IN PHOTOS
Pleasant Grove
Christmas parade page 15
FINGERLICKING good
Smucker's new plant opens in McCalla page 14
OGHS band perseveres to win state championship page 18
ValYou Care™
by ArchWell Health
A Better Approach to Primary Care
Have you ever wondered why some doctors spend so little time with their patients?
Healthcare providers often charge a fee for each service. That puts pressure on doctors to see as many patients as possible. No wonder people feel like their doctors don’t have time or don’t listen to them.
With ValYou Care™ from ArchWell Health’s, YOU are your doctor’s number one priority. Their job is to keep you healthy—NOT just treat you when you’re sick. By taking a more preventive approach to your health, we catch small problems before they become serious. And keep you active doing the things you love longer.
On the Cover Staff
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
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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.
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Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
Left to right: Connor Allen, trumpet section leader, Aubrey Blair, drum major, Kaden Haggard, band captain. Read the story starting on page 18.
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
The West Beat
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Happy January, and welcome to 2025. This month in The West Beat, I want to talk about New Year’s resolutions – those promises we make to ourselves to eat right, exercise more or take better care of our finances, among other common goals. But I have to limit the topic. I’m not interested in big-picture musings on the meaning or importance of resolutions.
The column is also not about goal setting or creative visualization – even though those are important, compelling topics. Instead, I want to share some of the advice I’ve found online about the how — the gritty, practical HOW — of actually fulfilling your goal or goals for 2025.
After all, studies show that very few people keep their New Year’s resolutions. Only 8% of people stick with their resolutions for even one month, according to a survey conducted in 2023 by the Forbes Health/One Poll. Just 9% of Americans keep their resolutions throughout the year, according to a study published in 2024 by Drive Research.
It seems that we could use some help in sticking to our resolutions and fulfilling our hopes and wishes for the kind of people we’d like to be.
Here are some of the tips I found from online experts.
Scripps Health recommends that we choose only one or two goals per year. “Making too many resolutions can set you up for failure,” according to scripps.org.
We are also urged to “start small, but be consistent,” the Scripps website states. “Keep it simple and focus on one step at a time toward your goal.”
Cigna Healthcare tends to agree. People should “start with small goals” and make those goals “specific and measurable,” according to cignaglobal.com.
We should also make a specific “action plan” to achieve our goals, the Cigna website states. “Make sure you also determine the when, where, and why of your vision.”
Harvard Health at health.harvard.edu recommends that you break your “big dreams” into small steps that “move you forward to your ultimate goal.”
“So break hard jobs down into smaller line items, and enjoy breezing through the easy tasks first,” the Harvard site says.
Accountability is a critical element in keeping our resolutions, according to virtually every expert. “Sharing your resolutions with people you trust helps keep you accountable,” says scripps.org.
“Make yourself accountable through a written or verbal promise to people you don't want to let down,” says Harvard
Health. “That will encourage you to slog through tough spots.”
In short, there is a lot of good, solid advice out there to help you stick to your resolutions and to make real change in your life.
Based on my personal experience in trying to change my life for the better, I have come to value a holistic approach. In other words, I like to focus on making the desired improvements in my life a part of my routine each and every day. Setting specific goals that have to be accomplished by a certain day, week or month is less important to me.
I figure that if I’m checking off my daily goals – for example, sticking to my diet, exercising, drinking more water and working on personal writing projects — they will become part of me.
And if I stick to these new, positive habits, the bigger goals – writing a screenplay, for example – will take care of themselves. “Make your new goals a priority and schedule them into your calendar,” Scripps Health urges. “Form good habits. Eventually, your workouts, healthy cooking, or meditation will become second nature, and you will feel uncomfortable if you don’t do it.”
If you’ve made New Years resolutions, good luck. And remember. Don’t beat yourself up. Just do the best you can and stick with it. You will be glad you did.
MARIETTA WICKS
A Few Resolutions
I’m making changes this year. Little changes. The big changes never last. It’s little ones that stick. So, I’m going to start by making my bed every morning.
When I was a kid, my mother believed, firmly, that making the bed set the tone for each day. So, each morning I let her make my bed.
But now that I’m older, I’ve decided to make our bed every morning. Namely, because my mother believed that a man who makes his bed won’t ever be too disappointed in himself inasmuch as he accomplished at least one task today.
I’m also vowing to practice moderation. It will be my policy to drink only one beer at a time.
Another change I’m making: I’m going to play with my phone less. Phones are time-suckers. So, I’m not going to play on my phone. Instead, I’m going to spend quality time playing on my wife’s phone.
