GAMEPLAN GROWTH
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On the Cover Staff
Mayor Kenneth Gulley of Bessemer, which recently created a new comprehensive plan. For more on the Gameplan for Growth, read this month's cover story beginning on pg. 16.
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Traffic Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
Jesse Chambers Content Director jesse@jbmcmedia.com
Amy Phillips Marketing Consultant (205) 515-2564 amy@jbmcmedia.com
Brittany Kenny Graphic Designer
Who We Are
WestJeff Magazine serves the communities and people of West Jefferson County. Published every month, the magazine is available for free at more than 100 locations in Bessemer, Hueytown, McCalla, Pleasant Grove, Concord, Oak Grove, Sylvan Springs, and other areas.
Subscriptions are available for $40 per year.
Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription.
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All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
The West Beat
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Freedom isn’t free. It requires sacrifices by Americans in uniform to preserve it. We must therefore honor and appreciate our veterans. This is especially true on Memorial Day, the federal holiday to be observed this year on May 26. Memorial Day is a way for all Americans to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
This month we take a deeper look at Memorial Day – its origins and history, its links to the Southern custom of Decoration Day and even its roots in ancient traditions of honoring soldiers killed in combat. We also highlight a fairly recent, but very moving and important, addition to the Memorial Day observance.
Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday was formalized in 1868 by the “Memorial Day Order" issued by John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, according to various sources. The GAR was a large organization consisting of Civil War veterans from the Union Army.
The GAR order placed the holiday on May 30 — to ensure availability of "the choicest flowers of springtime" all over the country –and the first observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery.
Community members in both the North and the South, in the years after the Civil War, had begun adorning soldiers' graves with flowers on springtime "decoration days,” with one of the first such events occurring in Columbus, Miss., in April 1866.
The commemoration of Decoration Day, or, as it increasingly became known, Memorial Day, continued through the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an informal patriotic holiday. By the end of the 19th century, many state legislatures passed proclamations designating the day.
After World War I, the event was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars. In 1968, the federal Uniform Monday Holiday Act designated Memorial Day a national holiday and moved it from May 30 to the last Monday in May.
The connection between Memorial Day and the tradition of decoration days, especially in the South, gives the holiday a deep, sacred feeling. Decoration days are an annual observance held on different dates in the warm months..
At many Southern graveyards, families gather to clean up graves and honor the memories of their ancestors. The cleanup is followed by a picnic dinner, singing in church, placing flowers on graves and visiting friends and family.
Memorial Day is part of very old traditions. For example, people honored the dead by putting flowers on their graves in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. In addition, numerous cultures, including the Greeks and Romans, erected statues and held ceremonies to honor their fallen soldiers.
One of the newer aspects of the Memorial Day holiday is The National Moment of Remembrance, established in 2000. It encourages Americans to pause for a minute of silence to remember the sacrifices made by service members. The National Moment of Remembrance is held at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
“It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day,” said Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada.
So on May 26 at 3 p.m., let’s all try to stop our busy days briefly and remember those who have died so our country can remain free.
Sources for this story include Wikipedia, the online Encyclopedia of Alabama and two Veterans Administration sites – va.gov/ opa/publications/celebrate/memday.pdf and cem.va.gov/history/Memorial-Dayhistory.asp.
A Mother’s Love
“I am a little old woman who lives in an assisted living facility…” her email began.
Her following message was about the length of War and Peace. She is a woman who is as sweet as Karo syrup. But—and I mean this respectfully— brevity is not her strong suit. Reading her email took me three or four presidential administrations.
“I had a baby when I was fourteen…” she wrote.
The 14-year-old gave birth in the single-wide trailer that belonged to an aunt. The delivery was in secret. Nobody knew her son existed. Least of all her immediate family.
Finally, the aunt put the child up for adoption. It was impractical for a girl of 14 to raise a child. This was a different era.
The goodbye between mother and son was almost too much to bear. The 14-year-old held her infant in her arms when officials came to take him away.
Over time, the girl grew into a woman. The woman grew into a wife. The wife had three kids. The wife’s husband made decent money.
quintessential white gown. He had the shining halo. The whole celestial enchilada.
The next morning, she contacted an agency who helped with this sort of thing. It didn’t take long to find her son.
Her son was living in Texas. And for the purposes of this story, let’s just say he was an important guy. A very, very important guy.
The agency gave her his address. She made no calls. She gave her son’s family no advanced warning. She simply got in her car and drove to Texas. Alone.
She moved into a nice house. Her children did pretty good in school. Her offspring grew up to be successful and handsome and beautiful and welloff and happy. Fill in the blank.
But the woman had a void in her heart.
“A child is a piece of you, physically. Like an organ. People who’ve never had kids can’t understand.”
She dreamed about her son. Every night. Without fail. In her dreams, she could see him. She watched him grow. She saw his smile. She heard him speak. Once again, she cannot explain what she means. But she tries.
“It’s like a radar,” she explains. “My soul was sending out a radar signal, and I think God was sending me radar signals back.”
I took a break from reading the email. I still had 78,000,000 words left to read before finishing her story.
So, I’ll hit the highpoints.
On her son’s 42nd birthday, she had an unusually vivid dream. This dream was the strangest one she ever had.
