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Greg Glover has made a name for himself in Portland, Oregon, hosting morning and afternoon radio shows. Read more about his story — including his childhood in Hueytown — starting on page 20.
JOHN ELROD PHOTOGRAPHY
Michelle
Brittany Kenny Graphic Designer
The West Beat
by JESSE CHAMBERS
As I write this, the month of August is upon us, and the weather in Birmingham is just miserable, with temperatures in the 90s and a heat index over 100 degrees. For some reason, I decided to look up the meaning of a phrase I’ve heard my whole life – “the dog days of summer.”
According to online sources, the Greeks and Romans originated the phrase thousands of years ago.
The ancients associated the hottest time in summer with the star called Sirius, also known as “the Dog Star.” They were convinced that the star’s closeness to the sun this time of year made the heat on Earth far worse. Not only that, but they believed this astronomical event created other unfavorable conditions, such as drought, disease and even madness in animals.
I just know that I always crave the end of summer even more than I welcome its arrival. After all, I like the summer, especially the long days and the sense of freedom and liberation the season brings. However, I get really sick of the extreme heat. By the time August rolls around, I am praying for a change, and the coming of fall is a great relief.
For meteorologists, the first day of the season – called “meteorological fall” – is always Sept. 1, and it continues through Nov. 30. Scientists do this to simplify their record keeping regarding temperatures, rainfall and other factors and to make it easier to compare data across different years.
Of course, Alabama and the rest of the South will still be boiling hot on Sept. 1, at least during the day. And the first day of astronomical fall – based on the earth's position in relation to the sun – comes with the vernal equinox, which doesn't occur until Sept. 22.
However, if the typical weather pattern holds, the temperatures should come down a bit after Labor Day weekend – at least at nighttime – thereby providing a little relief. By mid-October, the temperatures should drop considerably, even during the day.
I love it when the weather gets cooler. We won’t be constantly pouring sweat and feeling drained by the heat. Most of us sleep better, as well. After all, hot, humid nights make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of our sleep, meaning we wake up feeling tired, cranky and
uninspired. It’s a real pleasure to go to bed in cooler weather and to crawl between some blankets.
In the fall, I seem to experience a whole new lease on life, even as another calendar year draws rapidly to its close. I have a lot more energy and feel motivated to take on new projects. My brain even seems to work better when I’m not fighting the heat.
When the summer heat and our usual plague of pesky mosquitoes both subside, it’s actually fun to go outside again – to walk or just to sit in a lawn chair and read a book.
The air becomes crisp and cool, and the leaves begin to turn all sorts of gorgeous shades. We also experience such sensory delights as wood smoke and fallen leaves.
And of course, what is autumn in the Deep South without college football? True fans already have these dates imprinted on their brains, probably, but the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers play their first home games on Sept. 6, and the UAB Blazers open their season at home at Protective Stadium against Alabama State on Aug. 28.
So get ready for kickoff, look forward to the cooler weather, and enjoy the season.
Eulogy For the American Newspaper
I miss the newspaper. Before the internet. I’m talking physical newspapers. The kind you unfold.
I miss the morning routine of it all. Walk to the end of the driveway, barefoot, pre-sunrise. Messy hair. Morning breath. Unsheath the newsprint from its plastic. Soy-based ink on your fingers. That low-grade, wood-pulpy newsprint smell.
Also, I miss the design of a newspaper. A newspaper is a work of organizational art. The broadsheet layout, headlines, dropheads, bylines, datelines, section numbers, and… (Continued on A3).
I miss shaking open the paper with a grand gesture, organizing each section on my table, reading pages in a specific order: Funnies first. Sports next. Then, senseless acts of politics.
I miss the corny car-dealership ads. And the ultra-serious advice columns, with headlines like: “Help, my daughter says I wear ‘granny panties,’ what should I do?”
I miss the Far Side.
I miss low-quality photography, op-ed columns written by the extremely self-righteous, crossword puzzles, the classified section, and the “errata” section—I doubt people even know what that is anymore.
I used to deliver newspapers with my mother. Our lives revolved around newspapers. We have hurled—seriously—tens of thousands of papers in our lifetimes.
We serviced the majority of the continental United States in Mama’s little Nissan Altima with a heater that smelled like recently produced cat poop.
At two in the morning, sitting in her front seat, we rolled each copy into a giant enchilada, shoving each paper into a plastic wrapper, while drinking enough coffee to concern a cardiologist.
We delivered to expansive neighborhoods, subdivisions, business districts, apartment complexes, 2,000story beach condos, newspaper
machines, hotels, you name it.
But do you know what my favorite part was?
My favorite part of the delivery process came toward the end of our shift. It would be sunrise. Old folks would be standing in driveways, awaiting delivery. The newspaper was THAT important to them.
