By Shannon Thomason Music has the power to transport listeners, even when heard through computer speakers, protective equipment and hospital walls. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sickest patients at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital have had their troubles eased, however briefly, through an innovative musical project. Helping those patients … [Read more...]
Early Deficit Halts Mountain Brook’s Football Playoff Run
By Rubin E. Grant Mountain Brook football coach Chris Yeager knew his team had to play near-flawless football in its Class 6A semifinal matchup at Pinson Valley to pull off a victory the Friday after Thanksgiving. But an early Spartans’ fumble that Pinson Valley’s Alijah May returned 50 yards for a touchdown and the Indians’ Mike Sharpe’s 92-yard touchdown run put Mountain … [Read more...]
Outside of the Box: Local Tech Executive Tackles Longtime Goal to Write a Children’s Book Series
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw North Shelby County tech executive Martha Underwood took her time during quarantine to step out of her box. While in lockdown with her family, she fulfilled a longtime dream of writing a children’s book. The book is inspired by her youngest son’s experiences and reactions during the pandemic. “He was so worried that because of COVID, we weren’t … [Read more...]
Hygge, Hygge, Hygge — Merry Christmas!
By Sue Murphy Hygge. Wikipedia says it’s a “Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.” Immediately, “hygge” went to the tippy top of my Christmas list. As I already put in my request for world peace, I decided any hygge I might experience would be a DIY project. According to the article, I needed … [Read more...]
‘Exercising Caution’: Churches Altering Christmas Programming Due to the Pandemic
By Rubin E. Grant For years, as part of Mountain Brook Community Church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service, senior pastor Tim Kallam has had young children come to the front to quiz them. He would ask them questions such as what is their favorite Christmas song or what is their favorite Christmas present. But this Christmas Eve, Kallam will do his fun interviews beforehand, … [Read more...]