By Ally MorrisonAs a retired elementary art teacher, Jo Ann Brown has seen a lot of natural talent. But she said the most incredible talent she has seen comes from one of her dear friends, Theresa Thrasher. “My journey from teaching kids to facilitating hand-built clay for seniors in Homewood led me to Theresa, an incredibly talented senior lady who makes porcelain … [Read more...]
Good Boy: Children’s of Alabama Throws Retirement Party for Beloved Hand in Paw Therapy Dog
For seven years, Duke Ritter roamed the halls of hospitals and special needs programs, working to comfort and cheer everyone he met. Children’s of Alabama was his favorite place to visit. In his prime, he would go every week with his human, Carol, to help patients and staff through some extremely difficult times. He didn’t retire with just a pat on the head … [Read more...]
The Sporting Life: Hallman’s Career Path Lands Him in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
By Rubin E. GrantGene Hallman had reached a crossroad. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Charleston in 1982 and earning a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Carolina in 1985, Hallman went to work for NCR, a financial firm. But after five years of working in corporate America, … [Read more...]
Tenacious: Goldfarb Recounts His Life in Newly Released Memoir
By Rubin E. Grant When Birmingham- Southern made the decision to move from NCAA Division I to Division III in 2006, Preston Goldfarb was so disenchanted, he decided to write a book. Goldfarb started the Panthers’ soccer program in 1983 and turned it into a national powerhouse in NAIA. He relished the opportunity to compete in Division I, but six years after BSC … [Read more...]
Somerby Residents Write Books, Become Radio DJs During Pandemic Lockdowns
During pandemic shutdowns, residents of Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen found ways to take advantage of the lockdowns to accomplish long-time goals and find new hobbies. Betty Hagel, a Somerby resident since 2014 who is legally blind, was inspired by her family to sit down and write a book recounting her life story. From April to November, Hagel compiled what became a … [Read more...]