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...]
‘His Engine Never Quits’: Indian Springs’ Tozzi Delaying College to Play Soccer for Birmingham Legion FC
By Rubin E. GrantNathan Tozzi simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity of his young life.So rather than going to college in the fall, the just-graduated senior soccer player from Indian Springs will play for the Birmingham Legion FC of the USL Championship league.Tozzi already was on the Birmingham Legion FC Academy team, but as an elite player he will play with the … [Read more...]
A Very Merry Month of May: Spain Park Wrestler Oliveira Earns Spot on Brazilian National Team, Receives Prestigious Award
By Rubin E. GrantSpain Park wrestler Yasmine Oliveira had the most rewarding month of her life in May.At the beginning of the month, she traveled to Brazil and earned a spot on the U20 (Junior) Brazilian National Wrestling team for the United World Wrestling Pan-American Junior Championships July 8-10 in Oaxtepec, Mexico.She signed a wrestling … [Read more...]
‘Quiet Competitor’: Versatile Vines Excelled Throughout Her Vestavia Hills Track Career
By Rubin E. GrantOn the next to last weekend of May, Angelica Vines was sitting around wondering what to do next.“I don’t know what to do with myself because I’m usually at the track,” Vines said.A few days earlier, the Vestavia Hills senior had capped a brilliant high school track career by finishing fourth in the 2022 Alabama High School Athletic Association … [Read more...]