By Barry Wise Smith Interior decorator Leigh Leak grew up in Talladega with a mother who appreciated beautiful art and antiques. “She didn’t grow up with a lot, but as an adult, she had a tremendous love for pretty things,” Leak says of her mom. Leak’s two daughters—Virginia, 27, and Caroline, 30—spent a lot of time with Leak’s parents growing up and inherited their … [Read more...]
Growing Season: Vestavia gardeners transformed a corner of Highway 31—and gained admirers from as far away as New Zealand.
By Nausicaa ChuMost people pass the Vestavia Hills Corner Garden at 40 miles per hour. The garden is a brief flash of pink, yellow and orange before cars whisk into the grays and beiges of Highway 31. The garden is in a strange spot—nestled in a corner between a four-lane highway and Shades Crest Road, surrounded by power lines, highway signs and noisy … [Read more...]
Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Announces Birmingham Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham is celebrating three business leaders who have helped to shape our city and build a stronger community at the 28th Birmingham Business Hall of Fame event at the Harbert Center on August 25. The class of 2026 to be inducted includes George W. Barber Jr, Barber Companies, The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Barber Marina; Michael A. Mouron, … [Read more...]
“Opening Night in Hollywood” Event Benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) kicks off the 2026-2027 season in cinematic style with “Opening Night in Hollywood,” the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, on Friday, September 25, at the Alys Stephens Center. The concert of classics from the silver screen will be conducted by Principal POPS! Conductor Chris Confessore and will feature a full evening of … [Read more...]
Rising Tides: Lars Porter takes on a new role as Mountain Brook High School principal.
By Lee HurleyLars Porter is stepping into the principal’s office at Mountain Brook High School with a mix of humility, energy and familiarity with the kind of community he now leads. Growing up in Vestavia, Porter describes a path to school leadership that was anything but scripted; part youth minister, part coach, part classroom teacher, part technology coordinator and … [Read more...]