Mister Oleson stood at his mailbox while his Shih Tzu, Buddha, sniffed each blade of grass before ceremoniously peeing on it.
Mrs. Reynolds, my old Sunday school teacher, waited at the end of her driveway, wearing a mumu, hair in rollers, arms crossed, angrily tapping her foot, scowling, and just generally scaring the crap out of anyone within eyeshot.
And there was this deep feeling, even at my young age, that what we were doing mattered. Delivering the paper mattered. Because the newspaper was essential to my people. It sort of made us a community. It kept us all on the same page, so to speak.
After all, EVERYONE read the paper. And I think that’s what I liked about it most. People weren’t as divided as they are today. It didn’t matter if you were Catholic or Protestant. Democrat or Republican. Black, white, brown, or otherwise. University of Alabama fan, or the other kind. Truck-stop waitress or corporate CEO. Steelworker or financial advisor. Gated community resident or trailer trash, like me. Male or female. Old or young. Everyone read the paper. It was OUR newspaper. We all owned a piece of it. Because, hey, we were all in this together.
Sure, we disagreed about what was in our paper. Absolutely, we didn’t always feel warm and fuzzy toward each other. We were vicious opponents sometimes. But you know what? We all did the same crossword puzzles. We all read the same TV-guide schedules. We all clipped the same coupons.
The internet can never replace that for me.
SEAN DIETRICH
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
Campfire S’Mores Cupcakes
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. Food Blogger,
TIP
Skip the homemade marshmallow frosting by swirling some whipped vanilla frosting that comes in a tub next to the cake mixes.
These Campfire S’mores Cupcakes made their debut at my son’s Eagle Scout court of honor many years ago—because after years of campouts, badge-earning, and burnt marshmallows, cupcakes felt like the least I could do!
This shortcut version is made with a cake mix, so no merit badge in baking required.
If you're feeling fancy, the from-scratch vanilla cupcake version can be found over at GritsAndGouda.com.
These are perfect for a back-to-school bonfire or anytime you want that s’mores flavor without building a fire.
Ingredients
CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS
1 (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 (7 ounce) Hershey’s chocolate bar
MARSHMALLOW FROSTING
(Also Called 7 Minute Frosting)
Yield: about 4 cups
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
CUPCAKE INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare 24 cupcakes with cake mix, eggs, water and oil according to package directions on the box. Cool completely.
MARSHMALLOW FROSTING
1. Stir together sugar, egg whites, 1/3 cup water and corn syrup in a medium-size metal or heat-proof bowl. Beat at low speed of a hand mixer until combined. Create a double boiler with a saucepan and a metal bowl: Pour enough tap water in the bottom of a medium-size saucepan to reach a depth of ½ inch. Bring water to a boil; place the bowl with sugar mixture over the saucepan.
2. Beat at high speed of the hand mixer right in the bowl over the saucepan for about 7 minutes over medium-low heat or until stiff peaks form. Be careful of the electrical cord near the stove.
Remove the bowl from heat; add vanilla and beat just until combined. Use immediately because it will start to firm up quickly like marshmallows.
Spoon marshmallow frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large round decorating tip or spoon about 2 tablespoons onto the cupcakes and swirl with the back of the spoon-or just spoon and swirl it on.
Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs generously onto the frosting immediately and press a chocolate bar piece into the top of the frosting.
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.
Dollars for CARA, aid from Milo’s
by JESSE CHAMBERS
The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA), an economic development agency based in Fairfield, specializes in helping entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses. The agency learned recently that it will receive greater financial support from the Jefferson County Commission. At its July 22 work session, commission members improved an increase in the economic development funds to be given to CARA from $100,000 to $120,000 for the coming year, according to a county newsletter. Members approved the same sum for the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA).
Both CARA and HICA “well exceeded” what they were expected to do with the funds they received in 2024, said Jeff Traywick, economic development professional in the county manager’s office, according to a July 22 story by birminghamwatch.org. For example,
Traywick said CARA was projected to serve 75 small businesses and perform 10 oneon-one mentorships but actually served 300 businesses while doing the 10 mentorships, the outlet reported. For more about CARA, call 866-965-7272 or go to caranow.org.
Helping out
Milo’s Tea, based in Bessemer, paused production at its Tulsa, Oklahoma plant in mid-July to help provide disaster relief to
survivors of the horrific July 4 Texas floods. “Our neighbors in Texas need clean drinking water more than anything else right now, and disaster relief is something we feel strongly about,” said Milo’s CEO Tricia Wallwork on LinkedIn. Five trucks with 124 pallets carrying more than 119,000 bottles of Milo’s bottled water arrived at the San Antonio Food Bank in San Antonio, Texas, on July 13, according to News on 6 KOTV in Tulsa.
