January is National Soup Month and as the month comes to a close, my family has enjoyed plenty of homemade soup.  It tastes really good on these cold days.  I like to make soup in a large Dutch oven or Crockpot.  Here is the recipe for an easy vegetarian soup that tastes good and it works well for anyone who cannot tolerate spices.  Ingredients:  One can red beans, one can black beans, one can black-eyed peas or Crowder peas, two cans drained whole kernel corn, three cans diced tomatoes, 8 oz. shredded carrots, 2 diced potatoes, once large diced onion and salt to taste.  If using Dutch oven, bring to boil on medium heat; then, cook on low for approximately one hour and if using your Crockpot, cook six hours on high and enjoy!

Upcoming events include Leeds Masonic Lodge Community Breakfast, which is scheduled for 8 a.m. this Saturday, Feb. 1.  Breakfast is free, but donations would be appreciated and are used for community involvement programs.  Please contact T. V. Weaver at 205-699-6742 for more information.

Leeds City Council and Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb 4.  Leeds meeting is held at Leeds Civic Center meeting room and Moody’s meeting is held at Moody City Hall. 

Moody Lions Club is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4 at White’s Chapel.

Moody Kiwanis Club will meet at Noon on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Moody City Hall.

Leeds Lions Club is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7 at Leeds Masonic Lodge building.  Please contact T.V. Weaver at 205-699-6742 for more information.

Ann’s New Life Center for Leeds and Pell City Volunteer Training event is on Friday, Feb. 8 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Brook Besor located at 4204 Martin Street S, Cropwell with a suggested donation of $10 per person.  The women on their team help save lives and change hearts every day. This wonderful organization is seeking volunteers for both facilities to include men and women who can serve on a weekly basis as Advocates/Mentors, Receptionist, Church Ambassadors, Baby Boutique Team and Cleaning Crew.  For more information and to register, please call 205-702-6500 for Leeds or 205-338-4580 for Pell City.  Visit website at www.annsnewlifecenter.com.

Leeds Chick-fil-A will host a Daddy-Daughter Sock Hop on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 5 p.m. until 8:45 p.m.  You can purchase tickets direct from Eventbrite for this special event.  Tickets include dinner, party favors and Ice Dream Sundae Bar.  Other fun will include a photo booth set up and guest appearances from their one and only Chick-fil-A Cow.  Reservations are required and 50’s attire is encouraged.  Their Facebook page has all of the information including ticket options. 

St. Theresa Catholic Church is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. in their family life center.  The meal will be catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill with a choice of entree:  Chicken Bryan or Tomato Basil Salmon.  Live music will be provided by The Second Chance Band.  Tickets for Adults only are $30 per person and party attire is suggested.  For reservations and more information, please call 205-382-6042.

The 5^th Annual Miracles in Motion 5k is set for Saturday, March 9 to continue raising money for field replacement with Moody Miracle League.  So far, they have raised over $7,000 toward their goal of $150,000 to replace their 16 year old field once the goal is reached.  This year, their race course has been certified with USA Track & Field which should help increase the number of individuals who will participate in the race.  Different corporate sponsorships levels and t-shirt sponsorships are available.  You can now register as a participant in the 5k, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk/Roll and Sleep In for Miracles in Motion at https://bit.ly/2CxV4M6.  For more information, please call 205-225-9444.

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.