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...]
All in the Family: Third-Generation Dancer Plays Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy
By June MathewsMost little girls only dream of wearing a pink tutu and dancing with a handsome prince. But for the upcoming production of Birmingham Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” that fanciful scenario is Katherine Free’s reality. A 17-year-old senior at Hoover High School, Katherine danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the queen of the Kingdom of Sweets, this … [Read more...]
Getting a Head Start: New Hoover Mayor Brocato Turns His Attention to Schools, Development Plans
By William C. Singleton IIINew Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato had his eye on the top spot in city government even while he served as the city’s operations fire chief and fire marshal.“I always knew I wanted to run for the mayor of Hoover,” he said. “I felt like I was an ambassador for Hoover, but I was in the Fire Department. I love telling people about our city and all the … [Read more...]
Meet Me at The Met: New Sports Complex Retains The Met Name, Adds a Nod to Former Berry Coach
By William C. Singleton IIIThe planned $80 million sports complex has a new name. In fact, it has two.The overall facility will be called the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The 155,000-square-foot indoor multiple-purpose center will be called The Finley Center, after the late Bob Finley, a Berry High School football coach.The complex will include the indoor center … [Read more...]
Two for the Blue: Bucs, Lions Stay Alive as Others Fall
By Lee DavisThe date of Nov. 4, 2016, may never live in infamy, but for four Over the Mountain football programs, it was certainly a night not to remember.On that cool night, highly regarded Spain Park and Mountain Brook, along with dark horse Oak Mountain, were all defeated in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs. Homewood met a similar fate in Class 6A. Seldom in … [Read more...]