In this dream, an old man told her to search for her lost son. It was undoubtedly an angel, the woman believes. He wore the
“I didn’t want my husband or my kids to go with me,” she said. “This was something I had to do.”
She arrived at a nice house. She got through the gate by saying, “I don’t need an appointment, he’ll want to meet me, I promise.”
In a few moments, a man came down the stairs. It was him all right. She would have known him anywhere. She’d watched him grow up in her mind’s eye.
“Do I know you?” he asked.
“No,” she said. “But I know you.”
“How?”
She began to cry. “It’s a very long story,” she said.
The man, unexpectedly, began to cry along with her. He apparently understood what was going on here. “Are you my mother?” he said in a kind of shell shock.
All she could do was nod.
They embraced. And there on the porch of a sprawling Texan estate, they dehydrated themselves, snug in each other’s arms.
“I always knew you’d find me,” he said.
“How did you know?” she said.
“You’re going to think I’m crazy if I tell you.”
“Try me.”
“I’ve been dreaming about you every night since I was a baby.”
In an age when it’s hard to believe in anything good; when crisis and insanity rule the airwaves; when visions of hell are the only things television journalists can report on; I am glad—no, I am eternally grateful—for little old ladies in assisted living facilities who write extremely long emails.
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
SEAN DIETRICH
In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips
Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.
Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
4 SERVINGS
These easy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa are perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any Day-O! I made them with crappie my brother recently caught, but any thin white fish will work! Serve 'em up with a squeeze of lime and let the fiesta begin!
Ingredients
MANGO SALSA
2 large mangos, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons chopped green onion or purple onion
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
FISH TACOS
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (I used Zatarain’s)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon drippings
1 pound small, thin white fish such as crappie, tilapia, or small catfish
12 street-size corn or flour tortillas or 6 soft taco-size flour tortillas
Instructions
The fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.
MANGO SALSA
I recommend making the Mango Salsa first, so the flavors can begin to meld together.
Combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl. The flavors are best when the salsa is made ahead an hour but not required.
FISH TACOS
Combine flour, cornmeal, seasoning, and salt (if using) in a rimmed plate or shallow bowl.
While dredging the fish, let 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil be heating up in a large skillet over medium heat.
To dredge, press each fish fillet into the cornmeal mixture with your fingertips. Then, turn them over and press the other side into the mixture.
When the oil is hot, arrange enough of the fillets to fill the pan but not too close together so they will all evenly brown. After about 3 minutes they should be lightly brown on one side, turn the fillets over wiith tongs or a spatula. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Divide fried fish among desired size tortillas. Top with Mango Salsa.
One serving: 3 street taco-size tortillas or 2 soft taco-size tortillas.
Business News
At WestJeff Magazine, we seek to provide comprehensive coverage of business activity of all kinds in West Jefferson County – and not just the big projects. We want to hear news and updates about all of the businesses in the area, both large and small. We also report on real estate, construction and infrastructure projects. Please contact us with any tips, information or photos you have at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
Hueytown Wendy’s, Birmingport warehouse, McCalla fitness
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Ready for a Frosty?
Fast-food lovers in the Hueytown area can rejoice. Wendy’s opened a new location on March 25 at 3036 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Drive. The store drew a large crowd for its first day, and Hueytown Mayor Steve Ware took part in the grand opening.
"We see our new restaurant as more than a building," franchise owner Clarence Bailey told ABC 33/40 News. "It’s a place to better connect with the community while serving up Wendy’s fresh, famous food."
This is the third Wendy’s restaurant the Bailey Restaurant Group has opened in the Birmingham area this year, Bailey told the station.
The Hueytown store features Wendy’s Global Next Gen design standard -- a sleek, modern layout that emphasizes speed and convenience, according to media reports. The design includes self-order kiosks and a walkup window with dedicated parking spots for mobile orders and delivery drivers, according to wendys.com.
Boosting Birmingport
The Birmingham-Jefferson County Port Authority recently opened a new warehouse at Port Birmingham, also known as Birmingport, according to an April 1 report by AL.com. The warehouse measures 25,000 square feet and is designed to help boost storage and shipping at
the port, which gives the Birmingham area access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Black Warrior River.
Located at 8250 Birmingport Road in Mulga, the facility will allow local steel producers to access rail and waterway connections and was designed to accommodate cold-rolled steel coils.
With an expected economic impact of $1.2 million, the warehouse is estimated to have a retail sales impact exceeding $800,000 and with a total projected retail sales impact approaching $6 million, AL.com reported.
The BJCPA partnered on the project with the city of Birmingham, the state of Alabama and logistics company Watco, and construction began in August 2024.
Getting fit in McCalla
Onelife Fitness, a national chain based in McLean, Virginia, is opening a facility at the Tannehill Promenade in McCalla in December 2025. It will be the first of at least six OneLife clubs in the Birmingham area and the chain's first club in Alabama, according to a company news release in January. Onelife will be investing $10 million dollars in the McCalla facility and expects to create over 100 new jobs, the release stated.
“Birmingham is an incredible market that desperately needs our unique offering — a premium fitness experience with high-end amenities at prices that don't break the bank," said Onelife Fitness CEO Ori Gorfine.
Onelife's plans for more locations in the Birmingham area got another push recently. The company announced on March 31 that it will spend $14 million to create a new facility measuring 68,000 square feet in the former AMC movie theatre at 801 Doug Baker Blvd. in Lee Branch.
