Riverkeeper groups team up, clean local waterways PAGE 18
Local veterans recall their time serving PAGE 22
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Jesse Chambers
In honor of Veterans Day, we talked with local veterans to reflect on their time in uniform. U.S. Army veteran Marvin Smith (pictured above), who s erved in Korea, is one of our featured veterans. Read the story starting on page 22.
It’s almost Thanksgiving, a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and kick off our celebrations of the holiday season.
During Thanksgiving, we can savor the cooler weather, share our favorite foods and beverages and create happy new memories with the people we care about.
However, the most important aspect of Thanksgiving is perhaps the most obvious –to express gratitude for all of our blessings.
What am I thankful for? So many things, really. There are people around me who seem to really love and care about me. That is a blessing, for sure.
There’s a roof over my head each night while many other people are experiencing homelessness.
So far in my life, I’ve been blessed with good health.
I am grateful to have a gift for writing that I can use to support myself.
There are many other blessings I could name, but the point is that I’ve been very lucky.
However, I think that I could still find ways to actively increase my reservoir of gratitude and to draw from it more deeply and effectively each day of my life.
After all, living with a grateful, thankful
attitude has been shown in numerous studies to contribute to our overall mental and physical health.
Here are some techniques to help cultivate a positive attitude and to be thankful each day for the good things in our lives.
Keep a gratitude list or journal
In a gratitude journal, you take a few minutes each day to write down some of the good things you’ve experienced. In a gratitude list, you write down the aspects of your life that you are thankful for – while being as specific as possible. Either technique is a way to force you to focus on the positive and make the blessings in your life more concrete.
Enjoy the little things
Don’t take even the smallest pleasure for granted. Take a minute from your busy day and focus on something you’ve enjoyed or something nice you’ve experienced. It can be a nice sunset, a simple but tasty meal or a long walk.
Relish the moments
Don’t take happy times with your friends and loved ones for granted. Be conscious of these times as they happen – and not just big occasions, but small, everyday moments.
Learn to reframe
Reframing is a psychological technique that involves changing the way a person views a situation, experience or emotion, and we can all put it to use. Even when you face tough times or problems or challenges, actively look for the hidden good side. What can you learn from a situation? What lessons can you learn to do better in the future?
Change your perspective
No matter how unhappy you may feel at times, and no matter how many problems you may have, there are still probably lots of people who are worse off than you. There are people who are going hungry, people with terminal illnesses, people around the world living under oppressive political regimes. Count your blessings and try to find a solution to your own challenges.
Help others
Thanksgiving is also a great time to volunteer, which will make you feel better about yourself and help you appreciate how good you have it. Volunteer to serve food on the holiday. Make a donation. Get involved. Get outside your own head. You’ll be glad you did.
Helical Piers
Hurricane Helene
Dear God, today was a tough one.
If you’re listening to this prayer, Lord, we could use a little help down here. Where do I even begin?
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a category 4, with 140 mph winds. And all hell broke loose. The storm has taken at least 40 lives, across four states. That number will grow by the time this prayer reaches you, God.
The damage is unspeakable. The aftermath is shocking. It’s hard to watch the news. The images are downright—well—biblical.
Rescuers across the southeast are still rushing to free those trapped by the storm. Heaven only knows who’s still out there, waiting to be rescued. People are fighting for their lives, God. We’re talking about women and children.
Tampa is battered. Some areas of Florida are only reachable by boat. Cedar Key is beat up, with “water as high as the rooftops.” Keaton Beach. Steinhatchee. The whole Big Bend. Perry will be picking up the pieces for years to come.
And the hits keep coming, God.
Over 4.6 million without power across the southeast. In South Carolina alone, over one million customers are without power. That’s more than 40 percent of homes and businesses in the state.
There were two South Carolina firefighters killed, struck by a falling tree. They were just trying to save people, God. They were rescuing innocent victims. They lost their lives while helping others.
At least 17 people have died in South Carolina from Helene. And the number keeps climbing.
In North Carolina, it’s just as bad. Four people are badly injured after a tornado touched down in the Rocky Mount area.
There have also been mudslides, along with rivers of torrential floodwaters, washing out the interstates at the North CarolinaTennessee state line.
The death toll in Georgia has risen to 15. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed more than 1,500 workers. By late morning, emergency workers had already assisted in 400 rescues. Help them, God.
Tennessee has been suffering, too. Dozens were rescued by helicopter. Fifty-four people, staff and patients, were moved to the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital to wait for rescuers while water tore through the facility.
In Eastern Tennessee, thousands were evacuated after the failure of Waterville dam. Meantime, less than 100 miles away, the water was topping the Lake Lure dam. Water flows over the top of the Nolichucky dam near Greeneville at a rate of 30,000 cubic feet per second.