Sweet treats
Bessemer has a new, family-friendly ice cream parlor. Unbothered Scoops held its grand opening in late May at 2231 19th St. N., according to its Facebook page. Owner Lawrence Jackson sought to create a fun, relaxing, family-friendly environment. Unbothered Scoops features outdoor space and lots of games. “We have families that use this place as a means of escape, and it’s just one of those experiences you won’t want to miss,” Jackson told Bham Now. 205-4342593. “Unbothered Scoops” on Facebook.
Coming back strong
United Textiles, a popular home decor outlet, reopened recently in downtown Bessemer after a fire that destroyed the business’s original location. Owners Steve, Glenda and Glennis McDonough celebrated their soft reopening on July 19 – exactly one year after the fire – according to a post at the store’s Facebook page. The new store is located at 1912 Second Ave. N., across the street from the previous location at 1917 Second Ave. N. Steve McDonough was very pleased by the public’s response to the reopening. “The first day was good, better than I expected,” McDonough said, according to a July 24 story at Bham Now. According to its website, United Textiles carries area rugs, fabrics, curtains and a wide selection of furniture, as well as mattresses, pillows and bedding. They also have home decor, including mirrors, wall art, lamps and shades. At press time, the owners were planning a grand reopening for August 16, according to their Facebook page. 205-4286271. unitedtextileshome.com or facebook. com/unitedtextileshome.
United Textiles recently reopened in downtown Bessemer after a fire in 2024.
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM/UNITEDTEXTILESHOME
Unbothered Scoops
PHOTO FROM UNBOTHERED SCOOPS FACEBOOK PAGE
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Spend
Fall arts preview
by JESSE CHAMBERS
West Jefferson County is not usually thought of as a hotbed for the arts, but at WestJeff Magazine, we believe there are lots of creative people in the area who deserve more attention. That’s why we’re presenting this Fall Arts Preview. It includes all of the information we were able to gather by press time regarding arts and cultural events in the area this season. If your arts or school group is not included, reach out to us as far in advance as possible with information regarding your events. We’ll include them in our monthly Events Calendar. We’ll also run a Spring Arts Preview in our January 2026 issue. Write to us at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
PLEASANT GROVE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE
The PGHS Theatre Department, under the direction of Taylor B. Chatman, will present its production of the play “Hello Shakespeare,” a fast-paced comedy, at PGHS Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 30, and Friday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. “Hello Shakespeare” is described as an entertaining way to introduce student actors and their audiences to the wonderful world of Shakespeare. A narrator and her irreverent helper comically provide a brief biography of the playwright, who appears
in protest to make sure they get the details right. Drawing from Shakespeare’s histories, comedies and tragedies, a grand parade of the Bard’s most famous characters follows. They humorously reenact brief moments from the plays and recite famous lines in iambic pentameter while the impish helper, now dressed as Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," creates mischief. Tickets will be sold at the door and will be $5 for adults and $3 for students. For updates and information, go to Pleasant Grove High School Theatre Department at Facebook or to instagram.com/pghstheatre_.
HUEYTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
The fall performance schedule at HHS includes the Hueytown High School Talent Show on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be $5 at the door. The Hueytown High School Choral Department will present its winter concert on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The Hueytown High School Band Program’s winter concert is set for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. The school’s winter musical is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. Admission will be $10 at the door. More details regarding the musical are TBA, according
Taylor Chatman (center), director of the Pleasant Grove High School Theatre Department, with some of her students in January 2025.
PHOTO BY BRITTANY FIELDS
Wanda Har
Community News
to Jordan Hare Banks, the school’s theatre director and show choir co-director. For updates and information, go to Instagram @ hueytowntheatre and @hueytownchoir.
HUEYTOWN ARTS COUNCIL
The Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market will return for its second year in 2025 thanks to the Hueytown Arts Council (HAC). The market will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hueytown Family Recreation Center at 1348 Hueytown Road. Attendees can shop local vendors, sip cocoa and get their jingle on. “The Arts Council has done a fantastic job bringing festive fun, local shopping and holiday spirit to our community,” Debbie Kiker, an HAC board member and director of the Hueytown Chamber of Commerce, told WestJeff Magazine. “The market’s quickly becoming a Hueytown tradition.” For more information, including registration for vendors, go to hueytownarts.org.
HUEYTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE
The HCT plans to hold auditions for its production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” on Sept. 4-5 at 5 p.m. The show dates for the play are Nov. 20-22 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. The theatre will hold auditions for its Christmas cabaret on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m., and will present the cabaret on Dec. 12-13 at 6 p.m. The HCT will have more announcements later regarding other productions, according to Katsy Sellers, chairman of the Hueytown Arts Council theater committee. For updates and information, go to hueytownarts.org or facebook.com/hueytownarts.
