WestJeff Magazine - April 2026

HOUSEHOLD DROP-OFF

April 25 8-11:30 AM

Household Hazardous Waste/ Electronics/TVs/Paper Shredding

Site 1: City of Bessemer Laydown Yard 1205 15th Ave N, Bessemer, 35020

Site 2: First Baptist Church of GardendaleSouth Location 940 Main St, Gardendale 35071

Site 3: Classic Car Motoring 3900 Grants Mill Rd, Irondale 35210

Electronics & TVs: Cable Boxes, Cameras, Cell phones, Computers, Cords, E-Cigarettes, Ink Toner, Cartridges, Laptops, Modems, Monitors, Printers, Remotes, Security Equipment, Small Appliances (co ee makers, hair dryers, irons, microwaves, toasters, vacuums)

Tablets, Televisions, Smart Watches, Vapes

On-site Paper Shredding: Regular Paper (5 box limit). NO Binders, Clips, or Wet Paper

HHW &

Automotive: Batteries, Cleaners, Degreasers, Filters, Fluids, Fuel Additives, Gas, Oil, Rust Removers, and Tires without Rims – (8 tire limit)

Household: Aerosols, Batteries (every type), Ballasts, Chemicals, Cleaners, Fire Extinguishers, First Aid, Gas Cylinders, Light Bulbs/Tubes, Smoke Alarms

Mercury: Mercury and Mercury-Containing Items (thermometers, thermostats)

Paint: Adhesives, Epoxy Fillers, Paints, Removers, Resins, Sealants, Stains, Solvents, Thinners, Turpentines, Varnishes, Wallpaper Cements

Large Appliances: Freezers, Machinery, Refrigerators, Water Heaters

*Rinsed Recyclables: Aluminum Cans, Glass Bottles, PET #1 and HDPE #2 Plastics

Items that are NEVER ACCEPTED

Asbestos, Explosives, Medical Waste, PCBs, Radioactive/Unidentified Materials

On the Cover

Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 883-1877

matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Jesse Chambers Content Director jesse@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Salem Haynes

Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311

michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Traffic Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com

Brittany Kenny Graphic Designer

Who We Are

WestJeff Magazine serves the communities and people of West Jefferson County. Published every month, the magazine is available for free at more than 100 locations in Bessemer, Hueytown, McCalla, Pleasant Grove, Concord, Oak Grove, Sylvan Springs, and other areas.

Subscriptions are available for $40 per year.

Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription.

Does your business want to connect with West Jefferson County residents? Contact us: (205) 883-1877, advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk!

All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.

Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

The West Beat

by JESSE CHAMBERS

Welcome back, y’all. And welcome to April, the first full month of springtime. April is also a pretty busy month, when you think about it. It brings a bunch of holidays or special occasions, including Easter, as well as Earth Day, Arbor Day and April Fool’s Day.

Here at WestJeff Magazine, we have another reason to celebrate the month of April. It’s the magazine’s second anniversary issue, and hence the beginning of our third year.

We’re excited to continue our mission to give the communities of West Jefferson County the media coverage they deserve. At WestJeff Magazine, we’re dedicated to highlighting the people, places and events that make the area special.

The latest example is our cover story for April, beginning on page 20. It tells the story of LaFran Marks, a military veteran and Fairfield native who is working to create an exciting new amenity for downtown Bessemer – a winery. He has a passion for wine and a dream for the future of Marvel City’s downtown. Marks will bring you the wine. We bring you the words and pictures. In other news from downtown Bessemer,

efforts are underway to restore the historic Lincoln Theatre movie house, which is adjacent to the new winery. For an update on the facility, check out the Business News on pg. 14. Also in Business News, you’ll find an update on some of the recent happenings regarding Milo’s Tea Co., which is based in Bessemer.

By the way, April has one more important commemoration linked to it — April is National Stress Awareness month. That’s a super-worthy effort, I would say. Plenty of people need to find better ways to deal with stress, which is a killer. I’m probably one of those people. I don’t want to shorten my life, or drastically reduce the quality of my life, because I let stress, worry and anxiety get to me. For some tips to handle stress, check out one of the items in our Health and Wellness section this month on page 18.

RIP Gordon Seale

West Jefferson County lost a much-loved civic leader on Feb. 6 with the death of Gordon L. Seale, age 92 of Adger, a past Department Commander of the American Legion Department of Alabama, a longtime leader in the Alabama Boys State

program and former organizer of the city of Bessemer’s National Day of Prayer. He served as chief morale officer of Alabama Boys State for many years, was a P.E.R for Elks Lodge #721 and a member of American Legion Post 255 for 50 years. According to a Facebook post by Post 255, Seale was employed by the city of Bessemer for 25 years and was in the Army National Guard for 40 years. Funeral services were held Feb. 12 at Highland Memorial Gardens. Seale is survived by Jackie Seale, his wife of 35 years, and their family. On Feb. 6, the American Legion Department of Alabama said in a Facebook post that Seale “transferred to Post Everlasting tonight” and asked for prayers for Seale’s family. Eric Frye, commander of American Legion Post 1228 in Hueytown, called Seale “a great man,” in a Facebook post. “It was an honor to know him for the short time I've been in the Legion and his help with American Legion programs such as Boys State and baseball will be a big hole to fill,” Frye said. “God bless you, Gordon. As you arrive at your final duty station just know that we will continue to have your 6 and we will forever cover your watch.”

