By Donna Cornelius Most people heading for the beach take along sunscreen, beach towels and swimsuits. Cissy LeMoine and her mother, Phyl Smith, used to pack something extra: empty olive oil bottles. “We clanked when we walked,” said LeMoine, laughing. The reason the two Vestavia Hills women toted the bottles to Destin, Florida, was also the incentive for LeMoine’s new … [Read more...]
Vestavia Hills Superintendent Announces Plans to Retire
By Emily Williams Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Dr. Sheila Phillips will be retiring from her position effective Sept. 1. Phillips announced her plans to retire during a Vestavia Board of Education meeting July 31. She informed the board of her plans to leave the posi- tion she has held since 2014 in a letter submitted July 20. “Thank you for the opportunity … [Read more...]
OTM School Systems Adapt to Growing Student Populations
By Emily Williams Across the Over the Mountain area, public school systems have been taking advantage of the summer season to make improvements on their facilities. Whether renovating existing structures or adding new ones, Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills are making room to accommodate their growing student bodies and faculty. Homewood The Homewood City … [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...]
Tasty Test: Iron City Chef Competition Is Set for July 22
Four Birmingham chefs will test their cooking chops at this year’s Iron City Chef competition, set for Sat., July 22. The annual event, hosted by the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club, combines elements from two popular Food Network shows, “Iron Chef America” and “Chopped.” The four participating chefs create signature dishes, and guests vote on their top choices. The top two chefs … [Read more...]