My husband and I spent a few days at the beach for a much-needed vacation. This is the first trip we have been on in a very long time without my laptop (no work, yeah). Gary and I ate plenty of coconut shrimp (one of my favorites), spent lots of time on the beach and had a fantastic time. We picked up our dogs, Copper and Trouble, on Monday from vacationing at their favorite place, Just Happy Hounds, and we are all glad to be back home!

Now, it’s time to get back in the swing of things and on to what’s happening in Leeds and Moody. Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. today, July 20 at the Leeds River Campus. If you are a policeman, fireman, EMT or other first responder in the greater Leeds Area, please stop in for a FREE breakfast and great fellowship. For more information, please visit EdenWestside.org. 

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. today, July 20 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Lacy Gunnoe, an Officer and Assistant Professor of Det 012 AFRPTC at Samford University, will be the guest speaker. He has served as an Evaluator and Instructor Pilot and will be speaking on military service. Also, a bagpipe player will entertain while everyone enjoys their meals. Lunch is $12 with RSVP ($15 without RSVP) Make your reservation with Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. 

Leeds Arts Council will present additional performances of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” July 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. and July 30 at 2 p.m. This production is directed by Cliff Keen, Jr. Special ticket prices for children up to 18 are $5 when an adult makes a reservation and prepays a ticket for $15. One special priced children’s ticket for each adult ticket. Tickets at the door will be $15 for adults and $10 for a child up to 18. To make reservations, please call 205-699-1892. Leeds Theatre and Arts Center is handicapped accessible.  When making your reservation, please mention if you are in a wheelchair or need a first row seat because of a handicap.

This is the last week for the Bass Pro Shop to host Family Summer Camp with free workshops, crafts, games and more this Thursday, July 20, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23:  Shooting and Archery  – noon; Hunting and Recreational 1 p.m.; Water Safety; Boating/Kayaking – 2 p.m.; Trek and Prep; Shelter, Maps and Tools, and 3 p.m. – Camping/Hiking; Fire Safety, Supplies. Noon to 2 p.m. – Free lanyard and pins will be given out for each workshop completed. Also, get free food samples on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School Monday, July 24 through Friday, July 28 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.  All kids age four through eighth grade are welcome.  Bring your kids for a high-energy time together with music, crafts, Bible lessons, singing, playtime, snacks, prizes and more. Leeds River Campus is located on Hwy. 78, just past the Shops of Grand River.  Please visit EdenWestside.org or call (205) 338-7711 for more information. 

Moody City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24 at Moody City Hall.

Flag Football registration at Moody City Hall is scheduled for July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Moody Miracle League will host the Ability Experience on Tuesday, July 25. The Ability Experience is a non-profit organization whose goal is to give back to the community through a number of different grants. On stops for cycling events across the United States, grants are given to local organizations that serve people with disabilities in order to provide new equipment or upgrades to their facilities. These cyclists will arrive around 5:30 p.m., buddy with our Miracle League players for a game and then they will all enjoy a Chick-fil-A meal together. For more information about this organization, please visit abilityexperience.org. 

City of Leeds Storm Water Variance Board Meeting, Flood Damage Prevention Variance Board Meeting, Construction Variance Board Meeting and Board of Zoning Adjustments meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 25 at Leeds Civic Center meeting room.

Leeds Primary School and Leeds Elementary School will host a Back to School Bash at Leeds Memorial Park on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Save the Date:  The Miss Leeds Area Committee requests the honor of your presence for a Send-Off Party on Sunday, August 20 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church for Jessica Procter, Miss Alabama 2017. Jessica will be leaving the following week for Atlantic City where she will compete for the title of Miss America. Refreshments will be served and t-shirts, buttons and fans will be sold during this time as well. Please plan to attend and celebrate with Jessica during her special time. For more information, please contact Sandra McGuire, Executive Director for Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and Miss Leeds Area Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Plans are already underway for Moody’s Oktoberfest 2017 scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Moody City Park. This year’s festival has plenty of entertainment, activities, arts and crafts, vendors, food and more planned for you and your family to enjoy all day long…and don’t forget the C & C Motor Co and Carpenetti’s Pizza Car Show. Mark your calendar now so you won’t miss the excitement. Also, if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, vendor space or if you are an entertainer interested in performing, please contact Andrea Machen at 205-640-6262 or chamber@moodyalabama.gov.  

Moody Police Department is currently accepting applications for Citizens Police Academy.  Please contact Sergeant Pete Hicks for more information at 205-640-0343 or phicks@moodyalabama.gov.   

Thought for the Week:  “Always pray to have eyes that see the best, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith.” ~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.