El Camino de Average Joe

You’re a farmer in the Middle Ages. We’re talking 1000 A.D.-ish. Actually, they don’t call you a farmer but a “yeoman,” which is an antiquated way of saying, “you shovel excrement for a living.”

Maybe you live in Scotland. Maybe France. England, Portugal, Africa, wherever. Either way, your life is unfulfilling.

Sure, you have a great family. You have great friends. You are even allowed to drink beer for breakfast because this is what everyone does during the Middle Ages, even clergy and toddlers. So that’s pretty great. Even so, underneath it all, there is something going on inside you. You can’t explain what you’re experiencing.

Centuries later, psychologists will invent clinical names for your feelings. They’ll call it a major “climacteric,” or the “need for self-actualization,” or God forbid, a “midlife crisis.”

But in the Middle Ages there are no psychological doctors. There are only doctors whose entire medical practice consists of drilling holes into people’s skulls in hopes of curing a runny nose.

Still, you can’t explain this pulling sensation inside. It’s tugging you somewhere. But where? You keep wondering whether you were made for more than just paying bills. Weren’t you made to be more than just a serf?

And isn’t life about more than just pleasure and fun? Having fun is great. But fun doesn’t exactly make your cup runneth all over the placeth.

You have a few options for spiritual guidance. You could visit your local monastery, but the monks will just instruct you to say 25 Hail Marys and call it a day. Likewise, you could visit the doctor, who just bought a new cordless drill.

Then, one day you hear about this place in northwestern Spain, hundreds of miles from

your home. It’s a cathedral, built upon the grave of an apostle.

People from all over the world are traveling to this sacred place. Farmers and peasants. Lords and ladies. Rich and poor.

Immediately, you’re thinking, “That’s it! I must go there!” The next morning, you’ve already packed your satchel. You tell your wife that you’re walking to walk to Spain.

Um. What? Your wife freaks out. Spain? What about your life? What about your farm? No more breakfast beer for you, pal.

“But I must go,” you insist. “I must walk the Camino de Santiago.”

So your wife says, “Well, then I’m going with you.”

You both leave on foot. You become pilgrims. Your full-time job is walking. You sleep alongside the highway. You eat the food of charity, for you have no money.

After months of walking, you arrive at your destination. But by then, you have already had a huge realization. Your cup is indeed runnething all over, but it’s not the cathedral that made it overflow. Neither is it the bones of some dead guy.

It was the walk. It was simply moving your feet. Sweating in the sunlight alongside strangers who all wanted the same thing you did. God.

It was time spent with your wife. It was the strange magic that helped you on your path, as though the universe had conspired to help you succeed.

Above all, it was the fact that you took your own spirit, your own heart so seriously, that you did not just let it die of neglect.

In five days, I’ll be taking that same journey.

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.

Church Windows Cookie Bars

If you grew up around church potlucks, these no-bake vintage treats might look familiar. Church Window “Cookies” get their name from the pastel marshmallows that shine through the chocolate like little stained glass windows, making them perfect for Easter. They’re really more like chocolate candy.

Instead of the messy process of shaping the mixture into logs and slicing them, I poured the mixture into a pan to make Church Window (Cathedral Window) Bar Cookies. You can also swap in white marshmallows and peanuts for a rocky road version that works all year long.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)

½ cup salted or unsalted butter (one stick, cut into 4 pieces)

1 (10.5-ounce) package multi-colored mini marshmallows

¾ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

• Line a 9x9-inch or 11x7-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. You can also line it with aluminum foil, then coat with cooking spray.

• Combine the chocolate chips and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave (1100 watts) on HIGH for a minute.

• Remove from the microwave and stir until everything is melted and smooth.

• Stir in the mini marshmallows (and walnuts, if using). Then, mix gently until the chocolate coats the marshmallows. Work quickly before the chocolate firms up.

• Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it to the edges. Gently press down with the back of the spoon or spatula.

• If adding coconut, sprinkle it evenly over the top and press lightly with your fingertips so it sticks to the chocolate-marshmallow mixture. I often sprinkle just half the pan with coconut to make everyone happy.

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm enough to cut into bars.

• They are decadent and rich, so cutting into 25 pieces (5x5) works well.

If you love the chocolate and marshmallow combination, visit GritsAndGouda.com for my Mississippi Mud Brownie recipe.

Home Improvement

Renovations with the Best ROI

Now that the weather is warming, we begin the season of home improvements. What should you focus on? It makes sense to begin with what is broken or needs to be repaired. Next, consider what areas should function better. Drafty windows, for example, contribute to higher energy bills.

As far as optional enhancements, if you plan to stick around the house for a long time then focus on whatever makes the home more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable. On the other hand, homeowners who are considering a move in the near future may want to focus on renovations that provide the most return on investment.

Return on Investment (ROI) refers to how much of the remodeling cost you’re likely to recoup when selling your home. Projects with high ROI generally improve functionality or enhance curb appeal, making your home more attractive to buyers.

In competitive real estate areas, modest renovations can boost a home’s sale price. Appearance certainly matters to potential buyers, and upgrades to curb appeal such as new siding and garage doors offer outsized value for relatively low cost.

In fact, garage door replacement is reported to provide the best bang for your buck when it comes to home renovations. Each year, various real estate and remodeling companies publish research on renovation ROIs, and garage door replacement seems to always reign supreme. According to Hippo Home Insurance, replacing your garage door could achieve an ROI of 193.9 percent. The report pegs the average cost of replacement at $4,513 and the average resale value at $8,751.