And that’s just scratching the surface, God. There are a lot of people who need your help right now. Maybe even people reading these very words on their phones.
Maybe these people are trapped in their homes, or camped out in some makeshift community shelter. Maybe they feel helpless, or alone, or lost. Maybe they’ve lost someone. Maybe they’ve lost everything.
I believe you can help them, God. I’ve seen you do it before. I know you can do it again. You once said that whenever someone needed something, all they had to do was ask. So, this is me, asking you for help.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
SEAN DIETRICH
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
Gratitude
It’s November, y’all. One of my favorite times of year.
The leaves are changing, and the Alabama humidity is in hibernation. The mornings are cool, and the coffee is hot. College football is in full swing, and it’s finally appropriate to eat soup and build a fire. The anticipation that Christmas is right around the corner— but it’s not so close that you feel overly frantic and need to shop and wrap all in a hurry.
November is just a touch easier. Less yard work. Less pressure to exercise and diet. More time for movies and baking pies (if I baked pies). November is a month to prepare, really. And to be thankful.
And this year, I want to focus on being more thankful. Intentionally thankful. It can be a challenge when the nightly news is frustrating and sad. And when everything is so dang expensive. Or when family gatherings loom and you know the air will be a little tense. This year, I’m choosing thankfulness despite all of that.
I’m thankful for the breath in my lungs. For the health of my two boys. For a warm bed and lights and clean water to drink. For the Thanksgiving meal that awaits. For second chances and old friends and Starbucks.
When we are thankful for the big stuff—family, health, food—then it’s easier to see all the small things as blessings as well and to not take them for granted. I am less bothered by daily annoyances when I remind myself of how blessed I truly am. And in return, I am more hopeful for the future. I recently read that gratitude is an “affirmation of goodness,” meaning that life isn’t perfect, but finding the good and being thankful for it shows gratitude. And I think that gratitude leads to happiness. I’m no expert, but I bet it does.
I hope your November is full of happiness, rest, and all the carbs.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 9 and 4), 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.
ALANA SMITH
In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips
Crockpot Chicken and Dressing Grits &
Gouda
blogger
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.
Ingredients
1/3 cup butter
2 large eggs
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen seasoning blend, thawed not drained (onions, bell peppers, celery)*
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or ground sage (optional)
1 (12-ounce) package toasted cornbread classic stuffing (I used Pepperidge Farm - 5 cups)
2 cups from a (12-ounce) package herb seasoned dried, cubed stuffing (I used Pepperidge Farm)
3 cups chicken broth
3 to 4 cups (2-inch pieces) cooked chicken. (I use rotisserie)
Instructions
Spray a 6- to 8-quart Crockot or slow cooker with cooking oil spray. Oval works best.
Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Otherwise, melt it in a small bowl and pour into the very large bowl. It can also be melted in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
Add the thawed onion, celery, bell pepper seasoning blend to the butter. Move this mixture to one side of the bowl. Lightly beat the eggs on the other side of the bowl, then stir it all together. Add the cream of chicken soup, poultry seasoning, and stir well.
Add the package of dried cornbread “stuffing” and the herb seasoned dried cubes of bread to the mixture. Stir just
until combined. Pour the chicken broth over everything and stir gently just until combined.
This is when I pull the chicken from the rotisserie chicken, so the mixture can sit 5 minutes. Add the pieces of chicken and stir gently just until combined.
Pour the dressing mixture into the greased Crockpot. Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 8 hours. It can be cooked on HIGH for 4 hours but I recommend the lower setting to have time to cook the vegetables and hydrate the dried cornbread and bread cubes and avoid overdone edges.
Visit the recipe post at GritsAndGouda.com for equivalent amounts of fresh chopped vegetables.
At WestJeff Magazine, we seek to provide comprehensive coverage of business activity of all kinds in Western 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.
Milo’s bottling facility, bridge reopens, new food truck
by WESTJEFF MAGAZINE STAFF
Bottles for the earth
Milo’s Tea Company recently opened a new bottling facility adjacent to its existing distribution center in Bessemer, according to a company news release and numerous media reports. Milo’s partnered with Altium Packaging to create the facility, which will manufacture all of the one-gallon containers of Milo’s Tea for the Milo’s facilities in Bessemer and Homewood. The company will produce bottles in Bessemer rather than transporting them from other manufacturing locations, thereby cutting emissions associated with transportation. The facility will serve as a pilot for sustainable, on-site packaging production at future Milo’s locations. Milo’s is well known for its many sustainability programs. For example, the company installed solar arrays in Bessemer and is a platinum-certified zero waste manufacturer, which means they divert 97% of waste from landfills. The new bottling facility began operating this summer, creating 35 new jobs, and a ribbon cutting was held in September. Milo’s investment in Bessemer began in 2002 when the company opened a distribution center measuring 30,000 square feet on the site of an old auto plant, according to the company release. Milo’s has invested about $65 million since then and grown its campus to almost 200,000 square feet on 50 acres.
