By Kaitlin CandelariaAldridge Gardens now boasts the largest public collection of Frank Fleming artwork thanks to Hoover resident Ken Jackson.Jackson has been an avid collector of Fleming’s work for over 20 years, describing it as mystical and whimsical.“I collect them because when I look at his work, it makes me smile,” Jackson said. “It makes me think. It’s very … [Read more...]
Tops in Teaching: Vestavia’s Brown Is Alabama Teacher of the Year
By Kaitlin CandelariaVestavia Hills High School teacher Jennifer Brown has been chosen Alabama Teacher of the Year.Brown, who teaches applied physical science and guided study, has taught at Vestavia High School for 13 years. She was Vestavia Hills’ Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2014.“It is no surprise to me at all the committee determined (Brown) as the best … [Read more...]
She’s Got the Moves: Dotty Still of Homewood Glides into Ballroom Dancing
By Kaitlin CandelariaHomewood resident Dotty Still has always had an interest in movement. As a child, she was athletic and tomboyish, she said. She went on to major in health, physical education and recreation at Auburn University.“What interested me most was lifetime movement -- people understanding kinesiology and their own bodies,” Still said. “People should be able … [Read more...]
Fashion Is Her Field: Designer Heidi Elnora Stays Grounded with Family, Farm Home
By Kaitlin CandelariaHeidi Elnora is all about defying expectations.Most people wouldn’t expect a wedding dress designer to achieve fame out of Birmingham, but Elnora has. Most people also wouldn’t expect a designer who specializes in couture gowns to live in the middle of a hayfield, but again, Elnora is full of surprises.“I was told growing up it couldn’t be … [Read more...]
Ice to Meet You: Homewood Couple Brings Italian Treat to Birmingham
A Homewood husband and wife have given a Southern accent to a treat that’s more well known up north than down south.Birmingham native David Shaw and his wife, Wani, who’s from West Africa, met in Washington, D.C., and also lived in Delaware. That’s when they discovered Italian ice, they said.“It’s as popular there as iced tea is in the South,” Wani said.Italian ice … [Read more...]