Have you ever had a friend that you felt so close to that no matter how long you were apart that you could pick right back up where you left off when you reunite? I have several close friends like that and some include childhood friends as well as friendships made along the way. We may not get to see each other or talk very often, but when we do, we cherish that time together. As we celebrate Friendship week, take time to appreciate those special friendships you have made.

A lot of buzz is going on in Leeds and it is a very exciting time. Leeds City Board of Education and the City of Leeds conducted a Ribbon Cutting last Saturday at Homer Smiles Field celebrating the newly renovated football field which included upgrades on the turf, press box and track. Many enjoyed the annual “Meet & Greet” of youth football, cheerleaders, volleyball, band & middle school/JV/Varsity football immediately followed by the Green/White scrimmage game.

Also Dedication for the new Leeds Primary School along with a Ribbon Cutting was held on Sunday. The new state of the art primary school geared for the 21st century learner complete with wireless technology and a storm shelter that can withstand winds up to 250 MPH is located at 991 Park Drive just past the Splash Pad and Civic Center where the Metro Football field was. With the new school, the trailer classrooms at LES are no longer needed. The Primary School includes Pre-K through 2nd grade. 3rd, 4th and 5th grades are included at the Elementary School and 6th, 7th & 8th grade at the Middle School and 9th through 12th grades at the High School.

Moody Area Chamber of Commerce held a Political Forum last week for their August luncheon. Linda Crowe and Clyde Jones – Place 1, Matt Morris – Place 3, Jeff Green and Nick Rutledge – Place 4 participated in this forum. A variety of questions were submitted from local residents and each candidate had an opportunity to share their viewpoints and plans to move Moody forward. Be sure to vote on Tuesday, August 23. Remember, your vote counts!

Please remember that Bill Barrow’s artwork will be on exhibit at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center until August 26. For more information please call (205) 699-1892 or email leedsartscouncil@windstream.net.

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. today, August 18, at the Leeds River Campus. If you are policeman, fireman, EMT or other first responder in the greater Leeds area, please come by for a free breakfast and fellowship. For more information, please visit EdenWestside.org.

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly Chamber Luncheon today, August 18, at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Guest speaker will be Mayor David Miller. Lunch is $12 and payable at the door. Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (206) 966-9392 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Moody City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 22, at Moody City Hall.

Chick-fil-A Leeds will host a Spirit Day for North Valley Missions on Tuesday, August 23, from 6-9 a.m.. Come out & support North Valley Missions on their Spirit Day. Be sure you mention that you are there to support them and they will receive a portion of the proceeds.

The Leeds Jane Culbreth Library continues to have weekly activities planned. Tuesday, August 23, Kids Crafts are scheduled with a Duct Tape Pencil Pouch. Thursday, August 25, will be Teen Crafts with Sharpie Art Coasters at 4 p.m. and Saturday, August 27, will be Family Movie Time at 10 a.m. with Zootopia.

On Wednesday, August 24, from 10-11 a.m., a free disaster preparedness webinar for businesses in Alabama will be offered by the IRS, Operation Hope and SBA. The webinar will provide an opportunity to receive tips and exchange ideas to help better prepare for disasters and to minimize or reduce the disaster’s adverse impact on your business. The forum will take place via web conference. To receive calendar invite and login information, please contact Nora.Huffman@irs.gov to RSVP.

Chick-fil-A Leeds will host a Spirit Day for Leeds Fire & Rescue Local 3973 on Tuesday, September 13, from 6-9 a.m.. Come out & support Leeds Fire Department. They will have a “Touch a Truck”, Sparky, giveaways and appointments available for car seat safety checks. Make sure you mention that you are there to support them and they will receive a portion of the proceeds.

Children and mom’s consignment sale is scheduled for September 23-24, hosted by First Baptist Church of Moody. They are currently registering those interested to be a consignor. For more information, please visit: http://fbcclosetconsignment.weebly.com/.

Community Kids Closet is also accepting new and returning consigners for September 22-24, sale dates at Community Presbyterian Church in Moody. For more information, please visit communitypca.net.

Shepherd Supply Mission will host the Second Annual Celebrity Roast at 6 p.m. on September 25, at Bethel Baptist Church. This year the celebrity being roasted will be Dennis Russell. Tickets are $50 per plate or $350 for a table of seven. For more information, please visit their website at shepherdsupplymission.com.

The Blessing Swap at Cedar Grove Baptist Church is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, from 9 a.m. until noon. Early drop off will be Friday, September 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Volunteers are needed. For more information, please contact Erica Nolen at through the Facebook Event.

Job Opening: St. Clair Animal Hospital

Quote for the Week: “To raise a child, who is comfortable enough to leave you, means you’ve done your job. They are not ours to keep, but to teach how to soar on their own.” -Unknown

I truly appreciate each of you who read my column and I really love sharing news so please remember to send your Leeds and Moody news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com. See you next week!