Leeds Happenings December 26
Everyone Leeds Happenings This Week
Everyone Leeds is the place to go to be in the know. We invite you to check out this week's news post that is chocked full of information to help guide you in what's happening in the City of Leeds and remember...
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Check Out the News
From our house to yours, Everyone Leeds wishes you a safe and Happy New Year 2025 as you celebrate with family and friends!
We hope you have enjoyed this year's weekly editions of Everyone Leeds and continue your readership in 2025 to keep up with what's happening in Leeds, Alabama!!
Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Awards Celebration
The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce wrapped up the year in style at its monthly luncheon on Thursday, December 19. This special event was held at First Baptist Church Leeds and included the Chamber’s annual awards presentation, recognition of outstanding businesses, and the induction of the 2025 Board of Directors. The luncheon was sponsored by Structured Technology LLC.
Congratulations Business of the Year 2024, Guardian Systems, Inc. (GSI)
Congratulations to Guardian Systems, Inc. for receiving the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award!
Guardian Systems (GSI) was started in 1973 by Gerald Miller. Gerald and Linda are longtime Leeds residents and have made Guardian Systems a recognizable name as a top environmental laboratory in the south. Guardian is a professional and accredited environmental laboratory and has a stellar reputation of providing their clients with top quality results in a timely manner with professionalism and care for clients' needs.
GSI serves many local and national government, municipal, and industrial businesses and is accredited by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Guardian is committed to testing all drinking water, especially in the Leeds community, to make sure all will be safe to drink. GSI remains one of the last locally and individually-owned environmental testing laboratories for the state of Alabama.
Linda and Gerald also own several other businesses in Leeds and serve on several boards.
Shown in the photo L-R: Gerald Miller; Steven Weems, Chamber President; Linda Miller; and Amy Lee, Chamber Executive Director.
Congratulations Non-Profit Organization of the Year 2024, Leeds Main Street
Congratulations to Leeds Main Street for being honored as the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year!
This organization has worked tirelessly to enhance the heart of Leeds, collaborating closely with property owners and the city to bring positive change and to foster growth. One key project was the revitalization of the pocket park, where they helped restore the existing gazebo by freshly painting it and adding new Adirondack chairs, lights, and outdoor games, creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors. Additionally, this organization played a pivotal role in the addition of several vibrant murals to downtown. They have hosted a series of successful community events, most recently Mistletoe on Main before the Christmas parade. Leeds Main Street has truly been a driving force in the revitalization of our downtown area, fostering unity and community spirit while bringing exciting new opportunities to our city.
Shown in the photo: Kristy Biddle, Executive Director, of Leeds Main Street along with LMS Board Members/Volunteers and Amy Lee, Chamber Executive Director.
Congratulations to Ambassador of the Year 2024, Emanuel Vallejo
Congratulations to Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year, Emanuel Vallejo of Kinetic by Windstream!
Emanuel has volunteered many hours of service to the chamber to see that needs have been met with every event the Chamber has hosted this year. Most recently, he took an active role with our "Blue Light Weekend" and "Breezy, the Holiday Shopper," including taking photos around town with Breezy and taking the initiative to have sweaters made for him. Emanuel shows up early, stays late, builds relationships, and troubleshoots along the way. He is a great representative for our chamber and our community.
Congratulations to Tiffiany Abel Ward, Recipient of the Civic Award 2024
Tiffiany Abel Ward of Millennial Bank was presented the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Civic Award. Vice President of Retail Banking at Millennial Bank, Tiffiany serves the community in so many ways. She is past president of the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, and she is also very active with Leeds Main Street and the Leeds Quarterback Club. Tiffiany loves the Leeds community, and it is evident in everything she does.
Shown in the photo are Amy Lee, Chamber Executive Director, Steve Karr, Leeds Arts Council and incoming Chamber President; and Tiffiany Ward.
Congratulations to the Men and Women of Leeds Water Works Board for Being Recipient of the President's Award
Each year the President of the Board of Directors of the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce has the privilege of recognizing a person or group of people in the community with the President's Award.
Says Board President Steven Weems, "This group of people is essential to the lives of every single person and business in our community. They do the literal 'dirty work' it takes for our city to even exist. Too often they go unnoticed or, if they are noticed, it is with disrespectful or negative comments on social media. The men who do the physical work often climb into ditches or are lowered head-first into massive holes with only the security of the men holding their feet. The ladies at the often are often blamed for things that are not even their fault. When these folks do their jobs right, no one notices. Life just keeps moving and faucets just keep turning. I believe these folks are the best 'offensive line' in the state of Alabama."
