LEEDS TRIBUNE THE ONLY SOURCE FOR LEEDS NEWS www.LeedsTribune.com

March 21, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 11

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Leeds schools to build $1M new central office BY CINDY FISHER

Leeds Tribune Staff Leeds City Schools administrators are getting a new $1 million central office building. The Board of Education last week approved plans to build a new headquarters for Leeds City School district’s administration on vacant property bordering Leeds Middle School. The school district bought the property on Hurst Avenue several years ago because it is adjacent to the middle school, which was built in the last five years, said Superintendent John J. Moore. Leeds administrators have worked out of leased offices since 2001, and Moore said they “need more space for our growing district, and we desire to get out of the rental business.” There were other plans to

get the Board of Education out of rented space. The most recent plan was to give the administration office space within a new municipal complex the city planned to build with a tax increase. But voters turned down the increase in a January referendum. To pay for building a new office, Leeds school district is getting an advance in funding from the Public School & College Authority instead of the annual appropriation. PSCA funds are meant for facility maintenance, upgrades, expansion and more. The Leeds Board of Education previously approved the advance draw against the PSCA allocation for the municipal complex but shifted gears when the referendum failed, Moore said. The board’s office is currently housed in an office on 8th Avenue next to where

several new businesses have moved in, which has made parking tight. Last week, the Leeds school board reviewed a concept drawing for a new central office building and approved using Lathan

Associates as the architect. Lathan also designed plans for the proposed athletic fields and municipal building that residents voted down. The new facility will have approximately 5,000 square

feet of space and include a board meeting room, storage space and office space for central office staff, as well as 50 parking spaces for employees, visitors and spectators on game nights, Moore said.

The “look” of the facility will match the facade and materials at LMS, he said. Moore said he expects construction to start this summer, and they will move in on May 1, 2020.

Colton Moore Leeds High School shows he’s tough Prom 2019 as he prepares for surgery #37 BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA Leeds Tribune Staff

Colton Moore has had 36 surgeries in his nine years of life and another one to come

in April, but he’s still found time to make a lot of friends. He even has his own baseball team. Colton suffers from several illnesses as a result of

being born with spina bifida, a birth defect in the walls of the spinal canal. One complication is a pocket of fluid

See COLTON MOORE, Page 6

LHS juniors and seniors partied at Prom on Saturday night, choosing their Prom Queen Taylor Sisk and Prom King Micah Hodge. See more photos from Prom on Page 6.

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March 21, 2019

The Leeds Tribune

Community

LOCAL HERO OF THE MONTH

Each month, the Leeds Tribune honors a first responder from the Leeds Police Department and Leeds Fire & Rescue. For March, we honor:

Rex Allred, a firefighter/ paramedic with Leeds Fire & Rescue What is your career path to reach this position? I started volunteering at my neighborhood fire department in 2000. I completed several certification classes through the Alabama Fire College. In 2008, I acquired my license for Basic Emergency Medical Technician, which took four months. I attended Herzing University for Paramedic-EMT in 2012-2013. Also, in the fall of 2013, I attended firefighter recruit school hosted at Pell City Fire Academy through the

Alabama Fire College. I found it to be a privilege to be hired in the summer of 2013 and serve the community of Leeds. I joined Oneonta fire department in 2016 and still work with Leeds. Years of service: Volunteer fire service for 17 years, career Emergency Medical Services for 10 years, career fire/EMS for six years. Notable recognitions and/ or experiences in the field: I

have had the opportunity to help people in the worst possible moments in their life. Even though it may be through an illness, injury, death or just needing information on what to do in certain situations. Why did you choose to become a first responder? I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my dad to be a firefighter since I was very young watching him work

at Oneonta Fire Department. Seeing the things he did and working with the public was very impressive to me. I still hear stories from others that worked with my dad and how he affected their lives. Where are you from: Oneonta What is your favorite part about Leeds? Leeds has a strong brotherhood in the fire service. Also, the involvement of the

community to help and support one another. Tell us about yourself: I have been married to a wonderful wife, Stephanie, since March 2002. We have two children, Alyson, 22, Austin, 15. Stephanie had the same ambition to help others and also acquired her certification as a

Volunteer Firefighter. Alyson is a Registered Nurse at Huntsville Hospital. Austin is learning to deal with the struggles of school and growing up. I love spending time with my family, being involved with church activities, fishing, hunting. I have to say that I have always been an Alabama fan.

THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY

Brayden (BB) Butler is right. His healthcare team is among the best in the nation! While practicing a motocross jump, BB fell and suffered a brain

Leeds Arts Council starts GoFundMe page to raise money for repairs bleed. It would take half a year and surgeons, physicians, nurses and therapists to help him recover. Fortunately, for BB and thousands of other children, Children’s of Alabama is ranked among the top hospitals for children by U.S. News & World Report.

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By Cindy Fisher Leeds Tribune staff

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THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

The Leeds Arts Council is asking the community for help in meeting the costs for repairs to its building on Parkway Drive. A GoFundMe campaign has been started for those who wish to donate. The theater and gallery building are in need of new air conditioning units and flooring, said President Steve Karr. The units are nearly 20 years old and We wanted to give people omething erent shut and down. That part of the onediffhas delicious,” Leonardi said. We will theater offer salads,has soups, no heat right now. andwiches, and homemade baked goods. Everything is Water damage caused spots on the made from scratch.” The Three Earred Rabbit carpet and isceiling. Repairs and carnown in Trussville for their replacement are estimated to cost deli-style pet sandwiches as well

LEEDS NEWS

to be replaced at the same time, which would cost $40,000. The goal of the GoFundMe campaign is to reach $50,000. The Leeds Arts Council has 17 board members and more than 100 members. They present plays, art shows and provide culture to the Leeds community. Karr said they are one of the last venTues-Fri ues of their type for local musicians in 10am-6pm the Birmingham metro area and want Sat 10am-5pm to continue to be an artistic outlet. The Leeds Arts5415 Council bought Beacon Drive,the building they’re in Irondale, from theAL City of 35120 Leeds in November 1999 and renovatSuite ed it in 2000, when the AC 127 units were purchased. The arts council used to De’Ja Ray Consignment have state and federal grants to apply

205.836.8691 Gifts to the Leeds Arts Council are tax deductible.

red Rabbit becomes the first t to open downtown in years

s their homemade chicken alad and pimento cheese. A soft opening was held Tuesday and now the Three Earred Rabbit is officially open for business. “I have an amazing team. Kyle Lacy is our chef, and ara Rankin is the kitch-

De’Ja Ray Boutique

205-635-8131 sandwich with smoked turkey, Havarti cheese, Vermont cheddar cheese, apple, bacon, and tangy mustard.

Chow Mein noodles, and sesame dressing. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of shakes and floats, as

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The Leeds Tribune

March 21, 2019

News

Spring springs in Leeds at every turn BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA Leeds Tribune Staff

Itâ€™s time to take an afternoon drive in Leeds and feast your eyes on the many flowering trees at every turn. Seemingly all the yards are booming with white, pink, and yellow flowering trees. The scene is simply breathtaking. We consulted with www.hunker. com to get to the bottom of things. Perhaps the most iconic tree in Alabama and the South is the

Southern Magnolia. The white blooms are popular in Leeds as the area provides the perfect soil conditions for the tree to proliferate. Another reason for the abundance of Southern Magnolias is Leeds residents taking care of them in ways of water and soil. The landscaping trees need much space due to the massive root systems. Crape myrtles are a close second in popularity in the Leeds area. With their pink blooms,

the state tree competes for sun and space with the Southern Magnolia. The other widely spread smaller tree is the Tulip Tree, also known as the Yellow Poplar. These trees can live 300 years and are major pollinators for bumble bees and honey bees. This weekend dedicate some time one afternoon for a drive. Start in downtown Leeds then veer off in the quaint surrounding neighborhoods for a spring show.

On the first day of spring, Leeds yards are showing itâ€™s that time of year.

LadyBUGS Fashion Show to benefit scholarship program BY BLAKE ELLS

Special to the Leeds Tribune To provide scholarships to senior girls in Leeds and Moody, the Leeds LadyBUGS will hold a fashion show in April at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. The show is the 12th annual event by LadyBUGS, which will be held on April 9 at 12 p.m. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, Mum & Me Mercantile or by calling Jan Morace at (205) 966-5935. Cedar Grove Baptist Church is located on 2001 Cedar Grove Road in Leeds.

The LadyBUGS are hosting their 12th annual fashion show on April 9. Photo provided from 2016 fashion show

Leeds Police search for suspect of theft, passing counterfeit bills The Leeds Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect. According to the department's Facebook page, a man is being sought in a case of passing counterfeit bills and theft of property.

Surveillance footage captured images of the suspect, which can be viewed on Facebook page. Anyone who has information on the suspect is asked to contact Officer Chalian at 205- Leeds Police are looking for this 699-0927. suspect.

