The Jason Petty tribute show “Hank Williams -The Lonesome Tour” is scheduled for 7 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center.  Jason Petty will be performing Hank Williams’ songs and sharing some of the stories about his life that he learned when he became friends with Williams’ family members, friends, musicians and fellow Grand Ole Opry stars.  Jason Petty was born in middle Tennessee in 1969. His career began as an actor and has grown over the years into a singer, songwriter, director and playwright.  He has been described as having a “Country Soul”.  Jason’s natural ability to tell the stories of Hank’s life and career with Southern charm and down home humor has given this show rave reviews across North America.  You won’t have to go to Tennessee to see and hear this amazing performer.  Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling 205-699-1892. This should prove to be a wonderful evening of good ole country music!

The Miss Leeds Area committee had a great time in Atlantic City last week for the Miss America pageant and festivities as our Miss Leeds Area 2017/Miss Alabama Jessica Procter ranked in the Top 7 as well as received the Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award. Miss Leeds Area 2016/Miss District of Columbia Briana Kinsey was chosen as 3^rd Alternate to Miss America.  The Miss Leeds Area committee spent the week enjoying various activities. The Leeds delegation consisted of ten people.  They walked down along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and Boardwalk in the beautiful resort town of Ocean City, visited historical Cape May, attended the Miss America “Show Me Your Shoe” Parade and were treated to a limousine ride through Atlantic City.   Miss Leeds Area/Miss Alabama 2014 Caitlin Brunell came from New York City to visit with this team and attended the final night of competition.  Due to multiple cancelled flights home, this group visited the local shops and boutiques in Ocean City and finally made their way home on Tuesday.

ERA King Realty was chosen as the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month.  ERA King Real Estate was founded in 1969 by Jack King and in the 45 years of their existence, they have never sold a property, their people do.  ERA King has been able to outperform the markets by being the very best agent support service ever.  Their team of experts represent the best and brightest in the industry and they are always striving to lead the field in research, innovation and consumer education.  Their philosophy is simple:  clients come first.  They feel that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, their job is not done.  ERA King Realty’s Moody office is located at 2603 Moody Parkway.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds conducted a ribbon cutting at the new Mum & Me Mercantile, LLC to celebrate their grand opening.  Mum & Me Mercantile is now open and located on Parkway Drive across from the Pants Store and they have a fabulous shopping destination with all types of gift items, home décor, clothing, accessories, jewelry, art and more.  Best of all, most of these items are made in America and many of these items have touching background stories.  Stop in to meet Neva, see this store and learn more of the history behind her merchandise.  You will definitely want to do some Christmas shopping there…and yes, Christmas is just around the corner!

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon at 11:45 a.m. today, Sept. 21 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Guest Speaker is John Moore, Leeds City Schools Superintendent.  Lunch is $10 and RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Chick-fil-A is currently hosting Spirit Week through Friday, Sept. 22 to support St. Clair County High School, Moody High School and Leeds High School.  There will be cow appearances, nugget eating contest, games, prizes and Chick-fil-A will make a $1000, $500 or $250 donation to your school.

The Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25 at Moody City Hall.

National Night Out celebration will be Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Leeds Memorial Park.  Join thirty-eight million neighbors and sixteen-thousand communities across the nation for National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safe and more caring places to live.  There will be free food, face painting, balloon animals, inflatables and giveaways.  Meet your local law enforcement and firefighters with fun for the entire family.  Learn more at www.natw.org.

Moody Oktoberfest 2017 is only a little over two weeks away scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Moody City Park from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Bring your whole family to enjoy this historic area festival which is sure to bring plenty of fun with arts and craft vendors, food vendors, entertainment on two stages all day long and loads of activities for the kids.  For more information, please contact Andrea Machen at 205-640-6262.

The Doris Stanley Memorial Library will host author, Glenn Willis, on Oct. 12.  Mr. Willis wrote “The Forgotten Alabama” and will have a special presentation at the Moody Civic Center beginning at 1 p.m.  For more information, please contact the library staff at 205-640-2517.

The Leeds Lions Club invites you to celebrate with them for 70 years of service in Leeds, Alabama.  Join them on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Leeds Masonic Lodge building, located at 8413 2nd Avenue (behind the Pants Store), for a reception and to learn more about how YOU can help OUR community through Lions International!  Please contact T.V. Weaver at 205-699-6742 for more information.

The City of Moody’s 2017 Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 9.  This year they would like their parade theme to come from the children!  Last year’s theme was Santa’s workshop.  Any child with a great parade idea can write it down and draw an optional picture.  The winner will be presented with a trophy at the Jan. 8 City Council meeting and given an opportunity to ride on the Santa float.  Please include a parent’s name and contact information with the entry and mail it to City of Moody, Revenue Department, 670 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004.  The deadline for submissions is Sept. 25 and a winner will be notified Oct. 2.  The parade committee looks forward to reading all of the wonderful parade ideas!   

Job Openings:  City of Moody is accepting applications for a full-time Park Grounds Keeper, a part-time Senior Center Aide and part-time general help.  Chick-fil-A Leeds is hiring.  Covenant Bank is looking for an experienced bank teller.

Thought for the Week:  “Life is better when you laugh a lot, cry a little, and are thankful for everything you’ve got.” ~Unknown

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!