By Emily Williams After suffering from a heart attack and undergoing open-heart surgery, William C. McDonald III of Mountain Brook made a big life decision: he would finish the memoir his father started. McDonald co-authored the book “The Shadow Tiger: Billy McDonald, Wingman to Chennault,” with editor Barbara L. Evenson. It tells the story of his father, Billy “Mac” … [Read more...]
Going Against the Grain: Hoover’s Hardwick Hones His Woodworking Skills in Retirement
By Emily Williams For Ralph Hardwick, nothing sounds less pleasing than spending retirement sitting around and waiting for something to happen. “I have two suggestions for anyone who is looking to retire,” Hardwick said. “One: Don’t have a mortgage. Have your house completely paid for. Two: Have a hobby.” Hardwick’s hobby of choice found him 46 years ago, when he was in his … [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...]
Boys Club No Match for Sisterhood: Homewood Runner Reflects on Her Time as First Female President of the Birmingham Track Club
By Sarah Kuper On any given day Over the Mountain, dozens of runners tackle steep hills and brave the heat or cold to stay fit and have fun. But Melinda Underwood, first female president of the Birmingham Track Club, in 1982, said it wasn’t always that way – especially with regard to women. “Back then, women weren’t doing much of anything like that. No one would just go out … [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...]