By Sarah Kuper Born on the BayouAlthough Jeremy Downey has had oysters on the brain for the past few weeks, (see story nearby) he’s always thinking about seafood, especially when it comes to the holidays. It reminds him of home. Downey hails from Bayou La Batre, so shrimp, crab and oysters are as traditional as turkey at his Thanksgiving table. “We take it in more of … [Read more...]
Representing Kids With Arthritis: Homewood Pre-Teen Chosen as Jingle Bell Run Youth Honoree
By Sarah Kuper Creative and determined – those are the words Meg Wallace uses to describe her 11-year-old son, Cooper, who suffers from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Cooper is this year’s youth honoree for the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run. In addition to being well-spoken and intelligent, Cooper is an accomplished writer and storyteller – skills that recommend him … [Read more...]
Catalyst for Adventure: New Classes Teach Rock Climbing for People With Physical or Sensory Impairments
By Sarah KuperRock climbing can be an exhilarating outdoor activity and a way to stay fit at an indoor gym. But for some, climbing may seem impossible because of conditions such as cerebral palsy, amputations or other disabilities.This month, High Point Climbing and Fitness has partnered with Catalyst Sports to show those with physical or sensory impairments that … [Read more...]
No Ph.D. Required: New Museum Director Aims to Double Attendance, Says Visitors Shouldn’t Have to Be Experts to Understand Art
By Sam PrickettThe new executive director of the Birmingham Museum of Art plans to make accessibility, expansion and renovation priorities of his tenure – with a long-term goal of doubling the museum’s attendance over the next five years.In mid-September, the BMA named Dr. Graham C. Boettcher its new executive director. Boettcher’s appointment followed a months-long … [Read more...]
Positively Pink: Cancer Society Challenges Men to Show Their Softer Side for Breast Cancer Awareness
By Sarah Kuper While fall fashion in Alabama can be dictated by football team colors, a new shade of support is clothing local businessmen this October. From petal-pink sneakers to fuchsia bow ties, the American Cancer Society has real men wearing pink for breast cancer awareness month. The organization chose more than two dozen Birmingham-area movers and shakers to act as … [Read more...]