Second place in the ROI contest typically goes to replacement of an entry door if it’s made of steel, featuring an ROI of 188 percent. However, upgrading to a “grand entryway”

(fiberglass) achieves the ROI of roughly 97 percent, because the door is more expensive.

Additional upgrades that achieve substantial ROI include stone veneer installation (153%), siding replacement (80-88%) and minor kitchen remodels (96%). In this case, “minor” refers to refacing cabinets, replacing countertops and upgrading appliances. (Stick to classic styles and neutral colors to appeal to future buyers.)

Deck additions recoup about 83 percent of the cost for wood decking and 68 percent for the pricier composite boards.

Further down the line, a midrange bathroom remodel will get about 74 percent ROI. New vinyl windows return 67 percent, whereas installing wood windows will return 63 percent. It’s important to note, however, that upgrading from leaky windows to new insulated units can achieve significant savings in utility costs, which can make the upfront cost more attractive for homeowners who plan to stay in the house and pay the bills.

If you’re remodeling your home with intent to sell it, consider the current market trends and local buyer preferences. If the budget or time is tight, just focus on the high-impact items.

You can also improve your ROI on certain projects by doing the work yourself. I am currently remodeling my third home and have personally saved thousands with this approach. However, I have a lot of tools and experience. If you’re considering doing the work yourself, be honest about the limitations of your skillset. You should also plan on spending at least twice the amount of time on any given project than you initially estimated. Certain tasks, such as painting or cabinet refacing, can be accomplished by first-timers, but when it comes to installing windows, doors or electrical work, I recommend that inexperienced homeowners hire a pro. You would not want to kill your ROI with mistakes or poor workmanship.

HEALTHY SKIN supports a HEALTHY LIFE

Your skin plays an important role in your overall health and confidence at every stage of life. At Total Dermatology, our experienced team provides personalized medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care designed to support long-term skin health, comfort, and prevention— now conveniently available in McCalla.

At WestJeff Magazine, we seek to provide comprehensive coverage of business activity of all kinds in West Jefferson County – and not just the big projects. We want to hear news and updates about all of the businesses in the area, both large and small. We also report on real estate, construction and infrastructure projects. Please contact us with any tips, information or photos you have at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.

Lincoln Theatre makes ‘Peril’ list, Milo’s is hot

by JESSE CHAMBERS

A historic entertainment venue in downtown Bessemer was recently named to a list of Alabama’s most endangered places, drawing more attention to ongoing efforts to renovate it. The Alabama Historical Commission placed the Lincoln Theatre, formerly a popular moviehouse in the heart of Bessemer’s Black entertainment district, on its 2025 Places in Peril list released on Feb. 6.

The Lincoln Theatre was opened in 1948 and closed in the 1980s. In 2017, acclaimed actor and Bessemer native André Holland purchased the Lincoln Theatre with plans to restore it as a public event space and cultural center. The Lincoln renovation is the first major initiative of The Holland Project, a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2018 by Holland and his family that

seeks to preserve and protect historic Bessemer buildings.

Holland made some progress in 2025, receiving a $56,300 Creative Places Arts Facilities grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and a $10,000 project planning grant from the Susan Mott Webb Foundation. The Holland Project also added eight new board members in 2025, according to Bham Now.

“The PIP listing gives the organization major statewide recognition,” project consultant Glenny Brock told Bham Now. “It sends a powerful signal about the future of historic Bessemer. What we have started with the Lincoln Theatre will reverberate throughout the Downtown Historic District.”

Milo’s on a roll

Bessemer-based Milo’s Tea Company has been on a roll recently. In February, Milo’s CEO Tricia Wallwork announced that the company would offer three new flavors — Fruit Punch, Zero Sugar Lemonade and Limited Edition Blackberry Sweet Tea. In addition, Wallwork was the subject of a recent profile in Forbes magazine and appeared on the magazine's cover on Jan. 25. Milo’s is on track to hit $1 billion in retail sales by the end of this year, according to the Forbes article. Milo’s was also named the top-selling refrigerated tea brand in 2025 by Nielsen IQ, according to media reports. Its gallon jug of sweet tea was the top-selling ready-to-drink tea across American retailers.

A big blue B

Businesses work hard to pick good logos, because they provide instant recognition and quickly communicate a company's values and story. The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce recently adopted a striking new blueand-white logo and shared it on social media. For more about the chamber, call 205-4253253 or go to bessemerchamber.com. Follow them on Instagram @bessemerareachambers.

Saying yes to the dress

Entrepreneur and Hueytown native Estelle Straate plans to open a boutique to sell vintage wedding dresses in Hueytown in May, according to a Feb. 19 report at Bham Now. The boutique, Estelle Amore, will be housed in a historic home that Straat is renovating.

The Western Corridor

The City of Birmingham has received a $2 million grant from the State of Alabama to begin transforming its Western Corridor –including the old U.S. Steel Ensley Works –into a center for logistics and manufacturing, according to a city news release Feb. 12.The funding comes from the SEEDS Act, a state program that helps prepare large sites for economic development. The first phase will be a master plan and environmental studies for 500 acres at the Ensley facility to transform it into a logistics and manufacturing hub. The funds will also be used to improve the city’s river port at Birmingport.