Publisher: Cindy Fisher publisher@leedstribune.com Staff Writer Karim Shamsi-Basha Sales Representative sales@leedstribune.com

Leeds Tribune is published weekly by Kingfisher Media LLC, 7901 Parkway Drive, Leeds, AL 35094. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices in Pending at Leeds, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Leeds Tribune, P.O. Box 340, Leeds, AL 35094.

Stay up-to-date on Leeds News at our website LeedsTribune.com

The Leeds Tribune is a news source for the community of Leeds, Alabama. Information gathered for coverage of Leeds is from sources that are considered reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Issues with accuracy or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at publisher@leedstribune.com.

Leeds High School softball team ranks 9th in state poll The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its rankings for softball teams with four class champions making it to No. 1.

According to AL.com, the Leeds High School softball team (7-3-1) ranked No. 9 in the class 4A category. Alabama Christian (11-3) was

ranked No. 1. The other teams that made it to No. 1 are Class 6A Northview, Class 3A Pisgah and AISA Autauga Academy.

Leeds man wanted by Hoover Police on drug distribution charge A man whose address is listed in Leeds is wanted by the Hoover Police Department on a felony warrant charging him with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, according to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama. Jamori Latrek Pearson, 31, is described as a black male

standing at six feet, weighing 165 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address is listed in the 7700 block of Martin Luther King Drive in Leeds. Anyone who has information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Leeds resident Jamori Latrek Pearson is wanted by Hoover police.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office warns of social media scam The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office recently reported that an online account claiming to be from Sheriff Mark Pettway is soliciting money from people on social media. The scammer has an account

on Facebook and Instagram that was identified, and authorities are working to shut it down. The sheriff's office advises anyone on these platforms not to respond to messages asking for money. "We advise that citizens

should never respond to any social media request asking for money unless they are sure of the validity of the source," the sheriff's office stated. "Our investigators are currently tracking this scammer."

March 21, 2019

The Leeds Tribune

Lifestyle

Leeds Chef Andrew Armstrong on the legend of the chimichanga BY ANDREW ARMSTRONG Special to the Leeds Tribune

On Feb. 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state of the U.S. The weather there is extremely dry with record temperatures at 106 degrees on average in the month of July. In January, on the other hand, it's not uncommon to see a cold front of 8 degrees. Temperatures that wild are as incredible as some of the food that is created there. People have feuded for decades in attempts of finding the original location of the chimichanga birthplace. Legends state it was at a restaurant in Arizona called "Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen." Supposedly a woman by the name of Monica Flin accidentally knocked a burrito into the deep fryer and said "Chimichanga" in an attempt of not cursing. Regardless of who came up with it, I sure do appreciate it!

15 17

The Leeds City Council meets at 6 p.m. at the Leeds Civic Center at 6 p.m.

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March 20

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors Group meets at the Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Corporate Ambassadors meet the third Wednesday of each Month at 44 45 11:30 a.m. Lunch is $10 and an RSVP is required by Tuesday morning. Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire at 205.699.5001 THE LEEDSorTRIBUNE Dona Bonnett at 205-2029593.

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March 18

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Let it simmer on low for 10 minutes. Spoon into the tortillas and wrap tightly. Fasten with a wooden toothpick. And deep fry at 350 degrees, until golden brown. Serve with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. ARIZONA RANCH STYLED BEANS 2 Pounds dry pinto beans, soaked overnight and rinsed well 1 teaspoon of salt 2 large onions, diced 3 cloves of garlic, diced 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper 1/2 teaspoon of cumin 1 can of taco sauce 1 can of roasted green chiles 1 large can of tomatoes, diced 1 teaspoon of butter or margarine Cilantro, chopped for serving In the bottom of a pot, sauté the garlic, salt, pepper, onions and the chiles. Cook on low to medium heat, until browned. Add the remaining ingredients

and fill with water. Cook for 2 hours, until soft and tender. Serve with fresh cilantro.

hours on low. Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream and more cilantro if desired.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP 1 Pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped 1 large can of whole tomatoes, mashed 1 can enchilada sauce 10 Ounces 1 can of green chile peppers 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/2 Cups of chicken broth 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon of cumin 1 teaspoon of chili powder 1 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper 1 can of yellow corn 1 can of white shoe peg corn 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro or 1 Tablespoon of fresh cilantro Tortilla chips, for serving Mix the first 15 ingredients together in a crockpot and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or 4

RIO RICO CHILI 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 3 onions, chopped 2 green bell peppers, chopped 3 Pounds of beef, ground 1 teaspoon of cumin 1 teaspoon of oregano 3 Tablespoons of chili powder 10 tomatoes, peeled and chopped 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped 1 can of beer 1 Cup of water In the bottom of a Dutch oven pot, sauté the onions bell peppers and seasonings. Once browned and the meat is fully cooked, pour in the beer. Add in the remaining ingredients and simmer for 2 hours. Stir often, while cooking and once done cover tightly with a heavy lid and let the chili rest for 1 hour, before eating.

