Deb Kilgore and her dog, Reba, and her newfound love of writing
PAGE 20
On the Cover
Deb Kilgore and her beloved Golden Retriever Reba pose with Kilgore’s first book. For more information on Deb Kilgore, read this month's cover story beginning on Pg. 20.
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Brown Community Events Editor hollie@jbmcmedia.com
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Who We Are
WestJeff Magazine serves the communities and people of West Jefferson County. Published every month, the magazine is available for free at more than 100 locations in Bessemer, Hueytown, McCalla, Pleasant Grove, Concord, Oak Grove, Sylvan Springs, and other areas.
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Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription.
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Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEB KILGORE
Hollie
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The West Beat
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Most Americans would agree that it’s important for us to honor and appreciate our veterans. This is certainly true on Memorial Day, the federal holiday to be observed this year on Monday, May 25.
Memorial Day allows Americans to honor the men and women who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. military. This is especially important in 2026, our nation’s 250th anniversary.
“The greatest casualty is being forgotten,” says Wilton Williamson Jr., vice president of Connection at Wounded Warrior Project, at the WWP website. “We will never forget. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving this country.”
One overlooked aspect of Memorial Day is The National Moment of Remembrance. It encourages Americans to pause for a minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifices made by service members.
“It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day,” says Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada.
Other military tributes
May is also known as Military Appreciation Month, an observance established by Congress in 1999 to encourage public
recognition of service members, veterans and military families. May contains the highest concentration of military-related observances: Loyalty Day on May 1 recognizes American freedom, and Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8 commemorates the end of WWII in Europe in 1945. Armed Forces Day is held on May 16, and Military Spouse Appreciation Day will be held this year on May 8.
We can participate in Military Appreciation Month by expressing our gratitude to veterans and active-duty service members, wearing red, white and blue, supporting non-profit organizations that help military families and by proudly displaying the American flag.
A banner holiday
The Hueytown Area Chamber of Commerce offers a great way to celebrate Memorial Day. The chamber sponsors Hueytown Hometown Heroes, a program in which families can honor an active or former service member with a personalized pole banner around City Park. banner for two months each year – in May, for Memorial Day, and in November, for Veterans Day – over a three-year period. However, the format is different in 2026. “In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, our Hometown Hero banners will fly even longer this year—honoring those who serve and have served throughout May, June, July
and November, said Debbie Kiker, Chamber director. The Hometown Hero program has struck a chord because “it gives people a chance to celebrate their own hero from the service,” Kiker said.
Bessemer’s Ace of Aces
Captain David McCampbell, born in Bessemer in 1910, was a highly decorated U.S. Navy captain, naval pilot and Medal of Honor recipient who served with great distinction in WWII. and is certainly worthy of a tribute during Military Appreciation Month. McCampbell, who lived in Bessemer until he was 12 years old, is the Navy’s all-time leading flying ace — its “Ace of the Aces.” He is also the top F6F Hellcat ace with 34 aerial victories, according to Wikipedia. He was the third-highest American scoring ace of WWII and the highest-scoring American ace to survive the war. He also set an American aerial combat record when he shot down nine enemy planes in one mission, on Oct. 24, 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. In addition to the Medal of Honor, his awards include the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. McCampbell served in the Navy from 1933 to 1964. He died in Florida in 1996 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
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.
Bessemer’s growing airport gets $4 million boost
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Bessemer National Airport, also known as EKY, is a critical piece of infrastructure for the booming Bessemer-McCalla area and is located near facilities like the Amazon Fulfillment Center, the Smucker’s plant and MercedesBenz and its suppliers. It was designated as a National Airport by the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems in 2025, making it one of only 122 general aviation airports in the United States to hold that status.
“The airport represents a $100 million asset for the City of Bessemer and the surrounding area,” Tim Wasyluka, executive director of
the Bessemer Airport Authority (BAA), told WestJeff Magazine in July 2025.
EKY is “a tremendous asset to our community—and a vital part of Bessemer’s future,” Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley told the magazine.
The facility’s 10-year plan, the EKY Aeroplex, is designed to unleash the facility’s economic development potential. “The airport is a vital business development tool for the City of Bessemer, Jefferson County and Central Alabama,” said Karen Wadlington, BAA board president.
EKY is now taking another step forward. The facility is receiving $4 million in federal funding for the renovation and possible expansion of its primary large-aircraft parking apron, according to media reports. The project is an essential step toward the development of the airport’s future Terminal and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) building, according to the
COURTESY OF EKY PHOTOS
The terminal building at Bessemer National Airport, which is taking advantage of its location in the booming Bessemer-McCalla area.
Tim Wasyluka, executive director of the Bessemer Airport Authority, calls Bessemer National a "$100 million asset for the city."
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
State Aviation Journal on March 16.
“Renovating the apron ensures safer operations today while laying the foundation for transformative improvements, including the new terminal building and expanded aviation services,” Gulley told AL.com on March 10.
In addition to pavement renovation, EKY anticipates relocating its Automated Weather Observation System to unlock future hangar development opportunities adjacent to the apron.
Design work is already underway by consultants Goodwyn Mills Cawood.
