By Laura McAlister Journal EditorPorter McCollister would never have believed sugar flowers could be anywhere near as beautiful as the real thing -- that is, until his wedding day.Wife Gia, a Venezuela native, insisted on creating the couple’s wedding cake. Between the layers of the three-tier cake were bouquets of lilies, berries and roses. If Porter, an avid … [Read more...]
Portraits of an Artist
By Laura McAlisterWhen Rollina Oglesbay was a little girl, she entered a contest to receive free art lessons.She didn't win, but her sketch impressed the judges enough to pay her a personal visit to encourage her to take art classes."Someone came to the door and told my mother that I was real talented," Rollina said. "If she'd pay $50, I could get lessons.“Mom … [Read more...]
Setting the Wheels in Motion
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorJennifer Schuble always thought she would serve her country, but she's doing it in a way she never expected.This summer, Jennifer will join the U.S. Paracycling Team for the Paralympics in London. It will be her second time to compete in the Paralympics, and this time she hopes to bring home even more medals than before.The Homewood … [Read more...]
The Write Move
By Laura McAlister Journal Editor Claire Datnow has been writing most of her life, but it wasn't until retirement that she decided to make a career out of it.The South African native who’s now a Hoover resident retired from teaching about 10 years ago. Since then, she's had eight books published. Her latest, an eco-mystery series, is for middle school-aged … [Read more...]
Compassionate Celebration
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorWhen Hope Dawson started planning her 13th birthday celebration, she decided this year she would have a non-traditional party.Instead of a sleepover or dinner with friends, she hosted a party for some 300, and instead of gifts, she asked for compassion.More specifically, she asked her guests to give to Compassion International, a … [Read more...]