Community Calendar

TRADITIONAL CHIMICHANGA'S 1 Pound of beef, ground 1 large onion, chopped 1/2 Cup of red chile sauce or enchilada sauce Salt and black pepper to taste 2 Cups of cheese, shredded 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce 2 Cups of green onions, chopped Chopped tomatoes 1 can of black olives, sliced and drained 6 (12- to 14-inch) flour tortillas Guacamole Preheat a deep fryer at 350 degrees. In a skillet sauté the beef, onion, green onions, olives and seasonings together. Drain the oil and pour in the sauce.

If you have an exciting recipe to share in 2019, then please send it to me at P.O. Box 693 Leeds, Alabama 35094 -Andrew M. Armstrong

March 27 - April 1

Friends Book Sale at the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. All proceeds will go to support the Summer Reading program for adults, teens, and children. All members of the Friends of the Leeds Library are invited to the Friends Preview Sale on March 27. The sale dates for the general public and non-Friends members will be March 28 - April 3. For more information, call the library at 205-699-5962.

March 27

A Time to Read Book Club will discuss what was read that month and enjoy a potluck variety of snacks with Mrs. Ramona, Ms. Mondretta, and the rest of the book club members at 10 a.m.

COMMUNITY

April 13

Leeds Arts Council presents Ron Dometrovich in Concert. Tickets are $15. Call 699-1892 for tickets and times. Greenwave Quarterback Chili Cookoff at 11 a.m. This fundraiser at Rails and Ales aims to benefit the Leeds Football program.

April 15

Leeds City Council meets at 6 p.m. at the Leeds Civic Center.

April 18

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be at Leeds First United Methodist Family Life Center at 11:45 a.m. Lunch is $12 ($15 for no reservation and nonmembers). RSVP to Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001.

