By Lee Davis Jamie Harris knows all about the tradition of Vestavia Hills baseball. As a Rebel player in the 1990s, Harris was a part of three state championship teams under legendary coach Sammy Dunn. He also worked as an assistant for eight years before taking over as head coach after Tommy Walker’s resignation shortly after the end of the 2015 season. As the 2016 season … [Read more...]
“Call Me Alabama!” Personal Injury Attorney Recognized for Marketing Prowess
By Sarah Kuper Social science journalist Malcolm Gladwell has a theory that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. Alexander Shunnarah, ubiquitous Birmingham personal injury lawyer, said he hasn't kept track of his hours, but he expects he's close to 10,000. "I think of counting them up sometime and I'm probably there but I know I've spent a tremendous amount of time … [Read more...]
The Lady in Red: Homewood Man’s Love Affair Helps Save the Alabama Theatre
By Emily WilliamsFor more than 30 years, Tom Cronier of Homewood has devoted his free time to a lady in red. Big Bertha, the acclaimed Wurlitzer pipe organ that resides in the Alabama Theatre, has led Cronier, and subsequently his wife, Loretta, to a life of service to Birmingham’s growing Theater District. His love of the instrument has been a lifelong passion, and … [Read more...]
Late in Life Librarian: Lifelong Love of Books Prompts Retirees to Give Back
By Sarah Kuper The bookstore on the lower level of the Homewood Library is home to hundreds of used books, movies and magazines. Most cost one dollar or less. The store is almost completely staffed by volunteer members of Friends of the Library – a group of individuals who believe in the importance of a quality local library. Sue Thomas says she is spending her retirement … [Read more...]
Love at First Sight: A Stroll in the Wildflower Garden Led to a Passion for Volunteering
By Rae PattersonA walk through the Wildflower Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens one Sunday afternoon 25 to 30 years ago was all it took. Janice Williams said she “fell in love with the place,” and she’s been volunteering with the Botanical Gardens ever since. She started out working with the group that raises plants for sale and eventually worked her way into … [Read more...]