By Andrew CottenWe had agreed to meet at 7 a.m., because it was the only hour all three of us could make the interview work. I arrived a few minutes early, but Mae Dapkus and Olivia Self were already in the parking lot, already catching up with familiar faces, already making use of a morning most people would have spent half asleep. Between AP classes, ACTs, … [Read more...]
The Long Road To (Almost) Easy Street: Lane Parke’s John Evans looks back. And ahead.
Story and photos by Francis Hare It’s early 2005. John Evans and his father, Rele Evans, are co-managing the family business—Evson, Inc.—which owns Park Lane Apartments and the Mountain Brook Shopping Center. Their apartments enjoy 100-percent occupancy, with a months-long waiting list, and their shopping center (with its supermarket, post office, … [Read more...]
Vestavia Hills’ Miller Hatfield Finds His Game, and His Future, in Atlanta
By Loyd McIntosh Vestavia Hills native Miller Hatfield is turning heads in Georgia’s large and competitive lacrosse community. The rising senior shined as a goalkeeper throughout 2025-26, leading his high school team, Hebron Christian Academy, to a 16-3 record and a berth in the 2026 GHSA Division 2 State Playoffs back in May. Individually, … [Read more...]
Leading by Example: Winslow Armstead and Paul Simmons II model service and leadership on the Homewood City Council
By Barry Wise Smith Photos by Jordan WaldWhen Winslow Armstead graduated from Hoover High School in 1997, he had two goals: to play football at the University of Alabama and to stay close to his then girlfriend, now wife, JeNorri, who also went to Alabama. Armstead accomplished both goals, playing for Coach Mike Dubose as an outside linebacker … [Read more...]
Homewood’s 100-Year-Old Houses: As the city turns 100, Homewood homeowners reflect on the character and charm of their historic houses
By Nausicaa Chu and Mary Clare Ingram Photos by Jordan WaldIn 1926, Rosedale, Grove Park and Edgewood merged to become the City of Homewood, later annexing Hollywood and officially becoming incorporated by the state. Now, as the city celebrates its centennial, Homewood has nearly 28,000 citizens, and many of its original homes are still standing. For … [Read more...]