By Kaitlin Candelaria Michael Thorin has been asked more than once whether his service to the United States was worth it. The veteran and retired Hoover firefighter spent four years as an active member of the army before joining the Alabama Army National Guard, where he served for 20 years. He’s done multiple stateside tours and spent time in Afghanistan as an Army medic and … [Read more...]
Turkey Time: Chef Joseph Mitchell Shares Thanksgiving Tips
By Kaitlin Candelaria Chef Joseph Mitchell knows a thing or two about preparing a big meal. The director and advisor for the Culinary and Hospitality Institute at Jefferson State has worked in restaurants, country clubs and hotels just to name a few. And of course, he’s cooked a holiday meal or two for his family. When it comes to Thanksgiving, Mitchell says he and his … [Read more...]
Treating the Table: Do’s and Don’ts for Thanksgiving Tablescapes
By Emily Williams Marsha Baker may be a registered nurse, but her business these days is coming up roses. As the holidays approach, she has a few tips to help hosts and hostesses festively decorate their homes and tables for Thanksgiving. After giving birth to her children, Baker quit nursing professionally to stay home with the kids. “I started doing flowers through my … [Read more...]
Hungry for a Change: Local Minister Focuses on Birmingham’s Needy
By Kaitlin Candelaria When Daniel Cason and his wife, Gwen, set out to start their ministry 20 years ago, they were focused on glorifying God through their love of music. Cason grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and said he began taking piano lessons at nine years old for 50 cents per lesson as part of an inner city outreach program. It was that experience that inspired him to cater … [Read more...]
The Play’s the Thing
By Donna Cornelius Some toys make kids go bonkers when they open them – and then gather dust once the “new” has worn off.s Three Over the Mountain stores make it their business to offer toys that will be fun for days to come. There’s probably not a child in the OTM area who can’t think of at least one gift that came from Homewood Toy and Hobby, Smith’s Variety Toy and Gift … [Read more...]