3004 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr. Hueytown, AL 35023 (205) 744-9993

4774 Eastern Valley Rd. Suite 109 McCalla, AL 35111 (205) 477-1501

Feeling the blues for 15 years

Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival returns for its 15th year in downtown Bessemer

by JESSE CHAMBERS

The Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival will return to Bessemer this month, bringing together live blues music, classic barbecue and a day of family-friendly entertainment in the city’s historic downtown park.

The 15th annual festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at DeBardeleben Park, 1700 Third Ave. N. in Bessemer. Gates open at 11 a.m., with live music beginning at noon and continuing through 6 p.m.

The event celebrates two Southern traditions — barbecue and blues — and has grown into one of the Birmingham area’s most popular spring festivals. Organizers encourage attendees to

bring lawn chairs or blankets and spend the afternoon enjoying music, food and community in the park.

The national anthem will be performed by Mr. Aretta, who will also serve as emcee. The music lineup for the day includes Rick Harris, Dexter Allen, Karen Wolfe, Selwyn Birchwood, and Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials.

Barbecue from Bessemer restaurant Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q will be featured at the event. The restaurant, founded in 1957, is known across the region for its pit-cooked meats and traditional Southern sides. Additional food and beverages will also be available for purchase during the festival, including beer and wine for adults.

In addition to music and food, the festival will include arts and crafts vendors and activities for children. Children ages 8 and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Barbecue and blues is like peanut butter and jelly,” Van Sykes said in 2024. “It's a perfect mesh. People from all walks of life, genders and demographics can all come together and enjoy them under the same tent.”

Since its founding in 2010, the festival has drawn thousands of visitors each year to downtown Bessemer. The event has been recognized as one of Alabama’s notable food festivals and has become a signature community gathering each spring.

The festival also supports charitable causes. Over the years, proceeds have benefited several nonprofit organizations in the Birmingham area, including Children’s of Alabama, Red Mountain Grace and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate on the day of the festival. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Bob Sykes Bar B Q restaurant in Bessemer.

Organizers say the annual event offers an opportunity for people across the Birmingham area to gather for an afternoon of music, barbecue and community in one of the region’s most historic parks.

& Wellness

Welcome to our Health & Wellness page at 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

Coping with stress, working out smart

Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic, unmanaged stress can help create all kinds of medical problems, including heart disease, anxiety, depression, headaches and stomach disorders.

Put simply, we can live better, happier lives if we learn to cope with stress. April is National Stress Awareness Month, an initiative that began in 1992 to increase public awareness about the causes and management of stress.

Some practical tips to reduce stress come from Dr. Leah Squires, Chief of Psychology Service at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and her staff of psychologists. They share these tips at va.gov. Stay active: Physical activity releases endorphins and other brain chemicals that make you feel happier.

Eat healthy: Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Avoid bad habits: Don’t cope with stress by smoking, overeating or drinking too much alcohol.

Meditate: This can give you a sense of calm, peace and harmony.

Laugh a little: Laughter lightens your mood and even causes positive physical changes. Connect: Reach out to family and friends for support and social contact.

Assert yourself: Learn to say no or be willing to delegate to shorten your to-do list.

Get enough sleep: Sleep rejuvenates your brain and body. Stick to a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine with a consistent schedule. Write your thoughts: Keeping a journal can be a great release for pent-up emotions.

Talk to someone: Don’t be afraid to open up. Consider seeing a psychologist, social worker or counselor. In fact, April is also Counseling Awareness Month.

Warm it up

It’s warm weather, and you want to get outside and run, hike or hit golf balls. That’s great, but don’t push too hard and sustain an injury that sets you back.

Dr. Amit Momaya, a surgeon with the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and chief of UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine, offers tips to reduce the risk of injury during physical activity.

Athletes should always take time to warm up their muscles and stretch properly to help avoid injuries, Momoya said. Both dynamic and static stretching are helpful.

Soreness is a common aspect of regular, intensive exercise, including cardio or weight training, but prolonged muscle pain shouldn't be. “There’s good soreness and bad soreness,” Momaya said. “Fleeting soreness after activity is normal, but consistent pain that’s exacerbated during day-to-day usage could be a sign that an injury has occurred and needs to be checked out by a health-care professional.”

Be aware of the load you place on your joints, especially if you lift weights, and avoid poor hydration, which weakens the muscles.

Hot and cold compresses are often used to treat muscle pain and injuries. Momaya says heat application to muscles works to increase blood flow. This is best used for muscles and joints that feel stiff, rigid and unyielding. Cold compresses are best for reducing inflammation and work best on swollen and painful areas.

Cash Back That is Out of the Park!

Make your springtime purchases even more rewarding with Kasasa Cash Back! Earn cash rewards on your debit card purchases as you plan for a new season—plus, enjoy perks that help you save while you spend.

• Cash back* on your favorite spring activities - including all that new baseball gear!

• Refunds on ATM withdrawal fees*—wherever life takes you

• No monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirements

Spend smart and save more this spring. Open your account today!

1-855-468-6872 | www.unionstate.net

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

*Reward and ATM fee refunds are based on account qualifications. To learn more, visit: www.unionstate.net/free-kasasa-cash-checking or speak with

tions, reward calculations, processing limitations, cycle dates and enrollment instructions. Trademarks: Kasasa and Kasasa Cash

Making wine and energizing downtown Bessemer

by JESSE CHAMBERS

photos by BRITTNEY FIELDS

Downtown Bessemer had a glorious past as a cultural and economic hub for the city and for the entire Bessemer Cutoff.

