Gulf Coast, AL November 2025

Thank you

Our Orange Beach-Gulf Shores community created an amazing week for twelve breast cancer patients and their families in August. We will provide the same hospitality in November when we host six couples in Fort Morgan. Little Pink Houses of Hope thanks the following generous businesses and community organizations for their dedicated support helping breast cancer families:

Property Partners:

Spectrum Resorts/Turquoise Place

Beachball Properties

Restaurants & Catering:

CoastAL Orange Beach Restaurant

FloraBama

The Gulf

GTs on the Bay

The Port by Zeke's

The Lodge at Gulf State Park

Picnic Beach

Sassy Bass

Lulu's

WaterOak Catering

The Village Hideaway

The Ugly Diner

A Specialty Bakery

Community Organizations:

Krewe of the Island

Pleasure Island Junior Woman's Club

Activities:

Perdido Beach Services

The Surfside Shuttle

Bier Shack Taproom

Pirate's Island Adventure Golf

City of OB Wind and Water Learning Center

Sandcastle U

Cold Mill Fleet

The Track

Brandon Styles Theater

The Beach Club

In-Kind Donors:

Jelly Smack

The Beach Store

The Beach Moms

Beach Power Rentals

Goin' Coastal

Photographers::

Lori Sparacio - Stop or I'll Shoot Photography

Angela Mott Photography

Chris Hinton, Photographer

Lauren Speer, Photographer

*Key Supporter

If you would like to get involved as a part of our local planning team or donate for next year's retreats, please email, call, or text

Little Pink Orange Beach/Gulf Shores/Fort Morgan Coordinator, Tracy Stegall at tracy@littlepink.org or (704) 291-5956

www.gettheislandglow.com

Terrific Tuesday

Scrambled

Footlong

islandglow251@gmail.com

November is for GRATITUDE

November always feels like the right time to pause and reflect on what really matters and this issue is a reminder of just how much we have to be grateful for here on the Gulf Coast.

This month, we’re honored to highlight Little Pink Houses of Hope, a charity that brings breast cancer patients and survivors to our community for a true escape from the daily grind of treatment and recovery. In August, they welcome families to Turquoise Place; in November, couples retreat to Fort Morgan Beach. It’s a beautiful reminder that a change of scenery and a caring community; can bring both joy and healing.

We’ll also introduce you to Jared Ashley, whose restoration of his late Navy shipmate’s truck is more than just a project; it’s a tribute. Serving our country is one of the highest callings, but the hidden scars of war can be heavy. Jared’s dedication to Ozzy’s memory through this truck tour shines a light on service, sacrifice, and remembrance; while also raising awareness of the urgent need to support our veterans and prevent the heartbreak of suicide among those who’ve given so much.

We’ll also catch up with author and realtor Marsha Clemons, whose heartfelt gratitude shines through the pages of her book Beautiful Pieces. Her story is a touching reminder that even in life’s hardest seasons, there’s always something to be thankful for and that beauty often comes from the pieces we choose to put back together.

And then there’s Krista Fleming, a standout educator at Gulf Shores High School. She leads the Environmental Club, champions for oyster restoration and Coastal Cleanup, and still manages to inspire students every single day. Krista is proof that one person really can make waves of change.

At its heart, this issue is about gratitude: for the organizations, neighbors, teachers, and veterans who remind us daily that we live in a truly special place. Ours is a community filled with people who care deeply for one another, who love their country, and who show up in both big and small ways.

Here’s to gratitude, and to the stories that make us proud to call the Gulf Coast home. Thank you for inviting us into your homes and hearts for three amazing years.

Love local. Live local. Spend local.

