By Kaitlin Candelaria Most people’s hobbies are things like enjoying a good book or cooking a great meal. But Nancy Goedecke isn’t most people. Goedecke, a locally renowned business woman and philanthropist, has made a hobby out of helping others. Like anyone, the Mayer Electric CEO loves spending time with her family as well as traveling, but within minutes of meeting her, … [Read more...]
A Courageous Mind: Hodges Publishes His Father’s War Story
By Emily Williams When Dr. Andrew G. Hodges Jr. of Mountain Brook isn’t managing his private psychiatric practice or forensic profiling, he is writing. His most recent book, “Behind Nazi Lines: My Father’s Heroic Quest to Save 149 World War II POWs,” was released Aug. 4. The non-fiction narrative chronicles the heroic acts of Hodges’ father, Andrew G. Hodges Sr., during his … [Read more...]
Seventh Sign: Stewart Still Hopes to Reach Everest Peak
By Lee Davis As an experienced mountain climber who has reached the highest peaks on six continents, Mountain Brook businessman and lawyer Kent Stewart is accustomed to being close to danger. But no experience could have prepared him for the events of April. Stewart was in Nepal preparing for his second attempt to climb Mount Everest when a devastating earthquake in the area … [Read more...]
Double Take: Vestavia’s City Manager and Twin Film “Family Feud”
By William C. Singleton IIIVestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes and his family will appear in an upcoming segment of “Family Feud.”The show’s producers are supposed to contact Downes and his family when the show is scheduled to air, he said. Downes can’t disclose how his family fared on the popular game show hosted by comedian Steve Harvey.“I can’t say what the … [Read more...]
Cinematic City: Forman Makes Movie Magic for Sidewalk Film Festival
By Kaitlin CandelairaMichele Forman never thought she’d move back to Birmingham.After leaving Mountain Brook to attend Harvard and falling in love with film studies, she never imagined that she’d be able to pursue her dreams of being a documentary filmmaker in the Magic City.“I’ve always loved visual arts and literature, and in college I had the opportunity to start … [Read more...]