By Hannah EcholsThe summer before Cameron Monistere started his senior year at Auburn University, he felt a lump in his throat. This was not the anxiety-induced, metaphorical kind. It was a physical one on his lymph node.When the lump did not disappear after a few days, he decided to go to a local urgent care clinic to get it evaluated. Worst case, he thought, he … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantThe Rev. Craig Smalley has been caught up in a whirlwind for the past six months, but he hasn’t been blown away.Since being tabbed in May as the dean and rector at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Smalley has been engaged in a whirlwind of activity, including getting ready to commemorate the church’s 150th anniversary with a special service Dec. … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiSanta isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. Over the Mountain shoppers seeking great gift ideas for the young ones should look at these suggestions from our friends at Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s/george in Mountain Brook. Please note that toy selections and prices may vary from store to … [Read more...]

By Virginia MacDonaldIt began as a love of her Mother’s love of cooking. It has evolved into a way to share recipes with her daughters and everyone else, said Tammy Heinss who last week, for the first time, clutched her brand new 260-page cookbook.She took the name of the cookbook, “Cook With Love,” from an inscription her mother wrote in a cookbook she gave … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiArtist Dirk Walker didn’t discover his true calling until he was in his 30s, but since then he’s created several series of paintings that focus on scenes such as wildlife, landscapes, Birmingham landmarks and, notably in the holiday season, Santa Claus.His Santa Claus artwork will be on display Dec. 1 at a Christmas trunk show at Brombergs in Mountain Brook … [Read more...]