Until Next Month…

ROBERTS, PUBLISHER

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Ashley Roberts | ashley.roberts@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Lillian Taylor | lillian.taylor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Molly Henry

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

JD Swiger-Swiger Studio, Jaylee Dempsey Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

inside the issue

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Congratulations to Cindy Langston of GSP for winning the Island Spirit Award. Congratulations Cindy! 2: Congratulations to Cindy Langston of GSP for winning the Island Spirit Award. 3: So happy to see Mignon and Joe Freeman at VIBE at Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores. 4: We saw the crew from Gone Coastal Plumbing at Coastal-Alabama-Business-Chamber’s VIBE event at Tacky Jacks. 5: Amy and Roger Crawford of SUNMED Modern-Wellness had the coolest booth and the best samples! 6: Janel Hawkins of Sand-Castle-University and Angel Bennett of The-BeachMoms at the Business Expo. 7: Tara McMeans with Miss Marlin at VIBE. This pair brings the fun to every event.

and

were all smiles

and

and Bama-Coast-Cruisin’ is one of our favorite fall events. 11: Cary and Elizabeth

pose by one of their cars in the show. 12:

took home some accolades for this car. What a beauty! 13: Jimmy G Harrell starting his GTO for the crowd. It was loud and proud. 14: Jared,

Georgia and Taylor Ashley by Ozzy’s-Truck. This truck is a beautiful tribute.

15: 32nd Annual-National-Shrimp-Festival-Golf-Challenge-for-Education was held at Peninsula Golf Club this year. 16: The Surfside Shuttle had a ribbon-cutting at the Coastal Alabama Business Expo. Congrats! 17: These local business owners stopped by our booth at the Business-Expo. Thank you for attending! 18: The 32nd Annual-National-Shrimp- Festival-Golf-Challenge-for-Education was a great day, volunteering with these awesome Diplomats. 19: Gone Coastal Plumbing had the most tropical booth with great raffles and real coconut waters. 20: “TriPod” at The 32nd Annual-National-Shrimp- Festival-Golf-Challenge-for-Education. He was sunning himself on the greens. 21: Yolanda Johnson of the Small Business Development Center at her booth at the 2nd-Coastal-Alabama-Business-Expo.

22: Solid Foundation Countertops had a ribbon-cutting at the Coastal Alabama Business Expo. Congrats! 23: Seniors Helping Seniors had a ribbon-cutting at the Coastal Alabama Business Expo. Congrats! 24: Sea Glass Iniative had a ribbon-cutting at the Coastal Alabama Business Expo. Congrats!

OZZY’S TRUCK

A Legacy of Awareness and Action

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAMBO STUDIOS

Think back to the last time you heard a story that compelled you to pause, reflect, and reevaluate your priorities. It is highly unlikely that you will read about Ozzy and remain indifferent. His life and untimely death have become a catalyst for change. The pain of losing someone we love is a universal experience. However, for Jared Ashley, losing his Navy buddy, MM3 Jeffery “Ozzy” Otzwirk,

“We had just returned from our second tour in the Persian Gulf and went out to celebrate.”

to a silent and stigmatized battle fundamentally shifted his life’s purpose. “We had just returned from our second tour in the Persian Gulf and went out to celebrate. We laughed, joked, and had a ball. The next morning, he was gone. There were no signs at all.” Jared recalls with a heavy heart, underscoring the suddenness with which mental health crises can claim lives. Ozzy’s passing was not just a personal tragedy; it was a stark reminder of the hidden struggles that many face, yet remain silent about. If Ozzy had known the profound impact his decision would have on the lives of his loved ones, perhaps things might have unfolded differently.

The conversation surrounding mental health, particularly within the military community, is often shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. Too frequently, service members are conditioned to perceive vulnerability as a weakness, leading them to suppress their internal battles. This cultural norm is not only misguided but dangerous, as military

personnel and their families are among the highest at risk for mental health issues due to the unique stressors they experience. The stigma often prevents those in need from seeking help, creating a silent epidemic that devastates countless lives. Ozzy’s departure left behind a void that still echoes in the hearts of those who loved him most.No one was aware of the internal struggles that led to his tragic decision, a decision that seemed unthinkable to those who knew him.

