I had a great Labor Day holiday weekend. Our three kids and most of our grandchildren were here to celebrate my husband’s 70th birthday. I spent a lot of time cooking to prepare everyone’s favorite chicken casserole, carrot cake, caramel cake and chocolate cake as well as spinach quiche and grit casserole for breakfast. There were lots of great carbs (that we haven’t enjoyed in 5 weeks) so we enjoyed plenty of food, fun, love and just hanging out. We ended the weekend at my brother’s lake house with a boat ride up the river. The weather was absolutely perfect and it was truly a great weekend.

As many of you know, I started a medical weight loss program the beginning of August and ended the month losing 17 pounds. The next 17 pounds are going to be a lot harder to lose. After the Labor Day holiday weekend, it’s time to get back to the diet and current events so life can get back to normal!

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds will conduct a Ribbon Cutting today, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. for “Faith Cutz”, the new barbershop located at 7300 Parkway Drive at the red light where you turn to go the high school.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host a very special guest speaker today, Sept. 10, at their Chamber luncheon. That distinguish guest is Worth Lumry from Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta. Visit their Facebook event page for more information or contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262.

The Leeds Arts Council will host their annual Fashion Show today, Sept. 10, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. Enjoy lunch with your friends and view the latest fashions from The Pants Store, LA Boutique and Salon, The Sassy Monkey and CATO. Tickets are $25. For more information, please call (205) 699-1892.

The Leeds Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. today, Sept. 10, at the Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Tomorrow is Sept. 11 and as we reflect on the devastation of the terrorist attacks, the trauma and the innocent lives that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and we see what is happening today, we realize that the attacks are not over. Let’s pray for our government leaders to have the knowledge and courage to combat these attacks and to keep us safe. Let’s also pray for safety for those put in harm’s way.

First Baptist Moody will host a fall consignment sale on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12. Consignor shopping is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10. For more information, please visit fbcclosetconsignment.weebly.com/.

The First Annual Celebrity Roast benefiting Shepherd Supply, Incorporated sponsored by Bluegrass Barbeque will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Moody City Hall. Shepherd Supply is a 501c3 public charity and serves the Leeds/Moody area. Master of Ceremonies, Dennis Russell, with guide you through the evening’s events including the roast of our very own Bill Morris, dinner and an introduction to Shepherd Supply Ministries. $50 per plate or you may sponsor a table of eight for $350. Tickets are available online at shepherdsupplymission.com/#tickets or you may call Brittany Perryman at (205) 306-7831. This should be an event to remember!

Sunday, Sept. 13, is Grandparent’s Day, which is always the Sunday after Labor Day. Let’s give our grandparents a special hug or phone call on that day. They deserve our love and respect and they have so much wisdom to give. I always loved spending time with my grandparents and miss them now that they have gone on to be with the Lord.

Rosh Hashanah also begins at sundown on Sunday, Sept. 13, which is the celebration of the Jewish New Year. In celebrating the New Year, Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world and is one of the holiest days of the Jewish year.

The Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, at Moody City Hall.

The Moody Kiwanis are scheduled to meet at Noon on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Moody City Hall.

Relay for Life will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Bluegrass BBQ to plan their Relay 2016 Kick-off, which will be a Spirit Night at Zaxby’s on Tuesday, Oct. 20. There are so many exciting things for 2016 that they would like to share with everyone. Contact Becky Hogan at (205) 567-7621 if you plan to attend. Let’s PAINT YOUR WORLD PURPLE for 2016!

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. The role of a Corporate Ambassador is to build relationships with other business professionals and work on different Chamber and community projects. Lunch is $10. If you are interested in learning more, you are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. John Moore, Leeds City Schools Superintendent, will be their guest speaker. Lunch is $12 with RSVP ($15 without). Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001.

The Leeds High School Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18. The cost to participate for community groups is $10 and $25 for floats and trailers. Please call (205) 699-4510 for more information.

Community Kids Closet Consignment Sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, at Community Presbyterian Church. For more information, please visit their website at communitypca.net/new-page.

The Leeds Arts Council will host a fundraiser for the Theatre and Arts Center. Cliff Keen, Jr. is directing a musical program “MAGIC OF DISNEY MUSIC” Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20. Many of the songs you will remember from the movies will be performed. Tickets are $10. Reservations are not required. If you would like to make reservations, please call (205) 640-4491, leave your name and how many tickets you desire. The theatre is handicapped accessible and parking is free. Join us in for these two magical performances of the most beloved songs of all times.

LeHigh Cement Company will host their 23rd Annual LeHigh Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, Boys Ranch of St. Clair County on Friday, October 2, at Trussville Country Club. For more information, please contact Cindy Keith at (205) 702-7114.

Job openings this week: Publix Job Fair is scheduled for Sept. 10-14, at Moody City Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may schedule an appointment to avoid lines by registering at www.publix.fullslate.com (select Moody, AL).

Here’s a thought for the week: “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right!” ~ Henry Ford

I truly appreciate each of you who read my column. Please remember to send your Leeds and Moody news to me at dona@adrbms.com. See you next week!