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In Leeds and Moody, we are somewhat adjusting to a new normal, whatever that is, being in week two of the national two-week self-quarantine to reduce the spread of the now deadly coronavirus. Our world has changed overnight and we are figuring out how to take care of our daily tasks, how to run a business when you cannot have customers in person and how to do business with a company that is not open for in person contact and how to have church when we cannot meet in our church buildings.

It is so exciting to see everyone coming up with solutions rather than continue to panic and stand still. We’re all taking it one day at a time and things change every single day. As of earlier this week, unless it has changed again, Jefferson County Health Department required most retailers to shut their doors to the public until April 6.

I am so impressed with the Entrepreneurial spirit of our restaurants and retailers in reinventing themselves on a daily basis. Most have moved from being open to the public to going to drive through, curb service, home and business deliveries, offering gift cards and more.

One restaurant that has done that well is the Three-Earred Rabbit. While still offering their full menu, owner Christine Solano and her restaurant have gone to curb service and delivery. There’s nothing like homemade casseroles and that’s one of their specialties. They offer casseroles to go like chicken pot pie, chicken poppy seed, baked ziti and even a gluten-free baked ziti. Family size casseroles are also available like lasagna and don’t forget about those delicious cakes and desserts! Chicken salad, soups, sandwiches and more are on the menu. Delivery is available for the Leeds Moody area, especially to the senior community who cannot get out, but every business and home is eligible. You can place your order by phone, pay by credit card when ordered or if you are picking up the order, you can pay by credit card or cash when you arrive. It’s really just what you are comfortable with. Although, business has been off some, people have been very supportive. “My heart is full. Thank you for the support from our customers in both our Leeds and Trussville locations. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Christine. Until the restrictions are lifted, the restaurant will close at 4:00 p.m. daily and be closed on Sundays and Mondays. You can follow their Facebook page for daily specials and casseroles. Gift cards are also available. To place orders from the Leeds location, please call 205-702-6109.

Another restaurant that is doing this well is Rusty’s Bar-B-Q. With the close of their dining room, the drive through pick-up window is busy. Owner, Rusty Tucker, shared, “We’re thankful for the community supporting us!” Rusty’s continues to open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Since they are not a fast food restaurant, Rusty’s doesn’t have a speaker and menu board like most drive through restaurants, so it increases the importance of call in orders. Of course, there’s nothing like great barbeque in Leeds, Alabama and Rusty’s fulfills that reputation, but their menu offers so much more. Desserts include banana pudding, triple fudge brownie and gooey cake. Family meals are a great value. You can view their regular menu as well as their catering menu and now purchase gift cards directly from their website at www.rustysbarbq.com. To place your orders, call 205-699-4766.

As we near the end of the second week of quarantine, we’re not sure what the future holds. One thing is for sure, we are blessed with many wonderful businesses, organizations and churches in the area and they are all working on ways stay connected with their audiences.

We encourage you to continue to shop local when you can and continue to support our local restaurants when you can. Continue to visit their websites, Facebook pages and other social media to stay up to date with what they have to offer.

Thought for the Week: “There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them, but they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.” ~Paulo Coelho, The Fifth Mountain

I thoroughly enjoy sharing information, news and calendar items with you each week and I thank you for reading my column. Please remember to send any news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com and have a great week!