Thank you and congratulations to the Men and Women of the Leeds Water Works Board!
Thank you, Outgoing Chamber President
A BIG thank you to the Chamber's incredible Board President, Steven Weems, for his outstanding leadership and dedication this year to the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce! Your guidance, vision, and hard work have made a lasting impact on our Chamber and our community. We are so grateful for all you’ve done to make 2024 a success!
Steven was presented with a commemorative gavel.
The Chamber Celebrated State Awards
The Chamber also celebrated adr Business & Marketing Strategies (bronze winner) and Earthborn Studios (Top 10 finalist) for their recognition in the state Small Business Awards presented by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and the Business Council of Alabama.
As always, the Chamber thanks Mrs. Mae Hinton and the ladies of First Methodist Church Leeds for serving the meal, the chamber diplomats for assisting at the luncheon, and Irondale Cafe for catering the meal. A special thanks to Mayor David Miller for inducting the 2025 Board of Directors and to everyone who joined in to close out 2024 with a fantastic celebration.
Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Board of Directors
2025 Board Members include: (Shown in the photo L-R): Johnny Brunson – Brunson, Barnett, and Sherrer PC; Debbie Watkins – Bob Watkins Realty; Steven Weems, outgoing president – First Baptist Church Leeds; Steve Karr, incoming president – Leeds Arts Council; Amy Lee, executive director and board secretary (ex officio), Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce; Chris Oldenberg – Servpro of Birmingham; and Leeds Mayor David Miller (ex officio). (Not shown:) Telra Rocker – Alabama Power Company; John Moore – Leeds City Schools; Phillip Samuels – America’s First Federal Credit Union; Kristen Roley – Heidelberg Materials; Randell Pickering – Mills Pharmacy; Tena Payne – Earthborn Pottery; Jeff Hudson – Standard Furniture; and Emanuel Vallejo – Kinetic by Windstream. Also not shown are ex officio board members Susan Dubose – State Representative and Brad Watson – City of Leeds.
The Chamber is grateful for the dedication and leadership of these individuals who are committed to fostering business growth and community development in Leeds.
The Chamber’s 2024 Corporate Sponsors were formally recognized and presented with a plaque. The Chamber would like to thank them once again for their corporate sponsorship and participation as follows: Presenting Sponsor: City of Leeds, Corporate Partner: Heidelberg Materials, Gold Sponsors: Brunson Barnett and Sherrer PC and Hubbell Power Systems, Silver Sponsors: Millennial Bank and The Shops of Grand River, Bronze Sponsors: adr Business & Marketing Strategies, Alabama Power, AMAC Design Builders, AmFirst, Bob Watkins Realty, Buc-ee's, Guardian Systems, IKG USA, Kinetic by Windstream, and Vick Accounting & Tax Service LLC and Copper Sponsor: EXIT Legacy Realty.
Leeds Trails and Tours
The Leeds Decade of the 1950s Walk invites you to enjoy this video about The Fascinating Story of Tupperware Parties in the 1950s by Rare History in Photos. If you have any 1950s Leeds memories, please share them with us. Your photographs, movies, and memories are welcome. Post them here or email us at LeedsTrailsandTours@gmail.com. https://facebook.com/leedstrailsandtours/
Millennial Bank
🎄✨Spreading Holiday Cheer at Millennial Bank! ✨ 🎄
Last week, some of our team at Millennial Bank came together for a special Girls’ Christmas Door Hanger Paint Party, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate the season! Our employees pictured enjoyed an evening of hot cocoa, creativity, laughter, and festive fun, crafting beautiful door hangers to brighten up their homes for the holidays. Events like these remind us how lucky we are to have such an amazing team!
Children’s Christmas Party 2024 | The American Legion Post 107
Children’s Christmas Party 2024 | The American Legion Post 107
Children’s Christmas Party 2024 - Santa has Arrived!!
Leeds City School's
Leeds High School's Conner Nelson wins Tribune Player of the Year:
https://trussvilletribune.com/.../introducing-the.../
Atrox Factory
Wishing you all the joy and peace of the holiday season!
❤️ - the Atrox Factory family!
