By Rubin E. Grant Throughout this fall, Vestavia Hills didn’t hold any pep rallies before the Rebels’ football games because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But on the eve of Buddy Anderson’s final game as the Rebels’ head coach, they held a pep rally at Thompson Reynolds Stadium, and Anderson cooked up a surprise for his wife, Linda, who had been by his side during his … [Read more...]
Playing Through the (70) Years: Generations of Owners, Shoppers Have Made Homewood Toy & Hobby an Institution
By Sam Prickett This year marks the 70th anniversary of Homewood Toy & Hobby, but owner Tricia McCain hasn’t had much time to celebrate. Like most small business owners, she has spent most of the year weathering the pandemic and is now heading into the holiday season, the busiest time of year for the store. “We’re open seven days a week, which started a couple of … [Read more...]
Vestavia Hills Officials Reflect on the City’s 70 Years of History
By Emily Williams October marked the 70th anniversary of the city of Vestavia Hills. Incorporation of the city was final on Oct. 24, 1950. There were a total of 96 voters, 88 of which approved the measure to make Vestavia Hills its own city. In the book “Vestavia Hills, A Place Apart,” author Marvin Whiting recounts Vestavia Hills’ history, beginning simply as a densely … [Read more...]
Roll with It: Vestavia Hills Biker Keeps His Wheels Turning Virtually to Support Homeless and At-risk Children
By Emily Williams At the beginning of October, Vestavia Hills’ Don Hagan concluded a more than six-month cross-country bike journey – though it took a little more imagination than expected. Though a literal cross-country ride could not be finished safely in a pandemic, he found a way to complete his efforts virtually. On March 6, Hagan was not in his Vestavia Hills hometown, … [Read more...]
Orange Porange!: Birmingham-Based Creative Team Publishes Children’s Book
By Rubin E. Grant Howard Pearlstein didn’t set out to write a children’s book. It just kind of happened. A few years ago, Pearlstein was reflecting on his life and decided he wanted to be a better person. He set up some challenges for himself, particularly physically and relationally. Then, he began listening to a bunch of podcasts. One mentioned that a person spends the … [Read more...]