Nearly 20 years after Ozzy’s passing, Jared discovered that his 1983 Chevy C-10 still sat in his parents’ driveway, left there in hope that he might one day return. Hearing the pain in Ozzy’s mother’s voice, Jared set out to restore the truck, not only to bring her comfort, but to help heal their community, Navy brothers, friends, and family. Yet, the truck became something much more than a personal journey; it transformed into the symbol of a movement that would touch lives far beyond Jared’s initial intentions.

Jared found an unexpected ally in NASCAR icon Richard Petty. Together, they launched an initiative aimed at transforming how society perceives veterans grappling with mental health issues. Partnered with Operation Positive Vibes, Jared hopes the truck illuminates the silent battles veterans face and provide comfort to the families left behind. This partnership brings together the world of motorsports and mental health advocacy in a powerful way, leveraging their combined influence to reach a broader audience.

More than a tribute; it’s a nationwide movement. Ozzy’s Truck has become a symbol of hope and awareness, traveling across the country to engage communities and spark conversations about mental health. Every stop it makes, every conversation it sparks, stands as a poignant reminder of the importance of reaching out, listening, and offering support to those who may be suffering in silence. It serves as a mobile testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of human connection. The impact of Ozzy’s story is profound and far-reaching. It challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths about mental health and to create an environment where open dialogue is encouraged and supported.

“If Ozzy had known the profound impact his decision would have on the lives of his loved ones, perhaps things might have unfolded differently.”

The legacy of Ozzy’s Truck is a reminder of the power of community and the importance of taking proactive steps to address mental health. Through its journey, it not only raises awareness but also inspires individuals to take action in their own communities, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond its travels Ozzy’s passing was a tragedy, but his story is inspiring change. It calls us to be vigilant, to educate ourselves about mental health, and to extend empathy and understanding to those around us. As Ozzy’s Truck continues its journey across America, it leaves a trail of awareness and hope, urging us all to

be part of the solution. It compels us to ask ourselves tough questions about how we can better support our veterans and each other, challenging us to break down barriers and build a culture of openness and support.

In remembering Ozzy, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to support our veterans and each other. We must break the silence, dismantle the stigma, and create a world where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Together, we can honor Ozzy’s memory by ensuring that no one fights their battles alone and by creating a community where those who struggle are met with understanding and support.

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI SPARACIO

LITTLE PINK HOUSES OF HOPE

FINDING RESPITE

Picture a family, weary from the constant barrage of treatments and tests, stepping onto a sunlit porch overlooking the ocean. The salty breeze carries away their worries, if only for a moment, as they embrace the opportunity to simply be together.

“GOING

Founded in 2009 by breast cancer survivor Jeanine Patten-Coble, Little Pink Houses of Hope offers a lifeline to families caught in the whirlwind of cancer treatment. Jeanine’s own diagnosis was a catalyst that inspired her to create something profoundly

ON THE RETREAT WAS LIKE PLUGGING INTO A RECHARGE STATION.”

These moments are transformative. They offer a glimpse of life outside the confines of medical appointments and hospitals, a life where laughter and relaxation are possible.

Imagine sitting in a doctor’s office, hearing the daunting words, “You have cancer.” These words have become all too familiar in our society, reverberating through the lives of not just those diagnosed but everyone connected to them. Family, friends, and coworkers are all drawn into the orbit of this relentless disease. With a cancer diagnosis, families face one of the toughest battles imaginable. Life as they know it grinds to a halt, consumed by the moment-tomoment struggle that fighting cancer entails. Yet, amid this turmoil, a light of respite shines through the efforts of a non-profit organization called Little Pink Houses of Hope.

impactful. The organization’s mission is simple yet powerful: to empower breast cancer patients and their families to live each day to the fullest, with direction, purpose, and hope.

