By Ginny CooperJournal staff writerConstruction began last week on the Grand Bohemian Hotel at Parke Lane in Mountain Brook.A groundbreaking ceremony was held Jan. 16 at the site where the boutique hotel will be built.At the event, Richard Kessler, the Kessler Collection’s chairman and chief executive officer, promised that the 100-room hotel will "add to … [Read more...]
Agents of Change: Virginia Beale
Virginia Beale, The Literacy Council:‘Find Something That Really Speaks to You’By Keysha DrexelJournal editorWhen Virginia Beale moved to the Over the Mountain area a few years ago, the 31-year-old said she was shocked to learn that so many adults in the Birmingham metro area cannot read.And for the past three years, the ninth-grade English teacher at … [Read more...]
Agents of Change: John Obert
John Obert, Camp SAM:‘There Are Hundreds of Ways to Give Back’By Keysha DrexelJournal editorJohn Obert grew up in Hoover watching cartoons on Saturday mornings like most kids his age. But it was not an animated show that most captured his attention--and heart--and led him to devote his free time to helping others.The 30-year-old Hoover resident said it … [Read more...]
Agents of Change: Hayden Patton
Hayden Patton, Mitchell's Place:‘I Wanted to be a Part of Something That Is Helping Children’By Keysha DrexelJournal editorGrowing up in Mountain Brook, Hayden Patton said serving the community was just a part of her everyday life.The 31-year-old said some of her fondest childhood memories are of going to work with her late grandmother, Laura Emma "L.E." … [Read more...]
Sibling Success: Spain Park Twins Get Perfect ACT Scores
By Ginny CooperJournal staff writerWhile most twins have many things in common, few share the same level of achievement that Matt and Stefanie Schoeneman do.The 17-year-old Spain Park High School students each scored a perfect 36 on their ACT exams.But they aren’t the only high achievers in the family. Last year, Matt and Stefanie's older sister, Devon, also … [Read more...]