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Fairhope Says Goodbye to “Vernon the Barber”
John Oldshue & Anne Dorman
May 21, 2025
Before we dive in, we want to pause and honor Vernon “the Barber” Scheer, a true Fairhope icon who trimmed generations of heads—and tall tales—at Ken & Vernon’s Barbershop. Vernon was our own Floyd from The Andy Griffith Show: just one name, one chair, and a heart big enough for the whole Eastern Shore. Heaven’s getting a fresh cut this week, and Fairhope’s downtown feel a little quieter. Rest easy, Vernon—your legacy is as sharp as your scissors. - John Oldshue & Anne Dorman
Fairhope Says Goodbye to “Vernon the Barber”
Hope Community Story Slam Tomorrow Night at Page & Palette
Fairhope Resident Mike Turner Named
2025 Poet of the YearWriter’s Reception Tomorrow for Alan Samry
Fairhope Farmers Market Tomorrow
Summer Bucket List
Eastern Shore Art Center Exhibit
Adoptable Pets: Meet Harley
Quick News from Around Fairhope
Fairhope Says Goodbye to “Vernon the Barber”
Photo Credit : Noah Borer
Vernon Mathew “Vern” Scheer, longtime barber and beloved community figure, passed away on Sunday, May 18, at the age of 76. As the last half of the iconic Ken & Vernon’s Barbershop in downtown Fairhope, Vernon’s passing marks the end of an era that began in 1967. Generations of locals got their first haircuts in his chair, swapped stories while waiting their turn, and left with more than a trim — they left with a sense of community. After Ken’s passing, Vernon kept the shop going solo, becoming a one-man symbol of Old Fairhope’s charm and continuity.
The black wreath now hanging on the door of the barbershop at 317 Fairhope Avenue tells locals what many already feared — Vernon the Barber is gone. Known more by his first name than his last, Vernon was a fixture in Fairhope much like Floyd was in Mayberry. Locals remember free ice cream cone cards for the kids, bubble gum from Ken, and small-town stories shared over the buzz of clippers. Tributes from across the Eastern Shore call him a “Fairhope treasure,” and his passing is felt deeply by those who saw his shop not just as a place for haircuts, but as a home for history, humor, and heart.
Hope Community Story Slam Tomorrow Night at Page & Palette
We hope to see you this Thursday evening for another engaging Story Slam at The Book Cellar at Page & Palette! Check out this great video Chromatic Creative LLC created last year for us about these events. Thank you, Stephen Savage Photography and Kevin Zhou for your vision and professionalism!
Our Story Slams are collaborations between Hope Community and Fairhope Storytellers. Come join the fun this Thursday where all are welcome!
May's Story Slam Theme: "A Fresh Start"
Event Schedule:
5:30 Registration of Storytellers
6:00 Drawing of Storytellers
6:15 Storytelling begins
Story Slam Guidelines:
Stories are limited to 6 minutes
Stories should be personal and true
No notes or props (music is okay)
No -isms tolerated
Fairhope Resident Mike Turner Named
2025 Poet of the Year
Fairhope poet and songwriter Mike Turner has been named the 2025 Poet of the Year by the Alabama State Poetry Society (ASPS) in recognition of his extensive contributions to Alabama’s poetry and literary community. The award was presented at the ASPS Spring Workshop in Orange Beach on May 17. Turner, who serves on the board of the Alabama Writers’ Cooperative, has been instrumental in organizing and promoting poetry events throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties and beyond, including the Fairhope Library’s “Beach Beats” series. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, thanking both the ASPS and the local poetry supporters who have attended and participated in events.
Turner’s literary achievements are substantial, with more than 450 poems published in over 100 journals and anthologies across the U.S. and internationally. His poetry collection Visions and Memories was published in 2021, and his creative accolades include the 2023 Roger Williams Peace Prize and musical honors such as Male Gospel Entertainer of the Year by both the Alabama Music Association and the North American Country Music Associations International. His contributions to both poetry and music have helped elevate the Gulf Coast’s cultural presence on a state and national level.
Writer’s Reception Tomorrow for Alan Samry
Meet FCWA's May guest, Alan Samry, on Thursday, May 22nd, at 5:30 pm. A librarian, a historian, and a Fairhope local, Samry is the author of Stump The Librarian: A Writer's Book of Legs, Mapping Fairhope: Legends, Locals, and Landmarks, and more!
Fairhope Farmers Market Tomorrow
Join us for Fairhope's Spring/Summer Farmers Market tomorrow afternoon from 3 PM to 6 PM behind the Fairhope Public Library. Discover a wide array of fresh produce, homemade breads, honey, locally-raised beef, and much more! There will also be face painting for the kids each week, along with exciting giveaways! Support your local farmers and small businesses by shopping at the Fairhope Farmers Market this spring! Parking: Farmers market visitors can park on Magnolia Avenue in designated spots marked “farmers market parking only.” Additional parking is available in Arts Alley! You can also call the Downtown shuttle for a ride directly to the farmers market!
Local Summer Bucket List
Looking for things to do once school lets out this week? Grab your Fairhope Summer Bucket List at the Fairhope Farmers Market while we have them! There are several impressive vendors to check out while you are there for produce, breads, flowers, honey, and other treats! Don’t worry, we will be giving the Bucket Lists away all summer! Follow along to see where we’ll be giving them out next! Behind the Fairhope Public Library on Thursdays, 3-6 PM.
Shopping at the Fairhope Farmers Market is not just a great way to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce; it also plays a crucial role in supporting local farmers and the community as a whole. By purchasing directly from farmers, consumers help sustain local agriculture, ensuring that small-scale farmers can thrive in an industry often dominated by large corporations.
Eastern Shore Art Center
“Roots Run Deep” photography by Leigh Ann Edmonds at ESAC now through June 14. This documentary series focuses on the people and places of the American South with an emphasis on what it means to belong to community. Do these communities shape, guide and ultimately connect us to who we are and what we become throughout our life? Are we the thoughts of our own self or are our thoughts a reflection of others within our own environment?
Roots Run Deep is about the places we love, the beliefs we carry and the people we ultimately become when we belong and connect to a place of origin.
This black and white documentary is about human connection and traditions of the American South, as photographer, Leigh Ann Edmonds, focuses on everyday life. Leigh Ann’s classic use of black and white 35mm film helps create nostalgic and enduring story-telling images of the people and places she is connected to.
Leigh Ann Edmonds is a freelance photographer living in North Jefferson County, Alabama. Her work has been featured in Black and White Magazine, Street Photography Magazine, Fotonostrum, Dodho Magazine, Birmingham Lifestyle Magazine, CLICK and others. Learn more here
Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Markie
Meet Markie, a lively 2-year-old Black Lab mix bursting with energy and enthusiasm! This spirited male pup is always ready for action, whether it's chasing a ball, zooming through the park, or splashing in water. Markie's boundless zest for life makes him the ultimate adventure buddy, thriving on playtime and exploration. His friendly, upbeat nature lights up any room, and his wagging tail is a constant invitation for fun. Perfect for an active home, Markie is eager to bring his high-octane joy to a family that loves to keep up with his vibrant pace!
Quick News from Around Fairhope
Fairhope Weather: Slightly Cooler and Drier
Rouxster Catering is great for lunch!
Want to stay up to date on even more local events? Check out Let’s Go! Fairhope .
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