Little Pink Houses of Hope accomplishes this mission through free, weeklong vacation retreats. These retreats are more than just a break from the grueling schedule of medical appointments and the oppressive weight of healthcare bills. They are a sanctuary where families can rediscover hope and joy. Here, patients and their loved ones reconnect, strengthening bonds not only with each other but also with volunteers and fellow families who understand the profound impact of a cancer diagnosis.

The retreats offer an oasis of support, where the real value lies in the nurturing environment created by the organization and its volunteers. Families arrive

CONTINUED >

as strangers but often leave as lifelong friends, having shared stories, laughter, and tears. The experience provides a vital reminder that they are not alone in their journey and that a community is ready to support them. For families caught in the isolating grip of cancer, knowing they are not alone is invaluable.

Jeanine Patten-Coble’s vision is brought to life with the help of dedicated volunteers from across the United States. These individuals ensure families have not only the assistance needed to relieve daily tasks but also the opportunity to focus on what truly matters: time, quality of life, and creating precious memories. Volunteers play a pivotal role in transforming these retreats into unforgettable experiences, offering everything from logistical support to heartfelt companionship.

For those who wish to get involved or own beachfront condos or homes, donating these properties for a week can make an immeasurable difference. Businesses with services, items, or unique experiences to offer are likewise invited to contribute, enhancing the retreat experience for families in dire need of joy and relaxation. Imagine the impact of your contribution: a family enjoying a serene beach vacation, free from the relentless reminders of cancer, if only temporarily.

The impact extends beyond the retreats themselves. It fosters a culture of giving and empathy, urging us all to reconsider what truly matters in life. It’s about more than just providing a temporary escape; it’s about creating lasting memories and reminding families of

“NEW FRIENDSHIPS, STRENGTHENED FAMILY BONDS, REFRESHED SPIRITS.”

the joys of life beyond cancer. As Lisa, a participant from 2024, reflects, “Going on the retreat was like plugging into a recharge station with slots designed for each member of the family. We came back with new friendships, strengthened family bonds, refreshed spirits, and healthier bodies from all the smiles, sun, and sea. Even though I’ve been back a few weeks, my feet still have not hit the ground.” A poignant reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and the simple pleasures that make life worth living. While cancer may change the course of a life, it does not diminish the value of each day lived with intention and love. Through the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the indomitable spirit of the families they serve, the organization creates a ripple effect of hope and healing. In a world where cancer can feel all-encompassing, Little Pink Houses of Hope offers a vital reminder that there is always room for hope, healing, and the creation of beautiful memories.

FROM CLASSROOMS to Coastlines

Nationally recognized, locally rooted: Teaching students to be stewards of the environment

The April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon oil spill was miles away, but its impact reached unexpected corners of the country.

Watching the community come together to restore the coast left a lasting impact on a young scientist, Krista Fleming. Soon after the oil spill, Fleming found her way to connect with the environment through scuba diving. Immersing herself beneath the surface, she saw how fragile the natural world can really be. Years later, as an environmental science teacher, Fleming carries those lessons she learned into the classroom. For her students, science isn’t just confined to a textbook; it’s something you dive into, fight to protect, and find your place in.

Fleming’s success in teaching wasn’t always the plan. Her pathway was shaped by her love for animals and conservation. While working at a zoo in college, she discovered that science really has a way of inspiring people to care about the world around them. Later, scuba diving only deepened that philosophy. “Immersion in the environment makes you realize how fragile it is,” she explained, reflecting on how diving below the surface shows so much beauty but so much vulnerability. When she stepped into the classroom, she knew she wanted to teach in a way that was transformative. With support from Gulf Shores City Schools, she began developing a curriculum that reached far beyond traditional lessons.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Fleming has received awards on the local, state, and national levels, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Math and Science as well as the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. For her, these honors felt surreal. “One day you’re arriving at 6 a.m. for bus duty, teaching all day, cleaning the room after school, and taking students on trips,” she said, “and the next, you’re in Washington D.C., being recognized by the President.” But she doesn’t see these awards as hers alone. Instead, she describes them as a reflection of her own students’ curiosity and dedication. “It’s just as much a reflection of my students’ contributions as mine. Together, we’ve expanded the classroom beyond four walls.”