Other Community News
Jameis Winston, former quarterback for Hueytown High School, and Heisman Trophy at Florida State University in 2013 and current NFL player, returned to Hueytown High School on July 19 to host the Winston Dream Forever Youth Football Camp, according to media reports. “We’re going to encourage these kids to always keep big dreams and dream unimaginable things, so that one day, it could become possible,” Winston told WBRC Fox 6 News. He also held a leadership summit at HHS on July 18, according to ABC 33/40 News. Winston currently plays for the New York Giants.
Birmingham's first-ever poet laureate, Salaam Green, has been named one of 23 recipients of the Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship, which awards a total of $1.1 million to support creative, community-driven poetry projects across the country. A resident of West Jefferson County, Green will travel to Washington, D.C. in September to present work from her forthcoming collection, “The Other Revival.”
NFL quarterback and Hueytown native Jameis Winston with the New Orleans Saints in 2021.
BY WIKIMEDIA USER ALL-PRO REELS, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CC BY-SA 2.0
PHOTO BY BRITTANY FIELDS
Katsy Sellers, chair of the theatre committee of the Hueytown Arts Council.
Health & 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
BY
Have fun this fall, boost your brain
Welcome, dear readers, to our monthly Health & Wellness section. I’ve really enjoyed writing these articles, but I’m certainly no wellness expert. I’m not a doctor, nurse, nutritionist or counselor. I’m just a guy in his 60s who’s trying to feel better and to stave off the worst effects of aging. I read articles and watch videos on these topics so I can take better care of myself. Then I share what I learn with y’all.
This month I have one simple wellness tip of my own that I will offer you – have fun. That’s not very scientific, but I think it makes a lot of sense. After all, if stress is one of the most serious health challenges we face in this busy world, how better to relieve stress than by having some good, clean fun?
As I note in this month’s West Beat column, fall arrives officially at the end of September, and I truly hope it brings some cooler weather. Here are some things I’d love to do for autumn fun when the extreme heat is gone.
Take a road trip to the mountains in North Alabama and enjoy the leaves as they change colors.
Go for a hike or run when it’s not so hot that I want to die.
Go apple picking, then bake an apple pie. Or I may bake some hot bread or a cake.
Gather around a firepit in somebody’s backyard at night with a bunch of friends and enjoy the smell of wood smoke.
Lie in the yard on a blanket on a clear night and watch the moon and stars.
Throw a frisbee in my backyard with friends on a cool Sunday afternoon
You can create your own fun activities, of course, but find them, for sure. Relax and enjoy the Fall.
Boost your brain
Studies show that exercise can significantly improve many aspects of brain function, including cognitive abilities like attention, executive function and memory, according to Linda Overstreet-Wadiche, a professor at the UAB Department of Neurobiology.
“Exercises that raise your heart rate such as walking, running or yard work enhance plasticity and neurogenesis, both of which promote brain health adaptability and growth,” Overstreet-Wadiche says in a story published in July at uab.edu/news. “Physical activity also improves blood flow to the brain, which helps it use energy more effectively.”
“Regular physical activity also improves brain resilience and recovery from stressful experiences,” Overstreet-Wadiche says.
In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation or environmental enrichment also support brain health. OverstreetWadiche suggests, among other steps, that we stay socially and intellectually active and explore new activities that challenge us and allow us to learn new things.
In fact, both physical exercise and environmental enrichment independently support brain plasticity and neurogenesis, so it’s good to combine the two, she says. For example, you can take a walk while listening to a podcast or engage in social activities that involve both movement and conversation.
WIKIMEDIA USER JACKM135. OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0
Finding a hobby, like an art class, can help your brain age in a healthy way.
Healthy aging
There are many steps that people can take to cope with aging in a healthy way, according to Robert Mankowski, an associate professor in the UAB Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care.
“One important determinant of healthy aging is remaining independent physically and cognitively as we get older,” Mankowski says in a story published in July at uab.edu/ news. “While it is important to take care of your body starting early in life, it is never too late to become mindful of your activity, nutrition, sleep and cognitive function.”
We should exercise regularly – at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week – and should set small, reachable goals. “These small sustainable changes will add up with time, which will positively influence one’s healthy aging,” Mankowski says.
It's helpful to take part in fun, productive activities as we age, such as taking an art class or volunteering. “Identify a hobby that can involve you physically and mentally,” he says.
We can help maintain our cognitive health –the ability to think, learn and remember clearly – by challenging our brains daily. Mankowski says that people can solve puzzles, read books or play complex games that offer a mental challenge.
People who stay connected with their family, friends and others through social
activities can avoid isolation and loneliness and help support cognitive function.
Of course, eating a healthy diet – with whole foods and as few ultraprocessed products as possible – is important for people of any age. A good diet can help reduce the risk of obesity and many chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. We should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
As with exercise, we should start with small dietary changes and build on them, according to Mankowski. “We know that a diet rich in ultra-processed food is detrimental to our health and thus contributes to unhealthy aging, so maybe the first step could be replacing major ultra-processed foods with whole foods,” he says.
