By Keysha DrexelJournal editorThe son of a World War II veteran and career U.S. Army officer, Ty Dodge grew up knowing about the sacrifices soldiers make defending our country on foreign soil.But it wasn't until the Mountain Brook resident was inches away from the enemy in a North Vietnamese Army tunnel in 1969 that he saw the true face of war.Dodge, the … [Read more...]

Gluten-free Goodies:The Funky Muffin Bakery Cooks up Healthy TreatsBy Keysha DrexelJournal editorWith the holidays just around the corner, thoughts turn to indulging in baked goods and traditional recipes with all the trimmings.But for the millions of people in the U.S. with celiac disease, an intolerance of the protein gluten found in wheat, rye and … [Read more...]

Holiday Hero:Birmingham Native Is Known as ‘Father of Veterans Day’By Keysha DrexelJournal editorAs communities across the nation prepare to recognize those who have served in the armed forces next month, an Over the Mountain family is preparing to continue the life's work of its patriarch.The Sunday before Veterans Day, Barbara Minor of Vestavia Hills … [Read more...]

Veterans Park Volunteer:Desert Storm Gave Army Reservist a New PerspectiveBy Keysha DrexelJournal editorHaving worked as a nurse for several years before she joined the U.S. Army Reserves, Ginger Branson of Cahaba Heights said she thought she had seen some of the worst life has to offer.But that perspective changed drastically during the six months … [Read more...]

Allies Against Alzheimer’s:Friends Join Forces to Deal with DiseaseBy Keysha DrexelJournal editorBarbara and Ted Crane celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary earlier this month, and the North Shelby wife said many people don't believe her when she says she loves her husband more today than when they were first married.Ted Crane was diagnosed with a … [Read more...]