The students are truly the heart of her mission. Fleming says she is most inspired by those who bring curiosity outside the classroom because that’s what makes every lesson an adventure rather than a lecture. Getting outside the classroom is crucial to her teaching philosophy, whether it’s through testing local waters for microplastics, measuring oysters along the coast, or tracking data during a walk through Gulf State Park. She leads her students in local coastal cleanups, guiding them to see firsthand what community involvement can do for the environment.

“Those informal teaching moments, when you’re on the dock, and a bald eagle flies by, and you get to tell a student the difference between a young and old bald eagle, are when science really comes alive,” Fleming explained. She strives to make her classroom a place that encourages responsibility beyond academics, showing them the importance of being stewards of the environment—not just preparing them for their future beyond the classroom, but preparing them to care about the future they step into.

MOLLY HENRY

Molly Henry is a senior at Gulf Shores High School and a dual-enrolled student at Coastal Alabama Community College. Having studied journalism in New York City, covering New-York Fashion Week, & founding her school’s Journalism Club. Molly plans to study journalism and communications in college. She loves concerts, films, music, her friends, and writing about what inspires her.

“There’s no better feeling than seeing a student who struggled throughout high school walk across that stage at graduation.”

While Fleming has many accomplishments behind her, she is always looking ahead, eager to expand opportunities for her students. She has recently earned her sailing instructor’s license and wants to somehow weave sailing, scuba diving, and kayaking into a course that immerses students in science as an experience, not just a subject. With the new Gulf Shores High School being built, she’s excited to integrate these programs into its foundation. She also hopes to participate in the Grosvenor National Geographic Charter, which could take her to Antarctica. Bringing back that kind of firsthand knowledge, she believes, could inspire students in ways no textbook ever could. The future of teaching for Fleming means going further, literally and figuratively.

Still, teaching isn’t without its challenges. Fleming explains there are days when the road isn’t exactly linear. But she says the outcome makes it all worth it. “There’s no better feeling than seeing a student who struggled throughout high school walk across that stage at graduation,” she said. Moments like that remind her why she teaches and why she pushes through. It’s not just about sharing knowledge, but about opening doors for students who may not see their own potential yet. Whether it’s in her personal life or in science, she believes perseverance is part of the journey, and celebrating the small victories is what makes it worth it.

For Krista Fleming, teaching is about more than covering standards or spewing repetitive lectures. It’s about guiding students to become stewards of the world around them. Whether they pick up plastics on the beach, recycle, or volunteer in any way they can, she shows that every action matters. Fleming’s greatest achievement is not the awards she has on the shelf, but the power she has to encourage curiosity, confidence, and exploration within her classroom, and her hope is for each of them to carry those characteristics with them into the future.

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

11746 Foley Beach Express, Foley, AL 36535

Building Size: ±99,500 SF | Office: 4,500 SF | Warehouse/Manufacturing: 95,000 SF Lot Size: 20 Acres | Zoning: Industrial-Commerical

Property Highlights:

• 95,000 SF of warehouse/manufacturing space

• Includes 10,000 SF climate-controlled area

• 4,500 SF of finished office space

• Ceiling Heights: 14’ to 20’

• Power: 3-Phase / 460-Volt Electrical Service

• Lighting: Full LED system throughout

• Fire Safety: Full sprinkler system installed

• Security: Complete camera and alarm system

• Built to Hurricane Code standards

• Ample outdoor space for storage, parking, or expansion

• Strategically located on Foley Beach Express –high visibility and easy access

Availability:

This property is available for sale or lease. Ideal for commercial -industrial use, manufacturers, distributors, or investors seeking a secure, high-capacity facility in a growing Gulf Coast market. For inquiries, contact: 251-747-4214 | 251-223-3228