We are so proud of Miss Leeds Area, Briana Kinsey, who competed last week in the Miss Alabama Pageant held at Samford University. Briana was Third Runner-Up to Miss Alabama, receiving a $2,500 scholarship. She also received Second Runner-Up for the Community Service Award, receiving a $750 scholarship and won the Kalyn Chapman James Award with a $2,000 scholarship. Briana is a KCJS winner for 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. She was truly amazing throughout the week’s competition. Congratulations, Miss Leeds Area, Briana Kinsey, for a job well done throughout the pageant and for your contributions to the greater Leeds area over this past year!

Miss Leeds Outstanding Teen, Reagan Handley, also represented us well. Reagan received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Medal during the Miss Alabama pageant festivities.

We would also like to congratulate Haley Barber, who won the Miss Alabama crown. Haley, our newly crowned Miss Alabama, attended our Miss Leeds Area Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A on Tuesday night along with Briana and Reagan. There were plenty of photo-ops and everyone had a great time and best of all, this was a fundraiser for the Miss Leeds Area Pageant Scholarship Fund.

BBQ restaurants in our area continue to win awards. Congratulations to Rusty’s BBQ for rating in the Top 10 Best ‘Cue Sandwiches with their pulled pork sandwich. Way to go, Rusty’s!

The Monkeys Uncle Christmas Shop is having their final Store Closing sale. Everything must go. Prices range from 50% to as much as 80% off until June 18. Cash or check only. Some everyday merchandise will also be available at reduced prices.

Leadership St. Clair County just finished their 2015-16 year and they are currently taking applications for 2016-2017 which will begin in September. This is a wonderful opportunity for St. Clair County business professionals. For more information, please contact Candice Hill at (205) 814-1440.

The Leeds Theatre and Arts Center Summer Student Theatre Workshop began on Monday for grades 2-12. These students are learning all about theatre and drama each morning from 8 a.m. – noon each day for two full weeks and will conclude on Friday, June 17.

The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, located at 1338 Montevallo Road in Leeds, will host Red Velvet Cake War, The Southern-Fried Family Reunion Comedy on Friday and Saturday, June 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. $15.00 admission price includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverage at intermission. For tickets, call (205) 699-2404 or visit their website at epiphany-leeds.org and click on the tab for the Red Velvet Cake War.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 20 at Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Moody Lions Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 20 at White’s Chapel.

Moody Kiwanis are scheduled to meet at noon on Tuesday, June 21 at Moody City Hall.

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. today, June 16 at Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus, just past the Shops of Grand River. Breakfast is free for all first responders to show appreciation for keeping the greater Leeds area safe. If you are a policeman, fireman, rescue or EMT, this event is for you!

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly Chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. today, June 16 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Jeremy Arthur, President of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama will be their guest speaker. Lunch is $12 with RSVP ($15 without RSVP) to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The 2017 Miss Leeds Area and Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at Leeds High School Auditorium. Miss Leeds Area was founded in 1980 and is an official preliminary to the Miss Alabama Scholarship pageant. All paperwork must be received no later than June 17. For more information and to download rules and application, please visit missleedsarea.net or contact Sandra McGuire, Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce is already planning a huge Oktoberfest event for Saturday, October 1. They are currently accepting corporate sponsorships, applications for vendor booth space and looking for awesome talent for entertainment spots. For more information, please contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262 or chamber@moodyalabama.gov.

Job Openings: St. Clair Animal Hospital and Zaxby’s in Moody.

Quote for the Week: “Taking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the Habit. Talk About Your Joys.” ~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!