By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.Art Meripol would smile and quietly agree when people pointed out the coincidence of his name.The career photographer was an artist, they surmised, whose name is Art. But Meripol, whose given name is Arthur, never saw it that way.“No, not at all. Other people would point it out to me before, once my career got going,” the 68-year-old Hoover … [Read more...]
The Way It Was: Skipper’s New Book Tells Story of Integration of Alabama’s Football Team
By Rubin E. GrantArtist and author Steve Skipper wasn’t planning to do a book about the integration of the University of Alabama football team.But while doing research for a commemorative painting honoring John Mitchell and Wilbur Jackson, the first two black players for the Crimson Tide, it turned into more than just a piece of art. It became a book, titled “9780 Paul … [Read more...]
Vestavia Author Publishes Children’s Book About Oliver, the Wheelchair-Bound Dachsund
Vestavia Hills author Mary Anne Freeman has published a picture book about her long-haired dachshund Oliver, who spent 10 of his 15 years in a wheelchair.“Let’s Roll, Oliver!” is written for 4- to 8-year-olds, but Freeman said in a statement, “It can help teach us that we’re all special, that we can show kindness and respect to all people – and animals.”“Oliver never … [Read more...]
‘Feels Like Home’: Melt Moves Restaurant to Lane Parke
By Anne RuisiIt’s taken months to plan and make the move to Mountain Brook, but Melt restaurant is drawing loyal customers from its original Avondale location and new fans since it opened Jan. 12 in Lane Parke.“We’re so excited to see our loyal customer base, our friends and families, we’re excited to meet new people,” said Paget Pizitz Taylor, who co-owns Melt with … [Read more...]
state of the city | Homewood: McClusky Touts Charm, Neighborhoods, Businesses
By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky painted an attractive portrait as he delivered his annual State of the City address at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at The Club.“Homewood defines itself as a beautiful mixture of charming neighborhoods, an unmatched community presence, incredible walkability and a tapestry of the most … [Read more...]