Recovery in McCalla
Recover Now – a Birmingham-based provider of addiction treatment services – is opening its first Alabama campus in McCalla this spring, according to the company’s website. This marks the company’s fifth facility and first in Alabama. The $2.2 million facility includes a full-service sober-living residence and an adjacent partial hospitalization program (PHP) facility to provide addiction care for adult men. The campus consists of two main buildings and features a kitchen, a fishing pond, a walking trail, a fitness gym and group therapy spaces. “This location provides patients with separation from their usual environment, allowing them to focus fully on recovery,” said Gina Thompson, the facility’s clinical director, in a news release.
‘A deep commitment’
Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, president of Lawson State Community College, was recently named to the UAB Medical West hospital board, according to a March 23 news release from the school.
Her board appointment seems fitting, since Lawson State has a long partnership with UAB Medical West. Students enrolled in the school’s Rural Healthcare Initiative
have rotations at UAB Medical West, and the hospital serves as a clinical rotation site for RN students.
Lawson State is also expanding its role in the development of the area’s healthcare workforce. On campus, an $11 million facility renovation will make more room for programs in the health professions, including nursing, radiology, sonography and emergency medicine.
"More than ever, the market needs cleareyed vision and innovative leadership to meet healthcare demands, whether that is advancing patient care or strengthening the pipeline of qualified personnel,” said Anthony, Lawson State’s president since 2021.
“Dr. Anthony brings a deep commitment to education, workforce development and community engagement,” said Keith Pennington, UAB Medical West CEO. “Her insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the health and well-being of the patients we serve."
A legend in Bessemer
Alabama’s oldest restaurant, The Bright Star Restaurant in downtown Bessemer, received another tribute recently when Southern Living Magazine placed it on a list of the South’s most legendary restaurants. “A great restaurant is never just a place to eat—it’s a keeper of stories, traditions and generations of regulars,” the magazine said in a story posted March 12. “The South's most legendary restaurants have shaped their cities, hosted generations of celebrations and perfected the dishes that keep guests coming
back.” The family-owned Bright Star, opened in 1907, serves steaks, seafood, and Southern specialties with a bit of Greek flair.
Bessemer layoffs
Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a logistics and supply chain company based in Florida, has announced plans to lay off 151 workers from its 1.2 million-square-foot facility in Bessemer, according to media reports. Announced in a Feb. 27 notice filed with the Alabama Department of Workforce, the layoffs are due to a strategic decision by one of Saddle Creek's clients to self-operate their bulk distribution network, but Saddle Creek declined to name the client, according to a March 4 report by AL.com
Silver anniversary
Home Plate Diner in Hueytown celebrated its 25th anniversary in April, according to a news release from the eatery. Located at 2780 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive, Home Plate Diner offers a traditional steam-line with meats and vegetables. The restaurant is known for its baseball décor, nostalgic charm with Southern hospitality. “Hueytown is our home, and the support this community has shown us since 2001 means the world to us,” said co-owner Noah Truett. “Our family has poured our heart into this diner for three generations,” said co-owner Courtney Truett. “What started with my parents, Rob and Kim Skates, has grown into something we now share with our children, who help run the business.” For information, call 205-7448855 or go to homeplatedineral.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Lawson State President Dr. Cynthia Anthony was appointed to the UAB Medical West board.
The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer was honored recently by Southern Living Magazine.
executive
New learning center at Miles College
by JESSE CHAMBERS
Preparing for success
Miles College dedicated the new Abascal Student Success Center on the fourth floor of the C.A. Kirkendoll Learning Resources Center at an event on March 30, according to a story at the Miles College website. The center is a comprehensive, on-campus hub that integrates academic advising, tutoring, writing support, testing services and career preparation to help support student achievement.
“The Abascal Student Success Center strengthens our ability to support, challenge, and prepare every student for success,” Miles College President Bobbie Knight said.
The opening was attended by students, staff, faculty and members of the Abascal and Suco families. Manuel Abascal left Fidel Castro’s
Cuba in search of a better future for his family. and found a job teaching mathematics at Miles College, according to the website.
Dr. Mike Suco – the president and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United in Birmingham and chair of the Miles College Comprehensive Campaign – took part in the event. Suco’s parents and grandparents fled Cuba in the 1960s, and his grandfather taught at MIles College.
“Miles College played a meaningful role in my family’s story, and I am honored to support the next generation of students,” Suco said.
Another state title
The Fairfield High School Tigers boys basketball team recently won another state
title, according to media reports. On March 6, the Tigers (26-10) led for most of the game in a 65-42 victory over Ashville (31-4) to claim the AHSAA (Alabama High School Athletics Association) Class 4A boys’ state basketball championship.
“We came out sharp,” Fairfield coach Maurice Ford told Josh Bean at ahsaa.com. “We took it to them from right off the tip. We don’t shoot it that well, but I tell them defense wins championships. We locked up.”
Fairfield has won three Class 4A state titles since 2020, all with Ford as coach, according to the AHSAA story. The Tigers are state champions for the second time in three years, and won the Class 5A title in 2024 before being reclassified to 4A, according to a March 6 story by WBRC 6 News.
