By Emily Williams Perseverance can be found in every detail of the TumTum Tree Foundation’s 31st annual Wine Auction and Vintner Dinners. This year, the entire event has gone virtual, calling for participating winemakers and chefs to get creative in their approaches. Despite the pandemic’s effect on the food-service industry, the foundation’s mission has called its … [Read more...]
‘See Us as Partners’: Nonprofits Tell Homewood Chamber Members What It Takes to Survive a Pandemic
By Sam Prickett Birmingham-area nonprofit leaders spoke at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s virtual luncheon Oct. 20 to share how their organizations were adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic — and how the community can help them continue to survive. The hour-long panel featured Birmingham Zoo President and CEO Chris Pfefferkorn, Vulcan Park and Museum President and CEO … [Read more...]
‘Once-in-a-Lifetime Athlete’: Hoover’s Essix Brings Skill, Athleticism to the Volleyball Court as Bucs Seek State Title
By Rubin E. Grant At nearly 6 feet, 4 inches tall, Hoover senior Gabrielle Essix is an imposing presence on the volleyball court, especially playing middle hitter. But height alone doesn’t allow Essix to dominate. She has athleticism and skill. “For a girl her size, she’s a phenomenal athlete,” Hoover coach Chris Camper said. “She’s explosive and she jumps out of the gym, … [Read more...]
VHHS Habitat Partners With Businesses for Love Your Neighbor Week Fundraiser
By Emily Williams Homecoming Week evokes images of kings, queens, dress-up days, football games and dances, but for groups such as Vestavia Hills High School’s Habitat for Humanity club, it also is about the money. Each year since 2004, the club, supported by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, has built a house for a family in need. “VHHS is one of the few high schools … [Read more...]
‘A Great Fit’: Two Birmingham Retail Families Collaborate in New Jewelry Venture at the Summit
By Sam Prickett Levy’s at Gus Mayer, which opened at the Summit earlier this month, aims to bring “fashionable, funky and functional” jewelry to the Over the Mountain community. But it also marks a first collaboration between two longtime Birmingham-area businesses: Gus Mayer and Levy’s Fine Jewelry, which have operated in the Birmingham area since 1900 and 1922, … [Read more...]