Capture that Moment in Time

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The YMCA is more than another fitness center, and Pam Anderson, Executive Branch Director, says that it allows the community to be active, connected, and engaged. “The John McClure Snook Family YMCA opened its current location in Foley in 2001, following its relocation from North Foley. The facility was named in honor of Mr. John McClure Snook in recognition of his generous gift, which made the construction of the building possible.”

Anderson continued, “After more than 20 years of serving the community, Hurricane Sally came through, causing significant damage to the 26-year-old building.” They were forced to close the doors for 17-½ months. Anderson said that many doubted that it would ever open again. The Snook Family YMCA reopened in March 2022.

Anderson says that they currently serve 5,257 members, including 2,858 active older adults. She said, “We have after-school programs, a summer day camp, exercise classes, swim lessons, personal trainers, and much more.” Anderson added, “Through programs such as Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active, many older adults in our community are able to enjoy the YMCA at no cost, through their insurance.” 

Anderson has been with the Snook Family YMCA for 16 years and has been the branch director for 3-1/2 years. She has been a leader in numerous positions at the facility, including group fitness, personal trainer, membership, and the Welcome Center.

Throughout the year, they raise funds to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals and families from participating in the YMCA programs. “I don’t think people realize how much we do in the community,” says Marissa Rennaker, Director of Development of the South Alabama YMCA. “We want to bring people together regardless of their ability to pay.” They offer scholarships to those who qualify and meet the criteria. They offer up to 25-75% off membership and programs.

For years, Rennaker’s background has been in sales and serving on non-profit boards. She says her role now, as Director of Development, is to build relationships with the community through the YMCA.

Their biggest fundraiser event is the annual Golf Tournament, Fore the Kids Golf Classic. This year, it is set for April 6 at the Steelwood Country Club in Loxley. This is their second year at Steelwood,” says Rennaker. “Every dollar raised goes back into the YMCA’s local programming for the kids, families, and seniors.” It empowers the YMCA to have scholarships for those who need it. Rennaker says, “It’s an investment in our children and families who rely on the YMCA.”

“The Snook Family YMCA is incredibly grateful for the generous support from the City of Foley, United Way of South Alabama, and other community partners.” Rennaker said, “We are always looking for local businesses to sponsor or donate to our fundraisers.” They have sponsorship opportunities and are now accepting registrations online for the Fore the Kids Golf Classic. For more information on becoming a sponsor or registering to be part of a team for the tournament, contact Marissa Rennker at mrennaker@ysal.org.

Anderson says, “Our youth programs continue to be a cornerstone of our mission. In 2025, our summer camp served 158 children, and our afterschool program currently serves 36 children.” This year, a new program for current ninth graders offers free YMCA access during the school year to provide a safe, welcoming place for teens. There are plans to expand the program to include life-skills classes to help prepare them for their futures. Also, Anderson said a long-term vision is to expand our youth service department by adding before-school programming during the school year and creating a dedicated space focused entirely on children—one that would offer preschool programming.

Anderson said, “We are here, present, and ready to serve. We are committed to listening, learning, and responding to the needs of families as they arise, while continuing to live out our mission putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.” Go to www.ysal.org to learn more and to sign up for the activities available. 2560 S. Pine St., Phone: 251-970-3003.

Anytime is a good time to decorate or re-decorate your home or to furnish that rental property. Looking for a beach style motif? Foley Furniture is the store to visit. They offer a large selection of new distressed beach-style furniture that complements any home.  

Foley Furniture, located at 801 South McKenzie St., opened its doors in May of this year. Donnie and his wife, Lindsay Jones, are the owners and operators. They have two sons, including Daniel, who is the manager at the Foley store. They also have a larger store in Pensacola, where they have been in business for six years. Both stores offer a wide range of products, including dining room furniture, sofa love seats, sectionals, coffee tables, end tables, consoles, bedroom furniture, and mattresses.

