Dona Bonnett.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! The cultural and religious celebration held on March 17 each year marks the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. The festival commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as well as celebrating Irish heritage and culture. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. Ways to celebrate: Wear green, accessorize with shamrocks, learn some Irish words or learn an Irish dance!

The Outlet Shops of Grand River are celebrating with a St. Patrick’s Day Sidewalk Sale March 17-20. Also, the Coyote Drive In Theater and Canteen is opening in May with four huge screens, movies under the stars, a full-service restaurant, bar and concessions and a miniature golf course. You can follow Coyote Drive-In on Facebook and @coyotedrive on Twitter.

The new Moody Civic Center construction is coming right along. Membership programs to be used in the fitness facility will be offered. Membership applications may be completed and submitted as early as April with a target date of an early August opening. For more information about the Moody Civic Center, Memberships and general questions, please contact Kim Bridges at kbridges@moodyalabama.gov and to keep up with announcements, construction and program updates; you can like their Facebook page at Facebook.com/moodyciviccenter.

Children’s Consignment Sale is scheduled at First Baptist Church of Moody on Friday, March 18, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 19, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. – many great items with great prices!

First Baptist Church of Moody is having a glow in the dark egg hunt this Saturday, March 19, at 6 p.m.

Remember that this Friday, March 18, at 7 p.m. the Leeds Arts Council will host a performance by Leeds Green Wave Jazz, the Leeds High School jazz band. Music will include a wide range of jazz standards and pop songs from the 50s through today. Green Wave Jazz, led by Marion “Chip” Wise, regularly participates in various music competitions and festivals and has received nothing but Superior ratings since 2010. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $5 for students. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the door will go to Leeds Green Wave Jazz to further the efforts of this award-winning jazz ensemble. For more information, call (205) 699-1892, go to leedsartscouncil.org, or find us on Facebook.

Remember FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church who will present the powerful film “War Room” this Saturday, March 19 at 6 p.m. Nursery will be provided.

Leeds City Council Meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 21, at Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Moody Lions Club is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 21, at White’s Chapel.

Join the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce for COFFEE & CARDS – Breakfast and Networking – on Thursday, March 24, from 7-8 a.m. at Alfa Insurance located at 2301 Moody Parkway, Suite 7. If you have a company that you would like to promote, this is a great event for you!

SAVE THE DATES: Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus in Leeds announces two Ladies Bible Studies. COFFEE CUP CONNECT – for Ladies Only kicks off an eight-week event on Thursday morning, April 7, at 8:30 a.m. with a great time of coffee, connection, fellowship and Bible Study. If you are a business professional, work retail or are a stay at home mom, this event is for you. RESTLESS, a 9-week women’s evening Bible Study, will kick off on Friday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. Restoration. Relationships. Relevance. A practical plan to identify the threads of your life and how to intentionally weave them together for God’s glory & purposes. BECAUSE YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE! Both of these are free events. The River Campus is located just past the Shops of Grand River. For more information about these events, please contact Brenda Weimer at (205) 306-6058 or myself at (256) 345-3993.

Miss Creek Bank Pageant will be held at 2 p.m. on April 16, at Leeds High School Auditorium for Birth through 12th Grade. Each division will have three alternates along with the crowned winner. All contestants will be given a participation crown. For official rules and to download application, please visit leedsareachamber.com/miss-creek-bank-pageant-/ or contact Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001.

Tickets are now available for LadyBUGS Annual Charity Luncheon & Fashion Show, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. This annual event is hosted by the Leeds/Moody Professional Women and proceeds will go to fund scholarships for Leeds and Moody high school girls. Please contact me at (256) 345-3993 for tickets, which are $25 each.

Attention: Golfers! There’s still time to sign up for a golf team or hole sponsor for the Moody Masters Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Monday, April 18, at Trussville Country Club (rain date April 25). Proceeds from the tournament will go to the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce to fund the High School Ambassador Program along with other chamber programs. Price increases after April 1 so please contact me at (256) 345-3993 if you would like to sign up for a golf team or hole sponsor.

Dr. Elizabeth Gregory will host a free seminar “Caring for a Loved One with Dementia” on April 26, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce. To register for this event or contact Dr. Gregory for more information about her services, please contact her at (205) 396-8972. Also, please visit her website at GregoryCounselingandConsultingLLC.com.

Attention: Vendors and Entertainers Wanted for the 22nd Annual Creek Bank Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 14, at Leeds Memorial Park (Rain Date: May 21). There will be plenty of fun for everyone with live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, all types of vendors, mascot challenge, sweets bake-off, moon pie eating contest, dog pageant, kids activities, teen hangout, games and more. You will not want to miss this opportunity to showcase your business so please contact Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001 or download vendor application at LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The 1st Annual Cruising the Creek Car Show will be held Saturday, May 16, in conjunction with the Creek Bank Festival. This event is sponsored by C & C Motor Company to benefit the Backpack Buddies charity. For more information, please contact Chris or Christy McCombs at (205) 365-7412 or (205) 283-0952.

Our quote for the Week: “Why not compliment one or two or ten people today. It won’t cost you anything, but it might mean everything to someone” -Unknown

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 leedsmoodynews@gmail.com. See you next week!