Leeds Moody Messenger

Published 3:34 pm Friday, January 18, 2019

Have you heard about Everyone Leeds?  Everyone Leeds is a place where you can connect.  It’s a place to help get the word about your next Leeds event.  It’s a place where you can find a place to volunteer with the many organizations in the area.  Check out the website at www.EveryoneLeeds.com.  Also, submit your next event on the online form and scan the many civic and volunteer organizations.  Like the Facebook page and visit often to keep up with what’s happening in Leeds.

Congratulations to Kelsi Mills of Moody who was named to the Provost’s List at Troy University for the Fall Semester/Term 2 of the 2018/2019 academic year.  The Provost’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and have a grade point average of at least 3.65.  Way to go, Kelsi, and keep up the great work!

The Mid-South Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the historic Leeds Depot.  The program, “Historic Birmingham Mineral Railroad – Past and Present”, will be presented by James Lowery, BMRR Project Coordinator.  The Historic Birmingham Railroad Signs Project, a project of the Mid-South Chapter of the R&LHS, is installing signed designating where the Birmingham Mineral Railroad (BMRR) ran through Birmingham and central Alabama during its century-long era.  Thus far, a total of 138 signs have been installed in all six counties that were served by the BMRR in central Alabama and more signs are scheduled to be installed.  This presentation will describe the Birmingham Mineral Railroad, show maps and photographs from its steam engine era, describe where it ran in the Birmingham area, show how the former roadbed can still be seen and describe the BMRR Signs Project.  Door prizes will be held at the end of the meeting.  Bring any railroad-related items that you would like to provide for door prize drawings.  Election of board members and officers will be held as part of this annual chapter meeting. 

If you live in the city limits of Leeds, you are invited to cast your vote on the proposed tax referendum on Tuesday, Jan. 22 in a special election.  The money from the proposed tax increase 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.

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 and its 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.

The Doris Stanley Memorial Library has invited Mr. Earl T. “Buster” Smith for a presentation on his career as an Airman 1^st Class in the United States Air Force and his attending the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal School.  After only nine months, he was faced with an assignment of handling a possible nuclear disaster in Faro, North Carolina.   His career after the Air Force was spent doing spot announcing for WBRC Channel 6 TV’s Country Boy Eddie Show where he met numerous country music stars such as Mel Tillis, Porter Wagoner, and Kris Kristofferson to name a few.  He currently resides in Lincoln, Alabama.  Please come to the Moody Civic Center January 24 at 1 p.m. to hear of his fascinating career and learn about a possible disaster that could have changed the United States as we know it today. 

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. today, 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 RSVP by calling 205-699-5001 or email Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Eden Westside Baptist Church invites you to celebrate what God is doing at their Leeds River Campus as they cast the vision for their future on Sunday, Jan. 27 in celebration of their fourth anniversary.  This special event will begin with an open house at 5 p.m. and then a special celebration service at 6 p.m.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend.  Guest speakers will include Dr. Rick Lance, Alabama State Missionary and Executive Director; Lamar Duke, Alabama State Board of Missions and Leeds Police Chief Jim Atkinson.  Hear from others whose lives have been changed through this church campus.  Child care will be available beginning at 5:45 p.m. and overflow seating will also be available.  Additional parking will be available at the Outlet Shops of Grand River with shuttles provided.  For more information, please visit www.EdenWestside.org or call 205-338-7711.

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.

Thought for the week:  “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” ~Winston Churchill

 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.