By Barry Wise Smith   Photo by Jordan WaldRichard Berliner grew up in a quiet suburb in Maryland, outside of Washington, D.C., in a family that discussed politics at dinner. Both of Berliner’s parents were journalists having met while working at the same Massachusetts newspaper, and his father spent his career covering Capitol Hill as a reporter. “I grew up … [Read more...]

By June MathewsA few years ago, Vivien and Jim Harmon visited Kirkwood By the River with an eye toward moving there. They were not only bowled over by the beauty of its setting near the Cahaba River, but they also appreciated its amenities and activities.“We fell in love with the place,” Mrs. Harmon said. “It was perfect for us.”Their one misgiving was the prospect … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantPerhaps Susan Vines should have chosen something less strenuous and more age appropriate when she decided she needed to stay more active.But after attending the Make-A-Wish Alabama Trailblaze Challenge info meeting in January and hearing the stories of wish recipients finding hope and strength through their granted wishes, the septuagenarian decided to … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiYou could say four years of high school home economics and crafting skills learned in her youth laid the groundwork for Helen Tankersley’s retirement and her work as a volunteer at the Hoover Senior Center.At 77, the Hoover resident is an energetic crafter who shares her skills in the community in a variety of ways, including teaching and enhancing the … [Read more...]

By Anne RuisiIn a sepia-toned photo from his early childhood in Mississippi in the 1930s, Stan Sims smiles at the camera as his hands grip the wheel of what was at that point the best present ever: a shiny red and white Chevrolet pedal car any child would envy.Ninety years later, the beloved toy holds pride of place in the living room of Sims’ Vestavia Hills home, next … [Read more...]