By Gordon G. MartinIn 1997, the future of American civic education was pitched in an unlikely setting—the Alabama Power business office in Montevallo, a relic of the 1970s, complete with “harvest gold” and “avocado green” appliances.Into this room walked Thomas G. Walker, Jr. and his trusty sidekick, Beth Hamer. I was the external affairs manager for Alabama … [Read more...]
Terrific Toys
Tricia McCain of Homewood Toy & Hobby and George Jones of Snoozy’s Kids fill us in on the season’s top toys!By Barry Wise SmithHomewood Toy & HobbyBucket Golf—As seen on Shark Tank, the perfect game for the golfer in your life by easy enough that anyone can play, $139.99. Calico Critters Red Roof Country Home Gift Set—popular toy set including … [Read more...]
Lakeshore Foundation celebrates 100th anniversary
Lakeshore Foundation, a world-renowned leader in adaptive sports, recreation, and advocacy for people with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions, today proudly unveiled its new History Wall. Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress was on hand with members of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce to dedicate the permanent display and honor the history of the … [Read more...]
Harper Wilbanks’ Mission to End Hunger
Mountain Brook High School Junior Harper Wilbanks and her mom had a great idea for her sixth birthday. Instead of bringing presents, why not ask them to being a food donation. The rest is history.What inspired the idea of fighting food insecurity? Harper Wilbanks: Actually, my mother had the idea. I was having my sixth birthday party, and all the girls in my grade … [Read more...]
Are You Happy Now?: A conversation about happiness with Richard E. Simmons III.
By Lee Hurley Photo by Jordan WaldOur founding fathers thought that the pursuit of happiness was so important they included it in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, right up there with Life and Liberty. The word pursuit was clearly intentional for as we know, happiness can be a fickle friend. Just ask anyone who bought a convertible or gave … [Read more...]