By Laura McAlister Journal Editor Claire Datnow has been writing most of her life, but it wasn't until retirement that she decided to make a career out of it.The South African native who’s now a Hoover resident retired from teaching about 10 years ago. Since then, she's had eight books published. Her latest, an eco-mystery series, is for middle school-aged … [Read more...]
Compassionate Celebration
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorWhen Hope Dawson started planning her 13th birthday celebration, she decided this year she would have a non-traditional party.Instead of a sleepover or dinner with friends, she hosted a party for some 300, and instead of gifts, she asked for compassion.More specifically, she asked her guests to give to Compassion International, a … [Read more...]
A Salute to Their Son
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorIt's been just over two years since their son and brother was killed in Afghanistan, but the Rivers family is still diligently sending care packages overseas.Now the packages are going to young Marines and other soldiers on active duty. The project started as a way for the family, parents Charon and Tom and daughter Rachel, to show … [Read more...]
Puppy Prints
By Laura McAlisterPriya Mittelmark has always surrounded herself with her puppies, so when her daughter was born, it only seemed natural to dress her little girl in clothes with cute puppies on them.The only problem: She could find only boy clothes with puppies. She solved that, though, by starting her own clothing line, and she's helping the furry friends she loves so … [Read more...]
Rising Design Star Finalist Plans a Stylish Career
By Laura McAlisterSince Lauren Reeder was a little girl, she's had a love for fashion.Whether it was playing dress-up at her house or trying on shoes while her mother shopped, her interest in clothing started at an early age.Her high school peers even named her Best Dressed for the yearbook Who's Who for her style, which Lauren describes as "conservative with some … [Read more...]