December is here and only 22 days remain until Christmas. I have gradually become a last-minute Christmas shopper, so I haven’t even started my Christmas shopping. We spent much of the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend enjoying family get-togethers, watching the game on Saturday, and I even took a nap!

Today, Dec. 3, is National Roof Over Your Head Day. Most of us take for granted that we have shelter and can choose to spend time indoors under a solid roof to avoid unpleasant weather. This day is celebrated across the United States to draw attention to those who are less fortunate and reminds us to be appreciative of the little luxuries that we enjoy.

Leeds Lions Club is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 3, in the Leeds Masonic Lodge building. Contact T.V. Weaver, President, at (205) 699-6742 for more information.

The Doris Stanley Memorial Library in Moody is conducting a Photogenic Contest for children ages one month to 13 years old. Entry form is due by today, Dec. 3. You may download contest rules and application at moodypubliclibr.org/.

The Moody Annual Toys for Kids Luncheon is scheduled for this Friday, Dec. 4. For more information, please contact Melissa Fraser at (205) 640-0307.

Leeds Arts Council will present A Christmas Carol, adapted and directed by Cliff Keen, Jr., at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center this weekend from Friday, Dec. 4, until Sunday, Dec. 13. All tickets are $10 and reservations are recommended. To make reservations call (205) 699-1892 or email leedsartscouncil@windstrea.m..net with your name, phone number, date you’d like to attend and number of tickets you need.

The Leeds Masonic Lodge Community Breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. this Saturday, Dec. 5. Breakfast is free, but donations are appreciated. All donations stay in the City of Leeds community involvement programs. Contact T. V. Weaver for more information at (205) 699-6742.

Crossroads Christian School Holly Days will be held this Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a day of Christmas shopping, fellowship and fun – arts, crafts, gifts and bake sale. Kids Shop Zone will be available for children to purchase and wrap presents for parents. This event will be located in the back building across from Community Presbyterian Church in Moody. For vendor information, please contact jennlavender@me.co.

The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant is scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 5, for babies through 12th grade hosted by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce. For pageant information, rules and application, please visit the Chamber website at LeedsAreaChamber.com or call Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001.

First Baptist Church Moody’s Faith Riders will host a Chillbilly Ride this Saturday, Dec. 5, to benefit the Jimmie Hale Mission with registration at 9 a.m. and kickstands up at 11 a.m. The ride starts and ends at FBC Moody. Free food, door prizes and live band! Riders – $15, Passengers – $5. Car riders welcome. For more information, please call (205) 352-5753.

Beth Gregory is the gallery artist of the month at Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. Her opening reception is scheduled for this Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, at Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Moody Lions Club is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7.

LadyBUGS, Leeds/Moody Professional Women’s Organization, will host their monthly luncheon meeting at Noon on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at The Livery in Leeds. Lunch is $10 and RSVP to m.k.davis2010@gmail.com.

The 1st Annual “Tree of Hope” Spaghetti Dinner and Auction is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Moody City Hall to benefit Relay for Life of Greater St. Clair. Tickets are $7 (includes spaghetti, salad, garlic toast & drink). Serving begins at 5:30 p.m. Auction starts at 7 p.m. You may purchase your tickets in advance from any Relay for Life committee member or call (205) 352-8351.

The Central Parliamentary Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Leeds First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Please contact Grady Sue Saxon at (205) 699-2440 for more information.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their Christmas luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10. Special Christmas entertainment and fun is planned so you will not want to miss this event. Lunch is $10 with RSVP ($15 without) and RSVP to Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262.

The Leeds Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Please remember to turn in your applications for the Leeds and Moody Christmas Parades (no charge to participate, but registration is required). Leeds Christmas Parade will be Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. (please download application at LeedsAreaCha.m.ber.com). Moody’s Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. Contact Melissa Fraser at (205) 640-0307 to register.

Bring your child to Chick-fil-A Leeds to have Breakfast with Santa cow & Elf cow between 8 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Chick-fil-A also has a Salvation Army tree and their 2016 calendars are in.

Leeds Area Visual Artist (LAVA) Christmas Art Sale will be held on Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. There will be lots of unique gifts to choose from for your friends and family, so plan to drop in.

Job Openings This Week: Farmer’s Home Furniture, Best Western Hotel and Kelly Educational Services need substitute teachers. Contact Tamatha at (256) 832-0247.

Here’s a thought for the week: “Every day is a second chance.”

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