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...]
Black, White and Fun All Over: Vogtles’ Art-Filled House Is Stylish but Family-Friendly
By Donna Cornelius Saying that a house is filled with its owners’ art collection might conjure mental pictures of a prim and proper place that resembles a museum more than a family home. Laura and Jesse Vogtle do, indeed, have an extensive array of artwork – she’s the owner of Gallery 1930 in English Village and Scene at Pepper Place – but their Mountain Brook house is more … [Read more...]
Birmingham’s Grand Tour: Independent Presbyterian’s 67th Annual Event Features Four Festive Houses
By Donna Cornelius Most merchants start the holiday merrymaking early, with gifts and garlands filling store aisles well before Thanksgiving. But for many Birmingham residents, the Independent Presbyterian Church’s Holiday House Tour signals the official start of the season. The IPC tour has become a seasonal tradition; this is the tour’s 67th year. Those who attend year … [Read more...]