The club in McCalla will include an indoor saltwater pool, whirlpool and cold plunge; cardio and strength training equipment; a cycling studio; a sauna and fully equipped recovery studio; 3,000 square feet of outdoor training space; fitness classes such as BodyPump, Zumba, yoga and Pilates; and a kids club with games, basketball and a movie theater.
For more about the club, go to onelifefitness.com/ gyms/mccalla.
A new Wendy’s location opened in Hueytown on March 25.
PHOTO FROM HUEYTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACEBOOK PAGE
SPRING INTO EXERCISING
The warmer weather is here – It’s time to get outside to enjoy running, hiking, biking, gardening and all the outdoor activities!
TherapySouth's movement experts will work with you to develop an individualized exercise program to help you feel stronger, move better and avoid injury. They can also work with you to address imbalanaces, enhance stability, and reduce the risk of strains or overuse injuries.
Hands on Care, Close to Home and Work
HUEYTOWN
3004 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr. Hueytown, AL 35023 (205) 744-9993
MCCALLA 4774 Eastern Valley Road Suite 109 McCalla, AL 35111 (205) 477-1501
Hueytown Chamber boosts women
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Even in 2025, it is still important for women in business to help support each other.
“Support networks help women navigate these challenges by providing mentorship, advocacy and opportunities for collaboration,” said Debbie Kiker, director of the Hueytown Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber provided another opportunity for women in the Hueytown area to build this network on March 18 when it hosted the second annual Women in Business Luncheon at the new Hueytown Recreation Center. The event followed National Women’s Day, which was held on March 8.
“We recognize the importance of women in the business world and want to create a platform where they can come together, network and learn from each other's experiences,” Kiker said.
The speakers at the March 18 luncheon were Gayla Kuykendall, senior vice president for operations at Avadian Credit Union, and Alexis Pickens, owner of My Bump Studio in Hueytown, which offers 3D and 4D sonograms and early DNA gender tests.
Kuykendall and Pickens talked about “the importance of women taking charge in both their personal and professional lives and shared personal stories of overcoming challenges for developing leadership skills,” Kiker said.
The women also discussed “work-life balance and resilience” and talked about “finding balance between career and personal life, and supporting one another to growth and success,” she said.
The presentations were “entertaining and very inspiring, with a mix of practical advice and heartfelt storytelling,” Kiker said.
In addition to the speakers, the Women in Business Luncheon featured a meal, prizes and time to meet and mingle.
“The vibe at the luncheon was warm, welcoming and uplifting, with a sense of community,” Kiker said. “Ladies enjoyed themselves with a chance to network and an opportunity to be inspired by speakers.”
It is gratifying for the Chamber to host these events.
“When women uplift each other, they help create a more inclusive and equitable business environment,” Kiker said. “Strong networks can also lead to greater innovation and economic success.”
In addition to the annual Women in Business Luncheon, the Chamber regularly tries to boost all area businesses with events like Coffee & Connections and Munch & Mingles.
The Chamber also hosted a job fair at the Hueytown Recreation Center in April.
For more information about these events and activities, call 205-491-7010 or go to hueytownchamber.com. You can also follow the Chamber at facebook.com/ hueytownchamber.
Other attendees included (left to right):
Pam Long, Nicole Duckworth, Perrli Ponder, guest speaker Gayla Kuykendall, Elisabeth Kuykendall, Lindsey Patterson and Lisa Kriegel.
TOP (left to right):
Shavonne Morris, guest speaker Alexis Pickens, Cristal Johnson and Jacenta Thomas.
“My doctor said, ‘go ahead and give hiking a try?’ So I did, and I do.”
These days, turning 60 doesn’t mean you’re ready to slow down. You just need a little more help than you used to. The first step? A primary care provider who takes the time to understand who you are—and what you want to do next.
Wanda’s next big thing is ziplining, and we’re going to make sure she’s ready. What’s next for you?
Wanda Harmon | Las Vegas, NV
Bessemer has
FOUNDED IN 1887, Bessemer quickly became an industrial boomtown dubbed “The Marvel City” for its rapid growth. The community has recently shown signs of recovering that early energy. Bessemer has diversified its economy and attracted businesses like BLOX, Amazon, Dollar General and Milo’s Tea Company and, in 2024, the city created a new comprehensive plan called the Gameplan for Growth.
A plan is essential to give Bessemer the direction it needs, said Toraine Norris, director of the city’s Economic and Community Development Department.
“There’s a well-known saying, ‘Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.’” he said. Gameplan for Growth focuses on downtown redevelopment, improved transportation, stabilizing historic neighborhoods, revitalizing the U.S. Highway 11 corridor and enhancing city services. The plan is a series of proposals and not legally binding on the city, but it gives the people of Bessemer a tantalizing way to envision their future.
Guided by the public
The Gameplan stemmed from Vision 2040, a summary of Bessemer’s goals created by the community in 2020-21. The new plan was kickstarted when Bessemer received $14 million in federal funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic and Community Development Department requested that its $300,000 allotment be used for a comprehensive plan. The city worked with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) and the consultant team of PlaceMakers LLC and Kimley-Horn and Associates.
