There was some excitement close to the Leeds Civic Center last week. Leeds Firefighters, Street Department Crews and Alagasco responded to a fire caused by a lightning strike on a tree near the Civic Center which also ignited the gas line to the Primary School which was buried next to the tree. Luckily, the damage was confined to the tree and the gas line so there was no damage to the Civic Center or Primary School.

This is just an example of the extreme weather this past week with thunderstorms, winds and hail. Wednesday afternoon, I was driving through Moody and the bottom fell out with hail. It began with rain, then the more I drove the more hail began to drop and the bigger it got. The ground was just covered with white frozen balls. This weather moved through Jefferson and St. Clair County pretty fast, but for a short time it was severe. Later a beautiful rainbow appeared. 

The 10th Annual LadyBUGS Fashion Show was held last Tuesday, Apr. 4 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church hosted by the Leeds/Moody LadyBUGS. Miss Leeds Area, Jessica Proctor, performed and local retailers provided the fashions modeled by LadyBUGS members. Door prizes were provided by local businesses. It was a sold out crowd with over 200 tickets sold. Because of this annual fundraiser, $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in May to four deserving Leeds/Moody high school students. For more information about LadyBUGS, please visit their Facebook page: Leeds/Moody LadyBUGS.

Relay for Life is “Painting the Town Purple” for the month of April. To show support for the fight against cancer, the City of Moody’s Relay for Life team will be selling purple bows. Small bows are $15 and the large bows are $20. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. To order a bow for your business or home, please contact Melissa Fraser at 640-0307 or mfraser@moodyalabama.gov.

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. today, Apr. 13 at Moody City Hall. The Eden Career Center and Chef Melissa Allphin will be the guest speaker. The St. Clair County Culinary School will be preparing the meal. Lunch is $10 with RSVP ($15 non-members or without RSVP). Please contact Andrea Machen, Executive Director, at (205) 640-6262 for reservations.

The greatest man in history, had no servants, yet they called him Master. He had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. He had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet Kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. His name is Jesus. Easter is this Sunday, Apr. 16, as we celebrate a risen Lord, Jesus Christ. There is no better time to visit a local church than Easter Sunday and learn about who Jesus is, what the Easter celebration is all about, why this is so important and how this good news can affect your life personally. There are a number of great churches in the Leeds/Moody area to choose from. If you are not sure where to go, I would like to invite you to my church at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church. Pastor Jacky Connell will be teaching about The Power of The Resurrection this Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. This campus is located on Hwy. 78 just past the Shops of Grand River.

The City of Moody will be collecting bathroom necessities for Shepherd Supply’s Personal Care Items Drive until Apr. 17. Items needed: Toilet Tissue, Soap, Razors, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Shampoo, Conditioner and Deodorant. You may drop off your items at the following: Moody City Hall, Moody Civic Center, Moody Library or Moody Police Department.

Leeds City Council will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Apr. 17 at the Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Moody Lions Club will meet at 7:00 PM on Monday, Apr. 17 at White’s Chapel.

Moody Kiwanis Club is scheduled to meet at Noon on Tuesday, Apr. 18 at Moody City Hall.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 19 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Lunch is $10 and RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, Apr. 20 at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church. 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 www.EdenWestside.org.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Apr. 20 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. This month’s program will present the Fishing University film that was produced and has been shown on the Fishing Channel. Also, the Business Spotlight will be Main Street Family Urgent Care. Lunch is $12 with RSVP ($15 without RSVP) and make your reservation with Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The Leeds Arts Council will present “The Dixie Swim Club” on Apr. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 7:00 p.m. and Apr. 23 and 30 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00. Reservations are recommended and prepayment is required. This is the story of five unforgettable women and a hilarious, touching comedy about friendships that last forever. For reservations, please call (205) 699-1892 and someone will return your call.

Join Earthborn Pottery in Leeds on Monday, May 1st, for their very first Spring Open House., and mid-season Blue Light discount sale. Preview their new studio space and spring items while enjoying Shindigs Food Truck and catering. They will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. For more information, please visit their website at www.earthbornpottery.net.

Please remember that Deborah and Sam Pezzillo’s photographs will be on exhibit at Leeds Theatre & Arts Center through May 5.

Job Openings: St. Clair Animal Hospital, Zaxby’s and Jack’s Moody.

Quote for the Week: “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” ~Thomas Edison

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. See you next week!