By Keysha DrexelJournal editorA retired Hoover teacher is leading efforts to preserve what he and others say is not only a treasure of the Hoover City School system but also a historic Over the Mountain landmark.Wayne Wood, who taught and coached athletics at Simmons Middle School for 30 years, said the tiled mural at the old Berry School site on Columbiana Road … [Read more...]
Barbecue Team Tries to Cook Up Winning Recipes
Where There’s Smoke:Barbecue Team Tries to Cook Up Winning Recipes By Donna CorneliusJournal Features Writer Attention amateur grill masters: Ever wanted to pit your skills against the big boys of barbecue in a competitive setting?If so, don’t wrap your contest entries in aluminum foil. Avoid the temptation to garnish your food with the … [Read more...]
Novelist Keith Thomson’s Office Has Some Just-for-Fun Spy Gadgets
Detective Work:Novelist Keith Thomson’s Office Has Some Just-for-Fun Spy Gadgets By Donna CorneliusJournal Features Writer At first glance, Keith Thomson’s office in downtown Birmingham seems like a fairly standard workspace. There’s a utilitarian desk, table and bookcase.You’ll get a clue about his profession from posters advertising his … [Read more...]
Ghigna’s Creativity Soars in His ‘Tree House’ Office
High on Writing:Ghigna’s Creativity Soars in His ‘Tree House’ OfficeBy Keysha DrexelJournal editorOnce upon a time, a writer and his new bride strolled the tree-lined streets of a neighborhood where they hoped to someday make their home.An English Tudor home on West Linwood Drive in Homewood captured their imaginations, and the writer knew it would be the … [Read more...]
Iron City Showdown
Iron City Showdown:Chefs Compete in Vestavia Rotary Fundraiser By Donna CorneliusJournal Features Writer Vestavia Hills Rotary Club members may be shouting—or at least thinking--“Allez cuisine!” on July 13.Those words, which loosely translated from French mean “start cooking,” are the battle cry for contestants in Food Network’s “Iron Chef … [Read more...]