By William C. Singleton IIIThe creaking wood floors and wood smell that greet you when you enter The Cook Store of Mountain Brook convey a homey, welcoming environment.Owner Wesley Lassen credits original owner Sam Franks with the idea for the wood floors and walls. Since she took over from the previous owner, Betty Knight, 19 years ago, Lassen has … [Read more...]
From Farms to Neighborhoods: Three Over the Mountain Markets Promote Local Food, Community Connections
By Donna Cornelius There’s always a crowd at the Market at Pepper Place, which on summer Saturdays fills several streets in downtown Birmingham. Vendors come to the sprawling farmers market from all over Alabama to sell their fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, baked goods and other fresh-off-the-farm products. But plenty of good things can be found at smaller farmers … [Read more...]
Chasing the American Dream: VHHS Student Mei Mei Sun Creates Books 4 Bham to Bridge the Gap in Quality of Education
By Emily Williams While a strong case of senioritis tends to be the main struggle for high school seniors, Vestavia Hills High School's Mei Mei Sun has added concerns that stretch far beyond her school's walls. While hard at work preparing for her final year of coursework and what lies beyond her upcoming senior year, Sun's passion for educational equality in Birmingham … [Read more...]
Vestavia Hills Coach Buddy Anderson Inducted into National Hall of Fame
Vestavia Hills High football coach Buddy Anderson, the winningest high school football coach in Alabama, was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Association Hall of Fame on July 2 during a banquet in Chicago. Anderson, who is beginning his 41st season as head football coach at Vestavia Hills in August, was among 22 enshrined in the National Hall of Fame … [Read more...]
Freedom from Addiction: OTM Mayors Band Together to Fight Opioid Abuse
By William C. Singleton III As a retired FBI agent, Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry has seen the fate of drug dealers who enter the criminal justice system. As general manager of a funeral home, Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer has seen the ultimate consequences of drug use. As a former fire marshal, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato has seen emergency paramedics respond to an … [Read more...]