It is Independence Day, the fourth of July and time to celebrate the day our wonderful nation declared its freedom from tyranny.

Please be cautious while celebrating. Most people tend to get out the grill to cook up some amazing food on this holiday so let’s be sure to follow those grilling safety rules. First, don’t grill too close to your home, or it could catch fire. Second, be sure your grill is set up on a flat surface and can’t be tipped over by accident. Third, if you’re using a propane grill, check for gas leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. Turn on the gas, and if there is a leak, the solution will bubble up. Also, when using a gas grill, if the flame goes out, wait at least five minutes before trying to re-light it. Fourth, when using a charcoal grill, be very careful with the starter fluid. Fire can race up the stream of fluid and explode the bottle in your hands. Fifth and final safety rule: Always keep a fire extinguisher handy for any accidents. If you don’t have one, a bucket of sand is your next best friend and never try to put out a fire on a greasy grill with water. It will only spread. Baking soda is another good option. Keep safe and have a happy Fourth of July!

Congratulations to the Miss Leeds Area Committee which organizes the Miss Leeds Area and Outstanding Teen Pageant each year. Nan Teninbaum, President of Miss Alabama Scholarship Competition, delivered a plaque to Sandra McGuire, pageant director, in celebration of their 40th year of Miss Leeds Area Pageants.

The Leeds Masonic Lodge Community Breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 6. Breakfast is free, but donations would be appreciated. All donations stay in the City of Leeds community involvement programs. Contact T. V. Weaver for more information at 205-699-6742.

Tina Miller is the Leeds Arts Council featured artist for July and you are invited to the opening reception between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 to view her delightful creations. Admission is free. Tina is originally from Nashville, but has been a Leeds resident for the past eight years. During the past five years, Tina built a Visual Arts program for grades PK-5 for Leeds City Schools. This past school year, she was asked to take on the theatre department and is currently building a comprehensive Theatre Arts program for grades 6-12, which also includes serving as the Theatre Director for Oak & Ivy Theatre at LHS. Tina’s work will be on exhibit through Aug. 2. For more information, call 205-699-1892.

The Leeds Jane Culbreth Library will host the AL200: Freedom Riders in Alabama event on Monday, July 8 from 12 – 1 p.m. A light lunch will be provided. The event will discuss the Freedom Riders, people of all races and genders who rode the buses in 1961 to test transportation laws and were met with extreme violence in Alabama. The presentation will be accompanied by images from the collection housed in the Archives of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and will be presented by Laura Anderson, M.A., C.A., the institute’s archivist.

Leeds City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 8 at Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 8 at Moody City Hall. 

LadyBUGS, Leeds Moody Professional Women’s Organization, will meet at Noon on Tuesday, July 9 at The Livery. Lunch is $10 and RSVP to anneglidewell@yahoo.com.

The Central Parliamentary Unit meets on Wednesday, July 10 in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please contact Grady Sue Saxon at 205-699-2440 for more information.

Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 11 at Moody City Hall. Guest speaker will be St. Clair County District Attorney Lyle Harmon. Lunch is $12 for members with reservation and $15 for non-members and no reservation. RSVP to Andrea Machen at 205-640-6262.

The Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group will meet on Thursday, July 11 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany provided by Lakeside Hospice.

Obstacle Ninja Kids Camp is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 15-17 at Beverly’s Dance in Leeds. Register now by calling 205-681-1955.

Leeds High School Football 2nd Annual Meanie Greenie Golf Tournament is scheduled for August 17 at Trussville Country Club. Cost is $325 per team for 4 Man Scramble with 8 a.m. Shotgun start. Investment includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch (low country boil) and door prizes. Prices will be awarded for Longest Drive and Closest to Pin: Par 3s. Mulligans – $5 per person (8 Max Per Team) and Hole Sponsorships are $50. For more information, please contact Steven Lewis at 205-790-0508 or swlewis8@gmail.com and make checks payable to Leeds Quarterback Club.

Thought for the week: “Let your love for God change the world, but never let the world change your love for God.” ~Stacy L. Sanchez

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.