I’m going to eat more bacon. Life is too short to deprive oneself of bacon. A woman named Susannah Mushatt Jones of Brooklyn, New York, lived until age 116. She ate a serving of bacon every day. But frankly, I don’t want to live to 116, so I will also eat queso dip to offset things.
I’m going to give to homeless people more often. Every time I drive past a homeless guy, I think to myself, “He’s just looking for drugs.” But my conscience knows better. Addicts need lunch, too.
I’m going to do more meaningful stuff this year. I don’t exactly know what that means, but I mean it.
I’m going to run some 5Ks or 10Ks, for good causes. I’m going to do this because I enjoy running, because I like meeting people, and, above all, because there is usually free beer at the finish line.
I’m going to attend more baseball games. My old man died young, and a few nights before he died, he said, “Let’s go to more ballgames next season.” I never forgot that.
I’m going to have more fun and not apologize for it. More fishing trips. More camping trips. And I’m finally going to get around to that honey-do list. In fact, I’m going to write the list right now, so my wife can get started.
I’m going to laugh more. And if I can’t laugh, I’m going to make someone else laugh. And if I can’t make someone laugh, I’m going to play on my wife’s phone.
More pizza. More pasta. Less salad. I’m going to make an effort to enjoy tiny moments in my life. Not just the big ones. I mean the happenings that I never pay attention to. The taste of chocolate. The smell of summer rain. Colonoscopies.
I’m going to tell people I love them. Not just family and friends, but anyone who crosses my path. I’m going to call old friends more often. I’m going to say yes more than I say no. I’m going to worry less. And whenever I catch myself worrying, I’m not going to worry about it.
And if I can’t do any of the above because I’m too uncommitted, too undisciplined, or just flat lazy, I’m not going to be disappointed in myself.
Because at least I made the bed this morning.
SEAN DIETRICH
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
Buying Time
Yesterday I was at my wits’ end with the people in my house. It was too cold to be outside and no one could agree on anything inside. My 10-yearold has all kinds of attitude right now and my five-year-old makes it his personal mission to bother his older brother…who in turn bothers him…and then, well, everybody bothers me.
So, I told my husband I was heading out for a bit, ya know, to cope. I needed a moment to myself before this crazy train left the station for good. I’m sure some people take medicine or go for a walk or entertain any number of bad habits, but when things get a little hectic in my house, I just need to go mosey—around HomeGoods.
I grab a coffee and stroll around. Then, I’ll head to my favorite thrift or antique store. Probably not the healthiest habit either, but it helps me reset. No one is yelling or testing my patience. No one is talking to me at all. I’m not expected to do anything other than push a buggy. I’ll pass moms on every aisle doing the same as me.
I just mosey around and think about baskets and lamps and what I’d like to do to our home at some point when I have more money. Sometimes I buy something, but a lot of times I don’t.
I think my husband thinks these outings are about shopping. He never asks or cares what I buy, honestly. He probably thinks my good mood upon returning is due to something in a bag. If that was the case, I would shop with friends. But I shop alone.
Because I’m really just buying myself time. Time alone. Time to chill out and regroup and head back home as a better mom.
So, here’s to however you buy yourself time. Just take it, enjoy it, and don’t feel guilty about it. When you take care of yourself, it’s so much easier to care of everyone else.
PS: If you find yourself in HomeGoods, I’ll probably be one aisle over.
xoxo,
Holy Moly Motherhood
Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 10 and 5), nurse anesthetist, and writer in Birmingham. She shares her writing at Holy Moly Motherhood (on Facebook and Instagram), where she tackles all things motherhood and marriage.
PHOTOGRAPH
ALANA SMITH
Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Even if we don't have snow in Alabama in January, it is still cold... at least on many days.
Nothing says "cozy" like a warm bowl of potato soup, even if you are wearing shorts under that crocheted throw or blanket, while your curled up on the couch!
My Loaded Baked Potato Soup piled high with all the toppings you would put on a baked potato, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and bacon, fits right in that cozy scenario!
Ingredients
5 baking potatoes (about 2.5 pounds)
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
8 slices uncooked bacon
2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
½ cup chopped onion
cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole or 2% milk
2 cups chicken broth
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup sour cream
Optional toppings: Green onions, chives, sour cream, avocado, jalapeno peppers
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.
Store baked or airfried potatoes in a zip-top container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days until ready to make the soup.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400º F. Wash potatoes; prick several times with a fork. Rub with oil. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender; let cool.
When ready to make the soup, cook bacon in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon from the pot and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon in the pot.
Add butter to the bacon drippings.
Melt butter and add onions. Cook onions, stirring often, until soft.
Remove the pot from the heat. Make sure the butter mixture is not bubbling. Gradually stir in the flour until smooth. Return the pot to medium-low heat. Cook the flour mixture for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low or remove the pot from the heat.
