By Brianna HogeDefying odds has become the anthem of Matthew Leong’s life, and his latest feat was crossing the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s stage during the 2022 spring commencement ceremony.Being born at 24 weeks’ gestation and weighing only 14 ounces, Leong had complications including retinopathy of prematurity, an abnormal blood vessel growth in the … [Read more...]
It’s All About Community and Food: Levite Jewish Community Center Brings Jewish Food and Culture Festival to Food-Loving Birmingham
By Ally MorrisonKatie Hausman Grace, community engagement director of Levite Jewish Community Center, is excited to bring back the Jewish Food and Culture Festival after a two-year hiatus.Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Hausman Grace moved to Highland Park to work for LJCC, where she has held various roles over the past eight years. The festival … [Read more...]
How to Cook Up a Cookbook: Ashley McMakin’s Newest Venture Is a Formidable but Fun Project
By Donna CorneliusAshley McMakin has a deft hand at putting the right ingredients together. Since opening Ashley Mac’s 15 years ago, she’s come up with dishes that have made her business a real success story. Now, she’s cooking up a project that will give Ashley Mac’s fans a chance to re-create some of her favorite recipes in their own kitchens: a cookbook.The … [Read more...]
Designing Women: First-Timers Show Off Their Style in the 2022 ShowHouse
By Donna CorneliusThe first time’s a charm for four designers who are newcomers to the Decorators’ ShowHouse this year. One is fairly new to Birmingham itself as well as to participating in the Alabama Symphony Orchestra fundraiser. Another is known for making special events extra special. The other two are sisters who found it fun to create their ShowHouse space … [Read more...]
Aunt Sister … Bless Her Heart: Julia Harwell Segars Speaks During Hoover Service Club’s Table Inspirations Event
By Ally Morrison“Aunt Sister – a Southern lady who was raised right but overcame it, bless her heart.” Julia Harwell Segars came up with the tagline that brought laughter to many readers of the Talladega Daily Home. From an anonymous humor column in a small county paper to a well-liked book, Segars has brought light and laughter to many readers.Segars explained … [Read more...]