Santa's Wonderland | Bass Pro Shops
Santa's Wonderland | Bass Pro Shops
Santa's Wonderland -We would like to give a huge thank you to the Leeds Al, 1st Responders for taking the time to stop in and visit with us this Christmas season!! From All of us here at Bass Pro we Thank You for everything you do for us and the community, and we Wish you A Very Merry Christmas!!🎅
Santa Pics | Posh Salon
Santa Pics | Posh Salon
Another year of Santa at the salon and it was a HUGE HIT! Merry Christmas to all of our amazing clients and the community around us. We appreciate your support and can't wait to see you all soon. 🎄🎅 Posh Salon
Other Events & News for the Week
Grand River Drive-In Movie Line-Up
Movies now begin at 6:30 pm | December 20th & 21st
BOX OFFICE OPENS AT 5 PM | START TIME 6:30 PM
Screen 2: First Showing- 6:30 pm / Mufasa: The Lion King
Second Showing - 8:43 pm / Moana 2
Screen 3: First Showing- 6:30 pm / Sonic 3
Second Showing - 8:34 pm / Red One
FEATURES TIMES WILL COINCIDE WITH THE SUNSET. SNACK SHACK: OPEN - Tickets & lineups may be purchased & viewed: Grandriverdrive-In.com
This Week | The Burrow Bookstore
Join us Thursday morning at 10:30 for children's story and craft time! All ages are welcome! The Burrow Bookstore
The Smokey City Rails Model RR Club | Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
Don't miss this delightful addition to our holiday festivities! Whether you're a train enthusiast or just looking for some holiday cheer, this display will surely bring smiles to all ages. We can't wait to see you there!
Fit City Wrap-Up December 2024 With Us:
Neon Moon
Wednesday we will Open at 4 pm -12 with Drink Specials, $2 Beers all day again every beer, and Dakota behind the bar to hang out with.
Thursday is open from 12-12 as usual Katrina opens, and Dakota closes!
Friday 12-2 am Karaoke 8-12 w Neki!
Saturday our early New Year's Celebration with karaoke 8-12, fake ball drop, catered food n treats, and more W Katrina and Dakota behind the bar!
This Week at the Rail!
Check out our holiday hours this week:
The Buicks | Van's Bar
Van's Bar - The Buicks take the stage on Friday, December 27th, at 9 PM ... 21+ Show
New Year's Eve | Van's Bar
Make your plans to spend New Year's Eve at VAN'S in Leeds ... huge balloon drop, breakfast buffet, champagne toast, party favors, and entertainment by Black Sedan Band!!
Monday Masterpiece | Leeds Arts Council
We are open every Monday to offer the opportunity to view the wonderful works of art hanging on our walls which feature a new artist every month! Leeds Arts Council
Playdate Cafe | Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
Playdate Cafe - Meets once a month on the last Tuesday starting at 10:30 am - It was created for caregivers and their children to relax and play at the Leeds Library. Tuesday is our favorite day to offer fun things to do for your littles and you. The teens love their coffee bar during their study time. Adults asked for a coffee bar too. We have heard you and we've got you! Each month there will be a different theme of toys and coffee flavors. Come in and enjoy yourself in the meeting room starting at 10:30 am. Coffee & Play: Cozy Fall Mornings - we have created a place for you and your child to cozy up together your young children can play with plush toys, building blocks, and books while you enjoy a latte in yummy flavors. Each month we will have a seasonal twist and fun activities! Leeds Jane Culbreth Library,
Leeds Chess Club | Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
Leeds Chess Club - Every 4th Saturday 10 am-12 pm. All Ages & Abilities Welcome! Come and learn the game, brush up on your skills, or just to have fun! Leeds Jane Culbreth Library Every 4th Saturday from 10 am-12 pm! Leeds Jane Culbreth Library,
Church Events and News
Ladies' Dance Fitness Class | Cedar Grove Baptist Church
December 26, 2024, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Ladies from rising 5th graders to adults are invited to join us every 2nd and 4th Thursday for dance aerobics! Classes are FREE and designed to accommodate a range of fitness ability. Wear comfy clothes and be prepared to have fun!