New bridge
Jefferson County Roads and Transportation reopened the Parkwood Road Bridge over Shades Creek in Bessemer in mid-September, according to a county news release. In a project costing about $1.5 million, the county replaced the bridge’s badly deteriorating deck and did other paving and road improvements. The contractor finished the job early, the county said.
Get renewed
Beginning Oct. 1, Jefferson County business owners can now renew their state and county business licenses online. Nearly 1,000 businesses took advantage of the new service the first few days it was offered, according to the county’s electronic newsletter.
Business owners will still get a notice with forms in the mail, but it will direct them on how to renew online at SRT.jccal.org. If they use an e-check, credit card or debit card for their renewal, there is no extra processing fee. They can email questions to jeffcobusinesslicense@ jccal.org.
Birmingport improvements
Port Birmingham on the Locust Fork River is about 400 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and transports raw materials in and out of Jefferson County. The Birmingham-Jefferson County Port Authority broke ground in August for a new warehouse that will serve area manufacturers, according to media reports. The warehouse, at 8250 Birmingport Road in Mulga, will measure 25,000 square feet, according to AL.com.
The BJCPA partnered on the project with the city of Birmingham, the state of Alabama and
logistics company Watco. The new facility will allow local steel producers to access rail and waterway connections to markets and will have an economic impact of $1.2 million, AL.com reports. The warehouse will be situated near rail and waterway access, said Watco Sales Director Cody Gilliland. “This facility will enable in-state steel producers to expand into new markets with their finished products, addressing current logistical constraints,” Gilliland told businessalabama.com.
New Truck for GeGe’s
Angela Hollman, owner of GeGe’s Tasty Cakes & More in McCalla, held a grand opening for her new food truck on Aug. 31. The event was held at Elysian Gardens, an Avondale events venue, GeGe’s Tasty Cakes is known for a range of baked goods, including its Lemon Drops, which are bite-sized lemon cakes, and its 7-Up Pound Cake, which was endorsed by Rickey Smiley, a Birmingham actor, comedian and TV and radio host. For more information, go to facebook.com/ tastycakes00 or gegetastycakes.com.
Not so Big Lots
The Big Lots store in Bessemer, which is located at 710 Academy Drive, is scheduled to close, along with 291 other Big Lots stores nationwide, according to media reports. The company announced in August that it was closing the stores and announced in September that it is filing for bankruptcy. Private equity firm Nexus Capital Management is buying virtually all of Big Lot’s assets. Stores and websites were to remain open during the transition.
The new Parkwood Road Bridge in Bessemer, which Jefferson County reopened in September.
Black Warrior Riverkeeper reaches milestone in litter cleanup
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Litter harms rivers and streams in many ways. It can pollute the water, endanger wildlife and their habitats, and clog storm drains, which can lead to flooding. Litter also has a negative impact on communities that rely on waterways for tourism and recreation.
Birmingham-based eco-group Black Warrior Riverkeeper sought to combat the problem of litter in the critical Black Warrior River watershed by beginning its Volunteer Litter Cleanups program in 2021. The kickoff event was a Martin Luther King Day Cleanup held in conjunction with Cahaba Riverkeeper.
The volunteer cleanups have continued, and Black Warrior Riverkeeper announced recently that the nonprofit has reached a major milestone in the effort.
“We’re proud that thousands of our volunteers have helped us remove over 100,000 pounds of litter from the Black Warrior River
LEFT: Some of the trash that Black Warrior Riverkeeper volunteers have found in area waterways. Litter has numerous negative effects on rivers and streams.
BELOW: Volunteers at work in one of the many river cleanups held by Black Warrior Riverkeeper since 2021.
watershed,” Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper, told WestJeff Magazine.
Scribner said that several of the cleanups have been held in West Jefferson County, including such communities as Bessemer, Birmingport, Hueytown, Maytown, Mulga and Mulga Mines.
“We have collaborated with hundreds of cleanup partners, including businesses, civic networks, government agencies, nonprofits, religious organizations, and schools, to protect the Black Warrior River watershed,” Scribner said in a news release that described the genesis and history of the litter cleanups.
Protecting the Black Warrior River basin is important because it is home to over a million people and is a major source of drinking water for Birmingham, Bessemer, Cullman, Jasper, Tuscaloosa and numerous other cities.
The largest river watershed entirely contained in Alabama, it also supports over 180 freshwater species, including fish, mussels, turtles and snails.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLACK WARRIOR RIVERKEEPER
Despite the eventual success of the litter cleanups program, BWR was “not certain how long it would last or how robust it would be” when it began planning the program in late 2020, Scribner said.
