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Fairhope Sighting of Most Beautiful Bird in the USA

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John Oldshue & Anne Dorman
January 13, 2025

Happy Monday, Fairhope! As we kick off the second Monday in 2025 we are wondering how you are doing with your New Year’s resolutions ? Research suggests only 9% of Americans who set them actually achieve them, while 23% quit by the end of the first week and 43% stop by the end of January. If you’ve already slipped up on your goals, you’re certainly not alone. We got into the King Cake over the weekend so….. 😢 

Here’s your Monday funny: What’s a spider’s New Year’s resolution? To spend less time on the web.

Now that you’ve had your laugh, grab a drink and check out this week’s updates. Don’t forget—sharing FairhopeNow.com with a friend or family member enters you to win a $25 Kind Cafe gift card! Just email us at [email protected], and we’ll add your name to the raffle.– John Oldshue & Anne Dorman

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

  1. Fairhope Sighting of Most Beautiful Bird in the USA

  2. Rest in Peace Mama Liz

  3. Grand Hotel Icon Honored for 50 Years of Unmatched Service

  4. Police Report

  5. Adoptable Pets: Meet Chiminey

  6. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Fairhope Sighting of Most Beautiful Bird in the USA

A male Painted Bunting was recently seen by Lisa Turner Boyd in Fairhope near Turkey Branch. Lisa said they actually have multiple Painted Buntings using her feeder. The painted bunting is often referred to as “the most beautiful bird in the USA”. It is a vibrantly colored songbird found mainly in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Males flaunt brilliant blue heads, green backs, and red underparts, while females and juveniles are more subdued in olive-green. Though not officially endangered, painted buntings are relatively rare in the U.S. due to habitat loss and illegal trapping, prompting ongoing conservation efforts. You can find out more about birds around Fairhope and see pictures of bird sightings on the Facebook group Feathered Fairhope.

Rest in Peace Mama Liz

I’m so sad to have to report that Mama Liz passed away on Jan. 10. I have updated her GoFundMe for medical bills and funeral expenses. Thank you to everyone who has donated to give back to her. Fairhope was a kinder place because Mama Liz was feeding us with love. Below is the original story on Mama Liz. - Lynn Oldshue

Most of us have enjoyed the incredible home cooking from Mama Liz at some point - and now we can make a difference in her battle against cancer: https://www.gofundme.com/f/89445x-help-mama-liz-with-medical-expenses .

“When people ask who my favorite Souls story has been over the last nine years, I often answer, ‘Mama Liz.’ A tiny woman with a huge smile who cooked soul food with love in the corner of a gas station in Fairhope. During our interviews, I watched all kinds of people walk in and be greeted by a big hug from Liz, then tell her what was happening in their lives. She was Mama to a lot of folks who needed someone to care about them. She became that to me, too. When I had a bad day, I would stop by just to hear "Hello, my darlin" and get her hug. She loved my boys that way, too. She was the first story in the first Souls book because I wanted her smile to be the first thing readers saw.

Mama Liz has had a tough 2024. New management kicked her out of that corner restaurant she loved, and she had to leave her family of customers in Fairhope. She also found out she has cancer. The doctors just said it has taken over her body. She has helped so many people – here's a way for us to give back to her.

Thank you for caring about Mama Liz.” - Lynn Read More Here

Grand Hotel Icon Honored for 50 Years of Unmatched Service

WKRG reported that Veryl Coleman was honored Friday for completing a remarkable 50-year tenure at the Grand Hotel. It all began when he was a teenage caddy and continued through various roles before his current position as a senior bellman. During the ceremony, hotel officials presented him with a plaque commemorating his dedication, while Fairhope mayor Sherry Sullivan awarded him its highest honor—a key to the city. The plaque, now on display in the hotel’s main lobby, highlights the employee’s impact on multiple generations of guests and the lasting memories he has formed, including interactions with high-profile visitors over the decades.

Lock Your House & Car Fairhope

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Chiminey

Chiminey is an irresistibly handsome 1.5-month-old male brown tabby marble feline with a striking coat of swirling patterns in shades of deep brown, black, and caramel. His marble fur gives him a sophisticated and unique look, and his large, expressive eyes add to his charm. At such a young age, Chiminey already has a playful yet affectionate personality that captures the hearts of everyone he meets. His love for exploring and discovering new things around him is matched only by his adoration for human attention. One of Chiminey's most endearing traits is his love for tummy rubs. When he's feeling particularly content, he'll roll over onto his back, presenting his soft belly as an invitation for some loving belly rubs. It's a moment that never fails to melt the hearts of those around him, as he purrs joyfully and nuzzles into the attention. Chiminey's playful antics and affectionate nature make him a delightful companion, and it's impossible not to fall for his handsome looks and sweet personality. Learn more about Chiminey and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

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

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