By Barry Wise Smith Photo by Jordan WaldFor Ree Sherer, the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball has been the backdrop for some very important life moments. His first “official” date with his wife Val was to the Ball in 1980, and both of their daughters were presented as ladies in waiting—Val Sherer Noble in 2008 and Elizabeth Palmer Sherer Bray in 2010. Now in 2026, Ree has … [Read more...]
Trinity Troop 97 Welcomes Four Eagles
Boy Scout Troop 97, based at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, held an Eagle Court of Honor in December to recognize its four newest Eagle Scouts. Here are the newest Eagle Scouts and their Service projects: Pearson Hart Project: Alabama Wildlife Center – Raptor Wing Service DoorPearson chose to support the Alabama Wildlife Center in Oak … [Read more...]
Stewart D. McLaurin Speaks to The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham on the History of White House State Dinners
By Stephanie ByrnePhoto by Jordan WaldThe White House Historical Association’s president, Stewart D. McLaurin, visited The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham to present a fascinating program titled “State Dinners and Cultural Diplomacy: Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the First State Dinner.”McLaurin, who has led the White House Historical Association … [Read more...]
A Legacy of Virtue: The Man Who Built the American Village.
By Gordon G. MartinIn 1997, the future of American civic education was pitched in an unlikely setting—the Alabama Power business office in Montevallo, a relic of the 1970s, complete with “harvest gold” and “avocado green” appliances.Into this room walked Thomas G. Walker, Jr. and his trusty sidekick, Beth Hamer. I was the external affairs manager for Alabama … [Read more...]
Are You Happy Now?: A conversation about happiness with Richard E. Simmons III.
By Lee Hurley Photo by Jordan WaldOur founding fathers thought that the pursuit of happiness was so important they included it in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, right up there with Life and Liberty. The word pursuit was clearly intentional for as we know, happiness can be a fickle friend. Just ask anyone who bought a convertible or gave … [Read more...]