ACROSS DOWN 1 Cat Stevens "Morning ___ 1 Heavy partner Broken" 2 Knock one's socks off The Leeds Area Chamber of 4 Topping 3 Year quartet 35 Fledgling Across pilot's challenge Commerce Luncheon will be at 8 Cyndi Lauper's "___ Bop" 4 "...___ dust shalt thou Leeds First United Methodist 11 liable to garnishment 1 Be 38 Peat Cat Stevens "Morning return" ___ Broken" or oil Family Life Center at 11:45 a.m. 12 "And Then There Were 5 Burns or Byron The speaker is Darren J. Mott ___": 6 Bottom of some scales 40 Functions 4 Christie Topping of FBI Counterintelligence. Dumbledore’s Army: Join 13 Harbour workhorse 7 Hair retainer Leeds Arts Council presLunch is $12 ($15 for no res- the Leeds Jane Culbreth 14 Drink "for two" 8 Move a little 8 Cyndi Lauper's "___ Bop" 43 Un-even? ents Cash Domino Killers ervation and nonmembers). Library on the last Thursday 15 Kind of ring 9 Stalk, as prey (1950’s/60’s band) at 7 p.m. 17 Dalmatian's marking Breakfast choice RSVP to Sandra McGuire at of each month at 5 p.m. for 11 46 Roughly Be liable to garnishment 10 Tickets are $20. Call 699-1892 half of the world's population 19 The ''A'' in BA 16 Supply in a loft (205) 699-5001. Harry Potter fun. Each month for tickets. 20 Ghillie or wingtip 18 Score marker in cribbage Leeds Jane Culbreth Library we will be doing a different 12 47 "And Then There Were ___": Christie Prepare pears 8th Annual Lyla Ride: All 22 "___ me?" 20 Go downhill, maybe "After School Special" centers activity or craft. This club is proceeds go to help Ronald 24 Aussie animal 21 It may be in the ring around mythology from 6 -7 for 6th grade-adults. For more 13 48 Dessert workhorse from an oven McDonald House Charities® 27 Harbour Like "Deck the Halls" 22 Got the medal si-Basha p.m. The activity will be held at information or to sign-up of Alabama. Registration apparel 23 Road boor the Leeds Civic Center where please call or email Ms. Ginny taff 14 Drink "for two" 49 "This ___ up" 7p.m. - 8:45 a.m. KSU at 9 a.m. 30 "___ up to you" 25 Part of APB kids are invited to come and at 205- 699-5962 or gedwards@ 31 Dan Fogelberg "The ___ 26 Liotta or Charles $25 Per Rider / $30 Per Rider & learn about Vulcan as well as bham.lib.al.us. 50 Units used to measure carloads Kind the of ring of15 Love" 27 Races mastered running Passenger. Join us for a after other mythological figures. Go by space 28 Lost time the ride for a complimentary the Jane 33 Culbreth Li- shuttle 34 Coin hole 29 "Haven't Met You ___" 17 51 Dalmatian's marking Tailor lunch and lots of door prizith the staff , Edwardspilot's challenge (Michael Buble) 35 Fledgling The Leeds City Council es. Contact Ronny Burleson rams for19 young 38 Peat or''A'' oil in BA 32 Put in the lineup Theones. The Red Barn Junior Board meets at 6 p.m. at the Leeds at 205-229-2136 with any ques40 preschoolFunctions 33 Supportive m caters to tions. is hosting a March Madness Civic Center. Down 43 Un-even? 35 Fair amount 20 Ghillie by or wingtip event at Otey's in Mountain and third Tuesdays. SUDOKU Myles Mellor 36 and Flanagan 46 Roughly half of the world's SaySusan "One club," for example Brookpartner on March 23 from 2-6 1 Heavy nd preschool population 37 Act like a library 22 craft "___s and me?" p.m. All money raised will ben47 Prepare pears 38 Bouquet extra The event 1st Thursdays A Time to Read Book Club tories and sing songs,” 2 been efit subdivided The Red socks Barn. into Come watchsmaller Knock one's off nine 48 Dessert from puzzle an oven consists39of Puts to work Each Sudoku a 9X9 grid that has will begin being held down- - Discuss what was read that 24 Aussie animal the game at Otey's, win great 49 "This ___ up" 41 Performance part town from 4-7 p.m. on month and enjoy a pot-luck 3 Year prizes, and great cause. quartet children's at squares. grids of 3X3 To solve the puzzle row, column andhelp boxa must contain each 50 director Units used to measure 42 When doubled,each affected Parkway Drive in Leeds. The variety of snacks with Mrs. 27 Like "Deck the Halls" apparel There will be a wing-eating carloads 44 Come to nothing ry since but has festival will feature street Ramona, Ms. Mondretta, and of2016 the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. 4 "...___ dust shalt thou return" entertainers, food trucks, the rest of the book club memcontest. 51 Tailor 45 Drops outside capacities 2009. 30since "___ up to you" arts and crafts, vendors, at 10 a.m. n providing outlets for THE Lcar EEDS Tbers RIBUNE 5 Burns or Byron cruise ins, kids’ activities Level: Medium 31 Dan Fogelberg "The ___ of Love" The Leeds Public Library and shopping. 6 Bottom of some scales eading program we do and the Redevelopment 33 Go by space shuttle Dumbledore’s Army: Join l program for all ages Au t h o r i t y presents 7 Hair retainer the Leeds Jane Culbreth “Alabama’s own Nat eep reading. For how34 Coin hole Young Adult Book Club at Library on the last Thursday Kinga little Cole” with Alabama d, they get a food prize 8 Move Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. of each month at 5 p.m. for Humanities Foundation Road Join Ms. Ginny for a book club Harry Potter fun. Each month nesses, then once they Scholar Daphne Simpkins involves donuts and focuses on we will be doing a different free book. That's a lot at noon. A light lunch will YA literature for preteen/teen- activity or craft. This club is many kids who hit the be provided. This musical for 6th grade-Adults. For more age readers. genius from Alabama was information or to sign-up an artist, a performer and a ng more teen events, please call or email Ms. Ginny businessman. This presenat 205- 699-5962 or gedwards@ which meets the first tation explores his legacies. LadyBUGS annual Fashion bham.lib.al.us. at Daylight Donuts at This Alabama Bicentennial Show will be held at Cedar event is sponsored by Leeds Grove Baptist Church at noon. Redevelopment Authority, An afterschool program encourages teens to we do Lego-Mania twice a month. I try to do a Jenny Edwards is the children's director at g teens right now,” EdTheprogram City of once Leeds, The event downtown. 1st Thursdays Library or and twiceLeeds a month and might Leeds Jane Culbreth wide variety of books learn about the Birmingham Civil Rights Insti- big Jane Culbreth Library. will begin being held downa tea party coming up soon,” Edwards Leedssaid. Carnival operated t they read. We are do- tute and discuss social justice. Edwards keeps have It is the third speaker as town from 4-7 p.m. on Parkway Sonshine Amusements in For ofmore information, visit by www.leedslia year-long speaker Drive in Leeds. The festival d starting a Harry Pot- coming up with ways to make reading fun for part St. Clair County runs from brary.com series focused on Alabama’s will feature street entertainers, fts every other month. the young. April 10-14 in downtown food trucks, arts and crafts, “We started a board game night this year, and Bicentennial celebration. a Disney trivia night.” Leeds.

