By William C. Singleton III For Over the Mountain cities, 2017 brings with it new faces in government, new construction projects, new dilemmas to solve and new hopes. Three new mayors lead Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills into the new year. Those mayors, as well as new council members, will get a heavy dose of life in city government as they try to fulfill the needs … [Read more...]
Going Against the Grain: Hoover’s Hardwick Hones His Woodworking Skills in Retirement
By Emily Williams For Ralph Hardwick, nothing sounds less pleasing than spending retirement sitting around and waiting for something to happen. “I have two suggestions for anyone who is looking to retire,” Hardwick said. “One: Don’t have a mortgage. Have your house completely paid for. Two: Have a hobby.” Hardwick’s hobby of choice found him 46 years ago, when he was in his … [Read more...]
Homewood Reboot: Patriots in Youth Mode After Championship Year
By Lee DavisTo Homewood basketball fans, 2015-16 will be remembered as the season that the Patriot boys basketball team finally brought home the big prize. After years of coming close, Homewood at last grabbed the big blue trophy, winning a thriller against Muscle Shoals in the Class 6A final. The final record of 30-6 reflected the dominance the Patriots enjoyed … [Read more...]
Boys Club No Match for Sisterhood: Homewood Runner Reflects on Her Time as First Female President of the Birmingham Track Club
By Sarah Kuper On any given day Over the Mountain, dozens of runners tackle steep hills and brave the heat or cold to stay fit and have fun. But Melinda Underwood, first female president of the Birmingham Track Club, in 1982, said it wasn’t always that way – especially with regard to women. “Back then, women weren’t doing much of anything like that. No one would just go out … [Read more...]
The Gift of Giving: Local Nonprofits Offer Holiday Gifts That Give Back
By Emily Williams The holiday season revives fond memories of pumpkin-spiced beverages, homes dressed in lights and a general cheeriness in the air. Then there are the less fond memories, most notably of shopping. It’s a time of year when you are scrambling to cross off every item on your list and drum up a gift idea for that friend or relative who “has everything.” Local … [Read more...]