By Emily WilliamsFor more than 30 years, Tom Cronier of Homewood has devoted his free time to a lady in red. Big Bertha, the acclaimed Wurlitzer pipe organ that resides in the Alabama Theatre, has led Cronier, and subsequently his wife, Loretta, to a life of service to Birmingham’s growing Theater District. His love of the instrument has been a lifelong passion, and … [Read more...]
Late in Life Librarian: Lifelong Love of Books Prompts Retirees to Give Back
By Sarah Kuper The bookstore on the lower level of the Homewood Library is home to hundreds of used books, movies and magazines. Most cost one dollar or less. The store is almost completely staffed by volunteer members of Friends of the Library – a group of individuals who believe in the importance of a quality local library. Sue Thomas says she is spending her retirement … [Read more...]
Love at First Sight: A Stroll in the Wildflower Garden Led to a Passion for Volunteering
By Rae PattersonA walk through the Wildflower Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens one Sunday afternoon 25 to 30 years ago was all it took. Janice Williams said she “fell in love with the place,” and she’s been volunteering with the Botanical Gardens ever since. She started out working with the group that raises plants for sale and eventually worked her way into … [Read more...]
Hope for the Future: Young Adults Tapped to Start Conversations About Suicide Prevention
By Sarah Kuper Becca Barganier had always thought therapy wasn't for her. She didn't have any "issues" and she wasn't having suicidal thoughts. But after going through a devastating experience a few years ago, her parents suggested she see a therapist. "I thought it wasn't for me, but it helped. People need to know it is OK to get help and often the people who look like they … [Read more...]
Church and Plate: Lunches Are a Longstanding Lenten Custom at Advent
By Donna Cornelius On weekdays during Lent, Sidney Clapp and Cece Martin go to church dressed not in their Sunday best, but in chef’s jackets. The two are this year’s chairwomen of Cathedral Church of the Advent’s Lenten Lunches. They wear their white jackets with purple embroidery for a practical purpose – to make it easy for volunteers to find them when they need … [Read more...]