Litter, including plastics, is a “widespread problem,” Scribner said, but BWR did not want to lose focus on its primary mission – the Riverkeeper Patrol Program through which it monitors waterways, investigates pollution reports and, when necessary, files lawsuits against polluters.
However, in late 2020, BWR hired a part-time employee, Katie Fagan, to run the cleanups program. She did a good job running the cleanups in a way that was sustainable for the organization.
LEFT and BELOW:
Volunteers with some of the tires, trash and other debris they pulled from waterways in the Black Warrior River watershed during cleanups sponsored by Black Warrior Riverkeeper.
Fagan organized cleanups with existing partners, such as The University of Alabama Center for Service and Leadership, and found new partners, including Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods of District 1.
BWR received an important grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to help support the cleanups, as well as a Birmingham City Council Resolution supporting the effort.
BWR eventually promoted Fagan to a full-time staff position as outreach coordinator while hiring a succession of part-time helpers for the litter cleanups, including Katie Holmes, Rosey White and Mary Allen Murray.
After Fagan moved to England in 2023, Katie Holmes became the organization’s new full-time outreach coordinator.
“I am thrilled that we have removed over 100,000 pounds of litter from our watershed, and I am grateful for the many thousands of volunteers that made this impact to protect our environment and our health,” Holmes said in the release.
“Hitting the 100,000-pound mark is more than a milestone – it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and community partners,” said Murray, who serves as the part-time volunteer coordinator for BWR.
“Every piece of litter removed brings us closer to a healthier watershed,” Murray said.
Because the Black Warrior watershed includes parts of 17 Alabama counties, BWR plans to organize and promote cleanups all over the river basin, from Smith Lake to Lake Tuscaloosa and all the way to Demopolis.
”100,000 pounds is just the beginning,” Holmes said.
Scribner said that BWR would like to do more cleanups in West Jefferson County.
“Most of the groups and individuals who ask us to do cleanups with them are in Birmingham or Tuscaloosa, but we would love to do more in West Jefferson County,” he said. “Any businesses, churches, clubs, governments, schools, or individuals who would like to help us with a West Jefferson cleanup can email us anytime at cleanups@ blackwarriorriver.org or call our office at 205-458-0095.”
People interested in volunteering with BWR in a variety of capacities can sign up for the group’s monthly newsletter at blackwarriorriver. org/volunteer-newsletters.
Music prof tours with Stevie Wonder
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Music legend Steve Wonder went on an 11city concert tour recently, and he tapped a UAB music professor with deep ties to West Jefferson County as his orchestra conductor for the shows.
Dr. Henry Panion – a professor of music and the director of music technology in the UAB Department of Music – will conduct orchestras for shows at each tour stop.
Wonder’s tour is titled “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” and at press time, shows were scheduled for October and early November in Pennsylvania,
Maryland, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Carolina and Georgia.
Wonder was going on tour during the election season in a call for “joy over anger, kindness over recrimination, peace over war,’” according to a tour announcement cited by UAB News. Wonder will also offer a designated number of complimentary tickets “to those in our communities who are already working tirelessly to fix our nation’s broken heart.”
“Stevie shared with me his desire to help spread joy, peace and love during these
Dr. Henry Panion, a UAB music professor with roots in West Jefferson County, has collaborated with music legend Steve Wonder for more than 30 years. At press time, Panion was scheduled to tour with Wonder in October.
troubled times, a message he has been about his entire life, and asked me to serve as conductor on this tour,” Panion said.
A 25-time Grammy winner, Wonder is an Academy Award winner and has been honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
A widely acclaimed producer, composer, arranger and orchestrator, Panion has collaborated musically with Wonder for more than 30 years.
Panion has arranged for Wonder and conducted virtually every major orchestra in the world with him, including the Royal Philharmonic, the Bolshoi Theater Orchestra, the Orchestra of Paris, the Melbourne (Australia) Symphony and the Rio de Janeiro Philharmonic.
Panion’s first tour with Wonder as arranger and conductor was the ”Nature of Wonder” tour in 1992. The two-CD set “Natural Wonder” features Panion conducting his arrangements of many of Wonder’s songs with Wonder and the Tokyo Philharmonic.
A three-time Grammy Award winner, Panion has worked in genres from gospel and classical to pop, rock, hip-hop and be-bop. He has worked with such superstars as Lionel Richie, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan; Carrie Underwood, Coolio and Nelly, as well as jazz luminary Ellis Marsalis.
Panion earned two Emmy Awards in 2021 for the PBS documentary film “Dreams of Hope.”
Panion told WestJeff Magazine that he has lived in Brighton, Bessemer and Midfield, as well as Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood.
Thanks to Panion’s connections with Wonder, the Stevie Wonder Music Technology Scholarship at UAB has been awarded to more than 40 students. In 1996, UAB awarded Wonder an honorary doctoral degree.
