Leeds Moody Messenger

Published 11:20 am Thursday, January 24, 2019

We are really excited about the great things that are happening at Leeds High School.  Here are just a few recent accomplishments:  Leeds was named School of Achievement by A+ College Ready, Leeds was named to the AP® District Honor Roll by College Board and Leeds was also selected as one of 24 schools named a School of Distinction by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS).  Leeds Middle School Band Director, Erin Lyon, attained a National Board Certification.  The Knights of Columbus recently donated $3,000 to the Leeds special needs programs.  Congratulations, Leeds!

Congratulations to Paul Perry with ALFA Insurance for receiving the honor of Business of the Year by the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce and was presented with the award at the January luncheon.  Also, the 2019 MACC Board of Directors were sworn in by Mayor Joe Lee.  Board members include Paula Krafft – Moody Realty, Joanie Mardis – Seasons of Adventure Travel, Lindsey Marlow – Heritage South Credit Union, Andrea Machen – MACC Executive Director, Doshia Stein – TCI Sales, Shirley Kujan – ServPro St. Clair, Kim Sebastian – Moody Miracle League, Kathy Bowman – Metro Bank, Steve Sink – Edward Jones, Heath Williams – Covenant Office Solutions, Don Thomason – ORS Nasco, Tracy Patterson – City of Moody and Jason McWhorter – Dragonfly Business Solutions.  State Representative Jim Hill was the guest speaker who updated everyone on what’s happening in Montgomery.

Our hearts go out to the families of the police officers who were killed recently.  I had the opportunity to watch a portion of the funeral for Sgt. Wytasha Carter who died in the line of duty in Birmingham last week.  Sgt. Carter had previously worked for Leeds Police Department so this tragedy really hit home to all of us.  It was such a blessing to see the love and dignity that was displayed by the Carter family.  This family is truly an example for all of us to follow.  Earlier this week, we heard that a Mobile police officer was also killed.  These tragedies are so senseless.  We pray for both of these families and the families of other officers who have lost their lives.  We also pray for those who mean harm toward others that God would touch their hearts and reveal to them that nothing is ever solved with violence.  As we honored the Martin Luther King Jr holiday on Monday, the words of Mr. King live on, “I have decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear.”  I challenge you to join me in the decision to stick with love rather than hate.

Congratulations to Caitlin Sebastian 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.  Caitlin is majoring in Biomedical Sciences.  Way to go, Caitlin, and keep up the great work!

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 this 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.

Leeds City Council and Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28.  Leeds meetings are held at Leeds Civic Center meeting room and Moody’s meeting are held at Moody City Hall. 

Leeds Masonic Lodge Community Breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1.  Breakfast is free, but donations are appreciated which go toward community involvement programs.  Please contact T.V. Weaver at 205-699-6742 for more information.

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.  The women on their team help save lives and change hearts every day. This wonderful organization is seeking volunteers for both facilities to include men and women who can serve on a weekly basis as 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.

Moody Elementary School will host their Spring Color Run on Saturday, Mar. 2 which will include a 5k and Fun Run at Mood Park.  All proceeds will benefit Moody Elementary School to help replace and repair playground equipment.  Sponsorships are available and MES requests that all sponsorships and donations be made no later than Feb. 1.  For more information, please email Lance Cisco, Assistant Principal, at lance.cisco@sccboe.org.

The 5^th Annual Miracles in Motion 5k is set for Saturday, Mar. 9 to continue raising money for field replacement with Moody Miracle League.  So far, they have raised over $7,000 toward their goal of $150,000 to replace their 16 year old field once the goal is reached.  This year, their race course has been certified with USA Track & Field which should help increase the number of individuals who will participate in the race.  Different corporate sponsorships levels and t-shirt sponsorships are available.  You can now register as a participant in the 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk/Roll and Sleep In for Miracles in Motion at https://bit.ly/2CxV4M6.  For more information, please call 205-225-9444.