By Sue Murphy Last week, I hurriedly stuck some watercolor paints in the mail to my granddaughter. The poor child had run out of purple. Purple is her favorite color, and that’s important. A favorite color is the preschool version of the crucial Alabama/Auburn choice. When I told my granddaughter that my favorite color was blue, she gave me a knowing nod, as if to say, “Ah, … [Read more...]
Community Chest: Over the Mountain Football Part of the Area’s Culture
By Lee Davis Gerald Gann holds the distinction of having been the head football coach at three Over the Mountain schools – Homewood, Hoover and John Carroll Catholic. When he began his career with the Patriots in 1979, the former Berry assistant showed his understanding of the importance the game held in this area. The day Gann accepted the job, he told the gathered media: … [Read more...]
From Mountain Brook to Panama: Former Football Star Taught Agroforestry Through Peace Corps
By Lee Davis Local football fans may well remember Charlie Higgenbotham in his playing days as a standout linebacker for Mountain Brook High School, the University of Alabama and, finally, the University of South Alabama. But unlike some former college football players, Higgenbotham didn’t go on to play in the National Football League. Instead, he worked to make the world a … [Read more...]
Ladies Who Launch: Museum Hosts Second Annual Celebration of Women in Aviation
By Emily Williams When Elizabeth Grady joined the Southern Museum of Flight staff in 2012, a small plaque tucked away in her new office space caught her eye. It mentioned Mary Alice Beatty, who, Grady would learn, created the museum 50 years ago. But the museum was not paying homage to the early aviatrix who founded it. “There was no mention of this woman besides this tiny … [Read more...]
Early Warnings: Patriots Survive Scare, Bucs, Jags, Spartans Win
By Lee Davis If the event planners for the Milo’s Breakfast Kickoff Classic at Samford University were looking for a compelling inaugural game, Homewood and Pelham were happy to oblige. The Patriots overcame a 14-0 deficit late in the third quarter to pull out a 21-14 victory at Seibert Stadium on Thursday night. Senior running back Chestin Jones provided the spark with three … [Read more...]