Congratulations are in order to Hannah Gentz, Emmy Beason and Zoe Champion for making it as top 10 finalists for Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen. Hannah is currently serving as Miss Leeds Area Outstanding Teen. Emmy is a sophomore at Leeds High School and Zoe is an eighth-grader at Leeds Middle School. We are so proud of you all!

March is National Women’s History Month. This observance grew out of a small town school event in California as a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. The United States has observed National Women’s History Month annually throughout the month of March since 1987.

There’s a lot going on in the Leeds/Moody area so be sure to mark these calendar items and plug in to what’s happening.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. today, March 9 at Moody City Hall. Lori Reed, Human Resource Director, will be the guest speaker with topic, “Helping Small Businesses with all their HR needs!” Lunch is $10 with RSVP ($15 non-members or without RSVP). Please contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262 for reservations.

Join the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds for a ribbon cutting this Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Highway 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries in the strip mall next to Leeds Wal-Mart at 12:30 p.m. As part of the grand opening festivities, our very own Elvis (Terry Padgett) will be performing. Highway 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries location is 8525 Whitfield Avenue, Suite 121, Leeds. For more information, please contact Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205.699.5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

There’s still time to participate with the 3rd Annual Miracles in Motion 5k to benefit Moody Miracle League which is scheduled for this Saturday, March 11. This is a great opportunity to support a great cause. Sponsorships are available and participant registrations are currently being accepted for the 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk/Roll. Visit www.MoodyMiracleLeague.org for more information.

Remember to set your clocks this Saturday night, March 11, because we spring forward to Daylight Savings Time.

Moody City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 13 at Moody City Hall.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Coffee & Cards event sponsored by AccelAbility Physical Therapy Center at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14 at the Leeds AccelAbility office located at 2050 Village Drive, Suite 2. Bring business cards, network with other business professionals and enjoy a tour of their facility. For more information, please contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at 205.640.6262 or chamber@moodyalabama.gov.

The Leeds-Moody Professional Women’s Business Group, LadyBUGS, will host their monthly luncheon meeting at Noon on Tuesday, March 14 at The Livery Event Center in Leeds. Lunch is $10 and RSVP to m.k.davis2010@gmail.com. Details are being finalized for their April 4 fashion show to raise scholarship money for four Leeds and Moody students.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. The role of a Corporate Ambassador is to build relationships with other business professionals and work on different Chamber and community projects. Lunch is $10. If you are interested in learning more, you are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205.699.5001.

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 16 at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church. If you are a policeman, fireman, EMT or other first responder in the greater Leeds area, you are invited to a FREE breakfast to thank you for keeping our community safe. No reservation required. Leeds River Campus is located on Highway 78 just past the Shops of Grand River at 1441 W. Riverview Road, Trussville.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Thursday, March 16 in the Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Guest speaker will be Scott Stover, Alabama Power Security Manager, who will speak on Security in the Workplace. Lunch is $12 with RSVP ($15 without). Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The Leeds Arts Council will present “Three on a String” this Saturday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. These entertaining guys enjoy sharing their talents with each new audience. Tickets are $20 with reservations required and payment in advance, if ordering multiple tickets. Please call (205) 699-1892 for reservations.

Pancakes for a Purpose: Moody Kiwanis Club will host its semi-annual pancake supper at Carpenetti’s Pizzeria in Moody on Monday, March 20, from 5 p.m. until 7p.m. Proceeds will fund college scholarships for area Key Club students, youth projects and Dolly Parton Imagination Library free book program for preschoolers. $5 per plate. Dine in with your family or carry out. Tickets are available from Kiwanis, Key Club, Builders Club, and Aktion Club members as well as at the door. Please call (205) 640-3078 for more information.

Please remember to stop in to see Wes Carter’s artwork on exhibit between now and March 31 at Leeds Theatre and Arts Center.

SAVE THE DATE: The WellHouse will host the 3rd Annual Special Event, An Evening in Africa, at the Birmingham Zoo on Sunday, April 23 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Food, entertainment and refreshments will be provided. The WellHouse is currently looking for sponsors and there are various sponsorship levels available. All profits from this event will benefit The WellHouse Ministry. For more information, please contact Ashley Anderson, Development Director, at 205-362-0511.

Job Openings: City of Moody Park Manager – visit www.moodyalabama.gov for more information. Branchville Animal Hospital is looking for a part-time receptionist. Please visit their website for info.

Quote for the Week: “Life is a state of mind. Imagine the one you want, then create it.”

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!