Leeds/Moody News: New Japanese restaurant open
Mr. Benjamin Perry Hays celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this week. Mr. Hays is married to his wife of 64 years, Velda “Oleta,” and they have been residents of Moody for over 50 years. Mr. Hays has two children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. & Mrs. Hays are strong Christians and members of Bulla Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Hays also served in the military as a Merchant Marine in World War II for three and a half years. He also served in the Army three years during the Korean War. Mr. Hays has also been an active member of the Moody Senior Center for nine years and they love Mr. Hays. He is a soft-spoken man, a man of integrity and respect. Happy Birthday Mr. Benjamin Perry Hays and thank you so much for your contribution in the military serving our country!
The new Izumi Japanese Restaurant in Leeds is now open on Ashville Road in the shopping center where Bama Flea Mall resides. We’re also getting a Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries in the shopping center by Wal-Mart where Radio Shack was previously, which should be open in early Oct. I understand that they are not a fast food restaurant, but a good food, fast sit down diner with great music and a broad menu. I think cheesesteak is one of their specialties. Let’s not forget about the other great food in Leeds, including Laney’s Country Cooking, Nelchie’s Cajun, the Wings Cafe, Ole Smokey and Rusty’s BBQ to name a few.
The new Sears Hometown Store officially has their sign installed. It has really been exciting to see the Leeds Commons Shopping Center revitalized and filled up with quality storefronts including Right Stuff Bargain Center, Farmers Home Furniture, Workout Anytime and Daylight Donuts. There is only one small space left in the Leeds Commons and we are so happy to have the new Sears store. We haven’t had a Sears store on this side of Birmingham for a number of years and many have forgotten the value of shopping at Sears. Their warranties on Craftsman tools, appliances and more are second to none and with their new leasing options, most people qualify for financing with more desirable interest rates. If you haven’t shopped at the Leeds Commons Shopping Center lately, now’s the time to stop in.
Ladies, you are invited to attend a free Workshop – HELP! I NEED A KEEPER! Who Can Help Me? for Mom’s Night Out – Organizing Your Chaos at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Sept. 22 at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church. Next Thursday, Sept. 29, the last workshop and topic will be LET’S GET FOCUSED! Work Smarter, Not Harder. The River Campus is located on Hwy 78, just past the Shops of Grand River. Please RSVP on the Event at EdenWestside.org.
Moody City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26 at Moody City Hall.
Children and mom’s consignment sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23-24 hosted by First Baptist Church of Moody. They are currently registering those interested to be a consignor. For more information, please visit: fbcclosetconsignment.weebly.com.
Community Kids Closet is also accepting new and returning consigners for Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 22-24 sale dates at Community Presbyterian Church in Moody. For more information, please visit communitypca.net.
Well Springs Worship Center on Vivian Street in Leeds will host the Bonnie Williams Dunning Fundraiser on Sept. 24 from noon – 5 p.m. featuring singers Rusty Gilliam, Jo Ann Bullard, Nate Fortuner, Jerry L. Branscomb and DPB. For more information, please call (205) 699-7247.
Be sure to support Shepherd Supply Mission as they host their Second Annual Celebrity Roast at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 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 contact Jennifer Monday at (205) 441-2340 or visit their website at shepherdsupplymission.com.
Leeds River Campus will host a Live Christian Concert on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. This event will include all live music with the Eden Westside Worship Choir & Praise Band from the Eden Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church. The Leeds River Campus is located on Hwy. 78, just past the Shops of Grand River.
Leeds Homecoming Parade is set up as a fundraiser this year and entry fees are designated for SGA. If you would like to participate, please contact Cristina Allen at callen@leedsk12.org for an application.
Leeds Arts Council will present ENCORE: Musical Memories on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1 (please note date change). Tickets are $10. This is a yearly fundraiser put together by their play director Cliff Keen, Jr. for the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. The songs will be performed by familiar faces from their past musical productions. Please call (205) 699-1892 or email leedsartscouncil@windstream.net to reserve tickets.
The Leeds Masonic Lodge Community Breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. Breakfast is free, but donations would be appreciated. All donations stay in the City of Leeds community involvement programs. Please contact T. V. Weaver at (205) 699-6742 for more information.
The Blessing Swap at Cedar Grove Baptist Church is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. – noon. Early drop off will be Friday, Sept. 30 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed. For more information, please contact Erica Nolen at through the Facebook Event.
Moody Oktoberfest 2016 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 at Moody City Park from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year’s festival has plenty of entertainment, activities, arts and crafts, vendors, food and more all day long…and don’t forget the C & C Motor Co. & Carpenetti’s Pizza Car Show. Come early and stay all day to enjoy all of the fun and excitement this year!
The Moody Kid Quilts Group will meet on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 2-3 at Moody City Hall. This group meets the first Monday and Tuesday of each month to make quilts for Children’s Hospital to distribute to the sick children. They have also made quilts in the past for local veterans. I happened to see these ladies in action a couple of months ago and I was so impressed. These members bring their sewing machines, ironing boards, fabric and supplies to put these beautiful quilts together. For more information about this wonderful organization, please contact Clydene Dyer at (205) 515-4751 or Barbara Willingham at (205) 400-4560.
The 24th Annual LeHigh Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Alabama Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches and Boys Ranch of St. Clair County is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 7 at Trussville Country Club. For more information, please contact Cindy Keith at (205) 702-7114.
Job Openings: New Jack’s in Leeds is advertising for employees. Visit workatjacks.com to apply. Best Western Plus Hotel & Suites in Leeds is hiring a front desk agent. Also, Izumi Japanese Restaurant is hiring servers. Leeds High School is starting a Job Board, so if you have any job opportunities and are willing to hire students, please contact Jill Prince at jprince@leedsk12.org.
Quote for the Week: “In the blink of an eye everything can change, so forgive often and love with all of your heart. You never know when you may not have that chance again.” ~ GodVine.
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!