By Caroline Rice Birmingham was gifted with an arch of flowers on the Rotary Trail sign in the heart of the city June 5 after a group of local florists were determined to use their talents to show love to their hurting community. After a week that had begun with protests and shattered glass, Carolyn Chen, florist at Wild Things in Homewood, wanted to end it with something … [Read more...]

By Donna Cornelius Facing economic adversity isn’t new to America’s oldest known family-owned retailer. Founded in Mobile in 1836, Bromberg & Co. Inc. has survived the American Civil War, Great Depression, two World Wars, recessions – and now, the coronavirus pandemic. Frederick W. Bromberg, who started the business, likely would approve of the way his … [Read more...]

By Emily Williams When Kyle Forstman looked back on his introduction to the adoption process, through his son Jeffrey, he penned a narrative that begins and ends with a pen. It describes his transition from bachelor life to fatherhood and how his quick decision to make that change became the greatest accomplishment of his life. “The Judge laid out the official documents on … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantBen Foy had bounced around from job to job for several years. Less than two years ago, he was working for a grocery store, putting in long hours and sometimes not getting home until after midnight. “It took a toll on me,” Ben said. About the same time, Ben’s dad, Preston Foy, was looking to expand his woodworking business, Urgent CareFurniture … [Read more...]

By Emily Williams On a typical Mother’s Day, Mountain Brook resident Lauren Nichols would have a schedule in place. The day would begin with church, followed by brunch and then time spent with her mother and her mother-in-law. This year will be very different. “Sometimes these holidays go by in a blur because we just don’t take the time to enjoy them and really just savor … [Read more...]