Gradually stir in the milk and broth, whisking constantly. Increase the heat to medium and stir constantly until slightly thickened. See NOTE to avoid lumps. Add salt and pepper. Soup will thicken even more when potatoes and cheese are added.
Cut each baked potato in half lengthwise and scoop out potato with a spoon. Reserve potato skins for Baked Potato Skins or discard. Chop potatoes on a cutting board or slightly mash potatoes in a bowl. I like to keep chunks of potatoes but some like them mashed. Add potatoes to the soup in the pot.
Bring mixture up to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly just until potatoes are thoroughly heated.
Crumble bacon. Stir in three-fourths of the bacon, 6 ounces of shredded cheese and sour cream and stir until cheese is melted and soup is thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and cheese. Add other toppings as desired.
Booming McCalla welcomes $1.1 billion Smucker plant
McCalla is growing rapidly, boasting such impressive projects as the $400 million UAB Medical West Hospital, which opened in August.
On Nov. 7, the community celebrated the grand opening of its biggest project yet – a new 900,000-square-foot, $1.1-billion manufacturing facility for The J.M. Smucker Co.
The plant is located on 230 acres along the Old Tuscaloosa Highway, according to media reports.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Mark Smucker, the company’s president, CEO and board chair, cut the ribbon on the facility, where J.M. Smucker will ramp up production of one of its most popular products, the Uncrustables frozen sandwiches. Numerous state and local officials attended the plant’s grand opening, including Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens and Othell Phillips, the executive director of the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority. The governor and the other officials at the event touted the
project’s positive economic impact, including new jobs. "For Alabama, we benefit from a $1.1 billion with a B dollar investment that can ultimately bring up to 700 good jobs,” Ivey said, according to ABC 33/40 News.
The opening of the new plant “is life-changing for this community” and is part of a dramatic “transition from rural Jefferson County to a manufacturing Mecca," Stephens told ABC 33/40.
"This is the biggest plant we've built, the largest capital investment we've ever made,” Smucker told the station. Phillips called the new facility “a sweet deal” for the region, and officials said that the $1.1 billion from J.M. Smucker is the largest initial investment in the county’s history, according to public radio station WBHM.
The new plant is a key part of J.M. Smucker’s efforts to continue to build its sales of Uncrustables, which was launched more than 20 years ago. “We have grown Uncrustables from a $12 million brand to one delivering approximately $800 million in annual net sales last fiscal year,” Smucker said in a company news release. “With the new facility now open, we are well positioned to realize our goal of $1 billion in annual net sales by the end of fiscal year 2026.” "Our Uncrustables brand is one of the fastest-growing brands in the food industry,” said Rebecca Scheidler, the company’s senior vice president and general manager for frozen handheld and spreads, in the news release. Scheidler cited such factors as the product’s quality, convenience and “delicious flavor combinations.”
“It's America's favorite sandwich at lunchtime,” Mark Smucker told WVTM 13. “It's also our fastest-growing brand.” The industry publication Food Processing called the new McCalla plant “the latest big-ticket investment” by the company as it seeks to increase capacity and meet the demand for Uncrustables. The company expanded production at the original Scottsville, Kentucky, Uncrustables plant, added a new plant in Longmont, Colorado, in 2019, and then expanded the Longmont facility, the publication said.
The J.M. Smucker team at the new plant has sought to establish relationships with several community organizations, including Best Buddies in Alabama, Community Foodbank of Central Alabama, Miracle League of Tuscaloosa, United Way of West Alabama and Lawson State Community College, among others, according to the company news release.
At WestJeff Magazine, we seek to provide comprehensive coverage of business activity of all kinds in West Jefferson County, including developments in real estate, construction and infrastructure. Please send your tips, releases or other information to jesse@jbmcmedia. com.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE J.M. SMUCKER CO.
The new 900,000-square-foot Smucker manufacturing facility in McCalla. "This is the biggest plant we've built,” President and CEO Mark Smucker told ABC 33/40 News.
ABOVE: Mark Smucker, CEO, J.M. Smucker Co.
LEFT: A popular line of frozen sandwiches, the Uncrustables are one of the fastestgrowing brands for The J.M. Smucker Co.
2025 Pleasant Grove Christmas Parade
The City of Pleasant Grove held their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 7. 42 groups had entries in the parade, and it was well-attended. The parade organizers gave three awards:
BEST IN CAR Union State Bank
BEST FLOAT
Hispanic Association of Pleasant Grove
BEST IN PARADE
First Baptist Church, Hope Community Ministries
Health & Wellness
Welcome to the second installment of our Health & Wellness pages, 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
10 wellness tips to enjoy your winter season
This month in Health & Wellness, we seek to help you cope with the winter.