“Focus on lifestyle changes that are going to be easier for you to maintain in the long term,” he says.
“We know that a diet rich in ultra-processed food is detrimental to our health and thus contributes to unhealthy aging, so maybe the first step could be replacing major ultra-processed foods with whole foods,” Mankowski says.
BY WIKIMEDIA USER SIEBBI. CC BY-SA 3.0
BY WIKIMEDIA USER GREENMARS. OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0
Go ahead. Relax. Lie on a blanket and look up at the stars.
Autumn leaves are one of the pleasures of the cooler fall season.
The road back home
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Young people are often disenchanted with their hometowns, and many of them move away in search of opportunity, excitement or a chance to find themselves. Greg Glover, who grew up in Birmingham, including Hueytown, was one of them. “When you're young, the world is out there, and I wanted to go and experience more than what I had,” he said.
After college in the 1990s, Glover moved to New York City and worked in the music industry, He later moved to Portland, Oregon, where he works as a rock n’ roll radio DJ, hosting “Alternative
Mornings” on KNRK-FM and the afternoon drive on classic-rock station KGON-FM. He met his wife, Alana Jevert-Glover, in Portland and owns a home there.
But he was gradually drawn back to Birmingham and Hueytown. “Life is funny,” Glover said. “I spent most of my life fleeing my hometown and now can’t wait to come back and visit.”
Glover’s actually done more than visit. “I purchased a house in Hueytown during the pandemic on the street where I grew up going to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and Hueytown Elementary and now
JOHN ELROD PHOTOGRAPHY
Greg Glover, who grew up in Hueytown and Birmingham, is a radio DJ in Portland, Ore. who has the best of both worlds –living in Portland but spending part of his time in Hueytown and doing his radio shows remotely.
spend a good portion of my time back there,” he said.
He enjoys the best of both worlds – living in Portland and visiting Hueytown, where he works remotely. During the pandemic, ”remote working became more normalized even for people in radio,” he said. “It's neat to be able to periodically host a morning show for Portland all the way from my place in Hueytown.”
Glover tells WestJeff Magazine about what made him want to leave home and the factors that drew him back. He talks about Alana, his life in Portland and his other creative projects. He also shares how visiting Hueytown frequently has allowed him to begin processing some difficult childhood memories.
Glover was raised by his single mom, Marcia Jones, a hardworking nurse. They lived in Southside, then Hueytown, and finally in Homewood. “My mom was awesome. She was great,” Glover said, but added that his childhood wasn’t easy.
During their time in Hueytown in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Glover was between the ages of 8 and 14, his mom had remarried. “My home situation wasn't the best due to a not-so-nice stepfather who made things very unpleasant,” he said. “I would escape it by listening to the radio, riding my motorcycle or playing sports.”
He recalls some favorite spots. “I liked riding my motorcycle in the woods in the Westdale section where we lived, playing KISS pinball at Pasquales Pizza or video games at Terry’s Quik Sack,” he said. “I loved going to Showbiz Pizza in Midfield and Westlake Mall in Bessemer.” He also enjoyed spending time with his maternal grandparents in Hueytown – he called them Nanny and Papa – the late Helen and Clay Jones.
As a teen, Glover got a start in radio as a fill-in DJ at two Christian radio stations, WAYE-AM and WCRT-AM. He graduated from Homewood High School, where he played baseball, in 1987. He graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1995, studying English literature and American studies.
LEFT: Greg Glover and his 15-year-old rescue dog Biscuit in the studio at KNRK-FM in Portland, where he hosts the “Alternative Mornings” program.
BELOW: Glover and his wife, Alana Jevert-Glover, visit the beach with Biscuit. Glover met Alana in Portland.
Then he made the move to New York City. “I waved goodbye to Nanny and Papa as I pulled out of their driveway in Hueytown and headed for the airport,” Glover said. “I'd never seen my grandfather shed a tear until that day. I was equally scared and excited, but I was ready for an adventure.”
New York was “another world from how I grew up, and I loved it,” Glover said. He worked at London/Slash/Sire Records in publicity, promotion and A&R. He also started a record label, Arena Rock Recording Company, that he still owns.
However, New York wasn’t his forever place. “It never really felt like home to me," Glover said. This was especially true after the 9/11 attacks. Plus the internet was radically changing the music industry, with consumers downloading music for free on Napster. In late 2001, Warner Brothers Records closed the division where Glover worked.
“I saw the writing on the wall,” Glover said. “I wasn't going to land a similar position in the future. I had some severance built up and knew it would go further somewhere other than New York.”
COURTESY OF KRNK-FM
COURTESY OF GREG GLOVER
I purchased a house in Hueytown during the pandemic on the street where I grew up going to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and Hueytown Elementary and now spend a good portion of my time back there.”