Planners held numerous public meetings last year to solicit feedback from residents and also solicited comments online. “It’s the public who really guides it, as the plan only gives voice to their visions and desires for the community in which they live,” Norris said.
“Engaging the community fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the plan, making it more likely to succeed,” Mayor Kenneth Gulley said. “Moreover, community input can provide valuable insights and innovative ideas.” The amount of public participation “was
a new ‘Gameplan’
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Bessemer's historic downtown hopes to see an influx of new business investment as part of the city's new Gameplan for Growth.
very encouraging,” Norris said. City residents taking part included “seniors, lots of young professionals and people from different walks of life in the city,” he said.
The final draft of Gameplan for Growth was completed in November, and the RPCGB voted unanimously to approve it on Nov. 19. The Bessemer City Council voted unanimously to endorse the plan on Dec. 17.
‘A clear vision’
Alabama state law requires that municipalities develop comprehensive plans to address such concerns as land use, public utilities and transportation. Cities without such plans cannot qualify for certain types of federal and state funding. But there are other benefits, as well.
“It provides a clear vision and direction for the city's development, helping to align the efforts of various stakeholders” and also identifies “key issues and challenges facing the city,” Gulley said.
A comprehensive plan gives a city “a clear, strategic roadmap for future growth, helping officials prioritize projects, allocate resources
efficiently and attract investment,” said Lindsey Puckett, a principal planner with the RPCGB, along with Susan Henderson and Scott Doyon of Placemakers LLC, in an email.
“It's important for a city to have a plan if you want to get any good investments," said Bessemer native Alfedo Acoff, a planner, environmental engineer and member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Commission. "They want to see the vision that Bessemer has written down." Norris said that “The plan tells others what we’re envisioning, and it gives them an opportunity to say, ‘I want to be a part of it.’”
Zoning is ‘crucial’
Updating the city’s zoning codes is “a crucial component of this planning process,” Norris said. “The zoning areas and ordinances identified for change will facilitate development in targeted areas in hopes of promoting mixed-use developments,” Gulley said.
The Gameplan includes a Future Land Use Map, which is “the heart”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RPCGB AND PLACEMAKERS LLC
of the plan, said Puckett, Henderson and Doyon. The map “is intended to ensure that land use decisions align with the community’s vision for the future,” they said. The map will direct the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council in rezoning and development decisions for the next decade.
‘Restoring the heart’
During the planning process, participants overwhelmingly expressed a desire to help downtown. “Everyone has an interest in seeing downtown Bessemer revived, and that’s not surprising,” Norris said. “Downtown is a shared place in a community. Everyone in a city can claim it.”
“It's about restoring the heart of the community," said Puckett, Henderson and Doyon. “We have a beautiful, historic downtown, but if you don't keep it up and keep it vibrant, you can end up losing it,” Acoff said.
The plan suggests that the city “stabilize and restore historic buildings, enhance streetscapes and promote mixed-use development to increase economic activity and residential options.”
“Simple zoning changes—such as allowing residential development in downtown buildings— can activate underutilized spaces, bringing more residents and activity to the area,” Puckett, Henderson and Doyon said.
Another proposal is to change the one-way streets downtown to two-way, which “most progressive cities” have done, said Chester Porter, a member of both the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. This will make it “easier for citizens to have easy access to local merchants,” he said.
The plan suggests the city use its TIF (Tax Increment Financing) program to help developers overcome some of the expenses in upgrading older buildings, such as code compliance.
Event promotion is seen as another way to draw people downtown.
Refreshing Highway 11
U.S. Highway 11, the Bessemer Super Highway, is a major arterial that passes through Bessemer on Ninth Avenue. The 1920s-vintage roadway “needs major multi-modal transportation investments –such as enhancements regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety and integrating public transit options to turn it more into a dynamic transportation corridor,” Puckett, Henderson and Doyon said.
The city also wishes to promote mixed-use redevelopment along the corridor. “Updating regulations along the Highway 11 Corridor to limit businesses that negatively impact the city’s image, such as used-tire shops, predatory lending facilities and downtown warehousing, can help create a more attractive environment for new businesses, shoppers and visitors,” Puckett, Henderson and Doyon said.
“Zoning changes can reshape the physical landscape of Highway 11 by unlocking economic potential,” Porter said.
Porter expressed concern about the “overall appearance” of the corridor and noted the City Council passed a moratorium on used-tire repair shops on Highway 11 and other areas in Bessemer.
The redevelopment of Highway 11 will likely focus on small-scale, incremental projects that create grassroots opportunities for small developers and local entrepreneurs. This could include food carts, shop cottages and one-person businesses.
Places to call home
The Gameplan seeks to support the city’s neighborhoods, including Pipe Shop, Jonesboro, Northside and Southside, which have a strong heritage and community bonds.
The plan “focuses on improving property maintenance (and) leveraging community pride.” According to the plan, Bessemer should adopt code requirements for property maintenance, seek to expand
Clockwise: Bessemer residents at one of the public meetings held in 2024 during the creation of Gameplan for Growth, the city’s new comprehensive plan; one of the small businesses in downtown Bessemer; Toraine Norris (L), director of the Bessemer’s Economic and Community Development Department, and Mayor Kenneth Gulley.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RPCGB AND PLACEMAKERS LLC
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
housing types and redevelop blighted properties, mitigate flood risk in vulnerable areas and create a land bank to manage vacant properties effectively.