Granted, the climate in Alabama is fairly mild, but the cold months – even in the Deep South – can take a toll on your physical and mental health. This can be especially true after the holidays, which are fun but also very busy and, at times, even stressful.
Here are some wellness and lifestyle tips for the cold months, some of which make sense throughout the entire year. Use them in good health.
Have a wonderful, prosperous New Year and a mellow, enjoyable winter season.
Don’t forget your water
And yes, experts say you should drink your water each day. Your body needs it.
The experts at Mayo Clinic recommend that you drink about eight glasses of water each day to remain properly hydrated.
“A glass of water with and between each meal can keep you hydrated, healthy and ready to fight off any germs,” according to the clinic’s website.
Staying hydrated is important to our health. According to the American Heart Association website, even minor dehydration is linked to difficulty concentrating, poor memory and bad moods. Chronic
dehydration can help contribute to such health problems as diabetes and kidney disease.
If you don’t like the taste of water, flavor it with mint leaves or slices of fruit, such as lemons, limes or oranges. You can also drink sparkling water or seltzer instead of plain water.
Be a germ fighter
Wash your hands. The Mayo Clinic and others say that washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading common winter illnesses, such as colds.
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER KURT KAISER. OWN WORK, CC0
Put away your phone. Turn off the TV. Light a candle. Relay, pray, meditate.
Eating strong
One way to guard against sickness in cold weather is to be proactive and eat a healthy diet. For example, many experts cite the value of eating lots of root vegetables, such as beets, carrots, turnips and sweet potatoes. Root vegetables are high in fiber and vitamins C and D and can help support your immune system. Look for foods with the nutrients that support your body's defenses, especially in the winter.
Sleep tight, rest easy
A good night’s sleep has lots of health benefits, experts say. For example, sleep can help fight off sickness and germs. But if you’re like a lot of people, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done.
The Mayo Clinic experts urge you to avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, daytime napping and large meals, all of which can disrupt your sleep.
Many experts recommend that we turn off our televisions and put away our cell phones and other devices for at least an hour prior to bedtime to help us turn off our brains and rest better.
Stay active
The experts at the Mayo Clinic say that you cannot allow your exercise habits to slide during the winter, due to rain or cold. “Remember that regular activity can keep you healthy, both mentally and physically,” they say.
Even if it’s rainy or cold, you can go to the gym. And these days, workout apps or online exercise programs are great ways to exercise without leaving home.
The Cleveland Clinic website suggests getting in some extra steps, even at work. You can take the stairs, not the elevator, for example. If you work at a desk, you can try chair yoga or keep resistance bands and light weights at your desk.
Protect yourself
Ensuring you’re up to date on all your immunizations – especially the flu vaccine and the recently updated COVID-19 vaccines – is very important in the winter. The Centers for Disease Control say that it’s especially important to get your updated COVID-19 vaccine if you are 65 and older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19 or have never received the vaccine.
Just breathe
Meditation is an ancient practice that involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. You can meditate to relax or to reduce stress and anxiety, and modern diagnostic testing shows that meditation can positively affect your brain and mental health, the clinic says. An online search will quickly point you to numerous meditation techniques for beginners.
Take a moment
Take some time each day to just relax or meditate or reflect. Light some candles. Draw a bath. Pamper yourself. And dream of the end of the dark days of winter and the coming of spring.
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER ANDOU. OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Oak Grove High School Band continues 'tradition of excellence'
BY JESSE CHAMBERS
The Oak Grove High School Band boasts a long, rich history. The band has won six state championships, more than any other program in Alabama, according to Josh Meyer, OGHS band director. So it perhaps comes as no surprise that the 116-member OGHS band won the 2024 Class 4A AMBC state championship in a competition at Jacksonville State University on Nov. 2. The competition is conducted by the Alabama Marching Band Championships.
But while OGHS won yet another title, “It was far from a normal season,” Meyer said. “Early in 2024, my wife Marthalyn was expecting our first child, but our son was diagnosed with spina bifida,” he said. Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't develop properly in the womb.
Meyer was forced to miss the end of the 2023-24 school year at OGHS, and he missed the first three weeks of the band season last summer, while he and Marthalyn traveled to Houston to deliver the baby at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Those weeks in the summer are the critical early part of the 20-week band season when Meyer and his staff help the students create their new show. “Needless to say, it was an extremely rough start to the season,”
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
Left To Right: Connor Allen, trumpet section leader, Anna Gugel, assistant band director, Joshua Meyer, band director, Aubrey Blair, drum major, Kaden Haggard, band captain
Meyer said. But the OGHS band staff and students and boosters worked hard to adapt to Meyer’s absence and lead the school to yet another state title.“Through it all though, the band was able to persevere and still come out on top,” Meyer said.