Birmingham audiences can see Panion perform at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at UAB on Nov. 17 when he presents “A Gospel Symphony Celebration.” He will lead the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and gospel legend Tramaine Hawkins with the combined gospel choirs of Miles College and UAB.
For details, including tickets, call 205-975-2787 or go to alysstephens.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UAB NEWS
A club in service
The Hueytown Study Club, organized in 1934, is dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer services. Members take part in a service project annually on the last Saturday of September. On Sept. 30, the
club celebrated its 90th anniversary by taking part in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs 2024 National Day of Service for Food Insecurity and Hunger. Eighteen members gathered to write encouraging Bible verses on 125 take-out food boxes and to put together
120 flatware and napkin packets with Bible verses. They donated these items to Grace’s Kitchen in Birmingham, a nonprofit that shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ by providing food to the needy. The club members have taken part in numerous other service projects through the years. For example, they have put on a blood drive, put up “Do Not Litter” signs, offered support to first responders and collected clothing for school children.
‘Smiles and laughter’ at Paw Palooza
On September 21, the Hueytown Chamber of Commerce presented its sixth annual, poochfriendly Paw Palooza event at Hueytown City Park. The free event featured lots of activities, including the Wiener Dog Races, the Strut Your Mutt Pet Parade and the Funny Pet Photo Contest, as well as a kids zone and food trucks. Paw Palooza had an attendance of about 600, said Chamber Director Debbie Kiker. “All who attended enjoyed it,” Kiker said. “Lots of smiles and laughter.” The event had a major new addition this year – a hot dog eating competition. Seven people entered with the goal of eating 10 hot dogs in 10 minutes, and the winner was Eric Frye. The crowd drew a good crowd of onlookers and will be back at Paw Palooza in 2025, Kiker said. “Other than the Wiener Dog Races, this was definitely a big highlight, and I hope it will grow next year,” she said. “Lots of shouts and laughs.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF HUEYTOWN STUDY CLUB
PHOTO COURTESY HUEYTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Hueytown Study Club marked its 90th anniversary recently by taking part in a national day of service to combat hunger and food insecurity.
Participants in the hot-dog eating contest at the annual Paw Palooza event in Hueytown on September 21.
Honoring veterans with love, support and ‘a solemn pride’
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Freedom isn’t free. It requires sacrifices by Americans in uniform to preserve it. We must therefore honor and appreciate our veterans, especially on Veterans Day.
To do our part, we spoke to some former service members in West Jefferson County. They include Marvin Smith of Pleasant Grove, who served in the U.S. Army in the 1950s, and Carol and Ceasar Rodriguez, former Marines who run a Hueytown business and strive to honor other veterans.
We also learned about the importance of providing vets with love and support locally. So remember, on November 11 and throughout the year, to value the people who’ve served our country.
A tradition of service
Born in Perry County in 1929, Marvin Smith comes from a family that believed in military service. His dad served in World War I, and the tradition continued.
“There were five of us boys, and all five had military duty,” Smith said. “I had two brothers in World War II and two brothers in Vietnam.”
and look at her and ooh and ah and coo.”
Within days, Smith went back to his old job at U.S. Steel, where he worked until 1986.
Smith and Ida Mae had three children, including sons Dale and David. They had one grandson, Jeremy, now 37. Ida Mae died after a long illness in 2003, and Smith has been married for 20 years to Barbara Brown Smith.
On Veterans Day, Smith thinks about his time in the Army and the guys he served with.
He attended some reunions of his unit in Washington, North Carolina, in about 1983, but no more. “All the guys are dead, and there’s nobody to even head up a reunion,” Smith said.
Smith served in the U.S. Army for two years beginning in 1951. After basic training, he went to Germany and served as a PFC with the 690th Field Artillery Battalion.
His unit was in Germany as part of the post-WWII occupation forces after the U.S. and the other Allies defeated the Nazis. They were stationed only about 50 miles from territory controlled by the Russians, who – along with the Allies – kept troops in Germany after the war.
“We were there in case there was a problem,” Smith said. “If Russia had acted up, we would have been the first ones there.”
Smith was drafted only one month after he got married, and when he was sent overseas, his wife – Ida Mae Arnold Smith – was three months pregnant.
Their first child, Joyce, was born while Smith was in Germany, and Ida Mae sent him a telegram.
“I remember where I was when I got the telegram,” Smith said. “We were on the way to a field mission. We were backed up in a German ammo dump.”
Joyce was six months old when Smith came home for a happy reunion.
“My wife was with her mother and daddy, and I got to their house at about 2 a.m.,” Smith said. “I had to wake the baby up
U.S. Army veteran Marvin Smith at home in Pleasant Grove with his wife, Barbara Brown Smith. He’s proud of his military service and loves America. “We’re blessed to live in a country where we can worship as we see fit and do the things we want to do,” he said.