Author and entrepreneur
A popular blogger, writer and entrepreneur with ties to Miles College recently published a book about dating and relationships. Nicole Sade’ Daniel, who enrolled at Miles College as a communications major in 2013, is the author of “Ladies, How Did We Get Here?”
“I was inspired by my own dating experience and the patterns that I saw, not only in myself but the women around me,” she told The Birmingham Times on March 31.
Daniel began as a blogger but has built a digital lifestyle brand focused on cultural conversations, relationships, careers, mental wellness and the lived experiences of millennial women of color, according to the Times.
The author of a novel, “No Room for Trust,” Daniel has also contributed to such publications as Reckon South and Forty Magazine. For more information, go to nicolesade.com.
Former Miles College student
Nicole Sade’ Daniel
PHOTO FROM MILES COLLEGE WEBSITE AT MILES.EDU
Coca-Cola
Dr. Mike Suco attends the opening of the Abascal Student Success Center at MIles College.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE SADE’ AT FACEBOOK.COM/ AUTHORNICOLESADE
Pan Fried Crab Cakes
Mother’s Day brunch is the perfect excuse to make something a little special, but not complicated. My Pan-Fried Crab Cakes do just that. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and full of flavor on the inside. Top them with a little remoulade sauce or make breakfast sandwiches between English muffins. If you’re planning the whole brunch spread for your family, you can find more easy breakfast and brunch recipes at GritsAndGouda.com.
Ingredients
8 ounces jumbo lump or lump crabmeat
1 medium or large egg
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or ½ teaspoon zest
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
11 saltine crackers, crushed (about 1/3 cup)
3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
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.
Instructions
• Carefully look through crabmeat to remove any pieces of shell
• Whisk the egg in a medium bowl until lightly beaten. Add mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning and stir well.
• Add crabmeat and cracker crumbs. Very gently, fold the crab and crackers into the egg mixture, keeping the lumps of crab intact.
• Cover and chill at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours. This helps hold the patties together when cooking.
• Gently shape crab mixture into 4 patties. Melt butter in a large skillet. Cook the patties in butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or until golden. Turn the patties and cook 4 minutes on the other side or until golden.
Air Fryer Crab Cakes: To cook crab cakes in the air fryer, follow the directions for Pan Fried Crab Cakes through shaping the crab patties. Preheat the air fryer to 390º. Coat both the air fryer rack and both side of the crab cakes with an oil sprayer. I don't recommend an aerosol cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes or until both sides are golden brown.
The Continental Divide
I’m in a hotel lobby. It’s breakfast. We are waiting in line for our gruel. Guests congregate around the coffee urn like puppies at the teat until they drain the urn and leave nothing but dregs for us tired, huddled masses.
The dining room is full. There are people everywhere.
A group of businessmen at a table, eating their “eggz.” They are talking with importantsounding voices, the way guys do when they’re en masse. Trying to establish who is alpha by public urination contest.
They’re talking about the eclipse.
“This eclipse is no big deal,” one guy says in a macho tone. “I’ve seen an eclipse before.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve seen dozens,” another guy says.
“Oh, yeah?” a guy adds. “Well, I used to watch eclipses every weekend, back when they used to play for Miami.”
There is a young family nearby. A mom, dad, and a few kids. One kid is wearing his glasses, looking at his mother.
“Mom, look!” he says. “I’m wearing my glasses!”
Mom does not even move. She is staring straight ahead, like maybe it’s been a long road trip.
“Mom, look! Mom, look! Mom, look!”
The woman takes a sip of coffee. She does not look.
“Momlookmomlookmomlookmom…!”
There is an older couple. They are, evidently, in love. They can’t keep their hands off one another. The older woman is mid-70s, wearing cutoff shorts à la Daisy Duke, cut so high they are showing her her everlasting aspirations. The guy is wearing a tank top and it appears that his upper body hasn’t seen the sun since the early Carter Administration.
“No.”
They are groping each other. They are kissing passionately while waiting in the serving line.
“They’re definitely not married,” says one elderly lady in line, using a walker.
“How can you tell?” I ask.
“Are you married?”
“Yes.”
“Did you see where he grabbed her?”
“Yes.”
“Have you ever been grabbed like that?”
She smiles. “Would you like to be?”
Thanks, but no thanks. I have been happily married for 22 years. My wife and I made a solemn agreement from our very beginning: I don’t try to run her life. And I don’t try to run mine.
The table in the corner, however, is the one that draws my attention. There are two little girls. One girl is missing her right arm at the elbow. The other little girl is feeding her.
They aren’t making a big deal about it. The girl is eating cereal.
“Do you want to try feeding yourself?” one girl asks.
“I can’t do it.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Maybe I’ll try.”
The girl uses her good arm to take a bite. But the movement is too awkward for her left hand. She makes a mess. She puts the spoon down. She is clearly disappointed.
“Don’t worry about it,” her friend says.
“You’ll get there.”
“I told you I can’t do it.”
Her friend touches her cheek.
