Leeds City Schools was recognized in the 2018 National Rankings and earned a bronze medal as one of the Best High Schools in Alabama according to a U.S. News & World Report. Photo courtesy of LHS

Leeds City Schools was recognized in the 2018 National Rankings and earned a bronze medal as one of the Best High Schools in Alabama according to a U.S. News & World Report.  To see full report, visit https://bit.ly/2Ql4qkg.  Leeds students have a graduation rate of 94% which is above the national average.

We are very proud of our local school systems and the work that they do to prepare our students for the future.

Congratulations to Paul Krafft, Realtor, with Moody Realty for being the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for September.  Paula is a lifelong resident of the Leeds/Moody area.  She graduated from Leeds High School in 1974 and married Stephen Krafft in 1977.  They have three children, five grandsons, one granddaughter and another granddaughter due in October.  Paula began working for Moody Realty in 1999 as the Office Manager.  She enjoyed working in the real estate industry and with the hands-on knowledge and experience, she decided to get her real estate license.  She is actively involved in the community and has been serving our area as a realtor since 2006.  She represents buyers and sellers throughout St. Clair County and surrounding areas.  If you would like to contact Paula, you may reach her at 205-365-9612 or paula@moodyrealtyal.com.

There’s a lot of worthy events going on so be sure to get plugged in and support your local communities. 

The Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group at Leeds Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13.  Please contact Elizabeth “Bit” Thomaston with Lakeside Hospice at 205-884-1111 for more information.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds will host a ribbon cutting at the Prime Cut hair salon to celebrate their renovation and reopening at 9 a.m. this Friday, Sept. 14.  Prime Cut is located at 1931 Courson Boulevard in Leeds.  

Remember that the Fall Blessing Swap at Cedar Grove Baptist Church is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. until Noon.  Early donation drop-off is Sept. 13 from Noon until 6 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.  Bring the items you wish to swap either during early drop-off or the day of the swap.  Arrive on swap day ready to shop and take as much as you need.  Everything is free.  You don’t have to donate to participate and you do not have to take anything if you gave.  It’s just a fun way of sharing God’s blessings with others.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17 at Leeds Civic Center meeting room.

Moody Lions Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17 at White’s Chapel.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Liaison Group will meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Moody Miracle League for a tour of the facility and learn more about the Miracle League.  For more information, please contact Andrea Machen at 205-640-6262.

Moody Kiwanis Club is scheduled to meet at Noon on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Moody City Hall.

Don’t forget to get your ticket for Ann’s New Life Center’s Annual Fundraising Banquet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at St. Theresa Catholic Church.  Ann’s New Life is a resource center dedicated to supporting and empowering women facing unplanned pregnancies.  Services include free pregnancy tests, pregnancy classes and parenting classes.  Families who take classes have access to their baby boutique to help them get any baby supplies that they need including diapers, baby clothes, maternity clothes, cribs, car seats and more.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about what this new center is all about.   For ticket information and to RSVP, please call 205-702-6500.

Springview Homeowner’s Association is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Moody City Hall.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassador Group will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Lunch is $10 and RSVP to Sandra McGuire at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept 20 at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church.  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.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Guest speaker will be John Moore, Leeds City Schools Superintendent.  Lunch is $12 with RSVP to Sandra McGuire at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The Moody Miracle League First Responders Baseball Game is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Moody Miracle League ballpark.  The Leeds and Moody police and fire departments will play each other and find out just how it feels to play a special game of baseball with a handicap, then the Miracle League players will play.  This event will be loads of fun so be sure to come out to support our first responders and the Moody Miracle League.  Rain date:  Sept. 29.  For more information, please call 205-225-9444.

PRAY 18 is proving to be one of the most important events in the life of St. Clair County.  What began as an opportunity to pray over Pell City area leaders has grown to include 11 different cities participating.  This special event will be hosted by Eden Westside Baptist Church in Pell City at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23 and everyone is invited to attend.  Plan to join in this exclusive time to pray over our judges, mayors, first responders, school superintendents and more.  Several area churches leaders will participate in the scheduled agenda.  For more information, please call 205-338.7711.

Do you have your tickets for the Fourth Annual Celebrity Roast Fundraiser to benefit Shepherd Supply for 5 p.m. scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30 at Moody Civic Center?  Plan to attend for a night of laughs with the roast of the New Sheriff in Town, Billy Murray.  This event will offer an unforgettable evening to support a great cause.  Master of Ceremonies, 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. 

Thought for the Week:  The real test is being kind to unkind people.

 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.