By Emily Williams In June 2012, a dream came true for Hoover resident Ashley DeRamus and her mother and business partner Connie DeRamus. At the National Down Syndrome Congress’ annual convention in Denver, Colorado, the creation of Ashley’s clothing line, Ashley by Design, was announced. Ashley has Down syndrome, an aspect of her life that she says does little to confine … [Read more...]
Seventh Sign: Stewart Still Hopes to Reach Everest Peak
By Lee Davis As an experienced mountain climber who has reached the highest peaks on six continents, Mountain Brook businessman and lawyer Kent Stewart is accustomed to being close to danger. But no experience could have prepared him for the events of April. Stewart was in Nepal preparing for his second attempt to climb Mount Everest when a devastating earthquake in the area … [Read more...]
Pre-Season Warm-up: Football Fans Get in Gameday Mode at Tailgate Challenge
By Donna CorneliusYou can always count on some fan favorites at The Bell Center’s annual Tailgate Challenge.Teams that compete in the football-focused fundraiser set up in full game day mode, with decorated tents, food and plenty of spirit.University of Kentucky folks traditionally trot out their much-admired bourbon balls, and Longhorns from the University of Texas … [Read more...]
Double Take: Vestavia’s City Manager and Twin Film “Family Feud”
By William C. Singleton IIIVestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes and his family will appear in an upcoming segment of “Family Feud.”The show’s producers are supposed to contact Downes and his family when the show is scheduled to air, he said. Downes can’t disclose how his family fared on the popular game show hosted by comedian Steve Harvey.“I can’t say what the … [Read more...]
Cinematic City: Forman Makes Movie Magic for Sidewalk Film Festival
By Kaitlin CandelairaMichele Forman never thought she’d move back to Birmingham.After leaving Mountain Brook to attend Harvard and falling in love with film studies, she never imagined that she’d be able to pursue her dreams of being a documentary filmmaker in the Magic City.“I’ve always loved visual arts and literature, and in college I had the opportunity to start … [Read more...]