By Emily Williams-Robertshaw When Lusia MacPherson retired from a nearly 50-year career in education, she was ready to go back to school. This time, she planned to take her miniature schnauzer, Mooc, along with her. Once a week during the school year, MacPherson and Mooc visit Greystone Elementary School teacher Melissa Summers’ English Language Learning classroom. According … [Read more...]
A Storied History: O’Neal Library to Honor Longtime Board Member and Volunteer Penny Page During MB Chamber Luncheon
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw The O’Neal Library will honor its 2021 Tynes Award recipient, longtime volunteer and board member Penny Page, during the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon April 27. The luncheon also will honor this year’s Jemison Visionary Award Winner, former Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden, and the 2021 City of Mountain Brook Employee of the … [Read more...]
‘Strategic Decision’: Retiring Pastor Danny Wood Believes Someone New Should Lead Shades Mountain Baptist Post-Pandemic
By Rubin E. Grant When Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills holds three services on Easter Sunday, it will mark the final Resurrection Sunday for the Rev. Danny Wood as senior pastor of the 7,800-member church. Wood, who recently celebrated his 24th anniversary as Shades Mountain’s pastor, announced earlier this year that he plans to retire Aug. 15. “It was a … [Read more...]
Hoover Mayor Says City Came Through Pandemic in Sound Shape, Predicts Better 2021
By Sam Prickett Mayor Frank Brocato delivered his annual State of the City address to the Hoover Chamber of Commerce on March 18, recapping the hardships of the previous year and promising a “much better” 2021. COVID-19, he said, “challenged us as we’d never imagined,” but also revealed “the strength of the community, its character and the kindness of our citizens.” He … [Read more...]
Highlighting Birmingham’s Hidden History: Local Filmmaker Documents Greek-Owned Restaurants
By Shannon Thomason A short film about Birmingham’s tradition of Greek-owned restaurants premiered recently during the Southern Foodways Alliance’s 2021 Spring Symposium. The documentary “Philoxenia,” by Birmingham-based filmmaker and University of Alabama at Birmingham alumna Jessica Chriesman, of Homewood, featured Ted’s Restaurant, Demetri’s BBQ, Johnny’s Restaurant, The … [Read more...]