Some business ventures begin with a spreadsheet. This one began with a question between friends.Why, Butch Burkett and Bill Rodrigues wondered, couldn’t The University of Alabama family have a premium wine collection worthy of its dynasty? “Can’t we bottle up that rich tradition into a celebratory drink that generations can share and enjoy with family and friends while … [Read more...]
Ashley Jones-Thompson Returns to ASFA
By Naima SalvaryPhoto by Jordan WaldThree years ago in May 2023, Ashley Jones-Thompson hung up her cap and decided to leave her teaching position at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) to lead the UAB Honors college. Now she’s back, as the head of the creative writing department replacing long-time chair and former colleague, TJ Beitelman. Jones-Thompson, … [Read more...]
Show Me The Line: A new documentary highlights the rollercoaster of fertility medicine and the power of art to connect us
By Nausicaa ChuBirmingham’s Emily Capilouto knows her way around the healthcare system. She worked in India on cervical cancer screening access, has two master’s degrees in epidemiology and medical anthropology and directs outreach initiatives for prostate cancer at the Mike Slive Foundation.But nothing could have prepared her for her quest to … [Read more...]
Spirituality in the Key of D: John Burruss on the parallels between art and ministry
By Lee HurleyPhotos by Jordan WaldThe Reverend John Burruss will tell you that his musical life is not merely a hobby or an interlude from his calling in the ministry. Music and ministry are not separate tracks in his life. They are different forms of the same calling. Burruss, rector of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal church in Mountain Brook, traces his … [Read more...]
Rev. Clifford Hellmers is Celebrated for 50 Years of Service
The congregation at The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills (LCVH) recognized Rev. Clifford Hellmers for 50 years of service at the church, locally and abroad. Pastor Hellmers served as full-time pastor of LCVH for 32 years and then over the course of the last 18 years, in active retirement, he has served as the coordinator of Project HOPE - the foreign mission ministry … [Read more...]