Excitement is building at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center as the date of the Jason Petty tribute show “Hank Williams -The Lonesome Tour” is less than 2 weeks away.  On Sept. 23 at 7 p.m., Jason Petty will be performing Hank Williams’ songs and sharing some of the stories about his life that he learned when he became friends with Williams’ family members, friends, musicians and fellow Grand Ole Opry stars.  Jason Petty was born in middle Tennessee in 1969. His career began as an actor and has grown over the years into a singer, songwriter, director and playwright.  He has been described as having a “Country Soul”. 

In an interview with the famous Don Helms, Hank’s best friend and steel guitar player, said very simply, “Jason’s singing of Williams’ classic songs is the best there’s ever been.”  This feeling combined with his natural ability to tell the stories of Hank’s life and career with Southern charm and down home humor has given this show rave reviews across North America. 

You won’t have to go to Tennessee to see and hear this amazing performer.  Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling (205) 640-4491. Please leave your name, phone number and number of tickets you desire.  Also, mention if wheelchair seating will be required.  A volunteer will return your call to confirm your reservations.  Come and enjoy a wonderful evening of good ole country music! 

Many of us followed Miss Alabama Jessica Procter and Miss District of Columbia Briana Kinsey as well as all of the other contestants through all of the Miss America preliminaries and finals this week.  Both of these girls are from Alabama and even more unique, both are former Miss Leeds Area girls.  Jessica and Briana made it to the Top 7 Finalists.  Jessica won the Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award for her community service with her platform, “Step Up to the Plate:  Decreasing Food Insecurities,” while Briana went on to the Top 5 and was named 3rd Alternate to the Miss America crown.  We wish a special congratulations to both of these girls for their accomplishments.  We look forward to Jessica getting back to her local post as Miss Alabama.  Also, congratulations to Miss North Dakota Cara Mund as our newly crowned Miss America. 

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds conducted a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the new Mum & Me Mercantile, LLC to celebrate their grand opening.  Mum & Me Mercantile is now open and located on Parkway Drive across from the Pants Store.   

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 14 at Moody City Hall.  Guest speaker was Judge Phil Seay.  Lunch is $10 with RSVP and $15 without RSVP (and non-members).  Make reservations for next month with Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262 or chamber@moodyalabama.gov. 

Character Day hosted by Moody Miracle League will be held this Saturday, Sept. 16.  If you cosplay family-friendly characters (even more so with Disney, superheroes/villains, video game, cartoon shows, animals, etc.), you should consider coming out on Sept. 16 for Character Day for the Moody Miracle League!  Players, come see cosplayers in their favorite outfits and wear your favorite character shirt.  For more information, please call 205-225-9444. 

The Leeds City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18 at the Leeds Civic Center meeting room. 

The Moody Lions Club is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18 at White’s Chapel. 

Chick-fil-A will be hosting Spirit Week from Sept. 18 through Sept. 22 to support St. Clair County High School, Moody High School and Leeds High School.  There will be cow appearances, nugget eating contest, games, prizes and Chick-fil-A will make a $1000, $500 or $250 donation to your school. 

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Liaison meeting will be held at Noon on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Zaxby’s Moody.  This is a great opportunity to build relationships with area business professionals.  Please RSVP to Andrea Machen at 205-640-6262 so we can reserve appropriate seating.  Investment to attend this meeting:  one hour of your time and the cost of your meal. 

Kiwanis Club of Moody is hosting its noon luncheon at Moody City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 19 for those interested in learning about Kiwanis Club and its affiliated student clubs in our area, and to recruit new members interested in community service – especially to children. Please call President Carl Howard at 205-807-3232 to make your reservation by Sept. 18. 

The Springview Homeowners Association will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Moody City Hall. 

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors are scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Lunch is $10 and RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. 

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Leeds River Campus.  If you are a 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 www.EdenWestside.org.  

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Guest Speaker is John Moore, Leeds City Schools Superintendent.  Lunch is $10 and RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. 

Thought for the Week:  “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.” ~Annette Funicello 

I truly appreciate each of you who read my column and I really love sharing news so please send your Leeds and Moody news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com.