—GREG GLOVER
This led him to Portland, which he visited – and really liked – in 1997. “At the time, it had a certain underdog vibe to it, which I loved.” He moved there in 2004 and later met and married Alana JevertGlover, who teaches art and language arts at a public charter high school. “She’s the sweetest person I’ve ever met,” he said.
Alana’s also a great partner for Glover, who’s very outgoing, risk-taking and adventurous. “She’s super-creative, too, but more reserved,” he said. “We’re a good yin and yang.”
Another big part of Glover’s life is Biscuit, the 15-year-old “rescue mutt” he found on the Oregon Humane Society website. “Alana and I went to visit him, and we immediately fell in love with his personality,” Glover said. “We don't have children, so he's been an important part of our lives.” Biscuit, who receives co-billing on Glover’s morning radio show, has “traveled with me back to Alabama more than my wife has,” he said, laughing.
Glover’s grandparents passed away years ago, and his mom moved to North Carolina about 10 years ago to be near one of his sisters. This
meant he had no close family members left in the Birmingham area. Glover said he also “hadn't dealt with some of the early childhood inner turmoil, so my way of dealing with it was turning my back on it at the time.”
However, Glover and his mom would often discuss their time in Birmingham or Hueytown. Then an opening came for him to return home. During the pandemic, Glover became a realtor “as a side gig,” he said. He found an online listing for “a cool Craftsman-style house in Hueytown that looked like something you'd see in North Crestwood but for a fraction of the price.
“I thought it would be a place for my mom and me to spend time together and reconnect, so I took out a loan on my home in Portland and purchased it for us,” he said. However, his mom’s health issues make her unable to travel. “So I joke that I own a vacation home in Hueytown, Alabama,” he said.
It’s psychologically healthy for Glover to come back and visit Hueytown. “I’m going back and dealing with some emotions that I didn’t deal with – and wasn't able to deal with – as a child,” he said. “My visits back have helped me to process my history there on my own terms, in my own space, and that makes me happy.”
“People
He also appreciates Hueytown, where he says people look out for each other. “People there are just good neighbors, no matter what,” he said.
In addition to his life with Alana and his work in radio, Glover keeps busy with other creative projects. He hosts a radio show and podcast in Portland called The Bottom Forty, featuring underground music, that’s also on Birmingham Mountain Radio. He and a friend recently opened Paul’s Boutique, an independent record store in Portland. At his record label, he’s working on releasing a retrospective of recordings by the late Country Boy Eddie, a Birmingham country musician and TV host.
Glover also enjoys being a DJ. “I didn't choose the most stable career path being in the music business, and then radio, but it sure beats digging ditches and has been a bit more exciting,” he said, laughing.
He ponders the amazing directions his life has taken.
“Getting into the music business was a dream and I did it,” he said. “Starting a record label was a dream and I did that. I've been lucky to have careers in two volatile industries, music and radio.”
And he ponders the passage of time. “I've now been in Portland longer than I've spent anywhere else, including Birmingham, which is often hard for me to comprehend,” Glover said. “But for me, ‘home’ will always be where I grew up, and that's Sweet Home Alabama.”
JOHN ELROD PHOTOGRAPHY
Greg Glover now owns a house in Hueytown, where he lived in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and likes the city’s small-town feel.
there are just good neighbors, no matter what,” he said.
BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO YOU
As summer winds down and routines pick back up, it’s easy to let your health fall to the bottom of the list We want to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, student athlete or just ready to feel better in your body we’re here to help you move with strength and confidence
At herapy outh, our therapists provide personali ed care to help you:
✔ elieve pain
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3004 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr. Hueytown, AL 35023 (205) 744-9993
✔ eturn to the activities you love ✔ revent future issues with smart movement strategies
Don’t wait for pain to slow you down Scan the QR code to schedule an appointment so you can be ready for fall activities, too!
Hueytown High School Students attend International HOSA Conference in Nashville
Over the summer, a group of talented students from Hueytown High School proudly represented their school at the 48th annual Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) International Leadership Conference in Nashville. These enthusiastic future health professionals engaged in a diverse program of educational workshops, competitive challenges and leadership sessions. They competed alongside peers from across the country, networked with health-science students from almost all 50 states and international chapters, and gained first-hand exposure to current issues in healthcare and medical careers. Hueytown’s delegation impressed the school community with their dedication, professionalism and passion for service.
