home. That was it. Jimmy spoke to me now and then at Greer’s. I was helping my family, too. My father and grandfather had run the ferry back and forth from Fairhope to Mobile... Jimmy got ahold of the number, leaving me a message to meet him at the American Legion Club. I was shocked but tickled and took the hotel bus to meet him. We had a Coke. He told me about his new job at the hotel, and we started dating. I would meet Jimmy at the picture show on Wednesdays, our days off…  One night after the movie, Jimmy asked, ‘Well, are we going to do it next Wednesday.’ I said, ‘Do what?’ He said, ‘I guess go to Mississippi.’ That's how he asked me to marry him. He was scared to death. I said yes. We drove to Mississippi, but the courthouse was closed. We went around back and found a man who could marry us…”  Loving Alma’s story? Luckily you can read more in the new Southern Souls book. You can get it at www.BuyOurSouthernSouls.com

Sunset Shot from the Bluff Park

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Oreo

Oreo is not just your average cat; he's a 2-year-old male tuxedo feline with a heart as big as his playful spirit! This charming boy embodies everything we love about cats - affectionate, curious, gentle, and full of personality.

From humans to other pets, Oreo loves everyone and everything he meets! His friendly nature makes him a favorite among all who cross his path. Whether it's snuggling up for cozy cuddles or engaging in playful antics, Oreo's boundless love knows no limits.

Despite facing adversity in the past, Oreo's resilience shines through. He's overcome lacerations on two of his legs with courage and strength, and his wounds have healed wonderfully under proper care.

Now, Oreo is ready to embark on a new journey filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. If you're searching for a furry companion who's as loving as he is lovable, look no further than Oreo. Come meet him today and discover the joy of having this charming tuxedo feline in your life! Learn more about Oreo and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather: Beautiful today, storms coming

2. Bill-E’s Bacons, Burgers, & Bikes

3. The Stolen Queen Author Event at Page & Palette

4. Wrong Terns @ Lucky Horse

5. WABF, Fairhope’s Local Radio Station, Live Streaming Here

6. WABF Recent Local Interviews

Want to stay up to date on even more local events? Check out Let’s Go! Fairhope .

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