People will gather in the Leeds Primary School library at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 19 for a group prayer and then go on individual paths throughout the school to walk the halls and classrooms praying for the children, staff and their families. Photo courtesy of Leeds Primary School 

Many Christians have spent a lot of time praying over our local schools, teachers and students as the new school year begins.  This Sunday, a group will meet for a Leeds Primary School Prayer Walk.  People will gather in the library at 1 p.m. for a group prayer and then go on individual paths throughout the school to walk the halls and classrooms praying for the children, staff and their families.  There is a Facebook event created by Jennifer Dutton.  Everyone is invited and please invite your friends.

The Leeds Farmer’s Market will continue to set up on Thursday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of August so you can get your fresh veggies.  There are other great local places to get fresh produce including Between the Tracks Produce Market and the roadside stand on Hwy 411 in Moody.

I had the honor of speaking at the Greater Odenville Chamber of Commerce meeting last week to talk about “Online Marketing for Your Business”.  One item on the list of discussion was the continual changes in Facebook algorithms that affect businesses that utilize Facebook to help get their message out.  The newest changes just happened in August with Facebook moving back to giving more priority to “engagement” and less to “relevant content”.  This means that priority will be given to posts that receive a lot of engagement including comments and shares.  It’s important if you like a post to not only react to it with a “Like”, but to comment and share the post to help it get out there.  Let’s all help our local businesses by shopping local and then like, comment and share anytime we can.

The City of Leeds will take possession of a new fire truck later this year.  The Fire Department will be receiving pictures soon as the truck moves through production and plans to share them as they receive them.  Everyone is getting excited!

The City of Moody hired three school resource officers recently as the new school year begins and expects to add others in the future.  An Active Shooter training was held for local businesses last week at the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.  Preparedness is the key.

We have just a few calendar items this week:  Breakfast for the Brave will be served to first responders at 9 a.m., Aug. 16 at Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church.  If you are a fireman, policeman or other first responder in the Leeds and Irondale area, please come by for a free breakfast.  For more information, please call 205-338-7711.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m., Aug. 16 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Congressman Palmer will be the guest speaker.  Plan to bring your political questions and attend.  Lunch is $12 with RSVP ($15 without).   Make reservations with Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20 at Leeds Civic Center meeting room.

Moody Lions Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20 at White’s Chapel.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Liaison Group will meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Bluegrass BBQ.  Please RSVP to maccliaison@gmail.com or call 205-640-6262.

Moody Kiwanis Club is scheduled to meet at Noon on Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Moody City Hall.

Remember that Margaret Nicole Blevins artwork is on display at Leeds Theatre & Arts Center until Saturday, Sept. 8.  Call 205-699-1892 for information.

Be the first to get your tickets for the Fourth Annual Celebrity Roast Fundraiser to benefit Shepherd Supply for 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30 at Moody Civic Center.  Plan to attend for a night of laughs with the roast of the New Sheriff in Town, Mr. Billy Murray.  This event will offer an unforgettable evening to support a great cause.  Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Dennis Russell, will be your guide and includes dinner, silent auction, Christmas Angel Tree and an update on Shepherd Supply Ministry.  Tickets are $50 per plate or sponsor a table of seven for $350 and are available online at www.shepherdsupplymission.com or call Dawn Ellard at 205-441-2340.

Job Opening(s):  Applications are being accepted now through Feb. 14, 2019 for part-time Moody Civic Center front desk/general help and a City of Moody part-time firefighter/paramedic.  Visit www.moodyalabama.gov for more information.

Thought for the Week:  “Sometimes the easiest way to solve a problem is to stop participating in the problem.”

 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.