By Rubin E. GrantAs her autistic daughter, Taylor, reached her mid-20s, Dawn Duffy was looking for some social and physical engagement for her.Two years ago, Duffy found out about the Kinect Sports League run by The Hands Program, which opened in 2006 for children diagnosed with autism and their families.Courtney King, founder, executive director and behavior … [Read more...]
‘Great Move’: Homewood Gourmet Moves to Heart of Homewood With More Seating and Parking
By Anne RuisiPeople were hungry for the fare at the Homewood Gourmet when it closed for 60 days this winter to prepare for the move from its longtime home on 28th Avenue to its new site at 2703 Mamie L. Foster Place.“Now they are coming back to eat with a vengeance,” said chef Chris Zapalowski. The restaurant opened April 1 at its new location, a block off 18th Street … [Read more...]
Women’s Committee of 100 Recognizes Humanitarians, Benefactors
The Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham held its Awards Day Luncheon at the Country Club of Birmingham on April 25.Each year, the group recognizes individuals, corporations and/or businesses that make outstanding contributions to the city and state. This year’s award recipients are Southern Research, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Altamont student Ethan Hill … [Read more...]
The Gift of Motherhood
By Ana GoodBirmingham-area resident Mary Leah Miller will celebrate her first Mother’s Day this year as a new mother to 4-month-old twins. Mary Leah gave birth to the babies a few days before Christmas, following a nearly 10-year infertility journey she shared with her husband, Rodney. “Like many couples, we thought that we would get pregnant – not … [Read more...]
Charles Ghigna “The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry”: Wife, Mother Inspired Father Goose’s Storytelling Career
By Ana GoodHomewood-based author Charles Ghigna credits his wife, Debra, for redirecting his career path toward writing for children. Ghigna said that while he was studying creative writing at Florida State University, he considered himself a “serious, brooding poet.” When he received a grant to help start a poet-in-schools program for the State of … [Read more...]