By Donna CorneliusThis year’s king of the Beaux Arts Krewe has had a variety of life experiences, from highlights in his real estate career to involvement in a host of civic and church activities. But one of the strongest influences on Henry Ray, now president and co-owner of Ray & Poynor Properties, occurred when he was just a teenager.After a childhood in … [Read more...]
Hope Now: One-Armed Golfer From Hoover Taking Part in Efforts to Get Orphans Out of Ukraine
By Rubin E. GrantWhen war broke out in Ukraine last year, Alex Fourie wanted to return to his homeland to join the fight against Russia, even though he doesn’t have a right arm. “I don’t know what I could have done with just one arm,” Fourie said, “but I was ready to go over and fight. It’s definitely heartbreaking watching my friends being … [Read more...]
Breathing (and Baking) Room: Kitchen Is at the Heart of Edgewood Home Renovation
By Anne RuisiThe tiny pantry in Amy and Brad Bailey’s home in Edgewood is gone, as is the peninsula countertop in the kitchen. In their stead are a butler’s pantry and a kitchen island, two significant changes made during an overhaul of the first floor.“We had a tiny little cabinet pantry,” Amy Bailey said. “I thought, you know, if we’re gonna do this, I want to have a … [Read more...]
Home Made: Family-Tested Menu Drives Diners to Helen
By Anne RuisiOpen the menu at Helen, Emily and Rob McDaniel’s downtown Birmingham restaurant, and you’re likely going to see items that are literally family-approved. Creamer peas and middlins, a type of heirloom rice grown in South Carolina, is a dish he created with help from his staff but tested on his family at their Vestavia Hills home. It’s served with a … [Read more...]
Like Mother, Like Daughter: ROAR to Honor Marilyn Waggoner at Gala
By Anne RuisiSurgery was about the only option available in the 1970s when Marilyn Mitchell Waggoner’s mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Initially it was successful. For almost five years the procedure kept the cancer at bay, but it returned and eventually Waggoner’s mother passed away.“We didn’t then have the benefit of knowledge that we do now” to fight … [Read more...]