As I write this article, I was thinking how I wish that my garden seeds were already planted as I hear the slow rain coming down. I have big plans this year for a container garden to grow some organic vegetables.

Those who know me know that I am far from being a gardener, but this is something I really want to do this year. My husband and I worked on this last week and we have about half of my containers hung and ready to plant. We just have to get the rest of the containers hung and then move forward with soil and seeds. This week is actually Garden Week, so it is definitely time to get on with this project.

It’s also National Humor Month and our world would be a better place if we could just remember to laugh more. They say that laughter is the best medicine and it definitely has a healing effect on our bodies. A positive attitude and a good sense of humor can go a long way. Laughter can be a great stress releaser. In general, laughter helps people feel better. Studies show that laughing lowers blood pressure and reduces stress hormone levels. It also improves cardiac health, boosts T cells, triggers the release of endorphins and produces a general sense of well-being. Looks like laughing a little more could be just what the doctor ordered!

Teacher of the Year nominations are currently being accepted by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce. This award is sponsored by Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood and will be presented at the May Chamber luncheon. Nominations will be accepted until May 1.

Coffee Cup Connection – for ladies only will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. each Thursday in April at Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus in Leeds on Hwy 78, just past the Shops of Grand River. Join us for a great time of coffee, fellowship and Bible study on the topic of ‘My Relationship with God’. Please contact Dona Bonnett at (256) 345-3993 for more information.

I will have the opportunity to speak on Social Media Marketing at the Springville Chamber of Commerce today, April 14, at Springville Café. If you happen to be free, please join us at noon.

Restless – Women’s Bible Study is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. each Friday in April at Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus in Leeds on Hwy 78, just past the Shops of Grand River. Restoration. Relationships. Relevance. A practical plan to identify the threads of your life and how to intentionally weave them together for God’s glory and purposes. Please contact Brenda Weimer at (205) 306-6058 for more information.

The Leeds Arts Council will present NOEL COWARD’S PRIVATE LIVES April 15-17, at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. Cliff Keen, Jr. will direct the play. For more information, please call Sandi at (205) 640-4491.

Miracles in Motion Moody Miracle League 5k Run and 1 Mile event is planned for this Saturday, April 16, to raise money to fix their aging field. Come Run/Walk/Roll with our special needs players from the Miracle League. There will be plenty of fun for everyone! To register, purchase a sponsorship or obtain more information, please visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Trussville/MiraclesInMotion5K.

The Moody Master’s Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, April 18, at Trussville Country Club hosted by Moody Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262.

The Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 18, at Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

The Moody Lions Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 18, at White’s Chapel.

Dr. Natalya Frolova and 4UREYE Care, LLC will host a Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee & Cards on Tuesday, April 19, from 7:30 until 8:30 a.m. at their office located at 2451 Moody Parkway, Suite 206. This is a free event. Please plan to attend and bring plenty of business cards for a great time of coffee, food and fellowship as well as tour their state-of-the-art eye care center. For more information, please contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262 or Alyssa McLaughlin at (205) 702-6267.

The LadyBUGS Annual Charity Luncheon & Fashion Show is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church hosted by the Leeds/Moody Professional Women and proceeds will go to fund scholarships for Leeds and Moody high school girls. Tickets are only $25 and there just a few left so contact any LadyBUGS member if you need one.

Moody Kiwanis Club will meet at noon on Tuesday, April 19, at Moody City Hall.

City of Leeds Planning and Zoning Commission will have a Special Called Meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at the Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room located at 1000 Park Drive.

Springview Homeowner’s Association is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at Moody City Hall.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassador Luncheon Meeting will meet at 11:45 a.m. for Wednesday, April 20, at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. This group is in the final stages of planning the Creek Bank Festival. If you are a business professional and would like to be part of an exciting team, please plan to join us. Lunch is $10 and RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Breakfast for the Brave is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, at Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus in Leeds on Hwy 78, just past the Shops of Grand River. If you are a first responder for the Leeds Area Police Department, Fire Department or EMT, you are invited to this event to show appreciation for your hard work and dedication in keeping the greater Leeds area safe. Biscuits, coffee and juice will be served.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly Chamber Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Come early and network with other business professionals. Guest Speaker will be Jerry Wang with the YMCA. Food will be provided by Chick-fil-A. The Chamber Business Spotlight this month will be Leeds Education Foundation. Lunch is $12 with RSVP and $15 without RSVP. Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Moody Police Department will play the Moody High School teachers in a charity softball game at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 25, at Moody High School softball field. All money raised will benefit the Keith Turner Memorial Scholarship. Chick-fil-A is a sponsor and cost for the game is $5 at the gate. For more information or if you would like to donate to this event, please contact the Moody Police Department at (205) 640-0339.

There’s room for additional Vendors and Entertainers at 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 and tailgate party, photo booth, 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.

Job Openings: Great Beginnings Learning Center in Leeds is hiring for full time teacher positions for infant/toddlers and after school/summer care. Please contact Tonya Kerr at (205) 699-1023 for details and interview time. Leeds downtown Chevron, Domino’s and Krystal in Moody are also hiring.

Quote for the Week: “Don’t raise your kids to have more than you had. Raise them to be more than you were.” -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!