By Sarah Kuper Becca Barganier had always thought therapy wasn't for her. She didn't have any "issues" and she wasn't having suicidal thoughts. But after going through a devastating experience a few years ago, her parents suggested she see a therapist. "I thought it wasn't for me, but it helped. People need to know it is OK to get help and often the people who look like they … [Read more...]
A Melting Pot of Gold: Birmingham’s Irish Cultural Society Gears Up for St. Patrick’s Day
By Emily Williams This year, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just a celebration of the patron saint of Ireland. March marks the 100-year anniversary of the Easter Rising, when Irish nationalists launched a rebellion against British rule. At its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society, a local melting pot of Emerald Isle enthusiasts, will pay homage … [Read more...]
Church and Plate: Lunches Are a Longstanding Lenten Custom at Advent
By Donna Cornelius On weekdays during Lent, Sidney Clapp and Cece Martin go to church dressed not in their Sunday best, but in chef’s jackets. The two are this year’s chairwomen of Cathedral Church of the Advent’s Lenten Lunches. They wear their white jackets with purple embroidery for a practical purpose – to make it easy for volunteers to find them when they need … [Read more...]
OTM Real Estate Frenzy: Association of Realtors President Talks Trends for 2016
By Sarah Kuper Dot Mash is the 2016 Birmingham Association of Realtors president and a Realtor with LAH Real Estate. She's been working in the Over the Mountain real estate market for most of her career and she has raised her kids and grandkids in Mountain Brook, where she grew up as well. "I left to go to college at Alabama but I came right back. And that's what a lot of … [Read more...]
More Questions Than Answers: Samford University Neighbors Attend Forums on Expansion Plans, but Questions Linger
By Sarah Kuper and Rae Patterson Samford University administrators are moving forward with drafting plans to update and expand the campus after several community forums in February. Organizers estimate an average of 20 to 30 people attended each meeting. Campus planning firm Dober Lidsky Mathey gave presentations at the meetings and led question and answer sessions. The … [Read more...]