A friend texted me the night before the Fourth of July and told me he was watching the ESPN “30 for 30” documentary about Michael Jordan’s season playing baseball for the Birmingham Barons when he heard an “awfully familiar voice.”I texted him back and said, “MJ’s voice is rather distinct – and the other guy, too.”Of course, the other guy was me.The next day, … [Read more...]
‘On a High Note’: Farlow Retiring as Mountain Brook’s Tennis Coach
By Rubin E. GrantWhen Susan Farlow was hired as Mountain Brook’s boys and girls tennis coach in 2008, she admitted that then-athletics director Terry Cooper was taking a risk.“I have to give Terry a lot of credit because I was 50 when he hired me,” Farlow said. “So, he was taking a chance.”Some chance!Farlow won 18 state championships – 10 girls and eight boys – … [Read more...]
‘Awesome Award’: Homewood’s Jackson Named Gatorade State Boys Soccer Player of the Year
By Rubin E. GrantWill Jackson received his cherry on top.First, Jackson signed a soccer scholarship with Wake Forest, becoming the first Homewood High School boys soccer player to sign with an Atlantic Coast Conference school.Next, he led Homewood to the Class 6A state championship in the spring, scoring two goals in the Patriots’ 3-1 victory against Spanish Fort in … [Read more...]
Petal Parties: The Trio of Friends Behind Garden Party Designs Creates Florals – and Has Fun Doing It
By Madoline Markham KoonceGarden Party Designs lives up to its name, and not just because it designs florals for weddings and other celebrations. For the trio of women who own it, their work often feels like a party of its own.If co-owners Suzanne Graves, Jerri Minor and Melissa Mistrot are setting up flowers in front of the stage when the wedding band starts … [Read more...]
‘Surreal Experience’: Spartans’ Russell Wins 2 State Championships in 2 Sports in 2 Days
By Rubin E. GrantDuring its season-ending banquet, the Mountain Brook High School girls lacrosse team handed out good-natured awards just for fun.At the event last month, junior defender Ashby Russell received a paper plate that read: “Most Likely To Win Two State Championships in 48 Hours.”“The awards are just inside jokes,” Russell said with a laugh.But hers … [Read more...]