Many people – including city leaders – believe that downtown also has a bright future, and Bessemer’s comprehensive plan, Gameplan for Growth, makes downtown revitalization a priority.

Of course, this dream requires the efforts of entrepreneurs who are willing to contribute their blood, sweat and capital to make it come true. One of those entrepreneurs is LaFran Marks, a Fairfield native and U.S. Army veteran who’s creating a unique entertainment amenity downtown.

Marks is opening Chateau Bevvy, a winery, on First Avenue North and 20th Street next to the old Lincoln Theatre in the heart of the city’s traditional Black entertainment district.

Chateau Bevvy will be the only winery in Jefferson County. Not only that, but Marks is a Black entrepreneur, and Chateau Bevvy will be one of only three Black-owned wineries in Alabama.

It also joins the small number of Black-owned wineries in America. “Only about 1 percent of wineries are owned by minorities, and that’s including females,” Marks told WestJeff Magazine recently.

Clockwise from top: The logo for the new winery, one of the blueprints for the new facility, the historic marker recently placed on the historic building that Marks has renovated, some bottles waiting to be filled at the winery and the

Marks describes Chateau Bevvy on his website as “a historic Bessemer landmark reimagined as a warm, intimate wine experience.”

Customers will enjoy “a hometown feel, a homey feel,” Marks said. “It’s not a bar or a club. When you enter the door I want it to be like you are coming home.”

Marks is planning to host a soft opening for the facility in late April and a grand opening on June 6.

LEARNING ABOUT WINE

Marks graduated from Fairfield High School in 1990 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Miles College in 1998. He served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, and earned master’s degrees from Troy University and the U.S. Army War College.

A Pelham resident, he’s married to Vickie Marks. They have a son, LaFran Marks II. Marks also serves as Superintendent with Jefferson County Greenways.

During his military career, Marks served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also traveled extensively in Europe, including Italy, France and Germany. “I was trying different things and being open to new ideas that broadened me as an individual,” he said. “That’s where I grew up in my palate and my desires for drinking wine.

“Wine is pretty cool,” Marks said. “It's a break from drinking mixed drinks or spirits.”

Marks decided to make his own wine and produced his first batch in about 2017, while stationed at Ft. Stewart, Georgia. He crushed some concord grapes from Walmart. “That didn't turn out too well, but I kept trying and fell in love with it,” Marks said. He tried again with muscadine grapes from a vineyard in Columbus, Georgia, and the wine “came out pretty good,” Marks said. “Another couple tasted it. They

enjoyed it. Through the years I refined the process to where I think it should be.” People started telling Marks that he should try to sell his wine, he said.

Marks moved back to the Birmingham area in 2020 and spent his last years in the service working as an instructor at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. “I taught leadership and strategic planning,” he said. “I'm really good at planning and thinking through problems, and I credit that to the military.”

It’s not a bar or a club. When you enter the door I want it to be like you are coming home.”

—LAFRAN

GETTING SERIOUS

Marks retired from the Army in December 2023 with the rank of Lt. Colonel and finally had the opportunity to pursue winemaking.

“I read a lot about it,” Marks said. “I did research online and on YouTube. I visited a lot of vineries.” This included 17 wineries in Alabama and some in Georgia and Florida.

“I wanted to understand the process and what organizations do and what I want to do differently,” Marks said. “The fundamentals are basically the same, but everybody does something a little different.”

He visited Cat-n-Bird Winery in Chelsea, and the owner, Matt Lyons, gave Marks a lot of great advice.

“He's taken me under his wing,” Marks said. “I’m very grateful. Matt allowed me to moonlight at Cat-n-Bird and learn more about making wine.”

“Fran reached out a few years ago and said he was interested in opening up a winery and wanted to schedule some time to come in and learn what we do,” Lyons said. “He started to come in on a semiregular basis and make wine with us.”

HISTORIC SPACE

Marks drove all around Birmingham and Jefferson County to find the right facility for his winery.

“What drew me to Bessemer is that I love old buildings, and when I stumbled onto this building, I was like, ‘This is it,’” Marks said. “It’s a phenomenal space. I love it.”

He bought the building, which has 4,400 square feet on two floors, in December 2024. It was built in 1910 and was owned for about 30 years by Sam Dunn, who operated a saloon. The building was later the home of a venerated Black-owned business Union Drug Co., which was operated by Ed Ward II. Ed’s son, Derek Ward, served in the military, went to Xavier University and became the druggist at Union Drug Co.

Derek Ward closed the drug store and retired in the late 1990s and died in about 2000, according to his daughter, Linda Ward Sunday, a Bessemer resident. Derek Ward was one of only three black pharmacists in the Southeast at the time. “That meant a lot to me,” Sunday said.

While the drug store was in operation, other businesses, including a shoe shop and a watch repair shop, used portions of the building and had their own doors leading out to 20th Street.

ABOVE: A view of First Avenue North in downtown Bessemer near the corner of 20th Street. Chateau Bevvy is located on the corner to the right, adjacent to the historic Lincoln Theatre movie house. Efforts are underway to restore the theatre. LEFT: One of the labels at Chateau Bevvy. LaFran Marks plans to primarily make traditional wines, such as cabernets, merlots and chardonnays.

During renovation, Marks has tried to leave hints of this history. “I’m trying to tell the story of the entire building,” he said.