Other key topics
Economic development for the city is an important part of the plan. Officials hope to promote Bessemer to attract new businesses and residents and will work to support entrepreneurship and facilitate brownfield redevelopment.
For better transportation, the city plans to improve transit services, expand transportation options and redesign key streets for multimodal transportation. Porter said Bessemer needs a “revamping” of its streetscape, “making major improvements to sidewalks and providing bike lanes.”
Regarding parks and recreation, the plan encourages the city to improve access to parks by securing grants and modifying subdivision codes.
There is a big emphasis on maintaining reliable sewer, water and electricity services, as well as high-quality fire and police protection, and enhancing library services.
Next steps
“Updating the zoning is actually the next step in the process,” Norris said. Various city departments and the city’s engineering firm have been working with the RPCGB to update regulations. “Now that we have the comprehensive plan which lays out how the city wants to grow and develop, we need…the correct zoning codes in place to make that a reality,” Norris said.
The city is still in “the first phase of implementation,” Gulley said. “The adoption and endorsement of this plan now opens the door to the long process of implementation. We also still need the buy-in from citizens and stakeholders in order to make this a reality.
“Over the course of my career as mayor, I have consistently reserved my applause until ideas that are on paper become a tangible reality,” Gulley said. “Satisfaction for me won’t come until I know that this plan effectively addresses the city’s needs. A successful plan would be one that is comprehensive, realistic, and adaptable to changing circumstances.”
The Gameplan for Growth provides the city with 78 recommended actions to choose from, planners say. “By taking intentional, incremental steps, Bessemer can transform this vision into reality and create lasting positive change,” said Puckett, Henderson and Doyon.
Some good stuff is already happening with projects that were underway before the Gameplan was finished. “The city is pursuing additional grant funding to extend the Rail Trail into downtown Bessemer,” Norris said. “The city’s Historic Commission is also working with the Community Development Department on historic preservation in the downtown, including recommending creation of a local historic district that will have to be approved by the City Council.”
To read the entire Gameplan for Growth, download the PDF at bessemergameplan.com.
Clockwise: The famed Bright Star Restaurant, the oldest family-owned eatery in Alabama, is a top attraction in downtown Bessemer; homes in Jonesboro, one of the city’s historic neighborhoods; another business in downtown Bessemer.
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
PHOTO COURTESY OF REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RPCGB AND PLACEMAKERS LLC
& Wellness
Welcome to our Health & Wellness page, the newest addition to WestJeff Magazine. Each month, we share tips from a variety of sources showing you how to improve the quality of your life in simple, practical ways. Let us know if there’s a particular health or wellness topic you’d like to see us cover. Write to us at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
by JESSE CHAMBERS
5-second rule, tips for mind & body
The 5-second myth
All of us have dropped food on the floor, but some people believe it’s still safe for them to eat the food if it doesn’t stay on the floor more than 5 seconds. However, UAB experts thoroughly debunk that myth.
“Bacteria can transfer to food the moment it touches a surface,” Jessica Scoffield, associate professor in the UAB Department of Microbiology, tells UAB News.
Floors, tables and countertops may appear clean, but they harbor harmful bacteria, and
dropped food can come into contact with such contaminants as shoes, pets and dust.
“Moisture significantly increases this transfer, and the type of surface and type of food also influence how quickly it happens,” Scoffield says.
Making real change
To make a successful, long-term transition to a healthier lifestyle, one must set clear, concise goals, says Dr. Joseph Coppiano, a family medicine physician at UAB. This
A woman stretches her hamstrings. Stretching can help you relax and lower your stress, according to the CDC.
is true whether you wish to eat healthier, exercise regularly or do strength training at the gym.
“Take inventory of your current nutrition habits,” Dr. Coppiano tells UAB News. “What are you already eating on a regular basis, and how can you make improvements to what works for your lifestyle?”
For example, you could eat some more vegetables while trying to lower your consumption of processed foods.
Coppiano suggests finding healthier substitutes for some of your favorite foods. For example, switch from sour cream to low-fat yogurt or from white bread to whole wheat.
Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries and apples are a good place to start. Coppiano recommends proteins such as chicken, turkey and fish. Beans are also a great source of protein.
In addition, don’t try to make drastic changes in your diet. Instead, follow a meal plan and adopt eating habits that can be maintained and benefit your overall health.
“Remember that little changes also can make a bigger impact,” Coppiano said
People with limited time and busy schedules can help themselves eat better through meal prepping, or preparing meals in advance.
“Be realistic about your time and allow that to shape the meals you prepare,” Coppiano says. “Homemade smoothies are also a good option.”
Setting sensible goals is also important as you begin an exercise program. Begin with manageable routines, avoid overexertion and gradually increase repetitions and durations. This allows you to build endurance naturally and prevent injury. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week — roughly 30 minutes per day.
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER NENAD STOJKOVIC, CC BY 2.0
Laugh it up. Watch a funny movie or TV show or read a joke book. Laughter helps boost well-being.