Meyer discussed he and his family’s personal health journey this year with WestJeff Magazine. He and other OGHS band staffers and students also shared the story of a truly epic band season.
It was a time when the OGHS band community lived up to what Meyer said is the band’s slogan – “A tradition of excellence.”
Band legacy
Meyer was born and raised in Decatur but went to high school in Michigan before getting a scholarship to attend The University of Alabama. He met Marthalyn while they participated in the Million Dollar Band, the university’s marching band.
He earned a degree in music education at the UA in 2017, and Marthalyn got a degree in nursing. In summer 2023, Meyer completed his Masters in Music Education at Florida State University.
This is Meyer’s eighth year as a teacher and his fourth year at OGHS. He has been director during four of the band’s state championships.
Meyer has been a band director at other places. “I have seen what makes them successful,” he said. “The secret ingredient at OGHS is the legacy that we’ve got." For example, he has a student who won
a John Philip Sousa Award, and the student's father won the same award in 1998. Before that, the student’s great-grandfather was band booster president.
"That's functionally four generations of band kids,” Meyer said. "We’re talking decades of people believing that music education is important, and you can’t replicate that anywhere else without that foundation being established.
“It's a community that supports the band,” he said. That community would certainly have the opportunity to step up during the 2024 season.
Chances for a title
Despite the band’s regular success, Meyer did not necessarily expect the OGHS band to win another title in 2024.“I didn't think it was going to happen this year,” Meyer said. “First, sustained success is extremely difficult. Doing anything over and over at the same level is extremely difficult.” In addition, "The level of competition was much higher than we’ve ever experienced before," he said.
Then there was his absence at the beginning of the band season, which begins with band camp in July. “I was MIA for three weeks,” Meyer said. “That’s 15% of your season without a head coach, essentially. That’s a lot.”
His missed weeks also created a manpower shortage. “There’s only a five-person staff, so losing one person is massive,” Meyer said. “The
Sustained success is extremely difficult. Doing anything over and over at the same level is extremely difficult.”
Despite missing its director
Josh Meyer for part of the 2024 season, the Oak Grove High School Band won another state championship with its challenging show "A Fast Machine.' Photos courtesy of Josh Meyer.
amount of ground that we lost was substantial at the very beginning of the season. ”The OGHS staff also includes Anna Gugel, the band’s assistant director, and Donna McKinney and Rebecca Hope, who serve as color guard sponsors.
'A Fast Machine'
The band’s signature show for the 2024 season was "A Fast Machine.” The show “centered around a working, retro-style race car prop we built,” Meyer said.
Harkening back to the golden age of racing, the show centered around the human need for technological progress in a thrilling race against time, according to a show description. The band explored concepts of speed and mechanical invention.
The band used the following music in their show: “A Short Ride in a Fast Machine” by John Adams, “Shifted” by Jolynn J. Chin and “Go the Distance,” from the 1990s film “Hercules.”
“The show music this year was the toughest I had ever given to a group,” Meyer said, calling the John Adams piece “extremely difficult.” “Josh and I had discussed at length that we wanted to challenge the students,” Gugel said. Even when Meyer had
to leave, he and Gogel “didn’t want to back any of it down because everyone was too excited,” she said. “The students were definitely ready for it.”
Flying to Houston
In January 2024, the Meyers learned that Marthlyn was pregnant. At her 20-week anatomy scan, doctors found some abnormalities.
“We found out officially on May 10 that our son had spina bifida, which was the night of the preceding school year annual band banquet,” Meyer said. “I had to tell the graduating seniors that I would not be at their graduation because we had to fly to Houston.”
Mathalyn and their unborn son underwent prenatal surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital in a newer procedure that has been available for less than a decade, Meyer said.
Spina bifida affects the spinal cord and can impair neurological and, especially, motor function.
“The point of the prenatal surgery is to help preserve some of that function,” Meyer said.
Big challenge
2024 was only the second season with OGHS for Gugel. When Meyer was away, the biggest challenge for Gugel was to step into his role as the director. “There is still a lot that I’m learning to become a great teacher, and I had to figure it out a lot faster than I anticipated,” Gugel said.
The start of the season was "a trial by fire for" Gugel, Meyer said. Gugel had “to be two people at once, which she did amazingly at,” said Kaden Haggard, an OGHS senior who served as band captain and marched the trumpet for the 2024 season.
The staff and the students pulled together and worked hard to make the season possible, Gugel said. Without that effort, “The season would not have been possible,” she said.
