‘Food Network Star’ Finalist Isn’t Slowing Down By Donna Cornelius Journal Features Writer Season 8 of “Food Network Star” didn’t end the way Martie Duncan’s fans hoped.While the Birmingham native was one of four contestants who made it to the show’s July 22 finale, she lost her bid to win the title and her own show on the Food Network.But for … [Read more...]
Recipe for Success
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorWhen school starts Aug. 20 at Brookwood Forest Elementary, 9-year-old Falcon Wiles won't be there.Instead, the incoming fourth grader will be dining with First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House.Falcon is Alabama's winner of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge recipe contest. As part of the First Lady's Let's Move initiative, … [Read more...]
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorSusan Shields speaks from experience when she describes the positive impact siblings can have on one another.The Homewood resident is one of five children. She has an older sister and brother, younger brother and she's also a twin. Growing up in Mobile, she and her siblings were close and remain so today, even though they've scattered … [Read more...]
Something for Shawntel
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorFriends of Shawntel Dixon Jones describe the mother of three as someone who was always ready to lend a helping hand in spite of her busy schedule, which included her boys' ball and swim practices and volunteer work with Vestavia Hills city schools."She was always the person you called if you wanted anything," said friend and … [Read more...]
Shining Stars
It's the people who make the Over the Mountain area schools some of the best in the state and also the nation. So this year, we've decided to highlight some of the individuals who make our schools so special. Whether it's a teacher who goes the extra step or a standout student, together they make our schools what they are. Meet some of the OTM area's shining stars.Flash … [Read more...]