By Emily WilliamsCherokee Bend Elementary School teacher Ann Marie Corgill is a finalist for the 2015 National Teacher of the Year award.Corgill was named a finalist on Jan. 14.One of four finalists – the other three are from Hawaii, Indiana and Texas – Corgill earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the University of Alabama and has been an educator for … [Read more...]
Support System
By William C. Singleton III Following a recent hit-and-run accident that left Homewood parks and recreation board member Paula Smalley injured and currently confined to a wheelchair, she needed a home to stay in that was handicapped-accessible.Enter a Homewood neighbor, with whom Smalley and her husband, Craig, have been staying for the time being.“Some … [Read more...]
Her Science Lessons Have an English Accent
Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee Her Science Lessons Have an English AccentBy Jeff HansenCarmel McNicholas-Bevensee grew up in Manchester, England, the world’s first industrial city. Her dad was a carpenter and joiner from Ballyglass in County Mayo, Ireland, and her mum grew up in nearby Greyfield.Both of her parents were upbeat people, and that family attitude kept … [Read more...]
Russian Native Puts Down Roots in Vestavia Hills
Yakov Kasman Russian Native Puts Down Roots in Vestavia HillsBy Shannon ThomasonNo one was more surprised than Yakov Kasman when he realized Alabama had become home.Originally from Orel, a city near Moscow, Russia, the professor of piano and artist-in-residence at the University of Alabama at Birmingham came to the state by way of Huntsville. He and his wife, … [Read more...]
Indian Couple Likes Brook Highlands’ Neighborliness
Beena and Victor Thannickal Indian Couple Likes Brook Highlands’ NeighborlinessBy Jeff HansenBeena Thannickal came to the U.S. from the state of Kerala, India, at age 5. Her father was studying engineering in Hartford, Conn., and the rest of the family was finally able to join him.She had no American clothes until the Central Baptist Church and her school … [Read more...]