By Emily WilliamsAs she celebrates her 10th season as artistic director of the Alabama Ballet, Tracey Alvey can safely say the years have flown by. “People always tell you that, as you get older, time goes by much faster and it is completely true,” Alvey said. For Alvey, it seems just yesterday that she was on the stage herself. Born in Kent, England, Alvey began … [Read more...]
The Artist in You: New BMA Program Set to Inspire, Educate All Ages
By June MathewsFor 65 years, the Birmingham Museum of Art has served as a cultural beacon to the Birmingham community and beyond. Through its permanent collection, special exhibits, social events and educational programs, the museum reaches out to give even those who consider themselves distinctly unartistic a healthy dose of creative inspiration. The tradition … [Read more...]
From Mountain Brook to Panama: Former Football Star Taught Agroforestry Through Peace Corps
By Lee Davis Local football fans may well remember Charlie Higgenbotham in his playing days as a standout linebacker for Mountain Brook High School, the University of Alabama and, finally, the University of South Alabama. But unlike some former college football players, Higgenbotham didn’t go on to play in the National Football League. Instead, he worked to make the world a … [Read more...]
Going for Gold: Girl Scout Raises Awareness about State Park Funding Amendment
By Sarah Kuper Maddie Hoaglund won’t be quite old enough to vote on Nov. 8, but she is doing her part to raise awareness about an amendment on the ballot. As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, the high school senior is holding an event Sept. 24 at Oak Mountain State Park to highlight issues behind Amendment 2. The amendment concerns the reallocation of state park … [Read more...]
Heavy Lifting: Zoo Offers Guests a Chance to Pump up Next to Pachyderms
By Emily WilliamsThe Birmingham Zoo’s newest event sheds light on a little-known fact: even the world’s largest mammal has to find time to work out. According to Laura Schillinger, zoological manager for the Trails of Africa, the three African elephants who call Birmingham home start each day by working out. “Exercise is a big part of their day,” Schillinger said. “We … [Read more...]