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
Smith had a buddy in South Carolina he served with, and they used to go back and forth and visit.
“But he and his wife died a few years ago,” Smith said. “He was the last one I had any contact with.”
It’s important that young people serve their country, Smith said.
“They should have to do two years in the military when they get out of high school,” he said. “It would change a lot of their thinking. I think the discipline would help a whole lot, which a lot of them are not getting at home now.”
“I’m highly opinionated,” Smith said, laughing.
He also loves America. “It’s the land of the free and home of the brave,” Smith said. “We’re blessed to live in a country where we can worship as we see fit and do the things we want to do. I think a lot of people take that for granted, especially some of the younger people. They don’t appreciate our country.”
Vets honoring vets
Ceasar and Carol Rodriguez, a married couple who own American Pride Trophies and Awards in Hueytown, are both U.S. Marine Corps veterans.
Born in California, Caesar served at several stateside posts for eight years – including the reserves – beginning in 1986. He left active duty as an E4 corporal.
A Fairfield native, Carol served for 17 years – including the reserves – beginning in 1982. A staff sergeant, her active duty posts included Camp LeJeune and Okinawa, Japan. In the reserves, she served as maintenance management chief for an artillery battalion –the Bessemer 4th battalion, 14th Marines.
They both experience strong emotions on Veterans Day.
“I really can’t talk about it or put into words what I feel when I think of the men and women who came before us,” Ceasar said. “I get
teary-eyed. It pulls at my heart when I think about the people who died in our wars. A solemn pride is what I feel.”
“On Veterans Day, I don’t include myself, because when I go out, I see older gentlemen with caps who served in Korea and Vietnam and have purple hearts,” Carol said. “They really had it tough. I just have the greatest respect for that generation. They’re the toughest, greatest people I’ve ever met.”
Carol and Ceasar met on a Marines Corps Facebook group. “We ended up talking, and one thing led to another, and I told her I was done with California,” Caesar said.
Carol suggested he try Alabama, and he moved here seven years ago. They were married four years ago and live in Lakeview in Tuscaloosa County.
They both value their time in the service. It was Carol’s first time away from home, and she learned “more discipline, independence and responsibility,” she said.
“It built my identity,” Ceasar said. “I found the person that I was always inside and never got to display it. Basically it was the discipline I never had and the mental toughness I didn’t know I had inside me. Learning how to achieve my goals and set new ones and break barriers.”
They’re both proud of being Marines.
“I sport my Marine Corps t-shirts as often as I can,” Carol said. “We have something about the Marines on every vehicle we own. We fly an American flag in our front yard and have an American flag and a Marine Corps flag in our shop.”
“It’s all about the people who went before us and the ones who gave their lives to establish freedom and liberty and our republic,” Caesar said.
It’s important that we honor veterans, the couple said.
“We honor our veterans on a daily basis,” Ceasar said. “We show them our appreciation by giving them a discount or challenge coins that say thank you for your service.”
“Any veteran who comes in our shop, we give them a challenge coin,” Carol said.
They’re also both active in the Marine Corps League, an organization that is “all about Marines helping Marines,” Ceasar said.
Local support for veterans
In addition to being honored on Veterans Day, it’s important that veterans find fellowship and support in their local communities. They often find this support at American Legion and VFW posts.
“Vets need to be with other vets because they can relate to them and talk to them and understand what they’ve been through,” said Eric Frye, an U.S. Air Force veteran and the commander of American Legion Post 1228 in Hueytown.
“It’s critical to our mental health,” said Preston Hard, a U.S. Army veteran and past commander of the Kelly Ingram VFW Post 688 in Birmingham. “We all served, and we all know what it’s like. It’s a way to reconnect with your brothers and sisters in arms.”
The members of the VFW post also provide “a very strong network”
Ceasar and Carol Rodriguez, a married couple who both served in the U.S. Marine Corps and now own their own business in Hueytown.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CEASAR AND CAROL RODRIGUEZ
We believe our veterans are invaluable members of our community, bringing a wealth of experience, resilience and dedication.”
— DEBBIE KIKER, director of the Hueytown Chamber of Commerce.
that can help other vets learn more about accessing their benefits or finding jobs, Hard said.
Post 1228 is important to its members, Frye said.
“Especially for a lot of our older guys, it gives them something to do and a sense of purpose,” he said. “I think it’s a sense of pride and being needed. We have a great group of core guys and officers.”
Post 1228 members also “love volunteering and doing stuff in the community,” Frye said. “We’re active in the Chamber of Commerce in Hueytown and Sylvan Springs, and in other charities, as well.”
Other veterans facilities in West Jefferson County include VFW Post 1762 in Bessemer and American Legion posts 137 and 347 in Fairfield.