“You’re the strongest person I know, Sandra. The most amazing sister I’ve ever had. You can do anything. Do you hear me? Anything. Now open up.”
Pretty good morning.
SEAN DIETRICH
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
Home Improvement
Clear the Clog, Save the Sink
How much advice about clearing sink clogs can I cram into a brief article? Let’s find out.
To fix a clogged bathroom sink, start by using a cup-shaped plunger with a large enough suction cup to completely cover the drain and create an airtight seal against the surrounding sink. Seal off any other outlets, such as the overflow drain in sinks, with a wet rag to create a vacuum, then fill the sink with enough water to cover the suction area. Push out any trapped air beneath the cup, then give the plunger 10 to 15 up-anddown pumping strokes to jolt loose the clog. You might need to repeat this a few times. If that doesn’t work, you can remove the drain cover which closes the drain. The drain cover operates using a ball-and-socket lever at the back of the sink’s drainpipe.
To remove the drain cover, first place a bucket beneath the sink’s drainpipe to catch water. Most drain covers have a metal “leverrod” that raises and lowers the cap. Unscrew and remove the retaining nut on the back of the drainpipe that holds the “ball” of the lever-rod to the socket. Then, slide the lever-rod out of the pipe (and the keyhole at the bottom of the drain cover). You should then be able to pull the drain cover freely out of the sink drain, which is often what traps hair, objects and other debris in the drain. Use a plumbing auger (or a wire coat hanger) and hot water to clear out the pipe. Wash the drain cover before replacement. If that still doesn’t work, use a pipe wrench to remove the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe) beneath the sink, in which a foreign object may have gotten trapped in the turn of the pipe. Run a plumbing auger or plumbing snake into the drainpipe past the P-trap to rout out clogs farther down the line.
An inexpensive plastic plumbing auger is one of the best $4 purchases a DIY homeowner can make. Available at most hardware stores,
the augers are hooked to grab hair and gunk, stiff enough to shove through a pipe, but flexible enough to follow the turns in a P-trap or S-trap.
Kitchen Sinks
Kitchen sinks are less susceptible to hair clogs and more susceptible to built-up fat and grease from food. For this reason, you might want to pour boiling water into a clogged sink drain to see if that melts the problem away.
Kitchen sinks are generally built like bathroom sinks and have a P-trap, but they may also be connected to a dishwasher's drain line or to a garbage disposal, which might complicate effective use of a plunger and plumbing auger. If the clog remains, it might help to remove the P-trap and insert the auger directly into the drainpipe. Snake out the pipe until you hit the obstruction and break it up, then flush the pipe with water.
If this doesn’t fix or locate the problem, check the other household drains to make sure the clog is only in one fixture. (If more than one drain is clogged, then there is a clog in the main drainpipe, so call a plumber.)
Liquid Clog Removers
If water is slowly draining, but the pipe is not completely clogged, then a liquid cleaner may solve the issue. However, thin liquid drain cleaners often run right down the pipe and straight past the clog, leaving the problem stuck in the drain. For this reason, you should choose a thicker foam or gel product that sticks to the inside of the pipe for better coverage and longer contact with the blockage. Allow the product to sit as directed— usually about 30 minutes—and follow with running water to test the drain. Always use chemical drain cleaners in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves. Don’t use a plunger if a liquid cleaner is in the drain, or you risk splashing caustic chemicals on your skin. And don’t use a liquid cleaner if the drain is completely blocked, because if it doesn't work, you'll be stuck with a sink full of caustic water.
Homeowners with septic tanks should note that the active ingredient in chemical cleaners is often chlorine bleach, which can harm the beneficial bacteria of a septic system.
Dissolving a clog with vinegar and baking soda, however, will not damage septic systems. First, pour hot (but not boiling) water into the drain to loosen the clog. Add ½ cup of baking soda into the open drain. Then, pour ½ cup of white distilled vinegar down the drain. You will hear the mixture fizzle as it begins to foam. Allow the mixture to act on the clog for 15 minutes to an hour, then try to rinse the obstruction away with hot water.
Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www.hirpub.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT WEBER, HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIRS MAGAZINE
HOUSEHOLD DROP-OFF
2026 Events
May 9 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse 2651 Center Point Pkwy, Birmingham, 35215
June 13 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Jefferson County Valley Water
Reclamation Facility 3923 Clear Water Dr, Bessemer, 35023
September 12 9-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding
Birmingham City Hall / Linn Park 710 20th St N, Birmingham, 35203
Welcome to our Health & Wellness page at WestJeff Magazine. Almost every 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
Take care of your skin
We should always drink plenty of water, but it’s very important for your skin.
We should do everything we can to protect our skin, and not just for cosmetic reasons. The body's largest organ, it’s our first line of defense against pathogens, UV radiation and toxins, and it regulates our temperature through sweat and blood flow. This month, we offer expert tips to help you protect your skin as hot weather approaches.
Summer on the way
Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez, a dermatologist at The University of Rochester Medical Center, offers these suggestions for protecting the skin from such factors as heat and UV rays.
Shield the skin: Wear protective clothing and stay in the shade during peak sun hours. Drink your water: Dehydrated skin may appear dry, dull and scaly. In summer, our bodies lose more water through sweating, so
drink fluids throughout the day.