1st Wednesday Family Meals | Cedar Grove Baptist Church
January 1, 2025 - 11 am & 5:45 pm. Join us for a church family meal at either 11 am or 5:45 pm! **1st Wednesday Meals are FREE, but donations are accepted. All donated funds will go directly back into our budget for purchasing food. Lunch Menu: TBD Evening Menu: Breakfast for Dinner! Cedar Grove Baptist Church
Kids at the Grove
Grace Girl's Pink Party | Cedar Grove Baptist Church
Grace Girl's Pink Party - December 29th, 6:30 pm at Susan Mettetal's Home. Cedar Grove Baptist Church
Leeds First Methodist Church
12/29 One Worship Service | 10:00 a.m. in Sanctuary. Watch Leeds First Methodist Church - YouTube here. Leeds First Methodist Church
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK Click on the link to view. St. Theresa Leeds Alabama
Fresh Start Prayer | The Tower of Prayer Church
Fresh Start Prayer Call is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings! Set your alarm for 6 am CST and dial 848-888-9025! God is coming after the yoke that has held you, your family, your ministry, and your business hostage! There’s a sound of freedom! Don’t miss prayer this week!!🎄✨ The Tower of Prayer Church
Upcoming Events
American Sign Language | Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
American Sign Language - Melissa Lee teaches American Sign Language at the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 10:30 -11:30. All ages are welcome to join. Go to LeedsLibrary.info for more information and sign up. Drop-ins are welcome! Leeds Jane Culbreth Library,
Time to Read Book Club | Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
Time to Read Book Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Go to LeedsLibrary.info for more information and sign up. Drop-ins are welcome! Leeds Jane Culbreth Library,
Student Summer Camp | Leeds Arts Council
Leeds Arts Council is ecstatic to announce our Student Summer Camps, Aladdin Jr and Shrek Jr! Camps are open to rising 2nd through 12th graders. Aladdin Jr will run from June 2nd through 15th and will be directed by Josh McDaniel. Shrek Jr will run from June 16th through the 29th and will be directed by Allie Picou. Camp tuition is $255 with a $25 discount for additional siblings. To register, please visit leedsartscouncil.org and click the summer camp link. If you have any questions, please contact Brandi McClaran at broadwaybound38@yahoo.com
Audition Notice | Leeds Arts Council
Leeds Arts Council is excited to announce auditions for A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder! Auditions will take place on February 3rd and 4th at 630pm. Please read the character description below and the song that will be required at auditions. There will also be a cold read from the script. If you have any questions regarding the audition process or requirements, please get in touch with Brandi McClaran at broadwaybound38@yahoo.com. For more information click A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.
Mary Poppins Jr. | Leeds Arts Council
Next stop, Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane! We are thrilled to announce that our spring production for Musical Mondays is Mary Poppins Jr.! Classes will be held Mondays from 5 pm-6:30 pm from January 6th through March 10th. Performances: March 14th- 16th. Tuition is $200 per child with a $25 discount for additional siblings. Classes are open for grades 1-12. Please email broadwaybound38@yahoo.com for questions. Registration forms and payment links are located at leedsartscouncil.org.
Barber Motorsports Park
Faster than Santa’s sleigh? You bet! Your #INDYBHM tickets will race straight into your inbox!🎄🎁🏎️ 📅 May 2-4, 2025
🚘 Secure your on-site parking pass while they last
⏳ Lock in your tickets before prices increase on January 1
🏁 Don’t wait! Give the gift of speed this holiday season! ⬇️⬇️
🎟️ https://ow.ly/F4eR50UsPlG
Shopping, Deals & More
China Wok
Happy New Year's to Everyone in Leeds and surrounding areas! The holiday season is almost over with 1 holiday left to end the year, and we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support of our business throughout the year. Hope to see you there! https://facebook.com/chinawok.leeds.5/
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
The Heat n' Serve French Toast Bake Thick-cut country bread soaked in vanilla custard, topped with cheesecake filling then baked 'til golden and dusted with powdered sugar. Best enjoyed at home when drizzled with maple syrup and topped with whipped cream.. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Frozen Rooster
Be sure to take note of our holiday hours @ your favorite location. Get our orders in! Order online and choose your pickup time! frozenrooster.com Happy Holiday from Frozen Rooster 🎄🐔
Advance America (Leeds, AL)
♑ Capricorn season is here! Known for their practical and disciplined nature, Capricorns are often budget-savvy and goal-oriented with their spending. Curious how your zodiac sign might influence your spending habits? Check out our blog to learn more:
👉https://bit.ly/4ffMou6
AmFirst
Holiday Hours Reminder ✨🎄 As we celebrate the holiday season, here are our adjusted hours:
🎅 Christmas Eve: Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 🎄 Christmas Day: Closed 🎉 New Year’s Eve: Regular hours 🎊 New Year’s Day: Closed. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year! ❤️ Thank you for being part of the AmFirst family! 🌟 AmFirst
Outfitter of the Year | Bass Pro Shops
Let's give Mr. Ricky Hart a HUGE shout-out for being our Outfitter of the Year!! Ricky works in our fishing department and is an incredible asset to our Leeds Bass Pro Family, THANK YOU, Ricky, for all of your hard work and dedication!!