“We put more responsibility on our [student] leadership than ever and they stepped up,” she said.
Gugel said that she’s very proud of the students for the way they handled the season. “Not only were they hard working and eager to do well, they showed incredible grace,” she said. “Every mistake I made, they acknowledged and moved on.”
Gugel "deserves a lot of kudos for how well she was able to keep everything together," Meyer said. In addition, the band booster organization “stepped up,” hiring college music-education students to help out at evening rehearsals, Meyer said.
"Our student leadership really stepped up as well," he said. For example, the leadership team "took extra steps to make sure they were acting as adjunct staff" and helping out younger band members.
'Not missing a beat'
McKinney and Hope are long-time co-workers on the OGHS staff. McKinney has served for 40 years as dance director, and Hope has served for 30 years as guard director.
The Oak Grove High School Band's staff and students worked hard to uphold their traditions in 2024 despite adversity.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH MEYER
HOUSEHOLD DROP-OFF 2025 EVENTS
Both McKinney and Hope spent seven years as members of the OGHS, which is a 6th-12th grade program.
“Rebecca and I work closely together ‘tag teaming’ the dance and guard programs,” McKinney said.
The OGHS staff has faced “similar situations” through the years when directors were dealing with family or health concerns,” McKinney and Hope said in an email.
This summer, as always in those situations, staff members “work ahead as much as possible” to avoid falling behind.
In addition, the women had done some prep work for the fall show with their groups in the spring.
“The dance and guard girls didn't miss a beat,” McKinney and Hope said. “They actually won their captions at every contest they attended.”
'Also a family'
“I had the honor of seeing what a team of leaders can really do if they are left to the elements,” said Haggard regarding his fellow students this past season.
“Under all the pressure our program went through, our (student) leadership team really lifted a huge weight off everyone’s shoulders by being a light in all the confusion we faced early on,” Haggard said.
Head Drum Major Aubrey Blair, an 11th grader at OGHS, said that Meyer’s absence was “definitely tough, especially for it being my first year as a drum major,” Blair said.
“I was anxious that I might let the band down, but I kept telling myself to rely on all of my training,” Blair said.
In the end, the band rallied and worked together.
“Our band is a tradition of excellence, but we‘re also a family,” Blair said. “We fought so many battles during the season. Nobody was left alone. We always lifted each other up.”
Never giving up
The 2024 season presented the OGHS band with challenging competition, for sure.
The OGHS band had a great winning percentage during Meyer’s first three seasons, but this past year was tougher, he said.
“Every single contest we finished second in our class, but the kids just never gave up," Meyer said.
“We had some tough competition this year, and the students really gave it their all,” Gugel said.
At the championship Nov. 2, Meyer gave the students “a pep talk,” he said. "I told them, 'It's about us versus us. You can't compare yourself to someone else. You have to have your best show.' And they did. Some stuff just clicked in that last week. It was the best show all year by leaps and bounds."
Mom and baby
Meyers' son, Finn, was born in August and was doing well at three months old, when we spoke to Meyer. In December at Children's of Alabama hospital, Finn had a VP shunt placed to drain any excess fluid from his brain.
"But other than that, he's doing fantastic," Meyer said.
The prenatal surgical procedure in Houston several months ago went well, with a neurosurgeon telling the Meyers that it was one of the best spinal repairs they had ever seen at the hospital. In fact, Finn is now showing good signs of movement and motor function. "He is a baby with spina bifida and can wiggle his toes,” Meyer said. “All things considered, we are doing really well,” he said.
A win to remember
It was certainly gratifying for the OGHS band to win the state championship after all these challenges.
“Seeing all of the hard work and long days pay off definitely brought me a few tears," Gugel said.
“We did it together,” Blair said. “In my eyes, it was our greatest victory because we had given that last performance everything we could.”
“After all the trials we faced, being able to perform an amazing program...at state competitions was truly an out-of-body experience,” Haggard said. “The feeling of excitement and anticipation during those last couple sets in the closer will be remembered forever. Never has it felt so rewarding to be a part of another group.”
In seeing the hard work that went into this championship, McKinney and Hope said they were "reminded again of the long tradition of excellence" at OGHS.
"Our students are resilient and always so supportive of our efforts," they said. "The Oak Grove people, our school, and the band, dance and guard programs have faced many challenges through the years and this fall's situation was met no differently."
Band director Josh Meyer and Assistant Director Anna Gugel challenged band members with very difficult music to learn for the 2024 season.