Use sunscreen: UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging and an increased skin-cancer risk. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher even on cloudy days. Reapply it every two hours, especially if swimming.
Use antioxidants: The sun can cause unstable molecules, or free radicals, to damage your skin. Foods rich in antioxidants, including berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens and green tea can stabilize those free radicals and help protect your skin. You can also use skincare products with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and green tea extracts
Post-Sun: After a day in the sun, take a cool, soothing shower to remove sweat and sunscreen, then use moisturizer. If sunburned, apply aloe vera gel.
To learn more, go to urmc.rochester.edu/news.
Travel tips
Dr. Lauren Kole, a dermatologist at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, offers advice on keeping skin healthy while traveling.
Like Velez and other experts, Kole recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVA and UVB rays and says that sunscreen is important not just at the beach or outdoors.
“The sun can still penetrate the windows of a car or a plane, so make sure you’re still applying your sunscreen and wearing sun protective clothing,” Kole said March 9 at uab.edu/news.
Regarding hydration, Kole notes that aircraft cabins or prolonged car rides can draw moisture from the skin. She recommends using a rich moisturizer before and during travel with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, lactic acid, lanolin, petrolatum or shea butter.
We should also be careful about other threats to our skin. “We can expose ourselves to infections or infestations when we’re traveling,” Kole said. Avoid walking barefoot around hotel pools or gyms, where damp surfaces can harbor bacteria and fungi.
Prepare for bug bites by carrying overthe-counter treatments with ingredients like hydrocortisone, and stay in clean accommodations that are less likely to have bed bugs.
Travelers should bring along their own skincare products rather than relying on hotel products that often contain ingredients that irritate skin.
Blueberries contain antioxidants, which are great for your skin.
PHOTO FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS BY WENDY PRAMIK.
H e a l t h c a r e fo r n ext m o v e .
Dav id, our member from Phoenix, Ar izona, stay s active by playing it smar t, whether it’s chess in the park or Tai Chi in the ArchWell Health activity room. With care designed specifically for older adults, his doctor sees the full board and is invested in improving his cognitive function and overall health. It makes ever y visit feel more personal . And, it hel ps him keep his mind sharp, his body moving, and ever y move intentional .
Scan the QR code or call (205) 336-1535 to learn more.
Loveable rescue dog inspires writing career for Sylvan Springs author
by JESSE CHAMBERS photography by BRITTNEY FIELDS
Creative people sometimes find their way into new careers later in life. Deb Kilgore, a 72-year-old resident of Sylvan Springs, is one of those people.
Kilgore recently became an author and published her first illustrated children’s book, "Reba's Egg-cellent Adventure," on Amazon in January. It’s described as “a story of patience, gentleness and a very good dog.”
She published a second book, “Reba, The Night Watchman,” on Amazon in February. Her publishing imprint is Kindred Spirit Press.
And Kilgore found an unexpected source of inspiration for her writing in Reba, her six-year-old Golden Retriever.
Reba was a rescue dog in August 2023 when Kilgore found her on Facebook and arranged to pick her up in Meridian, Mississippi. “She’s been my baby ever since,” Kilgore said. “She'll be six years old in August. She's with me for life.”
Reba’s unique adventures on Kilgore’s property – where Kilgore also raises chickens – inspired this series of books.
“About a year ago, I started finding eggs from my chickens on the porch, in my living room and kitchen, and I couldn't figure out what was going on,” Kilgore said. “One day when I was going to feed the chickens
and check the eggs, I saw Reba go into the coop. In a minute she came out with an egg in her mouth. She took it to the porch and laid it down. This has become a daily thing for her.”
Sometimes Reba will get eggs two or three times a day, and if a chicken hasn’t yet laid an egg, Reba will still retrieve the fake egg.
“She learned from watching me collect eggs,” Kilgore said. “She doesn't break them or try to eat them. Goldens have a well-known 'gentle' mouth. It's part of their breeding. It’s a job to her, but she also does it because she receives praise and attention every time. Several of my friends have seen her collect eggs.
“After I realized what she was doing, I began to think about how it would make a great children's book,” Kilgore said. “Kids and most adults love animals, and when they do something interesting why not share that? So I just sat down one day and put it to paper. Then I worked on it for about a week until I felt like it was OK.”
The second book in the series is based on Reba’s “night job,” Kilgore said. Reba patrols the pasture around the coop and yard off and on all night to protect the chickens. There are woods on three sides at Kilgore’s house and raccoons, possums, coyotes and even foxes are common.
“The chickens are locked up at night but the critters would still try to get to them if they could,” Kilgore said. “Fences don't matter. A coyote can scale a fence like a cat. Reba makes sure nothing gets close.”
This is another helpful activity that Reba started doing on her own.
“Goldens are not your typical ‘farm’ dog, but this is her home, and she tries to protect it,” Kilgore said. “When the weather prevents me from having the dog door open she is not happy. She wants to go out and patrol.”