West Jefferson High Schools September Football Schedules
PLEASANT GROVE HIGH SCHOOL (7pm)
Sept. 5: vs. Paris (Home)
Sept. 11: @ Daingerfield
Sept. 19: vs. Kilgore (Homecoming)
OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL (7pm)
Sept. 5: vs. Calvary Baptist Academy (Home)
Sept. 12: @ Crossett
Sept. 19: vs. Red River (Home)
Sept. 25: @ Rayville
HUEYTOWN HIGH SCHOOL (7pm)
Sept. 5: @ Mountain Brook
Sept. 12: vs. Paul Bryant (Home)
Sept. 19: @ Bessemer City
Sept. 26: vs. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (Home)
MCADORY HIGH SCHOOL (7pm)
Sept. 5: @ Northridge
Sept. 19: vs. Brookwood
FAIRFIELD HIGH PREPARATORY SCHOOL (7pm)
Sept. 5: @ Pleasant Grove
Sept. 12: vs. Tarrant(Home)
Sept. 19: vs. American Christian Academy (Home)
Sept 26: vs. Selma (Home)
BESSEMER CITY HIGH SCHOOL (7pm)
Sept. 5: @ Brookwood
Sept. 12: vs. Central (Home)
Sept. 19: vs. Hueytown (Home)
BY WIKIMEDIA USER MATTHEWHENRY, CC0
Students competed in AAU Junior Olympics
Three talented young women from Pleasant Grove High School represented Alabama at the 2025 AAU Junior Olympic Games held July 20–Aug. 2 in Houston. Meagan Hurst competed in shot put and javelin, Katelyn Dunn ran in the 4x400 relay, and Amiyah Doaty raced in the 4x100 relay.
Jefferson County to launch NAF Academies of Finance at Center Point and McAdory High Schools
The Jefferson County Board of Education has announced the official launch of NAF Academies of Finance at Center Point High School and McAdory High School. With all launch-year requirements successfully completed, both schools have achieved active academy status. NAF’s Academy of Finance introduces students to the world of financial services through a curriculum including entrepreneurship, banking and credit and financial planning. The students are able to explore and prepare for careers in finance.
Jefferson County Schools to provide free meals for all students through Federal Program
The Jefferson County School District is making it easier for students to access nutritious meals by participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025–2026 school year. Through this federally funded program, part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, all students in the district’s 56 schools will receive free breakfast and lunch each day—no applications, no fees. This initiative helps remove barriers to learning by ensuring every student starts the day nourished and ready to succeed.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Now Available in all 67 Alabama Counties
The entire state of Alabama is now fully covered by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Every child from birth to age five can now be registered anywhere in Alabama to receive free, high-quality, age-appropriate books delivered to their homes each month at no cost. The Imagination Library is a worldwide literacy initiative that has gifted over 200 million books since 1995 with the goal of inspiring a love of reading and helping children build their own personal library even before they enter kindergarten. This initiative was inspired by Parton’s father's inability to read. Register your child at imaginationlibrary.com.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Amiyah Doaty
Western Area Events
Sept. 1: 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
Sept. 1: 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
Sept. 2: Hueytown Board Of Zoning Adjustments. 4:30-5 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Board meets the first Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov
Sept. 2: 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
Sept. 2: 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. 205-428-954.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Hueytown Harvest Farmers Market. 3-7 p.m. 3050 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive, Bessemer. At Hueytown Harvest, everything on sale is grown, raised or made by farmers, ranchers, beekeepers, makers and artisans in Alabama. Open Tuesdays only, rain or shine. hueytownharvest.com
Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24: District 8 Walking Group. Birmingham Crossplex, 2331 Bessemer Road. Each Wednesday 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
Sept. 8-10: Hueytown High School Homecoming Week. Hueytown High School, 4881 15th St. Road. 205-379-4150. jefcoed.com/o/hueytownhs
Sept. 8: 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
Sept. 9: 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
Sept. 9: 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
Sept. 9: 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
Sept. 11: 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
Sept. 13: Hats on for Education Brunch. 10 a.m. Bessemer Civic Center, 1130 Ninth Ave. SW, Bessemer. This new event –sponsored by UNCF Birmingham – will honor local leaders and raise funds to help students attend and graduate from HBCUs. At the
BY WIKIMEDIA USER JEFF KRUGH. CC BY-SA 4.0
Everybody loves a farmers market. Check out Hueytown Harvest Farmers Market on Tuesdays.
Debardeleben Park in Bessemer. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission meets each month.
brunch, the first-ever UNCF “HAT” (Helping All Thrive) Award will be awarded to people whose leadership and service embody UNCF’s mission of expanding access to higher education and opportunity. 205322-8623. uncf.org/local-offices/Birmingham
Sept. 13, 20 & 27: Free Fitness in the Park. 9 a.m. Hueytown City Park, 104 Forest Road, Hueytown. Join instructor Kim Dobbs for a variety of free fitness sessions including cardio and stretching, kickboxing, choreographed drumming and pilates. Bring a mat and water. This event is free to the public and is sponsored by the Hueytown Area Chamber of Commerce. 205-491-7010. hueytownchamber.com
Sept. 15: 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
Sept. 15: 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
Sept. 16: 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. 205-4244060. bessemeral.org
Sept. 16: Munch and Mingle. Business After Hours: 6 p.m. The Local, 3135 Warrior River Road, Bessemer. Enjoy a casual evening of networking among local businesses. 205-491-7010. hueytownchamber.com
Sept. 16: 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.
