I love the Leeds/Moody area because no matter whether you live here, work here, have a business or are part of a local civic organization, we’re all like family.  There’s a lot going on over the next few weeks so be sure to find a place to plug in.  God created each of us with a purpose and it is exciting when you find your purpose.  I spend a lot of time each week seeking out events and opportunities to bring to you, because I think it is so important to have that feeling of community.  When we join in on something bigger than ourselves, we find fulfillment in our own hearts, we make new friends, we meet needs in the lives of others and it make our communities a great place to live, work and play.  Whether you are looking for a place to connect, a place to volunteer or just a place to show up and enjoy a local event, I encourage you to participate in what’s happening in the greater Leeds/Moody area.

The City of Leeds and the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at Mills Pharmacy to celebrate their grand opening at 10 a.m. March 22.  Mills Pharmacy is located in the old McKinnon Pharmacy building at 8420 1^st Avenue SE.  For more information about Mills Pharmacy, please call 205- 699-5195.

There will be a book signing event at the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library on Thursday, Mar. 22 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. for the Painkillers Book that was just released and written by author and pastor Jacky Connell of Eden Westside Baptist Church.  This will be a great opportunity to get your own autographed copy by Connell.  The Painkillers book deals with the epidemic of pain in our society and how people deal with all types of pain.  For more information, please visit www.JCImpact.org.

Join the fun and fellowship with Ladies Night Out at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church this Friday night, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. Bro. Jacky Connell’s wife, Denise, will be their guest speaker. This is a free event for ladies of all ages.  Please invite your friends, bring your favorite snack and plan to have a great time together!  For more information, please contact Lois Love at 205-577-7690.

Moody Cheerleading Registration is scheduled for this Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Leeds First Baptist Church will host “Talk Saves Lives”, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, which is a brief introduction to suicide prevention.  Learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide and how we can help prevent it together.  RSVP to Dana Roberts at 205-369-5297 or dlynroberts@gmail.com.

The Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 26 at Moody City Hall.

The Leeds Board of Zoning Adjustments, Construction Variance Board, Flood Prevention Variance Board and Leeds Storm Water Variance Board are scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 at the Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

The Doris Stanley Memorial Library’s Book Club will host historian and storyteller, Joe Whitten at the Doris Stanley Memorial Library on Thursday, April 5 at 1 p.m.  For any information, please call the library at 205-640-2517.

Have you recruited your volunteer team yet for the 4^th Annual City of Leeds Community Cleanup Day scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 7?  This event hosted by the City of Leeds will be held rain or shine from 8 a.m. until noon.  Volunteers are needed and this is a great opportunity for area businesses, civic organizations, non-profits and church groups as well as individuals to get involved to work together for a cleaner Leeds.  Be sure to organize your group now and plan to meet in downtown Leeds at 8373 1^st Avenue in the empty field across from Windstream on April 7.  The City will supply the bags and tools.  To volunteer, please call 205-699-0934 or email to inspections@leedsalabama.gov.

The Leeds Jane Culbreth Library is starting a Young Adult Book Club and planning an interest meeting for 6-12^th graders at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 7 at Leeds Daylight Donuts.  Six books have been picked out for the group to choose as their first book.  This will also be a time to discuss a good date and time for regular meetings.  For more information, please call 205-699-5962.

The Alabama Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit is coming to St. Clair County and will be on display at Moody Civic Center on Monday, April 9 through Sunday, April 22 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Moody Kiwanis Club postponed its semi-annual pancake supper, Pancakes for a Purpose, at Carpenetti’s Pizzeria Restaurant last Monday night due to threat of inclement weather.  The new date will be Monday, April 16 from 5 p.m. until 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 at only $5 per plate. Tickets are available from Kiwanis, Key Club, Builders Club, Aktion Club members and at the door.  Please call 205-515-5544 for more information.

Thought for the Week:  “If we could spread love as quickly as we spread hate, what an amazing world it would be.” ~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.