Leeds Jane Culbreth Library had a huge surprise this week with the donation of two beautifully crafted quilts. They say that every quilter has a masterpiece within and these two quilts are truly a shining example of the masterpiece found within one of their lovely library patrons, Ann Fronzuto. One of the quilts is based on children’s books and activities. The other is based on Leeds history such as Lehigh, Charles Barkley, John Henry, Jane Culbreth and more. Plans are to display these quilts for everyone to see.

Wintzell’s Oyster House fed local police and fire departments on Sept. 11 in an effort to do their part in supporting our local communities, especially, the folks with our local fire, police and first responder departments and units. Sometimes, these folks are underappreciated for what they do on a daily basis. The management and staff of Wintzell’s felt that this small token of appreciation was just the right thing to show their heartfelt support and gratitude. Leeds, Moody and Odenville participated in this special event.

Other local companies held events in conjunction with Sept. 11, including Workout Anytime who held the 2019 9/11 Memorial Fundraiser & Stair Climb Challenge. They were able to raise $1,000 for Leeds Fire & Rescue.

The Doris Stanley Memorial Library will host the Seasoned Performers’ presentation of “Galleria Girls at the AARP Convention,” Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Moody Civic Center.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Chamber Luncheon at 11:45 a.m., Sept. 19 at Wintzell’s Oyster House. Guest speakers will be John Moore, Leeds City Schools Superintendent, along with principals from each school. Lunch is $12 with RSVP and $15 for no reservation and nonmembers. RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. This monthly luncheon is a great opportunity to meet and build relationships with other business professionals in the greater Leeds area.

The Miss Teen USA Send-Off Party is Sept. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join us at the Moody Civic Center for refreshments and fun as we wish Josilyn good luck as she preps to compete as “Miss Teen Moody” in the 2020 Miss Alabama Teen USA Pageant.

There are plenty of activities for all ages at the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library every week. Tot Time with Mrs. Ramona, Preschool Craft, Kid’s Craft, Dumbledore’s Army, Inspirational Book Club and so much more are available with many activities for free. A Night with a Princess is scheduled for 6 p.m., Sept. 19 at Leeds Civic Center. This will be a night filled with fairy tales, princesses and royal treats in conjunction with their After School Special 2019 series. No registration is required. For more information about any of these programs, please call the library at 205-699-5962.

The 2019 MotoAmerica Championship of Alabama will take place this Friday through Sunday, Sept. 20 – 22 at Barber Motorsports Park. This is the season finale of the 2019 MotoAmerica Series so you will not want to miss it. Get your tickets through Eventbrite or visit www.motoamerica.com/alabama for more information.

The St. Theresa Catholic Parish Life Center schedules BINGO the first and third Friday evenings of each month, with tickets being sold beginning at 5:30 p.m. and food at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 is the next BINGO night so come on out!

Hold the Fort 5K run and one-mile fun walk/run will take place this Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. beginning at Leeds Memorial Park in conjunction with the John Henry Celebration & Leeds Fall Festival. The run is supported by Mills Pharmacy as one of its charities, raising money for a crisis home for child victims of human trafficking. Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Leeds/HoldtheFort5K.

The long-awaited John Henry Celebration & Leeds Fall Festival is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in downtown Leeds with a full day of activities planned for the entire family. John Henry will come alive on stage at Leeds Arts Center with two performances of the John Henry play, “Listen to that Cold Steel Ring.” The library will provide multiple showings of the John Henry “Disney Legends” movie. Mid-South Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society will have its Depot exhibit rooms open that day during the celebration so that visitors can view these railroad artifacts. Elizabeth Vander Kamp, professional storyteller will provide folk storytelling. Guy Hubbs, professor emeritus at Birmingham-Southern College and archivist for the north Alabama Methodists, will be speak as an Alabama Bicentennial speaker. John Garst, author of John Henry and His People, and Branko Medenica, famous Sculptor and artist rendering of the proposed John Henry statue, are both scheduled to be at the festival. Adults and children will have an opportunity to check out their strength with the High Striker. Other entertainment includes live music at the Depot, Gazebo and roaming street musicians including Brooks & Stegall, Miss Leeds Area Charity Bowden, Gabriel Atkins, Erica Ryleigh and the Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir. The historic stagecoach will be on display. Parkway from 8th Street to 9th Street will be lined with street vendors and food trucks and Dixie Vintage Car Club will have plenty of vintage cars on 9th Street. There is literally something for everyone all day long so you will not want to miss this fabulous festival with art, culture and plenty of fun. Bring your lawn chair and plan to spend the day. Be sure to invite your family and friends. To download a festival guide and schedule, please visit www.LeedsJohnHenryCelebration.org.

Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23 at Moody City Hall.

Leeds Arts Council is currently offering theater classes for students at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons at the Leeds Theater and Arts Center. Victoria Boyce will lead the class. Fall session will culminate in an opportunity to perform at the Christmas variety show, if the students want. Spring session will be preparation for a show the first week of April. For more information, please contact Debbie Landry at 205-699-0712.

Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Liaison meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. with a tour of Guaranteed Labels.

The Moody Police Department is taking applications now for this year’s Citizens Police Academy. Classes are scheduled for Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 26 and end Dec. 5. Class size is limited to 25 so get your application in soon. Classes will include firearms training, ride alongs and more. For more information, contact Lt. Pete Hicks at 205-640-0343 or Phicks@MoodyAlabama.gov.

Thought for the week: “You don’t change culture through emails and memos. You change it through relationships…one conversation at a time.”

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.