March 21

March 28

April 20

ren’s programming keeps Leeds library busy

March 23

April 1 April 4

March 25

Sudoku 2

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COMMUNITY April 25

April 6

vendors, car cruise ins, kids’ activities and shopping.

May 3

Leeds Elementary School hosts its annual Spring Fling from 4-7 p.m. with games, concessions, silent auction, raffle, bounce house obstacle courses, food trucks, vendors and a dunking booth.

May 6

Leeds City Council meets at 6 p.m. at the Leeds Civic Center.

May 11

Leeds Arts Council Community Chorus Concert is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Call 699-1892 for tickets. Little Cahaba Club Running Rails and Ales Scholarship Run - The 2nd Annual Scholarship run will once again seek to send deserving LMS students to attend the yearly field trip, this year to Philadelphia and New York City.

May 14

LadyBUGS Luncheon and Meeting at the Livery Event Center at noon.

May 16

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be at Leeds First United Methodist Family Life Center at 11:45 a.m. Lunch is $12 ($15 for no reservation and nonmembers). Speaker is Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons. RSVP to Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001.

May 18

The annual Creek Bank Festival & Car Show will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Leeds Memorial Park.

May 18

Leeds Arts Council presents Jil Chambless & Scooter Muse (Celtic Duo). Tickets are $15. Call 699-1892 for tickets and times.

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Serving Breakfast & lunch Proprietors John & Vicky Dean By Cindy Fisher Dean Sharon Leeds Tribune staff

The Leeds Arts Council is asking the community for help in meeting the costs for repairs to its building on

$8,000. The four AC units are the same age and need to be replaced at the same time, which would cost $40,000. The goal of the GoFundMe campaign is to reach $50,000. The Leeds Arts Council has 17 board members and more than 100 members.

7601 Parkway Drive Leeds, AL 35094 for, but most no longer exist, Karr said.

205-699-7179

Gifts to the Leeds Arts Council are tax deductible.

The Leeds City Council meets at 6 p.m. at the Leeds Civic Center.

The Leeds Tribune

March 21, 2019

Community

First phase of rose garden starts transformation of Moton community BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA Leeds Tribune Staff

Albert Daw is determined to transform the Moton Community into a botanical-garden heaven. This past week, he accomplished phase one of his plan. “Today I planted 25 roses of all colors. They will be just beautiful,” Daw said. “Next I will work on the labyrinth over there, then we will get the trail fixed with resting spots along the way.” Daw explained a labyrinth is a large circle of tightly wound routes you walk. It takes about an hour and is supposed to be meditative and restorative. “We need that in this park. It will give people options of focusing and meditating. And these roses will provide a gorgeous thing to view,” Daw said. “They are all different colors – reds, blushes, pinks, purples, burgundy and orange.” Daw provided some of the roses, and a few were donated in

memory of others. He will install small plaques on the memory roses. For years, Daw has wanted a rose garden. He worked with the city of Leeds and got permission to plant the roses in the Moton community. “I always wondered, we have all kinds of fields in Leeds. We have softball fields, football fields, soccer fields, basketball field, but we don't have a park for adults. A place to HE EEDS come out and just sit on some park benches and clear your mind. You can enjoy nature and just collect your thoughts. That's what I plan on doing here,” Daw said. After the second phase, which includes the labyrinth, Daw is planning to invite all the Leeds ministers to pick a spot along the trail and plant a garden for their church or ministry. “It will be a different kind of church, beautiful to sit and relax and worship, or just be with nature,” Daw said.

