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...]
Unbroken: Gold Star Families Bond to Salute Memories of Loved Ones
By William SingletonThe greatest fear of those who have lost family members in military service is that their loved ones’ sacrifices will be forgotten.Bluff Park resident Marynell Winslow is determined to make sure the memory of her son and other fallen Alabama servicemen and women lives on.Winslow and her husband, George, along with former State Rep. Paul DeMarco, … [Read more...]
She’s Got the Moves: Dotty Still of Homewood Glides into Ballroom Dancing
By Kaitlin CandelariaHomewood resident Dotty Still has always had an interest in movement. As a child, she was athletic and tomboyish, she said. She went on to major in health, physical education and recreation at Auburn University.“What interested me most was lifetime movement -- people understanding kinesiology and their own bodies,” Still said. “People should be able … [Read more...]
Fashion Is Her Field: Designer Heidi Elnora Stays Grounded with Family, Farm Home
By Kaitlin CandelariaHeidi Elnora is all about defying expectations.Most people wouldn’t expect a wedding dress designer to achieve fame out of Birmingham, but Elnora has. Most people also wouldn’t expect a designer who specializes in couture gowns to live in the middle of a hayfield, but again, Elnora is full of surprises.“I was told growing up it couldn’t be … [Read more...]