By Lee HurleyIt’s official, The Cook Store is now qualified to join AARP. Opened by Sam Franks in 1975, he later sold it to Betty Knight who changed the name to The Cook Store and, in 1999, sold it to Wesley Lassen, where our story begins. Wesley was born and raised in Mountain Brook, the daughter of well-liked and respected Fred Powell a lawyer with Burr & Forman. Her … [Read more...]
Senior Living: Where life in the slow lane isn’t slow at all
By June MathewsA few years ago, Vivien and Jim Harmon visited Kirkwood By the River with an eye toward moving there. They were not only bowled over by the beauty of its setting near the Cahaba River, but they also appreciated its amenities and activities.“We fell in love with the place,” Mrs. Harmon said. “It was perfect for us.”Their one misgiving was the prospect … [Read more...]
Seniority: Evelyn Popwell sets the standard at Piggly Wiggly River Run.
By Barry Wise SmithPhoto by Jordan WaldEvelyn Popwell is a fixture on her stool in the checkout line at Piggly Wiggly River Run. Popwell, who turns 92 this October, has been at the store since opening day on November 15, 2006.“Evelyn is an unbelievable worker,” says supervisor Saba Shunnarah. “She’s always on time and never calls out. You don’t see too many … [Read more...]
Partners in Rhyme: Jimmy Gauld and Laine Poole share bonds of friendship and music.
By Brent ThompsonAs with many musicians, the inception of Laine Poole and Jimmy Gauld’s musical journey involved a girl. “We went to the same school. I didn’t know him, and he didn’t know me,” Poole, sitting in a local brewery, recalls.. “We both knew the same girl that lived across the street from me. Per usual, I headed over to Molly’s, and there … [Read more...]
Homeward Bound: An interview with Brady Strain about in-home pediatric therapy
By Lee HurleySo much attention has been paid over the last two decades to the concept of aging in place. That is, rather than moving our seniors out of their homes into facilities, many new products and services have been created to help seniors age gracefully in the comfort of their own home. And yet, in-home care is not only relevant for our seniors, it’s also relevant … [Read more...]