By Barry Wise SmithPhotos by Joan AllsoppJulie Terrell never planned on being an interior designer. She graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in Art History and went on to get her master’s degree from the University of Alabama with plans to get her PhD and be a professor. “But I saw how limiting that could be,” Terrell says. “You might spend your … [Read more...]
A Legacy of Good Taste: Caroline Gidiere’s new book captures the joyful patterns and colors of her interior design work
By Madoline Markham KoonceOne of Caroline Gidiere’s earliest memories growing up in Florence, Ala., was going to a wallpaper store with her mother while her sister was in preschool. Her mom would set her down in front of a wallpaper book and ask her to pick out a pattern for her room. No matter if they were at home or out in the world, Gidiere saw how her mom … [Read more...]
The Cook Store Turns 50: An Interview with proprietor Wesley Lassen
By Lee HurleyIt’s official, The Cook Store is now qualified to join AARP. Opened by Sam Franks in 1975, he later sold it to Betty Knight who changed the name to The Cook Store and, in 1999, sold it to Wesley Lassen, where our story begins. Wesley was born and raised in Mountain Brook, the daughter of well-liked and respected Fred Powell a lawyer with Burr & Forman. Her … [Read more...]
Homewood Boys Soccer Team Seeking 8th State Championship
By Rubin E. GrantHomewood’s boys soccer team is not taking a step back this season.Although the Patriots graduated their top two strikers from their 2024 Class 6A state championship team that finished 24-3-4, their goal is to increase their number of state titles to eight. Homewood’s previous state championships came in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2021 and 2024.“I … [Read more...]
Dorians
The Mountain Brook High School Dorians dance team repeated as back-to-back National Champions in the Large Varsity High Kick division at the UDA National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Fla. in February. The team also placed fifth in the nation in the Large Varsity Division 2 Gameday competition, which was the best in school history. Dorians head coach Anna … [Read more...]