By Sarah Kuper Born on the BayouAlthough Jeremy Downey has had oysters on the brain for the past few weeks, (see story nearby) he’s always thinking about seafood, especially when it comes to the holidays. It reminds him of home. Downey hails from Bayou La Batre, so shrimp, crab and oysters are as traditional as turkey at his Thanksgiving table. “We take it in more of … [Read more...]
Late-in-Life Calling: Presbyterian Minister Converts to Catholicism and Joins the Sisterhood
By Sarah KuperGrowing up, Sara Burress was one of many faithful Presbyterians in her small Mississippi hometown.“Whenever the church doors were open, our family was there,” she said.In fact, Burress’s Presbyterian roots run deep; one of her Scottish ancestors journeyed to colonial America to found a Presbyterian church in South Carolina.That’s why it is … [Read more...]
Get Connected: Parkinson Association Working on Virtual Center to Link Patients With Resources
By Emily WilliamsFounded in 1978, the Parkinson Association of Alabama has had its ups and its downs, but a new feature is in the works that officials hope will take the organization to new heights. Over the past few years, the board of directors and Executive Director Mary T. Miller have worked to breathe new life into the PAA. Miller, of Vestavia Hills, took on the … [Read more...]
No Ph.D. Required: New Museum Director Aims to Double Attendance, Says Visitors Shouldn’t Have to Be Experts to Understand Art
By Sam PrickettThe new executive director of the Birmingham Museum of Art plans to make accessibility, expansion and renovation priorities of his tenure – with a long-term goal of doubling the museum’s attendance over the next five years.In mid-September, the BMA named Dr. Graham C. Boettcher its new executive director. Boettcher’s appointment followed a months-long … [Read more...]
Just Around the Corner: Cornerstone’s Annual Harvest of Hope Recognizes Longtime Supporter
More than 530 students living in inner-city Birmingham walk the halls of Cornerstone Schools of Alabama. The nonprofit school was founded more than 30 years ago to provide inner-city families with an affordable alternative to public school and a variety of tuition assistance options. Presently, the organization consists of an elementary school facility and a middle/high school … [Read more...]