Leeds and Moody continues to outdo themselves with ribbon cuttings, business expansions and new construction.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds held a ribbon cutting at Melissa’s Rainbow Car Wash on Friday. We are very excited about the investment that these owners have made to upgrade their car wash to a brand new state-of-the-art facility. We received a complimentary wash and these guys do it right. They scrubbed my windshield, mirrors, tires, etc. before I went through the wash and my car came out sparkling clean. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new car wash, be sure to stop in soon!

The City of Moody held their ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new Moody City Center on Sunday. Many people came out for the festivities, tours and refreshments, including many local government officials. This new addition to Moody really sets it apart and definitely improves the quality of life in the Moody area with its indoor walking track, fitness equipment room (equipped with cardio, weight and strength equipment), racquetball courts, basketball courts, group fitness classes, the opportunity to rent on-site meeting space and rooms for events and functions. They are now officially open for business. For more information about utilizing the amenities at Moody Civic Center, please contact Kim Bridges, Civic Center Director, at (205) 640-0321 or email: kbridges@moodyalabama.gov. Also, visit their website at moodycivicenter.com.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds will host a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. this Friday, Oct. 14 at the new Sears Hometown Store Leeds. Sears will host their grand opening on both Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15. Stop in to register for several major prizes including an outdoor grill, 32” flat-screen TV and carpet cleaner. Saturday’s festivities include a live radio remote with 106.9 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., giant slide for kids all day, free face painting from noon – 2 p.m., food, fun, and prizes. Prize drawings are scheduled for 2 p.m. and you do not have to be present to win. While you are there, take advantage of their huge Columbus Day Savings event with up to 35 percent off appliances and up to 50 percent off Craftsman Tools. Please plan to join them in their grand opening celebration!

Please remember that Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. today, Oct. 13 at Moody City Hall. Carol Dodgen of Dodgen Security will speak about Work Place Violence. Lunch is $10 with RSVP or $15 without RSVP. For more information, please contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262.

Bloody Murder directed by Cliff Keen, Jr. will be presented at Leeds Theatre and Arts Center on Oct. 14-16 and 21-23. For more information and reservations, please call (205) 699-1892 or email leedsartscouncil@windstream.net.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17 at Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Moody Lions Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17 at White’s Chapel.

Moody Kiwanis Club will meet at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Moody City Hall.

Springview Homeowner’s Association Meeting will meet Tuesday night, Oct. 18 at Moody City Hall.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors Meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. If you would like to develop relationships with area business professionals, showcase your business, work on chamber and community projects, this meeting is for you. Lunch is $10 – RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce High School Ambassadors will tour J & M Exotic Foods on Wednesday, Oct.19. This is a wonderful company in Moody that makes many of the seasonings that you enjoy at restaurants such as Milo’s, Jim & Nicks, etc. and they ship their products nationally as well as internationally. It is so exciting to have companies right here in our local area that have such a worldwide presence.

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church. If you are policeman, fireman, EMT or other first responder in the greater Leeds area, please come by for a free breakfast and fellowship. For more information, please visit EdenWestside.org.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Lunch is $12 with RSVP or $15 without RSVP. Our State Representative Dickie Drake and State Senator Slade Blackwell will be their guest speakers. For reservations, please contact Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Pancakes for a Purpose. Moody Kiwanis Club will host its semi-annual pancake supper at Carpenetti’s Pizzeria in Moody on Monday, Oct. 24, from 5 – 7 p.m. Proceeds will fund college scholarships for area Key Club students, youth projects and Dolly Parton Imagination Library free book program for preschoolers. Dine in with your family or carry out. $5 per plate and tickets are available from Kiwanis, Key Club, Builders Club, and Aktion Club members and at the door. Please call (205) 640-3078 for more information.

Monster Mash Dash 2016 5k and Fun Run hosted by Leeds Elementary and Primary School is scheduled for Oct. 29. Fun Run is set for 8 a.m. and 5k at 9 a.m. For more information, please contact either school or download event and vendor application at LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Leeds Downtown Trick or Treating is an exciting event held each year along the downtown streets to provide a safe place for children to trick or treat. This year’s event will take place on Halloween, Oct. 31 from 3 – 5 p.m. If your business is not located on the Parkway downtown and you would like to participate, please contact Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001 for your designated area to set up. There is no fee to participate, just bring lots of candy. If you have children, please bring them out to enjoy this awesome free event!

SAVE THE DATE for 2017 RUN for the SON 5k which is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Moody City Park. Proceeds from this 5k go to support the Christian Motorcyclists Association’s Run for the Son annual fundraiser to share the message of hope and salvation in from of the multitudes in the 192 of the 196 countries of the world. For more information, please visit their Facebook page or runsignup.com/Race/AL/Moody/RFS5k.

Quote for the Week: “The biggest concern for any organization should be when their most passionate people become quiet.” ~ 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!