In honor of National Police Week 2018, I would like to highlight Lieutenant Wilbur Griffin and our Leeds Police Department.  Lieutenant Wilbur Griffin with the Leeds Police Department spent some time last week teaching one young man about police work at Leeds Primary School.  Collier Cisco dreams of being a policeman when he grows up.  Collier had the opportunity to talk to Lt. Griffin about his dream, see the inside of a police car and sit in the driver’s seat.

We truly appreciate the efforts of our Leeds and Moody police departments on a daily basis to keep our communities safe.  These men and women put their lives on the line every day and many times without thanks or appreciation.  Please let these folks know how much you appreciate them this week as well as all during the year.

The Moody Police Academy is now accepting applications for their upcoming 2018 citizens police academy.  Please stop by the police department for an application.  For more information, please call 205-640-5121.

We have a new Asian restaurant in Moody in the shopping center next to Bluegrass BBQ.  I have heard good comments about it so please check it out.

The Friends of Leeds Jane Culbreth Library are hosting a Scholastic Book Fair from now until Saturday, May 19.  There, you will find the newest and most popular children’s books, tried-and-true classics, quality multicultural books and award-winning titles.  All proceeds will support LJCL’s Summer Reading Program.  For more information, please contact Melanie Carden at 205-699-5962.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. today, May 17 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  State Representative Dickie Drake will be the guest speaker.  Also, the Teacher of the Year Award will be presented.  Lunch is $12 with RSVP and $15 without RSVP.  Please make reservations by calling Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or email Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Darrell Walker Workforce is hosting a Job Fair today, May 17 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Moody City Hall with full-time opportunities available for warehouse, manufacturing, general labor, assembly and forklift jobs.

Steel Magnolias, starring the Pell City Players, will be presented at 7 p.m. today, May 17 at the Leeds Theatre & Arts Center.  Tickets are $10.  For more information, please call 205-699-1892.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 21 at Leeds Civic Center meeting room.

Moody Lions Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 21 at White’s Chapel.

The Leadership St. Clair County Alumni Reunion & Class of 2018 Graduation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at Pell City CEPA.  If you are a member of a previous LSCC class, you are invited to attend.  Tickets are $25 per person.  Also, please consider making an additional $10 donation to the Alumni Legacy Scholarship fund.  Please RSVP to Candice Hill at 205-814-1440 or chill@stclairedc.com. 

Also, Leadership St. Clair County is accepting nominations for the 2018-2019 class year which will begin in August.  This is a wonderful leadership program for professionals who would like to expand their business network countywide as well as learn more about St. Clair County.  I truly enjoyed participating with LSCC.  I learned so much about the county that I did not already know, met so many wonderful people and have enjoyed serving on the board of directors over the last three years.  I highly recommend this program.  If you have an interest, please contact Candice Hill.

Leeds 24^th Annual Creek Bank Festival is this Saturday, May 19 (rain date:  May 26) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  You will not want to miss a single moment of a full day of fun at Leeds Memorial Park with plenty of Arts & Crafts, vendors and food trucks.  Elvis is back by popular demand as well as the Mascot Challenge, Moon Pie Eating Contest, Lip Sync Battle, Balloon Artist, Face Painting and Dog Pageant.  New this year will be a second entertainment stage, Hula Hoop contest, baby changing station and more.  Other stage entertainment includes Holly Horton & the Showstoppers, Halle Nolan, Bailey Kennon – Miss Leeds Area 2018, Wes Graham, Jessica Procter – Miss Alabama, LHS Color Guard and Leeds First Baptist Youth Band.  Just added:  petting zoo, horse and camel rides so plan to bring your family (and dog for the pageant) and spend the entire day for plenty of fun.  For more information and to download your personal festival guide, please visit www.CreekBankFestival.com.

The 3^rd Annual Cruising the Creek Bank Car Show is back in conjunction with Creek Bank Festival and proceeds will benefit Leeds Outreach and Backpack Buddies.  Over 200 card participated last year and more are expected this year.  Registration is $10 and they will have custom made trophies for the Top 30 with some specialty awards.  This show is open to all vehicles, motorcycles and 4 wheel drives.  For more information, please contact Chris or Christy at 205-365-7412 or 205-283-0952.

Last day of school for St. Clair County Schools and Leeds City Schools will be Thursday, May 24. 

Ladies Night Out Is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 25 at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church.  This month’s event will include a game night with food, fun and fellowship.  Bring your favorite snack and beverage to share.  This is a free event.  For more information, please call 205-338-7711.

The Distinguished Young Women of St. Clair County Scholarship Program is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 2 at Springville Middle School Auditorium. Make plans to attend as eight area high school senior women compete for college scholarships.  Admission is $10.  For more information, please email stclair@distinguishedyw.org or call 205-515-5544. 

The Miss Leeds Area Pageant is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 23 at Leeds High School Auditorium.  Miss Leeds Area was founded in 1980 and is an official preliminary to the Miss Alabama Scholarship pageant.  The Miss and Outstanding Teen pageants are open pageants.  Application packets and information is available at www.missleedsarea.net.

Thought for the Week:  “Kindness will always make you the most beautiful person in the world, no matter what you may look like.” ~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.