By June MathewsFrom its Native American beginnings, to its agricultural economy, to its role in the Civil War, Alabama’s cultural heritage runs diverse and deep.But through each element of its culture runs a common thread: the creative hearts and hands of Alabamians, manifested in the form of traditional folk arts.The Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell, the camp … [Read more...]
The Simple Way: For Decades, Godfarb Taught Kids at Camp a No-Frills Style of Soccer
By June Mathews For 31 summers, from 1986 through 2016, Preston Goldfarb went to soccer camp. Not only did he go to camp, he daily directed, showed up hours early to prepare for, and taught at camp. But he had a reason – a very good one, in his opinion – that made it all worthwhile. “I wanted to expose children to what I thought was the correct way to play the game, the way … [Read more...]
A Word From the Coach
The man behind the gym that is helping Dana Stephens Travis and Pat Dell’Italia prepare for their milestone runs, Alex Morrow, believes that becoming a good runner is an easily accessible goal for anyone looking to pursue a healthier lifestyle. Though he played sports through college, Morrow started running regularly for fitness 10 years ago to tackle extra weight and his … [Read more...]
Botanical Adventures: McMinn Fled the Business World for a Life Lived in the Garden
By Emily Williams Though she doesn't have a garden of her own living in her downtown Birmingham apartment, Brooke McMinn, plant adventures program specialist, finds ownership in her work with the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. McMinn grew up in the Hoover school system and recalls going on field trips to the Botanical Gardens, but she did not have a concrete passion for … [Read more...]
Holy Grounds: The Abbey in Avondale Combines Coffee and Church
By Donna CorneliusAt first glance, The Abbey may seem like just a cool community coffee bar. You may see a young professional type of fellow sitting at a table with a mug beside his laptop, or women gathered for conversation and chicken salad sandwiches.But if you drop into the Avondale establishment late on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll notice a different crowd. That’s … [Read more...]