By Anne RuisiSporting Auburn University gear, including a white pullover boasting a tiger’s face in bright orange and a dark blue ruffled skirt, 15-year-old Athena Hontzas was ready to hit the runway in front of Troup’s Pizza in Cahaba Heights. The Mountain Brook High School student was among the group of children and young adults with Down syndrome who modeled … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiLittle did Dr. Jimmie Harvey know when he traveled to Albany, New York, in 1986 to ask his future father-in-law for permission to marry his daughter that it would lead to not only a happy marriage and four children but also to decades of service to what was then known as United Cerebral Palsy.“Fortunately, he said, ‘Yes,’” Harvey said, and after lunch, his … [Read more...]

By Lee M. HurleyA developer, insurance professional and infrastructure builder are soon to be the newest members of the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame.  The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham each year inducts into the Hall of Fame business leaders who have “exemplified strong leadership and made extraordinary contributions to the Greater Birmingham area,” according to … [Read more...]

By Madoline Markham KoonceWhat’s it like to run a half marathon in every state in the U.S.? Kelly Styslinger and Robin Bienvenu can tell you. It all started a little more than 10 years ago when a friend of Bienvenu’s talked her into doing her first half marathon. At the time, Bienvenu had never been to Disney World, so she decided to run the Disney Princess Half … [Read more...]

Vestavia Hills resident Sharon Pitts (right)was named Ms. Senior Alabama during a pageant June 1 in Daphne.Pitts retired from Regions Bank as an HR senior vice president and executive compensation manager and is a pilgrimage planner with Select International Pilgrimage Tours and Cruises, according to a statement from Ms. Senior Alabama. Her message to senior women … [Read more...]