“We’ve preserved as much of the building’s original character as we can,” Marks said. For example, he used wood from the old floor joists – along with some other old wood at the site – to make his bar top.

“I'm glad he’s taken some of the wood and reused it,” Sunday said. “I tell him I’m so proud of him and my father would be pleased.”

The building just received its historical marker in January, Marks said.

Marks has done most of the work himself except for electrical, plumbing and HVAC.

“We did a full gut job,” he said. “We removed all of the rotten wood, replaced the floor joists, built walls and bathrooms, and upgraded the plumbing.”

“His location is going to be awesome,” Lyons said. “I’ve probably been there four or five times, and I brought my team over there a few weeks ago to taste some wine and give him some recommendations about the space.”

Marks expects to complete most of the construction on the building in April. Marks will then have his final city inspection to obtain his certificate of occupancy. He hopes to have his liquor license in May.

Marks plans to host a small open house at Chateau Bevvy in April. He’ll host his grand opening on June 6, which will coincide with another downtown event – the Marvel City Caribbean Food and Music Festival.

In a projected phase two, probably in 2027, Marks plans to make part of the second floor available as office space.

TRADITIONAL WINES

To make wine at Chateau Bevvy, Marks sources juice from distributors in France and Argentina, as well as Napa and Sonoma Valley in California. He ferments, ages and bottles the wine in-house.

Marks has six stainless-steel wine vats at the winery. One is a 500-liter vat and the rest hold 300 liters. The winery is able to produce

about 400 bottles of wine per vat, and Marks will have space to store about 2,800 bottles. “In theory, I can have one year in rotation and one year in storage,” he said.

When Chateau Bevvy opens, Marks will keep the wine menu simple, with about a half-dozen primary wines and blends.

“All the wines we make are traditional wines,” Marks said, referring to cabernet sauvignons, merlots and malbecs. “We’ll blend those to make what we call the Trinity,” Marks said.

Mark will produce three white wines – chardonnay, riesling and moscato. “We’ll blend those for the Simply White,” he said.

“We’ll have eight total wines, and we might make a bold Italian, Tuscan-style wine – Sangiovese,” he said.

Chateau Bevvy will serve charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses and vegetables, and may cater in food from area restaurants for events.

GREAT POTENTIAL

Marks seems to have a great location and a solid business concept, according to Lyons. “I think he has the potential and, especially if he gets the support he’s looking for, it can be a sort of anchor location for the Bessemer area,” Lyons said. “If it’s done right, I think a lot of other things will pop up around him, which is awesome.”

“The winery could help attract more local eateries down there and more entertainment,” Bessemer City Councilor Teco Stephens said. “I think it will attract new businesses because it lets people know we are open for business and open to new things.

“Opportunities like this help bring new visitors to Bessemer and create experiences that people may not have previously associated with our downtown,” said Bessemer City Council member Jarvis Collier.

Efforts are underway to restore the Lincoln Theatre and, when it opens, patrons will be able to visit Chateau Bevvy before or after an event there. “I call the winery the precursor or nightcap to whatever you've doing,” Marks said.

Sunday is “delighted” to see Marks open the winery, she said. “I’m so happy that somebody has come in and is doing something with that building to help the community.”

She has visited the winery several times during construction and has brought along her family member. “Everybody is eager for (Marks) to get the building together so we can support him,” Sunday said.

Marks seems to have "a great location and has a thoughtful business plan,” Collier said. “Having the right space and a clear vision is very important in starting something new, especially in a developing downtown.”

The opening of Chateau Bevvy “shows that someone like me, from Fairfield, can travel, do great things, serve their country, and then return to start a business. It gives hope that anyone can do it,” Marks said. “I’m excited to be part of that.”

For more information about the winery, go to chateaubevvywinery.net.

Alabama DECA Career Development Conference

Pleasant Grove High School DECA performed at the Alabama DECA Career Development Conference.The chapter brought home several prestigious awards, including Diamond Chapter, Honor Roll, Promotional Campaign, Community Service Campaign and MDA Campaign.

Courtney Mumpfield placed third in the Restaurant and Food Service Management Series.

Kenneth Spencer placed fourth in the Entrepreneurship Series.

Middle schooler Ava Dawson-Long earned second place in Professional Selling.

The team’s advisors are Dr. Kameka Cottrell, Mrs. Janice Lane and Coach Quincy Robinson.

Hueytown Cheer UCA Nationals

Hueytown High School finished in 10th place in the Small Varsity Gameday category and North Jefferson Middle School finished in sixth place in the Small Junior High Gameday category at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship. The prestigious event was held in January at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex inside Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

North Jefferson Middle School Olympiads

The North Jefferson Middle School Science Olympiad team placed first in the Jefferson County competition, which was held on Feb. 7.

One Class at a Time

Lori Hipp, a kindergarten teacher at Concord Elementary School, received a “One Class at a Time” grant from CBS 42 in February. CBS 42 meteorologist Alex Puckett, along with representatives from the law firm of Greene & Phillips surprised Hipp at the school with the grant. The TV station has given the “One Class at a Time” grants to educators in Central Alabama for 23 years.

Mortimer Jordan graduate gets a Golden Ticket

Alex Kanaday, a Mortimer Jordan High School graduate and student at Samford University, received a Golden Ticket during her American Idol audition. Kanaday is a sophomore commercial music major with a songwriting concentration at Samford. She began the American Idol audition process almost by accident after her mother signed her up for a Zoom call with producers in August, she told The Samford Crimson newspaper.

