It’s finally beginning to warm up around here.  We’ve actually enjoyed some days above 50 degrees.   When it’s cold and dreary outside, I like to just curl up on the couch and watch a little television or read a good book.  A cup of hot chocolate goes well with this scenario.  It’s also a great time to catch up on indoor projects like cleaning and organizing.  There are plenty of ideas and tips on Pinterest and YouTube.   

Here are a few news items and events to take note of this week:   

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will hosted their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 11 at Moody City Hall.  Taylor Keeton was the guest speaker with ‘Simple Ways to be Active and Healthy in 2018”.   

Eden Westside Baptist Church invites to you to join them for the three year anniversary celebration of their Leeds River Campus this Sunday, Jan. 14.  God is doing amazing things in the lives of people and this special event would be an excellent time to attend.  Life Discovery at 9:35 AM, Worship at 11 a.m. with a Potluck Lunch afterwards.  For more information, please visit www.EdenWestside.org. 

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Liaison Group will meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16.  If you are a local business professional and would like to plug into this meeting, please contact Dona Bonnett at 256-345-3993. 

The Moody Kiwanis Club is scheduled to meet at Noon on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at Moody City Hall. 

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors will host their monthly meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17 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, Jan. 18 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 their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Guest speaker will be Brookwood Freestanding ER.  Lunch is $12 with RSVP and $15 without RSVP and make reservations with Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. 

The Leeds Arts Council presents the amazing voice of Brandi Overbeck and her band, Shades of Grey, in a one night performance at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Leeds Theatre and Arts Center.  Tickets are $10 and reservations may be made by calling 205-699-1892. 

Save the Date:  The 4th annual Miracles in Motion 5k Race will take place Mar. 10 at Moody Miracle League Ball Field.  This race is great for all individuals regardless of age or athletic abilities.  Come run, walk or roll this event.  Excitement abounds as the race will be held at the Miracle League Field right here in Moody. A baseball game played by our players will be held after the 5K run. This will allow all participants in the 5k and Fun Run to experience a game on our field. Plans are for 300+ participants in this family-friendly environment. This race is becoming popular for all types of athletes as it gives them a chance to spend time with our special needs baseball players.  We hope you will consider joining us as we encourage community involvement, wellness and fun while raising funds to replace our aging field. This allows special needs players of all ages from St. Clair, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, Talladega, Blount, and Calhoun counties to continue playing the game of baseball.   

The City of Leeds is sponsoring the Fourth Annual Community Cleanup and need volunteers! Cleanup day will be Saturday, April 7 from 8 a.m. – noon, rain or shine. Volunteers should meet at 8373 1st Ave (the empty field across from Windstream.) Take pride in your community and help clean up the City of Leeds! Help remove trash, debris, litter, and make the city a cleaner place. Ask friends and co-workers from your office, church, school clubs, and athletic teams. To volunteer, call 205-699-0934, email inspections@leedsalabama.gov or visit www.leedsalabama.gov.  

Job Opening(s):  City of Moody is accepting applications for a Part-Time Firefighter/Paramedic.  Odenville Post Office is in need of subs.  Go to the Careers Page at www.USPS.com.  

Thought for the Week:  “No matter what happens in life, be good to people.  Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” ~Unknown 

 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.  See you next week!