Kilgore grew up in Sandusky and has lived in Sylvan Springs 42 years. She has a son, Stephen Kilgore, in his 40s. She did office work in the medical field before retiring, then had a few retail jobs.
Kilgore also has a long interest in writing. “I've always been an avid reader and a lover of poetry,” she said. “Reading can take you places you
Long-time Sylvan Springs resident Deb Kilgore recently began a new career as an author of children’s books starring her beloved Golden Retriever Reba, a rescue dog. Kilgore published the books on Amazon this year.
might never be able to go to. I've always jotted down quotes and such.”
In the past, Kilgore self-published several sympathy booklets for pets and people and one booklet on Native-American wisdom but didn’t seriously pursue her writing.
“I've thought about it in the past and have written a bit here and there, but I knew I couldn't afford a publisher or illustrator, so I never pursued it,” Kilgore said. Then she discovered Amazon, “where they handle everything,” she said. “You don't make much because they do the
publishing, printing and shipping, but I figured it was a start.”
The availability of AI also made it possible for Kilgore to publish her books. She wrote her own stories but used AI to create the illustrations, because she couldn’t afford an artist.
“Amazon allows it as long as you disclose it,” said Kilgore, who learned how to work with AI effectively to get the illustrations she wanted. “You have to be so specific with AI as to what you want. I finally figured it out. I know some authors don't like AI, but it’s
Deb Kilgore with her Golden Retrievers Honey (left) and Reba (right). An animal lover, Kilgore also cares for three other dogs, four cats and 25 chickens. All of her dogs and cats are rescues.
available, and I used it. It's the future.”
A book signing was held for Kilgore at Calvary Independent Baptist Church in Minor on Feb. 22. “We had over 60 people, which I thought was amazing, but people love animals, and these people knew who Reba was,” Kilgore said. “They didn't necessarily come to see me. They came to see Reba.”
Missing Link Rescue, an animal-rescue group in Gardendale, and its director Debbie Cousins, sponsored in the event and helped to promote the book. Stephen Kilgore and his wife, Katie, provided refreshments, and Katie’s parents, Sherri and Gary Standifer, provided the food.
“Folks, especially kids, wanted their books signed by Reba,” Kilgore said. “Reba was amazing. She signed probably 40 books with me.” Kilgore had a stamp pad and helped Reba ink her paw and place it on the inside book covers. “Reba has a perfect personality and behaved so well,” Kilgore said. “She never wanted to quit or leave. She loves people, especially kids, so she was in her element.”
Reba is only one part of the happy menagerie that Kilgore has at home.
“I have four other dogs, all rescues, including another golden retriever, Honey, who is mentioned in the second book, also four cats,” Kilgore said. She also has 25 chickens.
The other three dogs are Taco, a chihuahua mix; Baby, a chihuahua; and Lady, a terrier mix. The cats are Mandy, a tortoise; Bobbi, a gray tabby; Pooh Bear, a yellow tabby; and the newest arrival, Priscilla, a calico who’s 14 years old.
Reba’s gentle and loving,” Kilgore says. “Her soulful eyes just look right through you. She's beautiful and smart.”
—DEB KILGORE
Sylvan Springs resident, author
Kilgore said that her writing and publishing is “primarily a creative outlet” for her, but she noted that the first book “has done pretty well,” selling over a 100 copies so far. “I didn't do it for the money,” the author said. “I'm just glad to let children ‘meet’ Reba and have a feel-good story – something positive in this very negative world. It’s a story that kids of all ages could relate to. It helps to show that our pets are so much more.”
Kilgore plans to continue writing, including a full-length book on Native wisdom with quotations and sayings from Native leaders. “Never have there been a more spiritual people or a people so in touch with nature,” she said.
Several of the animals at Deb Kilgore’s happy home (clockwise from top left): Mandy; Reba; Taco, a Chihuahua mix; and Lady, a Terrier mix. Kilgore often works with Missing Link Rescue, an animal-rescue group in Gardendale.
Kilgore’s first book, ‘Reba’s Egg-cellent Adventure” was inspired when she discovered that Reba was taking eggs from the chicken coop and leaving them undamaged on the porch and in the living room or kitchen.
Don't be afraid to try something new,” Kilgore says. “I'm 72 years old. If I can do it, then you can, too.”
—DEB KILGORE
Sylvan Springs resident, author
‘Reba, the Night Watchman,” Kilgore’s second book, was inspired by Reba’s efforts to patrol the area around the chicken coop and prevent predators, such as raccoons, coyotes and foxes, from gaining access.
The author’s family on her mother’s side has a Cherokee and Choctaw heritage, and Kilgore is a member of the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama. “I'm very proud of my heritage,” she said. “I had always been drawn to the Indians as a child. It was later in life when I really got interested in my heritage. After attending a pow wow I knew I had to dig deeper.” Kilgore has made Native crafts for 20 years. She also took up woodworking recently, making planters, clocks and charcuterie boards. Her work’s for sale on Etsy.
There may possibly be another book involving Kilgore's happy brood of animals. “My neighbor suggested doing a book about all the animals,” Kilgore said. “They all live in harmony. Everyone here gets along.”
