Shoal Creek author J. William Lewis’ debut novel, “The Essence of Nathan Biddle,” may remind readers of J.D. Salinger’s famed novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” according to BookPage. Lewis, born in Chickasaw, grew up in Mobile and attended Spring Hill College, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, editor-in-chief of the literary magazine The Motley and recipient of the Merihl … [Read more...]
UAB Doctor Receives International Rotary Honor for Cervical Cancer Work
Dr. Isabel Scarinci, senior adviser for globalization and cancer at UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, was named one of six Rotary People of Action: Champions of Health for her effort to address cervical cancer in Sri Lanka. With less than half of the global population receiving essential health services, Rotary members are taking action to connect those in need to … [Read more...]
‘Strategic Decision’: Retiring Pastor Danny Wood Believes Someone New Should Lead Shades Mountain Baptist Post-Pandemic
By Rubin E. Grant When Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills holds three services on Easter Sunday, it will mark the final Resurrection Sunday for the Rev. Danny Wood as senior pastor of the 7,800-member church. Wood, who recently celebrated his 24th anniversary as Shades Mountain’s pastor, announced earlier this year that he plans to retire Aug. 15. “It was a … [Read more...]
Highlighting Birmingham’s Hidden History: Local Filmmaker Documents Greek-Owned Restaurants
By Shannon Thomason A short film about Birmingham’s tradition of Greek-owned restaurants premiered recently during the Southern Foodways Alliance’s 2021 Spring Symposium. The documentary “Philoxenia,” by Birmingham-based filmmaker and University of Alabama at Birmingham alumna Jessica Chriesman, of Homewood, featured Ted’s Restaurant, Demetri’s BBQ, Johnny’s Restaurant, The … [Read more...]
Play Jeopardy!: Altamont Alum Had Three-Day Winning Streak on Popular Gameshow
By Laine Williams A dream came true recently for Lucy Ricketts, a 2004 Altamont graduate who completed a three-day winning streak on the popular gameshow Jeopardy. Her final winnings totaled $79,499, but the memory of the experience was the real prize, she said. Ricketts, a Mountain Brook native, attended her last two years of high school at The Altamont School before going … [Read more...]