HAVING A GREAT MIND, BODY AND SOUL
Health and wellness are not just about the body, but the mind and spirit, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers some great tips to help us maintain our sense of emotional well-being. One key recommendation from the CDC is that we take some breaks during the day to reduce stress – no matter how busy we are or how many responsibilities we have. The CDC tells us to take at least 10 to 15 minutes each day to do something for ourselves and also offers some possible breaktime activities.
Go outside: Get out of your house or office and take a walk or a hike – even if it’s only a few blocks.
Be active: Do some push-ups or situps, kick a ball around the yard or get busy cleaning your house.
Relax, relax: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, meditate, do some stretches. You can also reduce stress by washing your face and hands in cool water.
Do some self-care: Curl up with a book or magazine, or make a cup of tea and sit in your favorite chair.
Check in with yourself: Take time to ask yourself how and you’re feeling.
Attitude of gratitude: Write down three things you’re grateful for or tell a friend or family member or coworker you appreciate them.
Just laugh: Watch or listen to something funny. Read a joke book. Yuck it up.
Get a hobby: Pick up a musical instrument, plant a garden, follow a new recipe or just solve crossword puzzles.
Get inspired: Find a song lyric or quotation that moves you and keep it nearby.
Nurture your social connections: Check in with a friend, family member or neighbor.
Be faithful: If you are a person of faith, say a prayer or reach out to someone at your church.
Get help: If you’re feeling anxious, sad or depressed, don’t be shy about talking to a professional counselor.
For more health tips, check out cdc.gov/howrightnow.
Taking up a fun hobby, even crossword puzzles, can help your emotional well-being.
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PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER JACKLEE. OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER THE MARMOT, CC BY 2.0
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER GARYCYCLES8. CC BY 2.0
An apple a day helps keep the doctor away, according to the old saying.
Go ahead, take a break. Relax. Have a cup of hot tea.
Pleasant Grove Pageant Queens Read to Schools
During Read Across America Week, 2024 Miss Pleasant Grove High School Jordan Nation, 2025 Miss Pleasant Grove High School Myla James and 2025 Miss Pleasant Grove Middle School Mercedes McClain read to the students of Brighton School and Pleasant Grove Elementary School.
Hueytown High School Health Science Academy Forging New Partnerships for Student Success
Hueytown High School’s Health Science Academy program is among the top in Alabama, thanks to the dedication of Mrs. Weaver and Mrs. Praytor. Their commitment to excellence continues to inspire students to reach their full potential. Recently, they presented the program to UAB and Cooper Green Health Services, securing a partnership that will provide valuable opportunities for students' future success. Their efforts in setting high standards and pushing boundaries are truly commendable.
McAdory High School Athletes Read to Elementary Students
The McAdory High School student athletes from the football and softball teams recently visited McAdory Elementary to read to students during Read Across America Week. Head Coach Aryvia Holmes and Coordinator Coach David Nash are appreciated for teaching their players the importance of giving back, and their visit was truly enjoyed by all.
Dollar General and Reading is Fundamental Donate
Books to Oak Grove Elementary Students
Dollar General and Reading Is Fundamental recently made a generous donation of more than 2,000 books to Oak Grove Elementary students during Read Across America Week. These new books, which students will keep for their very own, will help expand their knowledge and foster a love of reading.
Hueytown Middle School Teacher Named Jefferson County Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Shernell Lewis for being named Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Jefferson County School System.
Hueytown High Athletes Read to Hueytown Primary Students
To celebrate Read Across America Week, Hueytown High School student athletes visited Hueytown Primary School to read to the younger students. Volunteer readers were members of the football team, cheerleading squad and softball team.
Oak Grove Elementary Students Rewarded at Art Show
Congratulations to the following Oak Grove Elementary School students for receiving awards at the Hueytown Arts Council Art Show: Laikyn Mason, Haven Moylan, August Dickey, Lilly Scott Franklin and Carter Napper.
Hueytown High Students Sweep Awards at Art Show
Congratulations to Hueytown High School art students for their outstanding achievements at the Hueytown Arts Council Art Show. Hueytown High School dominated the high school category, sweeping the competition. The winners were as follows: first place, Lydia McInnis; second place, Carmen Finley; second place, David Lee Ashcraft; third place, Nadia Kelly; and honorable mention, Jasilyn Snow. Mr. Stewart also won the Best Teacher of the Show award.
County Commission Recognizes Bessemer City Middle School Science Team
The Jefferson County Commission recognized the incredible achievement of the sixthgrade science team from Bessemer City Middle School named international winners in the middle school division of the Fall 2024 “Plant the Moon Challenge.” The team of young scientists successfully conducted experiments planting seeds in lunar solid simulants, impressing a panel of experts, including NASA scientists. Team members include: Qurtez Adams, Kolby Avery, Taylen Bryant, Keoni Clark, Jeremiah Freeman, Diana Garcia, Calieon Hines, Jeremy King, Jimmy Knox, Delylah McCall, Aaron Minatee, Haleigh Quarles, Josiah Thomas, Ne'Veya Welch, Kaleb Williams and Chauncy Wrenn. The team is led by their dedicated coaches, Dr. Yuvraj Verma and Farrah Cureton. Not only did this team represent Bessemer City Middle School as the only team from Alabama among over 250 participants, but they also made history as the first middle school from the state to compete in this challenge since 2012.