Kilgore cares about animals, in part because they offer “unconditional love,” she said. “They don't judge. They love you because you are you. They don't care if you have anything or not. And they can't speak for themselves, so I've been bringing them home forever.”
One thing's for sure: kids and adults all love Reba, Kilgore said. “Like most goldens, she’s a people's dog. They just love everyone, and the feeling is mutual. She's extremely gentle and loving. Her soulful eyes just look right through you. She's beautiful and smart.”
Reba had “a rough start” in life, Kilgore said. “She had been a breeder mom when I got her.” But Reba how “has the life a lot of dogs would love to have,” Kilgore said. “She is loved and very well cared for. She returns that love everyday.”
Kilgore said that it’s “gratifying” to find a creative outlet at this point in her life journey. “I've had stories in my head for a long time, and I didn't know what to do with them,” she said. “Kids don’t read anymore, and I wanted to create stories for them. Using animals, the books teach them about compassion, empathy and kindness.”
After beginning her new career, Kilgore has a message for others.
“Don't be afraid to try something new,” she said. “Children's books about animals have been in my mind for several years. I just had to wait for the right information to come along. I'm 72 years old. If I can do it, then you can, too. You never know where it will lead. Never stop believing in yourself.”
Kilgore sells her books at Amazon and her crafts at etsy.com/shop/ kindredspirittrading), eBay (proudindian@msn.com) and Facebook Marketplace.
Honoring McAdory artists
Two ninth-grade photography students at McAdory High School, Emma Nelson and Cameron Lawrence, were honored in Montgomery for their outstanding achievements in visual art, according to the McAdory High School Facebook page on March 13. The Facebook post thanked the following people for their support: Dr. Eric Mackey, State Superintendent of Education; Yvette Richardson, District 4 Representative for the State Board of Education; Dr. Makella Moore Harris, Jefferson County Director of Arts Education; and Shelly Bailey, Visual Art Supervisor for Jefferson County Schools.
James Spann
Birmingham meteorologist James Spann visited the third-grade students at Oak Grove Elementary School and taught them about weather, according to a March 18 post at the OGES Facebook page. The chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40, Spann has over 45 years in broadcasting and is famed for his severe weather coverage. He has won numerous awards, including an Emmy in 2000.
A fantastic show
The Hueytown High School Winter Guard placed third at the SCGC Thompson Winter Classic, according to a March 14 post at the HHS Facebook page. The post congratulated the young women for putting on a fantastic performance and for all of their hard work this season. The competition was held at Thompson Middle School in Alabaster and is part of Southeastern Color Guard Circuit.
Teacher of the Year
Nefertiti LeBeaux, a biology educator at Pleasant Grove High School, was named Teacher of the Year for 2026 in the Secondary Division by the Jefferson County Board of Education at a ceremony on March 19. LeBeaux was chosen from 10 finalists and will represent the county in the Alabama State Teacher of the Year program. A graduate of Miles College and Alabama State University, LeBeaux initially prepared for a career in physical therapy before discovering her true calling in the classroom in 2008. Since then, she has dedicated herself to empowering students through the sciences, blending her strong foundation in biology and chemistry with a teaching style that encourages critical thinking and the pursuit of excellence.
OGHS golfer Grace Nelson
Oak Grove High School junior Grace Nelson signed to play golf at Jefferson State Community College when she graduates in 2027, according to the OGHS Facebook page on March 18. Lea Green serves as head coach of the women’s golf team at JSCC, according to jeffersonstate.edu.
Reading Across America
Mayor Steve Ware joined the students at Concord Elementary School on March 3 to celebrate Read Across America Week and the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss. The students also received visits that day from characters Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Pete the Cat. Read Across America Week is an annual event sponsored by the National Education Association. Launched in 1998, it promotes literacy and encourages children to read.
Community cleanup
On March 15, McAdory Middle School students participated in the McCalla & McAdory Community Cleanup, demonstrating a strong commitment to service by helping maintain and beautify the Eastern Valley area between McAdory High School and McAdory Middle School. Organized by PTA President Mrs. Tippins, the event was made possible with support from the Jefferson County Commission and Alabama PALS. More than 78 volunteers, including students and parents, contributed their time and effort, reflecting a shared sense of community pride and responsibility. Additional thanks go to Coach Holmes, his staff and Mrs. Kemaria Jones for their support.
Exploring careers
C. J. Donald Middle School recently hosted Career Day, providing students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of professions through direct interaction with community representatives. Students actively engaged with presenters by asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating a high level of participation throughout the event. Interactive experiences with state troopers and firefighters further enric hed the day, offering hands-on insight into public service careers. Feedback from both vendors and students was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the event’s impact in broadening career awareness and fostering student engagement.
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
Western Area Events
May 1-3: Appalachian Dulcimer Festival. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla. This 53rd annual event features workshops, performances and jam sessions. 205-901-8210. sdulcimer.wordpress.com/about
May 2: 5K Run and Walk. 9 a.m. Kenneth E. Gulley Recreation Center, 100 14th St. S. This second annual event is open to all ages. Registration is $40 for the 5K and $15 for the 1K Fun Run. For registration, visit the Bessemer Recreation Center Facebook page.