Donnie’s background has always been furniture. He says, "I used to build furniture, and sometimes I still do whenever I have time." He explained that distressed furniture is furniture that has been painted, and then the edges have been sanded. “That gives it that worn rustic look,” he said.

Both of his furniture stores have a wide range of selections, but he said, “My Pensacola store is in a larger location. Same products, but bigger selections." He added that buffets and consoles are the most popular. He said the customer is always looking for something to fill that one little gap.

Donnie mentioned that Foley Furniture always has in-store sales. “We are always having pop-up sales or 3-day flash sales. We always have some kind of sales going on.” You can also go to the Foley Furniture Facebook page, where he frequently posts sales.

Donnie says that they offer delivery and financing to their customers. Their Foley store hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm, Saturday, 10 am-4 pm. They are closed on Sunday and Monday and are located next door to Harbor Freight at 801 S. McKenzie Street in Foley. Their Pensacola location, at 505 Brent Lane, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and closed on Sundays. 

Wolf Bay Seafood and Steak Restaurant

In 1973, Charlie and Sandra Wrape started out as owners of a little bar-club small diner located on Wolf Bay in Elberta called Wolf Bay Lodge. Although it was nestled among the trees off the beaten path, it soon became one of the favorite places for locals and area visitors. However, in 2008, the original lodge was destroyed by fire. Later, Wolf Bay Lodge was reopened in two new locations – Foley and Orange Beach.  

Whitney Haber-Kelley is a third generation of the family business and works as General Manager at the Orange Beach location and oversees both the Foley and Orange Beach stores. Whitney said, "We are a very close family. My mother, Charlene Haber, is now the owner and has taken the business to the next step. She continues the tradition and legacy of my grandparents.” Not only do they serve quality seafood from the Gulf Coast, but they serve food from the family's original recipes. 

Whitney said, “Our most popular appetizer is the signature Cha Cha’s Crab Meat Dip. My grandmother’s recipe for the Seafood Gumbo is also everyone’s favorite.” Shrimp and Grits with smoked Gouda cheese are a very popular item. For land lovers, they have a menu for chicken entrees, as well as Black Angus beef tenderloin and Black Angus ribeye. Whitney said, “We have such a great variety on our menu that there will always be something that the guests will like.”

Wolf Bay Restaurant won awards from The Best of Baldwin in 2024 in four categories: Best Fried Shrimp, Best Gumbo, Best Seafood Restaurant, and Best Salads.

“The salad bar has a little story of its own,” said Chanda Hurley, general manager of the Foley store. They give credit to Barb Mullally, an employee who managed the salad bar for many years and worked for the business for over 28 years. “She is responsible for adding tuna and chicken salads, pasta and broccoli salads, and other salad favorites to the bar. She retired a couple of years ago. And now Paige Waters, trained under Barb, is the new manager of the salad bar who will keep it to our high standards.”  

Chanda emphasized, “We have longevity with employees here at Wolf Bay because we are family-oriented and work well together as a team." Their two head chefs, Paul Abel, and Brandy McGill, have been with the restaurants for years. They are self-taught, and their excellent cuisine can speak for itself. Ms. Bell, a 90-year-old employee, has been with the company for 30 years. She and other employees come in and peel, devein, and butterfly hundreds of pounds of shrimp a week. “Our customer service is awesome, too,” Chanda said. “We try to give our guests that satisfying and pleasant dining experience at Wolf Bay.” 

Wolf Bay Restaurant is a community player. They donate and have partnerships with schools, churches, and other organizations within the community. “We try to always be involved in what is giving back,” said Whitney. When the hurricane hit this year in North Carolina, Wolf Bay Restaurant staff and guests raised over $10,000 to send as aid.

Be sure to explore The Boutique at Wolf Bay at their Foley location, filled with home décor and gift items. They also cater for events. And if you are a fisherman, bring in your catch, and they will cook it any way you like. Go to www.wolfbaylodge.com. Or call 251-987-5129. Foley location: 20801 Miflin Road (County Road 20), Orange Beach location: 24131 Perdido Beach Blvd.