Pleasant Grove Elementary Students Visit Montgomery
Students from Pleasant Grove Elementary, including Superior Spartans and KAPPA Kids groups, recently had the opportunity to visit Montgomery. During the field trip the students toured the Capitol Building, State House and Planetarium. State Rep. Dr. Patrick Sellers sponsored the trip.
Western Area Events
May 1: Hueytown Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast. 7-8 a.m. North Highlands Baptist Church. 4851 15th Street Rd. Hueytown. The fourth annual Mayor's Community Prayer Breakfast will feature keynote speaker Chris Stewart, who will offer a message of hope and unity. Complimentary ticket required for attendance. To learn more, call 205-491-7010 or go to hueytownchamber.com.
May 1: Senior Citizens Self-Defense Class. 10-11 a.m. Bessemer Recreation Center. 100 14th Street. District 1 Councilman Jarvis Collier presents a free self defense class for Bessemer-area senior citizens. The class will be taught by Sensei Mustafa Ali.
May 2-4: “Death and Taxes.” Showtimes vary. Hueytown Community Theatre. 1348 Hueytown Rd. Get ready for a night of mystery and laughter as the Hueytown Arts Council presents “Death and Taxes,” a comedic whodunit by Pat Cook.
This entertaining production is filled with quirky small-town characters, unexpected twists and plenty of humor as a murder investigation unfolds during a chaotic town meeting. For more information, call 205-903-6312 or go to hueytownarts.org.
May 5: Pleasant Grove City Council. 6 p.m. Pleasant Grove City Hall, 501 Park Rd. The Pleasant Grove City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-744-1723. cityofpg.com.
May 5: Fairfield City Council. 6-8 p.m. Fairfield City Hall, 4701 Gary Ave. The Fairfield City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-788-2492. cityoffairfieldal.org.
May 6: Hueytown Board Of Zoning Adjustments. 4:30-5 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov.
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER PURPLEBUFFALO. OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0
Popular rock band Shinedown will play the BJCC in May.
Events Calendar
and food
May 6: Bessemer City Council. 6 p.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Council meets the first Tuesday of each month in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org.
May 6: Brighton City Council. 6 p.m. Brighton City Hall, 3700 Main Street. The Brighton City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 205-428-9547.
May 8: Jefferson County Commission. 9 a.m. 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Room 270, Birmingham. The Commission meets on the second floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse downtown in the Commission Chambers. 205-325-5300. jccal.org.
May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: District 8 Walking Group. Birmingham Crossplex, 2331 Bessemer Rd. Each Thursday at 8 a.m., meet at the CrossPlex Starbucks for a coffee and a casual 1.5 mile loop. Walkers of all abilities and speeds are welcome. Sponsored by the Freshwater Land Trust. freshwaterlandtrust. org/get-involved/events
May 12: Midfield City Council. 6 p.m. Midfield City Hall, 725 Bessemer Super Highway. The Midfield City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com.
May 13: Bessemer City Council. 9 a.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Council holds a planning session on the second Tuesday of each month in the multi-purpose room on the first floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org.
May 13: Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The pre-meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov.
May 13: Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals meets on the second Tuesday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
May 15: Fairfield City School Board. 6 p.m. Fairfield Board of Education, Gladys T. Coleman Boardroom, 6405 Avenue D. Fairfield. The five-member school board meets on the third Thursday of each month. 205-783-6850. fairfieldschoolsystem.com
May 19: Fairfield City Council. 6-8 p.m. Fairfield City Hall, 4701 Gary Ave. The Fairfield City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-788-2492. cityoffairfieldal.org.
May 19: Pleasant Grove City Council. 6 p.m. Pleasant Grove City Hall, 501 Park Road. The Pleasant Grove City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-744-1723. cityofpg.com.
Enjoy wine
at the Magic City Wine Fest at Sloss Furnaces May 3.
Indie rock band Wilco, formed in 1994, will make a stop in Birmingham in May.
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM/WILCOHQ
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER JOE DESOUSA. CC0
May 20: Bessemer City Council. 9 a.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Council meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org.
May 20: Brighton City Council. 6 p.m. Brighton City Hall, 3700 Main Street. The Brighton City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 205-428-9547.
May 20: Bessemer Planning and Zoning Commission. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org.
May 20: Hueytown Planning & Zoning Commission. 5-6 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Rd. This nine-member board, appointed by the mayor and City Council, meets on the third Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov.
May 22: Jefferson County Commission. 9 a.m. 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Room 270, Birmingham. The Commission meets on the second floor of the County Courthouse downtown in the Commission Chambers. 205- 325-5300. jccal.org.
May 24: On My Block Fest. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1701
Avenue E., Ensley. This second annual festival features Bessemer artist Kiara Mckenzie. The event will feature music, vendors, food trucks and art activities. Hand-drawn art kits by Kiara Mckenzie will be available for children, teens and college students. Email bessemerartist@gmail.com for more information.
May 26: Midfield City Council. 6 p.m. Midfield City Hall, 725 Bessemer Super Highway. The Midfield City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com.
May 27: Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The pre-meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov.
Ongoing: Exercise classes. Legacy YMCA, 1501 Fourth Ave S.W., Bessemer. Legacy presents a wide variety of exercise classes for members year round, including swimming, aerobics, aquacise, yoga, cycling, Zumba and Power HITT. Legacy also offers lots of youth sports, camps and health and wellness programs. For details, call 205-426-1211 or go to legacyymca.org.