Photo courtesy of Josh Meyer
Hueytown Intermediate
Welcomed
District Attorney Washington
The students and faculty of Hueytown Intermediate School were honored recently to host Lynneice Washington, who serves as the District Attorney for the Jefferson County 10th Judicial Circuit in Bessemer. Washington spoke to the fourth- and fifth-grade students at the school about the consequences of bullying and the importance of internet safety. A resident of the Bessemer Cutoff, Washington made history in 2016 by becoming the first Black woman in Alabama to be elected as a district attorney.
Felecia Burrell Named McAdory Elementary Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to Felecia Burrell for being recognized as the October Teacher of the Month at McAdory Elementary School. Her colleagues noted that not only does she provide exceptional opportunities for her students, she serves as the Title I Parent Involvement Coordinator, which requires organization and communication between parents and faculty in addition to her regular duties.
Hueytown Middle School Cheerleaders
Place at Competition
Congratulations to the Hueytown Middle School Cheerleading Squad for placing second in the Jefferson County Cheer Exhibition – Small Division. The cheer exhibition was held at Mortimer Jordan High School, which is located in Kimberly.
Hueytown High School Theatre Student Awards
Congratulations to Hueytown High School theatre students who recently competed and received recognition at the district Walter Trumbauer Festival. Silvana Dibenedetto received a superior rating in the Dramatic Monologue category. Gracie Lafoy received a superior rating in the Dramatic Musical category and excellent in the Original Works category for monologues. DeJaii Anderson received an excellent rating in the Comedic Musical category. Phoenix Southall received an excellent rating in the Playwriting and Dramatic Musical categories. Gracie Davis received an excellent rating in Varsity Playwriting.
McAdory High Students Win Awards at Exceptional Art Show
Congratulations to students from McAdory High School for being recognized as award recipients at the Jefferson County Exceptional Art Show. There were more than 300 art works submitted across the county and five of our MHS students were selected.
Pleasant Grove Theatre Students
Receive Recognition at Festival
The Pleasant Grove High School Spartan Showstoppers achieved remarkable success at the District Walter Trumbauer Festival, earning 16 superior ratings and four excellent ratings. Award winners included: Alana Williams, Amiyah Hall, Kyla Caffey, Kayla Burroughs, Airella Williams, Eriana Ealons, Aniya Daniels, Jekeoti Williams, Kamryn Ward and Kayla Lewis.
Oak Grove Elementary Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony
Oak Grove Elementary School hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony to honor veterans within the community. The school recognized family members of students who have bravely served our country.
Oak Grove Elementary Student Wins Award in Poster Contest
Congratulations to Oak Grove Elementary student Isla Glaze for winning third place in the Jefferson County Farm-City Poster Contest. Glaze was honored at the 2024 Farm-City Banquet, which was held in Gardendale and sponsored by the Jefferson County Farmers Federation and the Alabama Farmers Foundation.
new production of “Annie,”
Western Area Events
Jan. 6: 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.
Jan. 6: 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.
Jan. 7: Hueytown Board Of Zoning Adjustments. 4:30-5 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov.
Jan. 7: 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.
Jan. 7: 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.
Jan. 9: 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.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: District 8 Walking Group. Birmingham Crossplex, 2331 Bessemer Road. 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
Jan. 13: 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.
Jan. 14: 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.
Jan. 14: 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.
Jan. 14: 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.
A
one of the most popular Broadway musicals, will come to the BJCC Concert Hall from Jan. 14-19.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN THEATRE GUILD
Jan. 16: 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.
Jan. 20: 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.
Jan. 20: 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.
Lawrence will present his new stand-up show – “Y’all Know What It Is!” – at BJCC Legacy Arena on Jan. 18.
Martin
Legacy YMCA in Bessemer presents numerous exercise classes for members, including swimming, aerobics, yoga and Zumba.
RIGHT: Joe Gatto is a comedian and TV star who recently toured for two years with his stand-up solo show. FAR RIGHT: The Birmingham Boat Show will fill the BJCC Exhibit Halls downtown with the latest in boats, motors, fishing gear and outdoor gear from Jan. 23-26.
Jan. 21: 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.
Jan. 21: 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.
Jan. 21: 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.
Jan. 21: 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.
Jan. 23: Jefferson County Commission - Bessemer. 9 a.m. Criminal Justice Center, 1851 2nd Ave. N., Bessemer, AL. 205- 325-5300. jccal.org.
Jan. 27: 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.
Jan. 27: Bessemer Beautification Board. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The city’s Beautification Board meets on the fourth Monday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org.
Jan. 28: Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Council typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, however this month the meeting will be held on the second and third Tuesday, due to the holiday schedule. 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 selfpublishing. Activities for children include a toddler playgroup and Pre-K storytimes. 205-428-7882. bessemerlibrary.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RUSSELL MARINE
Events Calendar
BJCC Legacy Arena will play host to professional bull riding with the PBR Velocity Tour on Jan. 4.
