By Annie Howard Sweet treats, music, auctions and close encounters of the feathered kind will highlight this year’s Wild About Chocolate gala. The annual Valentine gala, being held Feb. 11 at the Harbert Center, benefits the Alabama Wildlife Center and “has grown into one of Birmingham’s premiere Valentine’s Day events,” said AWC’s director, Doug Adair. This is the 13th year … [Read more...]
Morning Glory: Tom York Dominated Local Television
By Lee Davis Tom York didn’t start out with a vision for a local morning television show. It just happened. York, a Florence native, was working at a TV station in Memphis when he was hired away by WBRC in Birmingham in 1957. The station, a CBS affiliate at the time, was transitioning ownership to Taft Broadcasting, and major changes were in the works. One of them included … [Read more...]
Cashin’ In: Birmingham Native Ben Hope Brings Johnny Cash Tribute Home
By Emily Williams Before moving to New York and performing on Broadway, Ben Hope nurtured his love of musical theater in his native Birmingham. Now, he’s bringing Broadway back home as he directs and performs in “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash.” The production will be at the Virginia Samford Theatre Jan. 26 to Feb. 12. Hope is starring in the show, performing the … [Read more...]
Retiring From the Royal Court: Beaux Arts Krewe Corresponding Secretary Retires After 33 Years
By Emily Williams Winston Carl of Mountain Brook can recall nearly the entire history of Birmingham’s Beaux Arts Krewe, because her mother was there for its beginning and then passed along her position to Carl. After holding the slightly undefinable job of corresponding secretary/liaison between the ball’s king and queen, Carl is retiring from the volunteer position she has … [Read more...]
The Gift of Giving: Local Nonprofits Offer Holiday Gifts That Give Back
By Emily Williams The holiday season revives fond memories of pumpkin-spiced beverages, homes dressed in lights and a general cheeriness in the air. Then there are the less fond memories, most notably of shopping. It’s a time of year when you are scrambling to cross off every item on your list and drum up a gift idea for that friend or relative who “has everything.” Local … [Read more...]