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EEDS NEWS

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nted to give people ng different and s,” Leonardi said. items were available PARENTAL DRUG ABUSE ADDS l offMany er salads, soups,for the Blessings Swap at Cedar Grove Volunteers helped layout clothes. Baptist. CHILDREN TO ALABAMA’S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. hes, and homemade donate, or they can come work that will outlast clothing and “When we were ready to BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA it and then shop. What we try tables and forks and knives,” open the door, this one gentlegoods. Everything www.JasonStewardEnterprises.com Leeds Tribune Staff is to do is offer the Blessings Swap Pastor Abrams said. “These man came in and had $1NEIGHBORS with COUSINS NEPHEWS FIRST RESPONDERS DOCT om scratch. ” as an extension to the commu- clothes will wear out in time or him, but he wanted to give a PARENTS FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACH If you were in need of clothfor people who really need you outgrow them, but faith has donation. So he put the $1 in and otherRabbit household items SONS DAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FAT ThreeingEarred is nity help,” Pastor Billy Abrams said. no expiration day, it just keeps on the donation box. It was probthis past weekend, you were De’Ja Ray Consignment Forty volunteers from Cedar going and keeps on giving. You ably all the money he had,” in luck. in Trussville for their Grove Baptist Church helped know, he blesses us so we can be Pastor Abrams said. “No one The Blessings Swap took with the Blessings Swap, lay- a blessing to someone else.” is asked to give anything, but e sandwiches as well place at Cedar Grove Baptist ing out clothing items on large Over 100 people were wait- I guess this gentleman wantDe’Ja Ray Boutique Church. The church was filled tables and helping people shop. ing outside the church for the ed to donate his dollar. Sweet.” homemade to the rim with chicken tables and piles Many benefitted from the gen- Blessings Swap before the Cedar Grove Baptist Church clothing, shoes, toys, kitchen 24/7 Helpline erosity of the church members. doors opened. Pastor Abrams has 1,200 members and around nd ofitems pimento cheese. and other knick-knacks. 844-307-1760 “On Thursday, they start- is always surprised by the 350 come to the service on a “We want to be aheld blessing opening was ed getting all the tables set up response and the need in the regular basis. Sunday school is to somebody. People may have COURAGEFORALL.COM all the clothing put in place. Leeds community, and also by at 9 a.m. and worship service is something they would like to and now the Three and at 10:30 a.m. Ultimately, we offer something the generosity of the people. THE LEEDS TRIBUNE a message of the Alabama Department of Mental Health Rabbit is officially sandwich with smoked tur- Chow Mein noodles, and r business. key, Havarti cheese, Ver- sesame dressing. The restauve an amazing team. mont cheddar cheese, apple, rant also offers a wide varicy is our chef, and bacon, and tangy mustard. ety of shakes and floats, as ankin is the kitch- Another popular time is the well as The Rabbit Tray to go, ager. Those two will Cantaloupe Boat, which is a for those on the run. is place run smooth- wedge of cantaloupe stuffed nardi said. “We offer with homemade chicken For more information, vis- MEDICATION SYNCHRONIZATION h. My favorite is our salad. The Rabbit Salad in- it www.thethreeearredrabERECTILE DYSFUNCTION euben.” cludes grilled chicken breast, bit.com to thegreens, Leeds Tribune for only $26 a year! w of the menuSubscribe items mixed Mandarin FREE MEDICATION PACKAGING the Four-Corner oranges, toasted almonds, which is a grilled FREE DIABETIC TEST STRIPS 050318

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cel fronts Railroad Avenue and 7th Street. Construction is estimated at $150,000 and includes knocking down one part of the building beside the greenspace. The City Council approved selling cityowned industrial property on Weaver Avenue Mail $155,000, form to: P.O. Box 340 Leeds, AL 35094 for which would cover the cost of the New parking lots in downtown parking project. The new restaurant coming downtown is Leeds is adding parking downtown as it grows the Three Earred Rabbit that opened this week across from the greenspace parking lot. with new businesses and a new restaurant. The City Council Monday night approved The businesses are Vyperline, which opened turning two parcels downtown into parking lots recently next to the Leeds Board of Education, to accommodate an estimated 85 new employ- and T.A. Services across from Vyperline. The ees at three new businesses in the central busi- two companies are bringing jobs with an averAdvertise and share your message to 10,000 readers of the Leeds Tribune and reach directly to your ness district and their patrons. ofother $75,000 a year. customers for a fraction ofage thesalary cost for media! One parcel is located at Parkway Drive and Email sales@leedstribune.com to getacross a copy of our 2018 rate sheet and show you care about your community! 8th Street that features greenspace from the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. The other parpolice vehicle will be stationed in the parking lot regularly. “They want an increased presence, so they’re giving us space for a satellite office,” Mayor David Miller said. “It’s not 100 percent, but it should be a good deterrent.”