Other Area Events
Jan. 4: Professional Bull Riding Velocity Tour. 7 p.m. BJCC Legacy Arena. 1898 Ninth Ave N. Rising young bull-riders and established stars go head-to-head with powerful bucking bulls in this high-energy PBR competition. The event is part of the PBR’s Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour. For more information or tickets, go to bjcc.org.
Jan. 9: Sleeping Beauty. 7 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. N. This production of Tchaikovsky’s classic take on the shimmering fairy tale will be performed by the internationally acclaimed State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine and choreographed after Marcus Petipa. $110. 205-252-2262. alabamatheatre.com
Jan. 10: Mike Super Magic & Illusion. 7 p.m. Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at ASFA, 800 19th St. N. Mike Super is the winner of NBC-TV’s “Phenomenon,” and a finalist on “America's Got Talent.” His other TV appearances include “Fool US” and “Ellen.” $35. For more information or tickets, go to djdtheater.org/artworks.
Jan. 10. Joe Gatto. 7 p.m. The Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. N. Joe Gatto is a comedian best known from the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” Most recently, he toured for two years with his stand-up solo show “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy.” Also appearing will be Mark Jigarjian, a New Yorkbased writer and stand-up comic. For tickets, call 205-252-2262 or go to alabamatheatre.com.
Jan. 10 & 11: Birmingham Squadron. Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. The Birmingham Squadron, the city’s professional basketball team, is part of the NBA’s G League and is affiliated with the New Orleans Pelicans.All home games are played at Legacy Arena. The Squadron will take on Capital City Go-Go on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. The Squadron also has these home games in January: Jan. 19, 3 p.m.--Wisconsin Herd; Jan. 21, 7 p.m.--Wisconsin Herd; Jan 25,
PHOTO COURTESY OF PENDLETON WHISKEY VELOCITY TOUR
PHOTO COURTESY OF DUSTY SLAY ON FACEBOOK
Popular Southern comic Dusty Slay, known for his blue-collar humor, will appear at the historic Lyric Theatre on Jan. 17.
6 p.m.--Indiana Mad Ants; Jan 26, 5 p.m.--College Park Skyhawks; and Jan. 30, 11 a.m.--Memphis Hustle. Tickets range from $3 to $182. For more information, go to birmingham.gleague.nba.com.
Jan. 14: Free Wellness Check. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Woodlawn Library, 5709 First Ave N. This UAB-sponsored wellness check is free, and no insurance is required. 205-595-2001. Attendees must register at pickatime.com/lhsamobilewellness.
Jan. 14-19: Annie. BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N. This is a new national touring version of “Annie,” the long-popular Broadway Musical. For information and tickets, go to americantheatreguild.com/birmingham.
Jan. 17: Dusty Slay. 7 p.m. The Lyric Theatre, 1800 3rd Ave. N. The popular Southern stand-up comic with the long hair and trucker hat will come to Birmingham as part of “The Night Shift Tour.” Slay is known for his observational, blue-collar humor and bold statements. For information or tickets, call 205-252-2262 or go to lyricbham.com.
Jan. 18: Martin Lawrence. 8 p.m. BJCC Legacy Arena. 1898 9th Ave N. “Y’all Know What It Is!” is the veteran actor and comic’s new stand-up show. The special guest will be Rickey Smiley with Loni Love and Benji Brown. To buy tickets, go to bjcc.org.
Jan. 19: Jazz Vespers. 5-6 p.m. St. Mary's on the Highlands Episcopal Church, 1910 12th Ave. S, St Mary's presents this service of readings, reflection and jazz featuring local Birmingham musicians. Admission free. For more information, call 205-933-1140 or go to stmarysoth.org/
Jan. 23-26. Birmingham Boat Show. BJCC Exhibit Halls, 1160-1582 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. The Birmingham Boat Show highlights the latest in boats, motors, fishing gear, guides, outfitters and outdoor gear. For times and tickets, visit birminghamboatshow.com.
Jan. 24-25: Alabama Symphony Orchestra. 7 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. The ASO will present an HD screening of the film, “Star Wars: A New Hope,” while performing John Williams’ Oscar–winning score live with the full orchestra. For information and tickets, go to bjcc.org/upcoming-events.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show on Earth. BJCC Legacy Arena. 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203.The all-new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus – still billed as “The Greatest Show On Earth” –is an all-ages, family-friendly event. Acts this year include trapeze artists and extreme BMX riders. For tickets and information, go to bjcc.org/ upcoming-events. For more about the circus, go to ringling.com.
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