By Emily Williams When Kimberly Stephens and her family found out that her mother, Karen Stephens, had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease while in her mid-50s, no one was prepared. For more than four years, the family relied on Google to answer any questions they had. It wasn’t until her aunt was diagnosed in 2014 that Stephens called a helpline and found the … [Read more...]
Smart Cookie: Amy Jason’s Bakery Has Been a Sweet Success
By Donna Cornelius Amy Jason still remembers the first thing she ever baked. “I was about 9 or 10,” she said. “It was an apple-cinnamon turnover that I made with Pillsbury crescent rolls. My first attempt was perfect, and I remember the feeling of instant gratification. I had created something warm and delicious and gooey and fantastic, and I could share it with my parents … [Read more...]
Never Forget!: OTM Cities Set Events to Remember 9/11
By William C. Singleton III It’s been 17 years since the horrific terrorist attacks of 9/11, and the Over the Mountain suburbs are doing their part to keep the memory and sacrifice of that day alive. Hoover and the cities of Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills collectively will hold Patriot Day observances on Sept. 11. Hoover will observe its Patriot Day ceremony … [Read more...]
Manhattan Melodies: Homewood Band Gears up for 40th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Performance
By Ingrid Schnader At 412 members, the largest band in Alabama calls an Over the Mountain community home. It’s the most-seen high school band in the South, and it has performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade more than any other high school band in the country — the Homewood Patriot Band. Band director Ron Pence is gearing up for the band’s ninth performance at the … [Read more...]
Football Has Long Been a Part of Renowned Artist Skipper’s Life
By Rubin E. Grant Internationally renowned artist Steve Skipper was once a standout high school football player. Skipper played linebacker for the Homewood Patriots in the mid-1970s, starting his junior and senior seasons. He patterned his game after two of the NFL’s most vicious hitters, Jack Lambert of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears. “I was … [Read more...]