Disco Santa by Beverly's Dance Unlimited Dean and Company Christmas Special 2021 | Beverly's Dance of Leeds
Beverly's Dance of Leeds- Flashback to Disco Christmas with Dean and Company Christmas Special! Watch here!
fast-paced Health - Leeds (1455 Ashville Road Northeast, Leeds, AL)
Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste! ⏳ Preventive care, like annual check-ups, physicals, and screenings, is often covered by your health insurer at no cost to you—but time’s ticking! Fast-paced health makes it easy with same-day and walk-in appointments. From urgent care needs to preventive services, we’re here to help you prioritize your health. Step into the new year feeling healthier and worry-free! Walk in or reserve your spot online today! https://fastpacehealth.com/?utm_source=social...
L.A. Salon & Boutique Merchandise Page
Shop Local!! L.A. Salon & Boutique in Leeds is having a Winter blowout sale! 50% off all clothing until the end of 2024!!! Tanning is also available but excluded from the sale! Come see us at 1601 9th Street. 205-699-3042
Millennial Bank
At Millennial Bank, we believe the Holiday season is a time to reflect on what truly matters--family, loved ones, and the joy of togetherness. To allow our team to enjoy this special time, we will close at lunch on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. We will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday, December 26th, and look forward to serving you then. From all of us at Millennial Bank, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a season filled with love, peace, and happiness.
Mum & me mercantile LLC
Need a cute little black dress for New Year’s Eve? 🍾 We’ve got you covered! Stop in today for our After Christmas Sale at Mum & me mercantile llc
📍8032 Parkway Drive, Leeds
⏰ Check with store for Holiday Hours
Sparkle Dress | Pants Store
Tis The Season to Sparkle Dress 🤩🤩 Shop this new arrival for ONLY $39.99! 🛍🛒🛍️🛒 Tap to shop on Instagram + Shop in stores & online at pantsstore.com✨
Holiday Hours | Koplon Implant & Family Dentistry.
Koplon Implant & Family Dentistry - This holiday week, we are open Monday, Thursday and Friday and ready to serve any dental needs 🦷✨🎄
After Christmas Sale | The Shops of Grand River
After Christmas Sale at Birmingham's Only Outlet Center!
Dec 26-31
Where Christmas is a Big Deal! The Shops of Grand River
Sweet Home Spirits
Stop by and see us, We are open! CLOSED: Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Years Day!!! — at Sweet Home Spirits.
TriGreen Equipment
Don't miss out! For one week only, 0% for 72-month financing is available for select in stock 0-series balers! Inventory is limited so call your local TriGreen dealer and take advantage of this amazing deal⚡ *Offer expires 12/31/2024. Subject to approved credit with John Deere Financial. See dealer for full details. TriGreen Equipment
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Job Opportunities | Buc-ee's Leeds
We are currently hiring for:
• Deli/Foodservice – $19-$21/Hr
• Cashier – $16.00/Hr
• Cleaning & Maintenance - $18.00/Hr
Here’s our career website: https://buc-ees.com/careers/
Buc-ee’s Leeds, Alabama @ 6900 Buc-ee’s Blvd, Leeds AL 35094
For more information: Elizabeth Martinez – Elizabeth.martinez1@buc-ees.com
Leeds Alabama Police Department
Vision, Valor and Victory! Apply today and join our team! Email us at pirwin@leedsalabama.gov and detectives@leedsalabama.gov! Leeds Alabama Police Department
HELPING OTHERS
The Red Barn
The Red Barn - Need a Red Barn Sweatshirt?!! Visit our new merch site and order one for the new year! https://stores.inksoft.com/theredbarn/shop/home
LEEDS OUTREACH
Leeds Outreach - Pictured: Leeds Outreach Tuesday Bread Crew. Outreach volunteers will be back at work Thursday morning. We can't wait to hear what the kids got for Christmas. -Serving our community since 1994!
This Week's Recipe
Champagne Funfetti Ice Cream Cake | Allrecipes.com
Champagne Funfetti Ice Cream Cake - Layers of champagne Funfetti cake sandwich your favorite ice cream and toppings in this 20-layer celebration cake. Serve with plenty of champagne.