Leeds Moody Messenger

Published 3:58 pm Saturday, November 24, 2018

Mayor David Miller gave the State of the City address on Thursday at the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce November lunch meeting with exciting information to share.  Leeds, Alabama is definitely a city on the move.  Leeds is still bringing jobs and over 1000 jobs have been added to Leeds during this mayor’s tenure along with more than 70 new businesses.  This is largely due to a favorable business environment that has been created to attract new companies as well as serve existing businesses.  There are new deals with capital investments on the horizon and Leeds has received numerous awards.  Over $3.4 million dollars have been saved through refinancing of bonds and there have been major infrastructure upgrades.  Education is still a number one priority and the city is open for business. 

Wintzell’s will be opening soon at Exit 144 and a new restaurant downtown will also open soon, the Three Earred Rabbit that will be located across from Regions Bank and the Library.  The Safe Routes to School Program has added sidewalks all over town.  Leeds is currently working on a major downtown parking project to add additional parking and has overhauled and outsourced 911 to a state-of-the-art system in Blount County to increase efficiency and response as well as save money.  Buc-ees construction at Exit 140 has been delayed, but is still in the plans and the city expects them to break ground possibly after the first of the year.  The new referendum, if passed, will bring a new high school stadium and a city center downtown to include a new city hall, library and board of education office.  Another exciting endeavor in the works is a 275-acre regional sports complex with over 10 soccer fields, a Lemak medical center and more to be built at Exit 140 next to the Shops of Grand River that will really put Leeds on the map.

Individuals from The Exceptional Foundation also attended the chamber luncheon to lead the pledge and invocation.  Participants included Sam Sullivan, Andy Jordan, Michael Oglesby and Ethan Keller directed by the organization’s staff member, Robby Lee.  The Exceptional Foundation is a special place for those with special needs.  This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides social recreational activities for mentally challenged ages 5-82 that serves the Greater Birmingham area including Leeds.  Approximately 10 people from Leeds attend their facility daily.  For more information about the Exception Foundation, please visit www.exceptionalfoundation.org.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds cut the ribbon at Regional Paramedical Services for their open house celebration of their new location at 1595 Ashville Road.  This company covers nine counties in Alabama and employs around 70 people right here.

We would like to congratulate Pastor Jacky Connell, senior pastor at Eden Westside Baptist Church, for receiving the Troy Morrison Award for excellence in leadership at the Alabama Baptist State Convention.  Pastor Connell was recognized by the St. Clair Baptist Association last week at First Baptist Church Trussville.

Leeds Lions Club will host its annual turkey shoot at Leeds Civic Center on Thanksgiving Day at 7 a.m.  For more information, please visit their Facebook page.

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

Bring your entire family to downtown Leeds for the first annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday evening, Nov. 29.  Enjoy Selfies with Santa, Live Entertainment, Food Trucks and Shopping on the Parkway.  Experience the magic of Christmas and holiday festivities with the Leeds community as they light the Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. in the gazebo area next to Leeds Theatre and Arts Center.  Food trucks will be available from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Downtown shops including Mum & Me Mercantile, Pants Store and LA Salon will be open as late as 7 p.m. so you can do some Christmas shopping and there will be plenty of entertainment.  This event is sponsored by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, the Leeds Redevelopment Authority and Lehigh Cement Company.  Please visit www.LeedsAreaChamber.com or call 205-699-5001 for more information.

You will not want to miss “Ringing in the Holidays” variety show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, hosted by Leeds Arts Council at Leeds Theatre and Arts Center.  With local performers bringing us the Beatititudes with Tim Shafer, Gordon Goddard, Mark Burns, Scott Walker, Dave Lambert and Nancy Kirby, the Leeds Connection with Deborah Watkins, Joan Dawson, Ricky Christian and Rick Hester, Merle & Sylvia, Little Rock Baptist and Leeds AOH Singers, the Grands with Del Smith, Sandra McGuire, Beth Gregory, George Creasman, Steve Karr and Josh McCurry plus Melinda Cooper, this should be a night to remember so be sure to get your tickets by calling 205-699-1892.  Tickets are $10 each. 

Plan to kick off the Christmas season in Moody for the Celebrity Waiter Toys for Kids Luncheon which will be held on Friday, Nov. 30 at 11:30 a.m. at the Moody Civic Center.  I am looking forward to Paul Perry with Alfa Insurance being my Celebrity Waiter!  This annual luncheon will benefit Moody’s Toys for Kids program.  For ticket information, please contact Melissa Fraser at 205-640-0307. 

Jonathan Williams will be the Leeds Arts Council featured artist in December.  The public is invited to the opening reception on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. to view his beautiful painting and admission is free.  Jonathan began as a young child with art, always drawing and being creative.  He developed a true passion for art when he was 14 years old.  Now being only 19, he can see how his artwork as progressed over the few years that he has painted.  Jonathan loves to render wonderful realism in oil paint and charcoal that represents a person, feeling and meaning.  He won 1^st place in district and county for the Young American Patriotic Art Competition as well as other awards.  His art will be on exhibit through Dec. 29. 

Thought for the Week:  Never forget how blessed you are.  Don’t be negative when you have so much to be positive about! 

 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.