News

Foley, AL - The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce recently held a Volunteer Appreciation Party to thank those who volunteer throughout the year for a myriad of projects – from answering the phone and helping visitors find local attractions to organizing a children’s village at the balloon festival.

“The chamber is able to accomplish so much more because these folks so willingly give of their time. We appreciate each and every one who volunteers with the chamber to benefit this community,” said Jerry Jackson, vice-president and branch manager at, BankTrust, and current chairman of the chamber board of directors.

Organizers chose a luau theme for the party that was held at the Foley Civic Center. Over one hundred attended, and most wore their favorite Hawaiian shirts. The party was sponsored by Southern Medical & Mobility.

Chairmen who served at the recent 5^th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival were recognized for their work. Front row, L – R: Tommy Lee, Vulcan; Jerry Jackson, BankTrust; Mo Herstek, Angie Johnston, Ebert Agency and Linda Brokaw, ERA Class.com. Second row: George Herstek; Barbara Ward, United Bank; Blaine Elliott, Sand Dollar Real Estate; Jeff Ricks, DynISys Inc.; Michelle McConnell, Oak Hollow Farm and Mike Dugger, Riviera Utilities. Back row: Ray Belew, The Masters Butler.

This year the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation partnered with the Foley Performing Arts Association (PAA) to offer an exciting 4th Annual Summer Arts Academy for students ages 7 to 12. Held June 1 – 25, local artists provided quality art instruction to over 200 students in performing arts and visual arts. “After three years of basically the same curriculum, we were excited about changing the format and partnering with the PAA”, said Terry Burkle, Director of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. “Their knowledge, experience, and access to resources brought the program to a new level of quality”, said Burkle.

Performing art classes were held at Foley Elementary School and included drama, dance, vocal music, costuming and stage craft. Visual art classes were held at the Foley Performing Arts Center in downtown Foley. Students experienced painting, mosaics, collage, jewelry making, and creative writing. A performance and exhibit was held to show off their talents on Friday, June 26th.

The Foley Performing Arts Association was organized in 1966 to bring the performing arts to Foley. Today, the PAA has developed programs that bring performance art to local schools. Merit awards in the arts are given to five Foley High School seniors each spring in addition to college scholarships awarded through the South Baldwin Education Foundation. “Following the tradition of cultivating arts education in our local schools, the PAA is pleased to partner with the Foundation and be a part of the Summer Arts Academy,” said Mell Davis, President of the PAA.

A grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and sponsorships from LuLu's Landing Inc., Tacky Jack's, The Woerner Companies, Dr. Dayton Hart and Hotel Magnolia let some students attend the four-week program free. Others paid a $25 registration fee.

The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 40^th annual Academic Banquet honoring the top academic students of Foley High School’s 2009 graduating class and “Teacher of the Year.” The banquet, sponsored by Vision Bank, is held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Foley. The dinner is prepared by the St. Paul’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

Foley High School’s Top Academic Students for 2009, and the universities they will be attending are: Anthony Castro – University of Alabama; Bianca Scott – Huntingdon College; Bryanna Page – Huntingdon College; Rosellyn Peddrick – University of Alabama; Tiffaney Piper – Troy State University and David Robinette – University of Alabama. Jaclyn Moorelock – University of Alabama, Birmingham; Alicia Bretz – University of Alabama; Ariel McQuatters – Louisiana State University.

Mr. Jeremy Borchardt, who teaches Physical Science was honored as the 2008 Teacher of the Year.