By Donna CorneliusThere’s a kind of hush all over Sara McDonald’s world. And she’s determined to break it.Her 11-year-old son, Jay, has Asperger’s syndrome, a disorder that’s on the higher-functioning end of the autism spectrum. The Crestline mom said it’s important for parents like her to tell it like it is – to be honest about living every minute of every day with a … [Read more...]
On Trend: Style Consultant Tracy James Helps Clients Cultivate Confidence
By Emily WilliamsTracy James never saw Chic Made Simple, her fashion consulting and styling brand, in her future as a young girl growing up in Mountain Brook. “I always had a love of fashion,” she said. “I went to a Montessori school and I remember us doing a project in kindergarten where we drew a picture of what we were most excited to do over the summer and then we … [Read more...]
Safe Haven: Spring Valley School Supporters Want to See It Grow
By Donna CorneliusParents who meet with Spring Valley School’s executive director may not know that the woman facing them once sat where they’re sitting – on the other side of the desk.Dr. Laura Fiveash is the mother of one Spring Valley student and of another child who wasn’t accepted there.The independent college-preparatory school for bright kids with learning … [Read more...]
Need for Speed: Mountain Brook Car Club Driver Readies for Barber Historics Race
By Sarah Kuper Michael Wright fell in love at a young age. His childhood sweetheart wasn't a playground crush, but rather a passionate admiration for beautiful sports cars – especially Porsches. "I don't know why I locked into Porsches but I did," Wright said, "There are a lot of little boys who fit this category and for some reason are attracted to cars and find out … [Read more...]
A California Dream: Central Alabama Theater Founder Wants to Inspire Young Actors
By Emily Williams The man behind Central Alabama Theater is hoping to use his experiences and connections in "the biz" to inspire the arts community in Birmingham and its youth. Growing up in Gardendale, Carl Peoples never saw an acting career as a viable option for his life. He spent time singing with the youth choir at his Southern Baptist church but, living spitting … [Read more...]