Dona Bonnett.

I came across a neat idea for 2019.  Start the year with an empty jar.  Each week, add a note with a good thing that happened.  On New Year’s Eve, empty the jar and read about the amazing year you had.  Isn’t this awesome?  We tend to forget the positive and dwell on the negative and this would be a great way to be reminded of all of the great things that 2019 brought you and give you an extra opportunity to celebrate them.

Here are some upcoming events that you may be interested in:

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10 at Moody City Hall.  Alabama State Representative, Jim Hill, will be the luncheon speaker.  Lunch is $12 for members and $15 for non-members and late reservations.  To RSVP, please contact Andrea Machen at 205-640-6262.

The Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10 at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.  For information, please contact Lakeside Hospice at 205-884-1111.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 14 at Leeds Civic Center meeting room.

Moody City Council will also meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 14 at Moody City Hall.

Moody Kiwanis Club is scheduled to meet at Noon on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Moody City Hall.

A Leeds Town Hall meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15 in the Leeds High School auditorium to discuss a tax referendum that is coming up for vote on Tuesday, Jan. 22 in a special election.  The money from the proposed tax increase of 9 mills, which would equate to $90 per $100k home per year, would be split between Leeds City Schools and the City of Leeds with 70% going to schools and 30% going to the city.  This money would fund much needed projects that include a new football stadium and other athletic facilities at the high school and a new city complex to include library, civic center and other city departments.  Everyone is encouraged to attend this town hall meeting to see the plans and get answers to questions that anyone may have.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16 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 for first responders will be served at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17.  If you are a policeman, fireman or other first responder in the greater Leeds area, you are invited to come by for a free breakfast at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church.  For more information, please visit www.EdenWestside.org.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Guest Speakers will be Leeds City Schools Career Coach, Jill Prince.  Leeds City School Superintendent, John Moore, will also share some information about the upcoming tax referendum.  Lunch is $12 for members and $15 for non-members and no RSVP.  Please make your reservation with Sandra McGuire at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

There’s still time to register for IMPACT Leadership Summit coming to Barber Motorsports on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18-19.  This summit is designed for young adults with a high energy weekend planned to equip each attendee with important leadership skills needed to be a success!  This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in the success of a young adult in your company or in your household.  If you are a young adult, this could be one of the more important decisions in your success journey to attend this conference.  The investment for all six sessions, including triad discussions and a wrap-up seminar, is only $125.  For more information and to register for this event, please visit http://jcimpact.org/impact-leadership-summit/.

2019 will be a year filled with various programs sponsored by Leeds Redevelopment Authority, the City of Leeds and the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library in celebration of our State’s 200^th birthday.  The first program, “The Great War in the Heart of Dixie:  Alabama in WWI,” with Alabama Humanities Foundation Road Scholar Dr. Marty Olliff is scheduled for Noon on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the library.  A light lunch will be provided.  This presentation describes how the Alabama home front responded to mobilization in World War I and how that response changed the state and its people’s institutions.  It recounts Alabama’s military contribution to the war effort, then examines the economic and social impact of the federal government’s spending on four military camps and more.  You will not want to miss the exciting opportunity to learn more about Alabama’s history.  For more information, please visit the library’s Facebook page.

Ann’s New Life Center for Leeds and Pell City will be hosting a Volunteer Training event on Friday, Feb. 8 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Brook Besor located at 4204 Martin Street S, Cropwell with a suggested donation of $10 per person.  This wonderful organization is looking for volunteers for both facilities.  Volunteering at ANLC is a great way to make a difference, not only in the community, but also touch the lives of others.  The women on their team help save lives and change hearts every day.  ANLC is currently seeking men and women who can serve at their locations on a weekly basis in the following volunteer positions:  Advocates/Mentors, Receptionist, Church Ambassadors, Baby Boutique Team and Cleaning Crew.  For more information and to register, please call 205-702-6500 for Leeds or 205-338-4580 for Pell City.  Visit website at www.annsnewlifecenter.com.

As we continue thinking about making some changes in our lives for 2019, here’s a great thought for the week:  “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading that last one.” ~Ziglar.com

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.