National Signing Day

The following student athletes from McAdory High School are continuing their athletic careers at the following colleges: Derrion Davis, Point University; Jacorey Gaines, Graceland University; Braylon Glover, Ottawa University; Justin Patton, Tennessee State University; Jaylon Turner, Brevard College; and Brendon Walker, Mars Hill University

BELOW: The following student athletes from Hueytown High School are continuing their athletic careers at the following colleges: Jeffery Garrott Jr., Garden City Community College, football; Keegan Horn, University of Cincinnati, football; Quen'Trell Jackson, Pearl River Community College, football; Jaden King, Point University, football; Gracelyn McCarrell, Shelton State, softball: Jaedyn Powell, Tuskegee University, football; Anthony Robinson Jr., University ofAlabama at Birmingham, football; Madison Smith, Wallace State Community College softball

SkillsUSA Cosmetology District Competition

Kaitlyn Weatherby won first place at the SkillsUSA Cosmetology District Competition held at Jefferson State Community College. The SkillsUSA competition took place Feb. 20 and included competitions in dozens of skills, such as automotive service technology, carpentry and customer service.

JEFCOED Basketball Championship

McAdory Middle School’s girls basketball team won the JEFCOED’s sixth-grade Basketball Championship.

Pleasant Grove High School Pageant

The following young women were crowned in the Miss Pleasant Grove Pageant: Miss Pleasant Grove Elementary School, Madison Watson; Miss Pleasant Grove Middle School, Londyn Murphy; and Miss Pleasant Grove High School, Brooklyn Cottrell. The pageant was held in the auditorium at Pleasant Grove High School on Feb. 7.

Mortimer Jordan Bass Club at Basstatix Tournament

Blaze Sullivan and Parker McCoy finished in sixth place in the Basstatix High School Tournament on Lake Martin. This unique high-school fishing event allows boat captains to fish alongside youth anglers in their own division, bringing 150 boats to the water for a day of competition, according to the Lake Martin Sports Facebook page. This qualified Sullivan and McCoy for the Basstatix State Tournament on Pickwick Lake on April 24-25.

AFRICAN METHODIST

EPISCOPAL (AME)

New Magnolia AME Church 403 New Avenue Bessemer AL 35020

BAPTIST (MISSIONARY)

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1026 24th Street North Bessemer AL 35020

BAPTIST (SBC)

North Highlands Baptist Church 4851 15th Street Road Hueytown AL 35023

Smithville Baptist Church

9308 Old Toadvice Road Bessemer AL 35023

The Church at Lacey’s Chapel/ Shady Grove Baptist Church

4644 Laceys Chapel Loop Road Bessemer AL 35022

PRESBYTERIAN (ECO)

Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church

5081 Eastern Valley Road McCalla AL 35111

PRESBYTERIAN (PCA)

Church of the Way

6200 Lou George Loop McCalla AL 35022

Meets at Heritage Christian Academy

West Jefferson Church Guide

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

North Highlands Seventh-Day Adventist Church

2830 19th Street North Hueytown AL 35023

RIGHT: Fiesta Italiana, an annual food and culture event, will be held this month at Sloss Furnaces. BELOW: The annual Batson Bladesmithing Symposium will take place at Tannehill Ironworks State Park in April.

April 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

April 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.

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Wednesday Night Meals. 5-6 p.m. Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 1343 Hueytown Road. Enjoy dinner and connect with the church family every Wednesday. Whether you’re attending for ministry activities, a Bible study or just looking for a midweek pick-me-up, these meals are the perfect way to gather together in fellowship. To help the staff prepare, order your meals on the church website. pleasantridgebaptist.org

Western Area Events

April 4: Brunch with the Easter Bunny. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Hueytown Family Recreation Center, 1348 Hueytown Road. Enjoy photos with Mr. & Ms. Easter Bunny and Easter Chick, brunch, photos, crafts, face painting, goodie bags and more. $15 per person ages two and up. 205-491-7010. hueytownchamber.com

April 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

April 7: 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

April 7: Hueytown Board Of Zoning Adjustments. 4:30-5 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Board meets the first Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov

April 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

April 10-11: Alabama Symphony Orchestra. 7 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham. The ASO will present the classic film, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.” Watch the iconic film on the big screen as the full orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score. For tickets and other information, call 205-458-8400 or go to bjcc.org

April 10-19: Alabama State Fair. Birmingham Race Course, 1000 John Rogers Dr, Birmingham. Enjoy attractions, shows, fair food, carnival rides, and kiddie rides. Adult admission (ages 13-64) $15; youth admission (ages 5-12) $5; senior admission (ages 65+) $5; military admission (with ID) $5. 901-867-7007. alabamastatefair.com

April 11: AuthorFest and Art Show. 2-4 p.m. Hueytown Family Rec Center, 1348 Hueytown Road. Artists of all ages can display their masterpieces for the annual art show. For more information, go to facebook.com/HueytownArts or email hueytownartscouncil@gmail.com

April 11: Fiesta Italiana. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 20 32nd St. N. Birmingham. Experience the sights, flavors, and traditions of Italy at this third annual festival. The event will feature authentic Italian food vendors with such favorites as cannolis, Italian sausage and gelato. There will be cooking demonstrations, dancing, grape stomping, a bocce ball tournament, Italian cars, merchandise vendors, a Children's Village and a Cultural Village. 205-933-8893. festaitalianabham.com

