By Sarah KuperHidden in the hustle and bustle of the Hoover commercial district, Aldridge Gardens offers Over the Mountain residents a serene and convenient escape. The grounds include gardens of hydrangeas, whimsical sculptures and a waterscape. Despite the garden's many natural and educational offerings, CEO Tynette Lynch said there are only 10 paid employees. "We … [Read more...]
Inspiring Imagination: Hoover Teacher Unleashes Art at Magic City Art Connection
By Emily Williams Nelson Grice is a sculptor and ceramics artist, a Hoover High School teacher and an everyday advocate for using your imagination.He loyally attends the Magic City Art Connection each year and plans to return to the April 22-24 festival to show his unique animal sculptures. "I think what keeps me coming back … is I love the crowd and it's my kind of … [Read more...]
Making a Difference: 25th Annual Hear the Hope Banquet Benefits King’s Home
By Sarah KuperKing's Home in Chelsea is a place where at-risk children and mothers can find a safe home and path forward. The rural and scenic atmosphere of the campus lends itself to serving the organization's Christian mission of ministering to young people from troubled backgrounds. Kendall Eagan, a board member of King's Home who is helping organize this year's … [Read more...]
Rotarians Respond: Club Thanks First Responders With Shrimp and Skydivers
On April 23, the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary is sponsoring a shrimp boil festival to honor Vestavia Hills police officers and firefighters. This annual event was designed six years ago as “an opportunity to give our first responders recognition,” said Rotary event coordinator Margaret Cook. This year’s event includes a live band and the skydiving team The Casters. Members … [Read more...]
Autism: A Grandmother Speaks
By Donna Cornelius At first glance, you wouldn’t have noticed anything unusual about a Birmingham school’s Christmas program. The children were dressed in hand-painted holiday T-shirts and sang songs like “Jingle Bell Rock.” Teachers hovered nearby to prompt forgetful singers. In the audience, parents and grandparents craned their necks, snapped photos and applauded … [Read more...]