“We believe our veterans are invaluable members of our community, bringing a wealth of experience, resilience and dedication,” said
Debbie Kiker, director of the Hueytown Chamber of Commerce. “Their sacrifices not only protect our freedoms but also enrich our local culture and spirit. By supporting our veterans, we strengthen the very fabric of our community, creating a space where gratitude and recognition thrive.”
To further this effort, the Chamber sponsors a program called Hueytown Hometown Heroes, in which people can honor an active or former service member with a personalized pole banner around New City Park in May, for Memorial Day, and in November, for Veterans Day, for a three-year period.
For more about Hometown Heroes, including the fee for the banner, call 205-491-7010 or go to hueytownchamber.com.
Family and friends of 1950s-era U.S. Army vet Thomas James Towns gather in Hueytown at the banner hung in his honor as part of the “Hometown Heroes” program sponsored by the Hueytown Chamber of Commerce.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HUEYTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Dr. Regina Thompson Named CLAS President-Elect
The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) recently announced the election of Dr. Regina Thompson as the 2024-2025 CLAS President-Elect. Dr. Thompson currently serves as the Superintendent of Fairfield City Schools. She was nominated by the Alabama Alliance of Black School Educators and chosen by the CLAS membership through a ballot process from among several distinguished nominees.
Hueytown Middle School to Host Miss HMS Pageant
Hueytown Middle School will host the Miss Hueytown Middle School Pageant on November 16 at 12:15 p.m. at the school.
Regions Bank and United Way Support C.J. Donald Middle School
Regions Bank recently partnered with United Way of Central Alabama to support our students, teachers and staff at C.J. Donald Middle School with snack bags. The school was grateful to the community for such a kind gesture of support.
Oak Grove High School Names Senior Class Officers
Oak Grove High School recently named the following students as 2025 Senior Class Officers: Chloe Barsanti, President; Jackson Mitchell, Vice President; Audrey Scott, Secretary; Emily Tucker, Treasurer; Alexis Humphyres, Historian; Tre Howton, Inspirational Leader.
Representative Leigh Hulsey Donates to McAdory Schools
Alabama State Representative Leigh Hulsey made generous donations of $5,000 to the McAdory High School football team and band, as well as $2,500 to the softball program. She presented the checks to the school during halftime of a recent football game. Representative Hulsey also made a generous donation to McCalla Elementary School.
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Hueytown Schools Celebrate Homecoming
The students and teachers at Hueytown High, Middle, Intermediate and Primary Schools had fun dressing up and showing their school spirit during Homecoming week. The schools celebrated with different dress up themes from school colors to fun costumes from the movie “Inside Out.”
Hueytown High School Hosts “Hueytown Has Talent”
Hueytown High School’s Theatre Department recently hosted “Hueytown Has Talent.” The event was a talent show featuring the many creative skills of students from the high school. Awards were presented to the following: 1st Place: DeJaii Anderson. 2nd Place: Santana Spence and 3rd Place: Gracie Lafoy.
Pleasant Grove Elementary Students Enjoy Breakfast with Grandparents
The annual “Glimpses of Grandparents Day Breakfast” was recently hosted at Pleasant Grove Elementary School. This special time allows the students’ family to enjoy breakfast with the children, meet their teachers and learn about exciting school activities.
McAdory Elementary Welcomes Grandparents
McAdory Elementary School recently hosted its annual Grandparents Breakfast, giving the students’ family an opportunity to enjoy breakfast and learn more about what’s happening in the school.
J.S. Abrams Elementary School Students Rewarded for Perfect Attendance
J.S. Abrams Elementary School recently celebrated students with perfect attendance. Children who have been in school every day were rewarded with a special gold coin, which was used to select their favorite book from the school’s book vending machine.
C.F. Hard Elementary School Student Named Bessemer’s Best
Congratulations to Amar Umrani, a 4th grade student at C.F. Hard Elementary School, for being selected as one of Bessemer’s Best. The Bessemer’s Best program recognizes students for demonstrating the highest standard of positive behavior.
Western Area Events
Nov. 5: Hueytown Board Of Zoning Adjustments. 4:30-5 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov.
Nov. 5: 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.
Nov. 5: 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.
Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26: Senior Claws will be hosted every Tuesday in November at the West End Library, 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave. Enjoy a morning of games, movies, crafts, and more with others in our community.
Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28: 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
Singer-songwriter David Kushner will appear at Avondale Brewing Company on Nov. 3.
Nov. 4: 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.
Nov. 4: 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.
Nov. 12: 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.
Nov. 12: 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.
Nov. 12: 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.
Nov. 7: 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.
Nov. 11: 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.
Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27: West End Crocheters. 10 a.m. to noon. West End Branch Library, 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave, Birmingham. Learn to crochet or work on a project of your own while enjoying snacks and making friends. Free admission. 205-226-4089. cobpl.org/locations/branch/WestEnd.
