By Lee DavisJack Barnacastle coached future Olympian Billy Forrester and several future college All-Americans in his days as a swim coach.He coached many more future husbands, fathers, wives and mothers.They were all special to him.For four decades, Barnacastle was one of the top swim coaches in the Birmingham area, but with his modest nature, he won’t talk much … [Read more...]
Soda and Splash: Can You Find Local Photographer’s Work on Bottle?
By Lee DavisLocal consumers of the popular Jones Cola brand now have yet another reason to purchase their favorite beverage.There might be someone they know on the bottle.The story began more than a year ago when Heather Durham, a professional photographer from Vestavia Hills, submitted a photo for use by the Jones Soda Company, which produces a line of specialty … [Read more...]
The Music Mann: Birmingham Actor Directs New Production of Favorite Musical
By Kaitlin CandelariaJack Mann has spent a lifetime developing talent. Retired from Alagasco in an employee devolopment role, he has also spent more than fifty years in local theater acting and directing. He and his wife, Suzanne are well known throughout Birmingham’s fine arts community.Their love is fitting considering they fell in love on stage during a production of … [Read more...]
Fantastic Voyage: Vestavia’s Shirley Martin Continues Long Writing Career
By Emily WilliamsShirley Martin, a resident of Vestavia Hills, began writing in the early 1980s. As she enters her 80s, Martin is continuing her career as an author of romance novels and novellas.Martin was born near Pittsburgh and attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in history and minoring in social studies. After graduating in 1956, Martin taught school … [Read more...]
Doctor’s Notes: Retired Samford Prof Documents War Heroes
By Lee DavisDr. Donald Wilson’s resume is impressive. He served for 25 years in the United States Air Force and worked for five years teaching at the Air Force Academy. Then he spent another quarter of a century as a military history professor at Samford University.But the Vestavia Hills resident isn’t interested in talking about himself. His passion is telling the … [Read more...]