By Annie HowardVestavia Hills Fire Chief James St. John clearly remembers the morning of April 27, 2011.He met with the mayor at about 6 a.m. in a city hall conference room to plan for tornadoes sweeping through the city. They set two priorities: helping the injured and clearing the roadways. “The tornado that hit Vestavia Hills hit very early in the morning, and … [Read more...]
A Heart for Hospitality: Former First Lady Patsy Riley Headlines King’s Home Tablescapes Event
By Donna CorneliusA former Alabama first lady and an event featuring tempting table settings are the perfect pairing.Patsy Riley will be the main speaker at Tablescapes, an annual fundraiser for the King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary that’s set for April 19 at the Metro Church of God in Vestavia Hills.Riley should feel right at home at the event, which will present about … [Read more...]
A Day Away: Encore Ministry Gives Help, Hope to Seniors With Memory Loss and Their Caregivers
By June MathewsPatti Williams knew what she was getting into when she agreed to become program director for Encore, a respite care ministry at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook. She just didn’t know how great the interest would be.In a matter of months, the program has exceeded her expectations, and with its first anniversary coming up in June, … [Read more...]
Powers That Be: Samford Assistant Takes Homewood Job
By Lee DavisJazmine Powers didn’t have a hard time finding her new office when she accepted the job of coaching the Homewood girls basketball team.She basically moved across the street.Powers, previously an assistant at Samford University, took over as leader of the Lady Patriots last week after previous coach Kevin Tubbs resigned to enter private business in … [Read more...]
A Taste of Freedom: Director of Equestrian Program Uses Horses to Help Disabled Riders
By June MathewsKathleen Claybrook has been around horses her whole life. She had a horse of her own growing up, and she credits horseback riding with helping her shine as a youngster.“It gave a small kid like me the opportunity to be athletic,” she said.For the past 24 years, Claybrook’s horsemanship has served her well as the executive director of Special … [Read more...]