By Lee DavisHal Hamilton’s first experience in water skiing was free of charge, but it wasn’t an introductory lesson.It was more like a baptism of fire.As a youngster growing up in Eutaw, Hamilton was befriended by a pair of older boys, who were aspiring skiers on the nearby Tombigbee River.“I was pretty much their gofer until they decided to teach me to ski,” … [Read more...]
Harbert Employee Celebrates 90th Birthday—Then Gets Back to Work
By Keysha DrexelWhen Van Hoover’s colleagues at BL Harbert International threw a party for her earlier this month, the occasion not only celebrated her 90th birthday but also honored her more than half-century of service at the company.Hoover, a Bluff Park resident, has worked as an executive assistant at the company since Jan. 1, 1951.But when she first came to … [Read more...]
Still Living Life in the Fast Lane
By Keysha Drexel Juanita Tant said she is living proof that you are never too old to dream--or to appreciate a cool car.The 83-year-old resident at Golden Living Center in Riverchase recently had a wish granted when she took a spin in a Smart Car, a mini-compact two-seater designed to zip all around town and still get 40 miles per gallon."I think … [Read more...]
Growing a New Career
By Keysha DrexelAt a time when most her peers were retiring from the everyday grind, Frances Gorrie embarked on a second career.And the retail veteran who has owned and operated Blackjack Gardens and Blackjack Farms for the last 15 years said she has no plans to retire anytime soon."I was retirement age when I started this, but I think if I had gone the traditional … [Read more...]
Portraits of an Artist
By Laura McAlisterWhen Rollina Oglesbay was a little girl, she entered a contest to receive free art lessons.She didn't win, but her sketch impressed the judges enough to pay her a personal visit to encourage her to take art classes."Someone came to the door and told my mother that I was real talented," Rollina said. "If she'd pay $50, I could get lessons.“Mom … [Read more...]