By Lee Davis Jeff Streucker didn’t invent the phrase “God in the foxhole,” but it certainly applies to him. The retired U.S. Army major is a veteran of military operations in Panama, Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan and has earned a chest full of medals for distinguished service. His heroism was depicted in the popular war movie “Black Hawk Down.”But Streucker is more … [Read more...]
For Will and Sam: Pizitz Middle Schoolers Fight Cancer with Community Support
By Sarah Kuper More than 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, according to data from the National Cancer Institute. A number that large may seem daunting, but the Vestavia Hills community is doing its part by rallying behind two of its own. In February and March, Pizitz Middle School students Will Nailen and Sam Cunningham were diagnosed with cancer, Nailen … [Read more...]
‘A Gem of a Place’: Former Savage’s Bakery Owner Brings Beauty to Homewood Alleys, Sidewalks
By Sarah Kuper After years spent making cakes beautiful, former Savage’s Bakery owner Van Scott has now turned his artistic eye to the area outside the Homewood institution. Passing the bakery on to his daughter has given him the freedom to branch out, Scott said. “I’m there every day but I don’t have to be monitoring employees or answering the phone. With all that time on … [Read more...]
“Mommy, Where Are You?”: Vestavia Woman Writes Book for Working Moms and Their Children
By Sarah Kuper Vestavia Hills author Tera Howard recently published her second in a series of children’s books. The book, “Mommy, Where Are You?” handles questions a child might ask of a working mother. It’s a conversation Howard knows well. Although she is a published author, writing children’s books is not what she calls her “day job.” Howard is an obstetrician and … [Read more...]
The Italian Job: Tour Guide Gives Clients an Inside View of His Native Country
By June Mathews When Andrea Traina first came to the United States, starting a business was not part of his plan. A graphic designer by trade, he originally intended to work at a relative’s construction company for a year or two before returning home to Italy. Then he began teaching an Italian language class in Samford University’s evening program, Samford After Sundown, … [Read more...]