May 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
May 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
May 5: 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
May 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
May 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. 205-428-954.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: 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
PHOTO COURTESY FACEBOOK.COM/BHAMFOLKFEST
LEFT: The Birmingham Folk Fest brings music, art and community to Avondale Park on May 16. ABOVE: Tannehill State Park in McCalla will host the 53rd annual Appalachian Dulcimer Festival in May.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN DULCIMER ASSOCIATION FACEBOOK PAGE
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 at pleasantridgebaptist.org
May 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
May 7: 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. 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
May 8: Atlanta Braves Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic. 6-9 p.m. 6301 Eastern Valley Road, McCalla. Braves Baseball Clinics are for kids ages 6-12 and consist of three hours of youth
baseball instruction and competition as part of a custom curriculum. Participants will receive a Braves Clinic t-shirt. For any questions, contact growingthegame@braves.com. Register at braves.com/clinics.
May 9: Classics in the Park Car Show. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hueytown City Park, 104 Forest Road. Hueytown City Park.The second annual Classics in the Park features cars, trucks and motorcycles. Registration is $20 per car in advance, $25 day of show. To register, call 205-491-7010 or visit hueytownchamber.com.
May 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. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com
May 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
May 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
COURTESY OF FACEBOOK.COM/BRAVES
A young Atlanta Braves fan. The Braves will hold a baseball clinic in McCalla on May 8.
May 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
May 16-17: 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
May 18: 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
May 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
May 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
May 19: 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
PHOTO
Events Calendar
May 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.
May 19: Bessemer Planning and Zoning Commission. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
May 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
May 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
May 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. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com
May 26: 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-historicpreservation-commission
May 26 : 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
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
TANNEHILL IRONWORKS STATE PARK FACEBOOK PAGE
Over 300 vendors take part in the long-popular Tannehill Trade Days from March through November.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HUEYTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACEBOOK PAGE
Hueytown City Park will host the annual ‘Classics in the Park’ car show on May 9.
Other Area Events
May 2: Furnace Chicken Festival. 1-9 p.m. Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. N. This celebration of food, music and community features over 30 food and art vendors, a DJ, live music and entertainment, a kids zone, a classic car showcase and a chicken wing competition. Purchase tickets at furnacechickenfest.com or at the gate.
May 3: Magic City Mimosa Festival. Noon to 4 p.m. Haven, 2515 Sixth Ave. S., Birmingham. This annual event returns to the Haven event space in Lakeview, an indoor venue, and features signature mimosas, live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Music, socializing and unlimited mimosa tastings are included with admission. The event is for ages 21 and up. For tickets and information, go to the event page on Facebook at “Magic City Mimosa Festival.”
May 7: Birmingham CrawFest 2026. 5:30-9 p.m. The Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road. The Birmingham Zoo. This 44th annual event includes a silent auction, raffle, door prizes, open bar, crawfish, shrimp and a Cajun buffet by Crazy Cajuns. Live music by T.U.B. The UnKnamed Band. The event is sponsored by the Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation, and all proceeds benefit marine conservation efforts on Alabama's Gulf Coast. For tickets and information, go to crawfest26.givesmart.com
May 9: BarkBash. 12-3 p.m. Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort, 2316 First Ave. S. This second annual benefit event is hosted by Three Dimensional Dog Training in partnership with Hand in Paw animal-assisted therapy. The event features live music from Plastic Gems, a local food truck and interactive activities like "paw print painting" and a professional doggie photo booth. All proceeds from the event’s raffle go to Hand In Paw to help fund their professionally trained therapy-dog teams that serve hospitals, schools and advocacy centers in the area. Leashed, friendly and sociable dogs are welcome. For tickets and information, go to the Facebook event page at “2nd Annual BarkBash 2026.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM TACO FEST FACEBOOK PAGE
May 16: Birmingham Folk Fest. Avondale Park, 4101 Fifth Ave. S. A day of family-friendly music, art and community. The event showcases different types of folk music and features vendors and food trucks. Admission is free. For more information, go to birminghamfolkfest.org or facebook.com/bhamfolkfest.
May 17: Birmingham Taco Fest. 1-7 p.m. Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. N. This ninth annual event features Birmingham’s top taco vendors, dessert vendors, music, dancing, community arts activities, a farm stand and an art market. Proceeds benefit Bare Hands, an arts nonprofit that collaborates with individuals and communities to create immersive arts experiences and arts education programs. For tickets and information, go to barehandsinc.org/taco-fest.
May 17: Birmingham Bridal & Wedding Expo. 1-5 p.m. BJCC North Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Meet some of the top wedding professionals and exhibitors in the area as they demonstrate their latest products and services. The exhibits may include musicians and other entertainment, bridal gowns and accessories, catering, decor, lighting, favors, florists, makeup and beauty, honeymoon and travel, limousines and transportation, makeup artists, photo booths, photographers, reception and wedding venues, wedding planners and wedding cakes and desserts. For information and tickets, go to bridalshowsal. com/about.
The Birmingham Taco Fest at Sloss Furnaces will feature food, music, dancing and visual art.
