By June MathewsAdream came true in 1990 for Ben and Luanne Russell with the dedication of Children’s Harbor. They had long hoped to provide a place of respite at no cost for seriously ill children and their families, and a picturesque spot on the shores of Lake Martin was the perfect setting.Three-and-a-half decades later, hundreds of families have benefited from the … [Read more...]
Homewood Grad Achieves TikTok Stardom With Dance Videos
By Madoline Markham KoonceMurphy Wright had no idea where his dance moves would take him when he and his friends performed a dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at the Edgewood Elementary School talent show back in 2011 – or that an app called TikTok would even exist.Fast forward to 2024, and the 2018 Homewood High School graduate has danced his way to nearly 830,000 … [Read more...]
All in the Family: Nearly 75 years Since Its Founding, The Pants Store is Evolving Under Third-Generation Owners
By Madoline Markham KoonceCustomers of The Pants Store in the 1950s might recall taking a bus from Birmingham to Leeds for founder Taylor Gee’s three-for-$10 pants sales. A few decades later, they likely would remember his son Mickey’s crazy sales and his TV commercials with the “Zip on down to the Pants Store” jingle. Today, customers might know the apparel … [Read more...]
Culinary Showdown: Farrelly’s Chef to Be Featured in Hoover Iron Chef Competition
By Anne RuisiWhen other kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, Chris Kennedy was watching Graham Kerr and Julia Child’s now-legendary cooking shows.And when his grandfather, who grew up on a farm, took him fishing, they’d trade the catch for fresh fruits and vegetables from area farmers, foods he’d help prep for the dishes his grandmother created. “I … [Read more...]
One Yard at a Time: Ogilvie Eager to Support Veterans at Lettermen of the USA Gala
By Rubin E. GrantMajor Ogilvie couldn’t refuse the offer because of his family history.So, when he was asked to take part in the Lettermen of the USA’s 5th Annual “One Yard at a Time Gala,” he readily agreed.The gala will be held Friday, Feb. 23 at The Club. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and celebrate with military heroes, coaches and former college and … [Read more...]