By Sarah Kuper United Ability will host its first Journey of Hope event Aug. 5. Formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, United Ability is replacing the outdated telethon fundraiser with a snazzier evening at Birmingham’s recently polished jewel, the Lyric Theatre. In addition to wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, attendees will hear stories of UA families and … [Read more...]
A Summer Well Spent: Student Ministries Spend Summer Break Serving Others at Home and Abroad
By Sarah Kuper For Over the Mountain students, summer break is the time for lake trips and summer camp. But many area teens add church-oriented service projects to that list. Internationally and locally, teens did everything from paint houses to host summer day camps for disadvantaged children. Hoover Youth Stay in State While Discovering a Whole New World Once a … [Read more...]
Paddling Against the Odds: Vestavia Man Headed to South America for Kayaking Championship
By Sarah Kuper Auburn University sophomore and Vestavia Hills local Bennett Smith is headed to Argentina this fall to compete in the Freestyle Kayaking World Championship. For those unfamiliar with freestyle kayaking, it is like a combination of whitewater kayaking and gymnastics. Competitors paddle kayaks into the wave of a river rapid and attempt as many tricks as they can … [Read more...]
Maccabi Games, Southern-Style: LJCC Prepares to Show off Birmingham Area to 800 Athletes, Their Families and Visitors
By Sarah Kuper This month, about 800 teen athletes will journey to Birmingham to compete in the 2017 Maccabi Games at the Levite Jewish Community Center. The Maccabi Games happen every year in different locations. Teams of teenagers from Jewish Community Centers around the country gather to compete in land and water sports. Athletes stay with host families from the com- … [Read more...]
Hitting the Trail for a Cause: Local Men Hike Pacific Crest Trail to Raise Money for Rett Syndrome Research
By Sarah Kuper Bennett Fisher and friend William Wells are three weeks into a 100-day hike on the 2,659-mile Pacific Crest Trail. They are trekking from the southern border of California to the northern border of Washington state. But Fisher and Wells aren’t just in it for the scenic views or bragging rights.They hike for Julie. Julie Grace Carroll is a Pell City … [Read more...]