The second annual Snow Ball on Dec. 14 in Birmingham raised thousands of dollars to help children who are seriously ill or disabled.The event raised $27,000 to benefit Children's Harbor, a nonprofit organization that provides camping and adventure services at Lake Martin to children with long-term serious illnesses and their families.The inaugural event was held in … [Read more...]

By Donna CorneliusJournal features writerAt most wedding receptions, it’s the cake that has the starring role among all the edible treats.That was true when Arrington Mooney and Clay Collie got married. But cookies came in a close second.That’s because cookies helped kick-start the couple’s relationship.Clay, who’s from Guntersville, had been working in … [Read more...]

By Keysha DrexelJournal editorSteve Issis said he recently opened a fourth location of Issis & Sons under the same principle that has guided his 30-year career in the retail flooring and furniture business.The new Issis & Sons-Greenbrier location in Vestavia Hills is a direct response to his customers' needs, Issis said."We've always listened to what … [Read more...]

Crunchy Creations:Merry Cheese Crisps Are Twists on a Tasty TraditionBy Keysha DrexelJournal editorMeredith McMillan could have reasonably been intimidated about creating and selling a food product because her husband is well-known Birmingham chef George McMillan.But the Mountain Brook woman said the most intimidating part of launching Merry Cheese … [Read more...]

First Things First:Katherine McTyeire Made Time for Community, Business—and Especially FamilyBy Donna CorneliusJournal features writerIn 1971, a Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter ran photos of the organization’s new board members. An accompanying article that focused on Katherine McTyeire, the lone woman in the group of 11, described her as “dimpled … [Read more...]