By Sarah KuperHidden in the hustle and bustle of the Hoover commercial district, Aldridge Gardens offers Over the Mountain residents a serene and convenient escape. The grounds include gardens of hydrangeas, whimsical sculptures and a waterscape. Despite the garden's many natural and educational offerings, CEO Tynette Lynch said there are only 10 paid employees. "We … [Read more...]
Delicious Days in Decatur
I’m not going to Paris this summer. The world situation being what it is, I’m not going to visit Rome or Istanbul or the White Cliffs of Dover either. I’ll just have to be content to read about them. I’m a sucker for travel memoirs, imagining myself a silent companion along all of those interesting roads. My latest reverie is called “Delicious Days in Paris.” The author takes … [Read more...]
Jerome is the Man: Crestline Custodian Named Janitor of the Year
By Emily Williams The student body of Crestline Elementary school gathered May 2 to hear the news that custodial staff member Jerome Lewis had won first place in the nationwide Janitor of the Year competition. The news was presented as the finale of a half-hour program that began and ended with performances by second- and third-graders of an original song, "Jerome is the … [Read more...]
Inspiring Imagination: Hoover Teacher Unleashes Art at Magic City Art Connection
By Emily Williams Nelson Grice is a sculptor and ceramics artist, a Hoover High School teacher and an everyday advocate for using your imagination.He loyally attends the Magic City Art Connection each year and plans to return to the April 22-24 festival to show his unique animal sculptures. "I think what keeps me coming back … is I love the crowd and it's my kind of … [Read more...]
A River Runs Through It: Birmingham Man Channels Passion for Southern Living Into Conservation
By Sarah Kuper So far in his life, Britt Butler has served in WWII, worked as a Jefferson County reserve deputy sheriff and mentored dozens of Boy Scouts. He also served as one of the founding fathers of today's Southern Living magazine. Butler's grandfather ran a publication called the Progressive Farmer in the early 1900s. In an effort to engage city dwellers, Progressive … [Read more...]