Ongoing: Classes and workshops. Bessemer Public Library, 400 19th St. N. Bessemer. The library presents a wide range of classes, workshops and other activities for children, teens and adults. Adult classes include nutrition, computers and self-publishing. Activities for children include a toddler playgroup and Pre-K storytimes. 205-428-7882. bessemerlibrary.com.
Ongoing: Exercise classes, camps for children and more. Bessemer Recreation Center, 100 14th Street South, Bessemer. The Recreation Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, including fitness, arts and youth programs, to engage and enrich the community. Learn more at bessemeral.org/recreation-center or call 205-425-0655.
Who can resist a Mimosa, featuring champagne and O.J.? Check out the Magic City Mimosa Festival May 3.
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER MISSVAIN. OWN WORK, CC BY 4.0
Other Area Events
ABOVE: "Beetlejuice The Musical," based on the legendary film, comes to the BJCC May 6-11.
RIGHT: The Birmingham Taco Fest on May 18 features top taco vendors, music and dancing.
May 6, 13, 20, 2: Tuesday Night Trails. Red Mountain Park. 2011 Frankfurt Drive. Birmingham. 5:45-7 p.m. Tuesday Night Trail is a free, all-ages event with pace groups for every skill level. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner, a beginner or just looking for a leisurely walk, all are welcome to explore the beautiful trails with your friendly dogs. For more information, call 205-202-6043 or go to redmountainpark.org.
May 6-11: “Beetlejuice the Musical.” Showtimes vary. BJCC Concert Hall. 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. “Beetlejuice the Musical” brings the quirky, darkly comedic world of Tim Burton's iconic film to life with catchy songs, outrageous humor and vibrant performances. It's a wild, supernatural romp that promises a fun and spooky time for all ages. Ticket information and showtimes available at americantheatreguild.com/ birmingham.
May 2: Wilco. 7-10 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st St. S. The legendary indie band Wilco will appear with special guest Waxahatchee. Led by Jeff Tweedy, Wilco has experimented with numerous musical styles for 30 years, such as indie rock and alternative country. Tickets range from $58 to $78. 205-936-8861. avondalebrewing.com.
May 3: Magic City Mimosa Festival. Sloss Furnaces. 20 32nd Street North. Noon-4 p.m. The Magic City Mimosa Festival celebrates brunch culture with a wide variety of mimosas, food and live music. This 21+ event invites attendees to enjoy a fun-filled day with friends while sampling creative mimosa flavors and supporting local vendors. For more information visit magiccitymimosafestival.com.
May 3: Magic City Wine Fest. 6-9 p.m. Hoover Met. 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover. 6-9 p.m. The eighth annual Magic City Wine Fest will feature a wine tour across several regions spanning the globe. Drink wine and beer specific to a certain region. Restaurants will also have food available for purchase. There will also be live music. The event will be held rain or shine. Learn more at magiccitywinefest.com.
May 9, 16, 23, 30: Ross Bridge Farmers Market. 2101 Grand Avenue, Hoover. 4-8 p.m. The market will kick off the summer with Strawberry Day on Friday, May 9. There will be a Flower Market theme for May 16 and a Retro Farmers Market on May 23. Each market will feature local farmers, vendors, face painting and live music. For more information visit rossbridgefarmersmarket.com.
May 13: Shinedown. 7 p.m. Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. A long-popular rock band from Jacksonville, Fla., with multiple platinum records, Shinedown will appear in the Magic City as part of its “Dance, Kid, Dance Tour.” Tickets range from $21 to $126.50. For tickets and information, go to bjcc.org/events.
May 17-18: Brick Fan Expo. BJCC North Exhibition Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. If you love LEGO, Brick Fan Expo has it all, including amazing LEGO creations, large LEGO displays, fan creations, interactive zones, games, contests, STEM zones, speakers and more. For more information and tickets, visit brickfanexpo.com.
May 18: Birmingham Taco Fest. Sloss Furnaces. 20 32nd Street North. 1-7 p.m. The eighth annual Birmingham Taco Fest, featuring top taco vendors, live music, dancing and family-friendly activities, will benefit arts education programs at Bare Hands Inc. Early entry tickets are $30, general admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and children 12 and under get in for free. Learn more at barehandsinc.org/taco-fest.
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER EVGENY KRIVOSHEEV
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM/BEETLEJUICEBWAY
Back pain holding you back?
Our team of orthopedic specialists are here to help.
Welcoming Jay Fitts, MD
Orthopedic
& Spine Surgeon
At UAB Medical West, our team of orthopedic specialists are dedicated to helping patients restore mobility and enhance their quality of life. We are committed to bringing quality, stateof-the-art orthopedic care to the residents of West Jefferson County, AL and are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jay Fitts to our team. Dr. Fitts specializes in spine surgery and is now accepting new patients at both our brand new main hospital location and our Hoover location. To schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West Orthopedic surgeon, call us today at (205) 481-8570. For more information about UAB Medical West and all of our services, visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.
J. Dory Curtis, MD | Erika Issis-Vasha, PA-C | Patrick Rowan, MD | Scott Seibert, MD | Jay Fitts, MD