Sept. 16: Hueytown Planning & Zoning Commission. 5-6 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. This nine-member board, appointed by the mayor and City Council, meets on the third Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov
Sept. 16: 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
happens Amazing
When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.
Childrens AL •org
DOWNTOWN MAIN CAMPUS 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233
We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale Pediatrics Hoover. Call 205-987-4444 to schedule an appointment.
STAFF PHOTO
Events Calendar
Sept. 18: 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
Sept. 20: Under His Wings Women’s Conference. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Faith2Walk Church, 4500 Katies Way, Bessemer. Join women from across the community for this women-focused conference, which will feature vendors available for attendees to browse before, during and after the event. Admission is $25. faith2walkchurch.org
Leon Bridges will perform with country artist Charley Crockett in Birmingham.
Sept. 21: Marvel City Family Fun Fest. 2 p.m. Debardeleben Park, 1623 Second Ave. N., Bessemer. Enjoy family activities, bounce houses, food trucks, vendors and community resources. The fifth annual event is designed to celebrate community, creativity and fun. Admission is free. 205-425-3253. bessemerchamber.com
Sept. 22: 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. cityofmidfield.com
Sept. 23: Bessemer Historic Preservation Commission. 5:30 p.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Historic Preservation Commission, established by city ordinance, helps identify,
protect and preserve Bessemer’s historic properties and districts. The Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. bessemeral. org/bessemer-historic-preservation-commission
Sept. 23: 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
Sept. 25: 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
Sept. 28: Paw Palooza & Wiener Dog Race. 2-5 p.m. Hueytown City Park, 104 Forest Road, Hueytown. Enjoy wiener dog races, furbaby costume contest, Strut Your Mut Parade, kids zone, food trucks and other vendors. Presented by Hueytown Chamber of Commerce. 205-491-7010. hueytownchamber.com
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
BY ERINTHEREDMC. CC BY 2.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM/JAMESMCMURTRY
Praised by Rolling Stone, songwriter James McMurtry will play at Saturn Sept. 5
Other Area Events
Sept. 3-21: “Wicked.” Showtimes vary. BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. Wicked will come to Birmingham as part of the Broadway in Birmingham series, with a limited engagement of 24 performances, featuring Jessie Davidson as Elphaba and Zoe Jensen as Glinda in the traveling national production of the Tony-winning musical. 205-458-8400. bjcc.org
Sept. 5-6: Birmingham Artwalk. Various locations downtown. Artwalk is a two-day arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s downtown into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children’s activities. Admission is free. 205-918-7670. birminghamartwalk.org
Sept. 5: James McMurtry. 8 p.m. Saturn Birmingham, 200 41st St. S. McMurtry is an acclaimed rock, folk and Americana singer, songwriter and guitarist. Rolling Stone called him “one of America’s greatest living songwriters.” His new album is “The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy.” Tickets are $32.29. 205-703-9546. saturnbirmingham.com
Sept. 10: James Taylor. 7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., The legendary singer-songwriter will perform in Birmingham as part of his “An Evening with James Taylor” tour. The opening act will be Tiny Habits. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Sept. 13-14: Phish. 7 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N. The veteran rock and jam band Phish will be in town for two days. Phish released its 16th album, “Evolve,” in 2024. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Sept. 13: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. 8 p.m. Iron City, 513 22nd St. S. Ingram is an acclaimed blues, rock n’ roll and R&B guitarist from Clarksdale, Mississippi. He’s recorded or performed with such artists as Buddy Guy, Keb Mo and Rick Derringer. Tickets start at $41. ironcitybham.com
Sept. 17: Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett 7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett are co-headlining “The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour” with both artists performing their own sets. Bridges is known for his soulful R&B and smooth melodies. Crockett is a country-blues artist with an outlaw vibe. Also performing are Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Sept. 18: Nelly with Ja Rule. 7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheatre. 2350 15th Ave. N., Nelly, a popular rapper, brings his “Where The Party At World Tour” to Birmingham with guests including Ja Rule, Eve, St. Lunatics, Chingy and Jermaine Dupri. coca-colaamphitheater.com
Birmingham Artwalk is back with art, food and music downtown Sept. 5-6.
Songwriter James Taylor will appear at Coca-Cola Amphitheatre Sept. 10.
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM/ARTWALKBHAM
BY WIKIMEDIA USER ELIZABETHFORMA. CC BY 2.0
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pain holding you back?
Our team of orthopedic specialists are here to help.
Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon Welcoming Jay Fitts, MD
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
