By June Mathews When Alison Berman became the chief development officer of United Ability in 2015, she discovered the 67-year-old agency was lacking a signature event and set out to change that. “We wanted to do something different,” she said, “so three years ago, we chose to do a theater-style event where people could be entertained yet learn about the organization and … [Read more...]
Friendly Food Fight: Four Will Face off at Iron City Chef Competition
By Donna Cornelius The Iron City Chef competition is always one of Birmingham’s most popular food events – so much so that admission is a really hot ticket. “It’s always a sell-out,” said Kent Howard, chairman of the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser. This year, the 11th edition of the competition has a new venue at the Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox … [Read more...]
Happy and Healthy: Greenhouse Serves up a Balance Between What You Want and What You Need
By Emily Williams At their new Edgewood restaurant, Greenhouse, seasoned chefs Mary Claire and Bray Britton are striking a balance with a creative menu of items that fulfill cravings while nourishing the body. The tagline for Greenhouse is “Feelin’ Good All the Time,” which highlights the couple’s philosophy that, while food is transformative and healthy eating is … [Read more...]
Hanna Antiques Turns 40: Small Refinishing Shop Evolved Into Multi-Dealer Trove of Treasures
By June Mathews Celebrating the past comes naturally to Bonny Hanna Picard. It’s been her business for 40 years. The founder and president of Hanna Antiques, Picard has long lived her passion through buying, selling and often restoring treasures from bygone eras. Still in her 20s when in 1979 she established a small furniture refinishing business in an oversized building on … [Read more...]
Every Picture Tells A Story: Modern Condo in the Sky Is Backdrop for Local DJs Antiques and Art Collection
Story by Lauren Helmer • Photos by Lee WallsYou may not know her face, but you probably know her voice. Dru Cunningham Backensto is Birmingham Mountain Radio’s DJ host of the “Flipback Lunch,” which airs weekdays during her 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift, and the soon-to-launch “She Show,” featuring all female artists and dynamic local women as guests. Dru opened the doors to … [Read more...]