PHOTO COURTESY FACEBOOK.COM/DAVIDKUSHNERMUSIC
Nov. 16: Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hueytown Family Recreation Center, 1348 Hueytown Road. Check out merchandise from a wide array of vendors at the biggest event of the holiday shopping season in Hueytown. Admission free. 205-903-6312. hueytownarts.org/ holiday-market
Nov. 18: 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.
Nov. 18: 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.
Nov. 19: 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.
Nov. 19: 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.
BY WIKIMEDIA USER ALLISON. CC BY-SA 2.0
Events Calendar
Nov. 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.
Nov. 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.
Nov. 21: 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.
Nov. 21: 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.
Nov. 25: 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.
Nov. 25: 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.
Nov. 26: 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.
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.
Music superstar Pink – known worldwide for her elaborate stage shows – will appear at Legacy Arena on Nov. 16.
Other Area Events
Nov. 1: Nate Jackson. 7 p.m. The Lyric Theatre. 1800 Third Ave. N. Jackson is a veteran stand-up comic who has appeared at the Just For Laughs festival and made numerous TV appearances on Comedy Central, MTV and HBO. Jackson is also the owner of the Super Funny Comedy Club in Tacoma, Washington, one of just four Black-owned comedy clubs in the United States. Tickets start at $65. 205-252-2262. lyricbham.com
Nov. 2-3: Moss Rock Festival. Hoover Metropolitan Complex, 5500 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover. This unique, eco-creative, outdoor event – in its 19th year – will welcome thousands of visitors to enjoy the colors of fall and to explore various activities and exhibits celebrating nature, art, design and smart living. For times, tickets and other details, go to mossrockfestival.com.
There’s nothing like live jazz in a small, intimate venue. The Haven events venue in Birmingham will present live jazz and cocktails Nov. 25.
Nov. 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 and 26: Magic City Art Mart. Birmingham Public Library – Central Branch, 2100 Park Place. The Art Mart is located on the second floor at BPL in the Create 205 Lab and is open Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays 5-7 p.m. Attendees can obtain free art supplies or attend a workshop or a Community Art Night. 205-226-3655. cobpl.org/calendar
Nov. 3: Birmingham Vegan Fest Fall. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 Fifth Ave. S., Building C. The festival will showcase the booming local vegan scene, with a heavy emphasis on local food trucks, pop-ups and other vegan-friendly vendors. More than 60 vendors will offer food, drinks, desserts and merchandise, as well as face painting and a DJ. Admission free. For details, go to facebook.com/ events and search “Birmingham Vegan Fest Fall 2024.”
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Nov. 3: David J. Kushner. 7:30 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st St. S. Kushner, a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and Tik Tok star, will appear in support of his debut album, “The Dichotomy.” $25.50. 205-203-4546. avondalebrewing.com
Nov. 11: National Veterans Day Parade. 1-4:30 p.m. Downtown Birmingham. The 77th annual National Veterans Day Parade, which began in Birmingham in 1947, will follow its route through downtown rain or shine. As usual, hundreds of veterans and other Birmingham area residents and organizations will take part. For more information, go to nationalveteransday.org.
Nov. 16: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. 1 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. N. This annual family-friendly version of the holiday classic is presented by The Moscow Ballet and features imaginative storytelling, classical dance, dazzling costumes, soaring birds, giant puppets and a grand stage design. $50. 205-252-2262. alabamatheatre.com.
Nov. 16: Pink. Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. The music superstar will appear as part of her North American tour, “Pink Live 2024.” Supporting acts on the tour will include Maren Morris and KidCutUp.
Nov. 16: A Southern Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham. The bazaar will feature crafters, artisans and retailers from across the Southeast offering unique gifts, including clothing, ornaments, decorations and food. The event is presented by the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club. Tickets are only available at the door: adults $8; young children $3. Save $1 off the ticket price by donating a canned food item for Oak Mountain Mission Ministries. 205-567-1836. rotarysouthernchristmas.com
Nov. 20: C.M. Newton Classic. Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. This annual college basketball game honors the late C.M. Newton, who served as head basketball coach at The University of Alabama from 1968 to 1980. The game will feature the Alabama Crimson Tide taking on the Illinois Fighting Illini Tickets range from $10 to $225. cmnewtonclassic.com.
Nov. 25: Jazz Night. Haven, 2515 Sixth Ave. S. Enjoy live jazz and craft cocktails at the Haven events venue. Drink specials begin at 5 p.m., and Birmingham jazz band The Prize Inside will perform at 7 p.m. Food truck on site. 205-536-7233. eventsathaven.com.
TOP: Have fun each Wednesday at West End Crocheters at West End Branch Library. MIDDLE: The Moscow Ballet will present the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the historic Alabama Theatre on Nov. 16. BOTTOM: Hueytown will celebrate the holiday shopping season with the Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market on November 16.
