By Rubin E. GrantTim Vakakes did everything in his power to leave the Shanks boys behind when he left his job as head football coach at Jackson-Olin in Birmingham to become Spain Park’s football coach following the 2021 season.Vakakes had known Derick and Dakarai Shanks for several years, watching them play Little League football in Wylam in western Birmingham because … [Read more...]
Creative Instincts: Vielguth Brings Passion, Leadership and Skill to Vestavia Hills Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. GrantIt’s a good thing Audrey Vielguth listened to her friends.They kept telling her she could be a good volleyball player, so when she was in the seventh grade, she decided to play.Vielguth has proven her friends right. Two years after she began playing, she joined the Vestavia Hills’ varsity team. Now a senior libero/defensive specialist, Vielguth is … [Read more...]
‘Game-Changer’ McFadden Leads John Carroll to Stunning Upset of Homewood but Wants More
By Rubin E. GrantJohn Carroll Catholic football coach Will Mara said Carson McFadden’s leadership skills have always been on display.But during the offseason, the Cavaliers’ senior quarterback/safety took it up a notch.“When I would get to school at 5:30 in the morning, Carson was already here,” Mara said. “We didn’t have mandatory 5:30 workouts.“He’s always … [Read more...]
These Guys Are on Fire: David Bancroft, Jonathan Harrison Are Among FOOD+Culture Headliners
By Donna CorneliusBirmingham’s very first FOOD+Culture Fest has a star-studded lineup of special guests. Two of them, David Bancroft and Jonathan Harrison, have a few things in common. Both are Alabama-born, both went to Auburn University, and both had success on popular cooking competition shows. They also will be among the talented folks who will be heating … [Read more...]
‘Until There Is a Cure’ LBCF’s Head Over Teal Highlights Month of Awareness
By June MathewsIn 2016, Violet Chaffinch of Hoover was stunned to learn that some physical changes she had attributed to menopause were symptoms of ovarian cancer. But thanks to a doctor who asked the right questions and ordered the appropriate tests, Chaffinch promptly went through a course of effective treatment.“I spent several weeks on an emotional roller … [Read more...]