April 11-12: Batson Bladesmithing Symposium

Tannehill Ironworks State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla. Hosted by the Alabama Forge Council, this premier 37th annual bladesmithing event features expert demonstrations, fellowship and tool vendors. Registration and details are available via alaforge.org/batson-blade-symposium.html

April 12: Taste of Bessemer Job Fair & Business Expo. 4-7 p.m. Bessemer Civic Center. Showcase your business to over 1000 attendees or bring your family for food, activities and live entertainment. For information about tickets or being a sponsor or a vendor, call the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce at 205-425-3253. bessemerchamber.com

April 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. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com

Living well happens

The Alabama State Fair will feature attractions, shows, fair food and carnival rides.

Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.

Learn more at ChildrensAL.org

We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics West. To schedule an appointment at either the Hueytown or McAdory locations visit www.childrensal.org/pediatrics-west

April 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

April 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

April 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

April 14: Hueytown Job Fair. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hueytown Family Rec Center, 1348 Hueytown Road. The Hueytown Chamber of Commerce is hosting this job fair featuring a diverse range of job and career opportunities from multiple employers. Admission is free to job seekers, who are urged to dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes. Businesses looking to hire new employees can register for a booth at hueytownchamber.com. 205-491-7010.

music, crafts and barbecue

be part

April 15: Serving You @ Race for the Grace Place. Grace Life Baptist Church, 5911 Old Tuscaloosa Highway, McCalla. This 11th annual fundraiser for The Grace Place raises money to provide food, clothing, hygiene items and other resources for those in need. The fee is $30 and includes a t-shirt. The start time for the 5K is 8 a.m., and the start time for the 1-mile fun run is 8:30 a.m. 205-519-5402. servingyou.org/race

April 17: Making Mats for the Homeless. 6:30-8 p.m. Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 452 Ninth Ave. Turn plastic bags into sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness. No cost or experience needed — just a willing heart. Bring plastic bags, scissors or rollers. Optional: size Q crochet hook. Help with flattening bags, cutting strips and making plarn. Come serve and make a difference. 205-744-7171. pgum.org

April 17: 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

April 18: Celebration of Life Picnic. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. UAB Campus Green, 1500 University Blvd., Birmingham. All transplant recipients, living donors, donor families and supporters of the Donate Life Community are invited to this event. For more information, or to register for the event, go to legacyofhope.org

April 18-19: Tannehill Trade Days. Tannehill Ironworks State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla. This annual series of markets at the park begins in March and continues until November. Over 300 vendors offer such items as tools, clothing, jewelry, knives and furniture. Admission free. 205-477-5711. tannehillstatepark.org

April 20: Fairfield City Council. 6 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

April 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

April 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

April 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

April 21: Hueytown Planning & Zoning Commission. 5-6 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. The board meets on the third Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov

April 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.

April 23: 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

Events Calendar

April 25: Trout Competition. Tannehill Ironworks State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy., McCalla. A fishing event featuring stocked trout in Mud Creek. This is for anglers of all ages competing for cash prizes (up to $500) for the heaviest fish, often featuring fish weighing four to seven pounds. 205-477-5711. tannehillstatepark.org

April 25: Bessemer Recreation Center 5K Run/Walk. 100 14th St. S., Bessemer. Run time starts at 8 a.m. This second annual event is designed to raise awareness about the recreation center and the plethora of amenities that reside inside it. tharris@bessemeral.org. runsignup.com

April 25: Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival. DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer. The 15th year of blues music, Bob Sykes BBQ and family-friendly activities. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a day in the park. Gates open at 11 a.m.; music noon-6 p.m. At press time, the 2026 music line-up is still TBA. For information, including tickets, call 205-426-1400 or go to bobsykes.com/blues-festival

April 26-May 3: Appalachian Dulcimer Festival. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkw.y, McCalla. This 53rd annual event features workshops, performances and jam sessions. 205-901-8210. sdulcimer.wordpress.com/about

April 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. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com

April 28: Bessemer Historic Preservation Commission. 5:30 p.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Historic Preservation Commission, established by city ordinance, helps identify and preserve Bessemer’s historic properties and districts. The Commission meets the fourth Tuesday each month. bessemeral.org/bessemer-historic-preservation-commission

April 28 : Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The pre-meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov

Ongoing: Exercise classes. Legacy YMCA, 1501 Fourth Ave

S.W., Bessemer. Legacy presents a wide variety of exercise classes for members year round, including swimming, aerobics, aquacise, yoga, cycling, Zumba and Power HITT. Legacy also offers lots of youth sports, camps and health and wellness programs. 205-426-1211. legacyymca.org

Back pain holding you back?

Our team of orthopedic specialists are here to help.

Welcoming Jay Fitts, MD

Orthopedic

& Spine Surgeon

At UAB Medical West, our team of orthopedic specialists are dedicated to helping patients restore mobility and enhance their quality of life. We are committed to bringing quality, stateof-the-art orthopedic care to the residents of West Jefferson County, AL and are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jay Fitts to our team. Dr. Fitts specializes in spine surgery and is now accepting new patients at both our brand new main hospital location and our Hoover location. To schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West Orthopedic surgeon, call us today at (205) 481-8570. For more information about UAB Medical West and all of our services, visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.