By Sarah Kuper Auburn University sophomore and Vestavia Hills local Bennett Smith is headed to Argentina this fall to compete in the Freestyle Kayaking World Championship. For those unfamiliar with freestyle kayaking, it is like a combination of whitewater kayaking and gymnastics. Competitors paddle kayaks into the wave of a river rapid and attempt as many tricks as they can … [Read more...]
Maccabi Games, Southern-Style: LJCC Prepares to Show off Birmingham Area to 800 Athletes, Their Families and Visitors
By Sarah Kuper This month, about 800 teen athletes will journey to Birmingham to compete in the 2017 Maccabi Games at the Levite Jewish Community Center. The Maccabi Games happen every year in different locations. Teams of teenagers from Jewish Community Centers around the country gather to compete in land and water sports. Athletes stay with host families from the com- … [Read more...]
Comfort Food Festival: New Event Focuses on a Favorite Dish – Mac and Cheese
By Donna Cornelius Birmingham is home to food festivals that celebrate chili, gumbo and barbecue plus cultural creations with Italian, Greek, Lebanese and Cajun flavors. But one of the most popular dishes in the country has been left off the menu – until now. On Aug. 6, Community Grief Support will host its first Magic City Mac N’ Cheese Festival. Restaurants, food trucks and … [Read more...]
A Dedicated Life: United Ability Participants Help Founder Celebrate 105th Birthday
By Emily Williams More than 60 children sang “Happy Birthday” for United Ability founder Dorothy Levy as she arrived at her 105th birthday celebration June 16 at the organization’s Hand in Hand Learning Center. At her request, the party was held on the playground, and Levy was able to witness firsthand just how far the organization has come since its early days. “This makes … [Read more...]
Phase One, Complete: Hoover Hosts Grand Opening for New Finley Center
By Emily Williams Hoover residents and officials gathered at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex on June 14 for the grand opening of the Finley Center. The ceremony marked the completion of phase 1 of The Met expansion, which city officials hope will bring an economic bump for the city and the state. Mayor Frank Brocato said the center, the completion of which coincides with … [Read more...]