By Rubin E. GrantPerhaps Susan Vines should have chosen something less strenuous and more age appropriate when she decided she needed to stay more active.But after attending the Make-A-Wish Alabama Trailblaze Challenge info meeting in January and hearing the stories of wish recipients finding hope and strength through their granted wishes, the septuagenarian decided to … [Read more...]
Artistic Inspiration From the River: Kayaker Paddles Solo Down Length of Cahaba River in 11-Day Trip
By Anne RuisiKayaking on the Cahaba River makes for a great day for most outdoors enthusiasts, and some may even extend their trip to an overnight camping trip.Then there’s Halley Cotton, a University of Alabama at Birmingham English instructor who kayaked the length of Alabama’s longest stretch of free-flowing river and one of its most scenic and biologically … [Read more...]
To Dream the Impossible Dream: Moondance Adventures is About the Destination and the Journey
By Lee HurleyMay is a busy time for Moondance Adventures founder Hayes Hitchens and his 180 leaders. They are in staff training at Camp Wayfarer, in North Carolina, preparing themselves mentally, physically and philosophically for the nearly 2,000 students they will lead on a cornucopia of travel adventures this summer from Alaska to Zanzibar. This may … [Read more...]
Color Queen: Homewood Librarian Aaliyah Taylor Creates Bold Designs in Jewelry and Fashion
By Madoline Markham KoonceAaliyah Taylor’s style is vibrant. It’s eclectic. It’s quirky. And each day, she looks like a walking piece of art she’s created by drawing inspiration from the styles of the 1960s and ‘70s. By day, you can find the jewelry and fashion designer talking with kids about books as a librarian at the Homewood Public Library, where she sees … [Read more...]
Restoring Hope for a Bright Future: WellHouse Volunteer Programs Help Victims of Human Trafficking Heal
By Donna CorneliusIn a cheerful kitchen, a group of women laugh, talk and ask questions. Some are giving instructions, while others try their hands at peeling potatoes or mixing a salad dressing. It’s a scene that could play out in any cooking class, but this one’s a little different. The enthusiastic teachers are members of Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s … [Read more...]