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March 21, 2019

Community

Colton Moore near Colton’s brain stem which is causing high blood pressure, among other things. “In addition to blood pressure, the pocket is causing his internal temperature to rise,” Colton’s mother, Jennifer Moore, said. “He has trouble cooling off, and when he's cold, he has trouble warming up. He also has severe headaches.” In a major surgery scheduled for early April, the neurosurgeon will try to shrink this pocket of fluid to normal size, according to Moore. A recent discovery was a malformation that affects how the brain sits on the brain stem. The malformation

The Leeds Tribune

continued from page 1 causes difficulty swallowing and breathing and also affects speech, according to Moore. Hospitalizations and surgeries are tough on Colton and his mother. “I stay at home and obviously couldn't work with all of the issues with Colton. When we go to the hospital, we are there weeks at a time,” Moore said. “My husband works, but we can really use the help.” Help comes from Colton’s Crew, a group that provides constant support and occasional fundraisers to help the family. Colton’s Crew recently sponsored a cut-o-thon for Colton at Fringe Salon in

Odenville, and wrist bands and T-shirts are for sale. Colton has four siblings who love him and help take care of him. At home, he acts like one of the kids and wants to participate in everything. He is also a huge LSU fan. “One time we took him to Hoover for the LSU-Arkansas championship game, and when the game was over, everybody kept telling us where to go to meet the players. He met the whole baseball team, and that did it,” Moore said. “Now his bedroom is purple and yellow, his clothing has to have purple and yellow. Even his emergency bags are purple and yellow.”

Rosewood acoustic trio plays

for full house at Leeds Theatre & Arts Center BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA Leeds Tribune Staff

If you wanted to attend the concert at the Leeds Theatre & Arts Center this past Sunday, you had to get there early. By the time the concert started, all seats were taken. With The Leeds Connection for an opening act, then the acoustic trio of Rosewood, residents enjoyed an afternoon of music accompanied with a bit of humor. “We are offering the best in entertainment for the people of Leeds and the surrounding areas today,” Leeds Arts Council President Steve Karr said. The Birmingham based group, Rosewood, is an acoustic trio featuring harmonies

and a unique brand of comedy. Created in 1985, the group consists of original members Stan Putnam on guitar and dobro; Dan Lakeman on banjo and guitar; and Andy Meginniss on bass and guitar. Karr said he is proud of their offerings. “The Leeds Arts Council has been in existence for a little over 35 years now. We moved into this building in 2000; it used to be a grocery store,” Karr said. “I love music, and I love being involved with this community cause. I played in my high school band and sang in the Community Chorus here in Leeds. Now it’s time to give back and offer the people of Leeds this incredible programming.”

Coming up at the Leeds duced CDs which have received THE LEEDSairplay TRIBUNEin the European, Theatre & Arts Center is singer/songwriter guitarist and Australian and Americana multi-instrumentalist, Ron indie radio markets. His new CD, Railroad Avenue, Dometrovich. He has recorded seven independently pro- is part fictional and part autobi-

ographical. Dometrovich performs primarily in coffeehouse and festival venues either solo acoustic or with a small ensemble. He was nominated for a 2008 Birmingham Area Music Award

(BAMA) in the Americana category, and also performed at the awards ceremony, sharing a stage with such luminaries as Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell.

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The Leeds Tribune

Education

Leeds’ FCCLA students take medals home from state conference FROM STAFF REPORTS The FCCLA students had a strong showing in Montgomery last week for the FCCLA State Leadership Conference. Gold medal winners were

Briana Davis and Olivia Rosian, Riley Patterson and Madisun Turner, and Jackson Bartee and Jacob Cain, who were overall winners with a bid to Nationals. Silver medal winners were Presley Anderson, Nicole

Armstrong and Lily Bartee, Kayla Couch and Cassie Lewis, Haley Chambers and Kenzie St. John, Aleece Pickett, and Davalyn Walker. Outgoing FCCLA State Officer Tyler Brown gave the pin to newly elected FCCLA

March 21, 2019

Leeds High School

State Officer Kaila Veazey, who will be the ninth consecutive state officer from Leeds High School. FCCLA sponsors are Miriam Turner and Christy Bartee and their chaperone was Andrea Walker.

Leeds High School recognized nine students for scoring above 30 during ACT testing. Grayson Pilkington, Jay Megehee, Whitney Vandiver, Emmy Beason, Julia Jones, Jacob Hudson, and Luke Barton. Students Tyler Brown and Taylor Sisk are not pictured.

Leeds High School’s FCCLA students attended the State Leadership Conference last week.

Outgoing FCCLA State Officer Tyler Brown gave the pin to newly elected FCCLA State Officer Kaila Veazey.

Superintendent John Moore, Board members Dr. Aaron Moyana and Kathy Dutton, LHS Principal Rayford Williams, and LHS Assistant Principal Mandy Beason are pictured with the students recognized for their achievement in ACT scores.

Leeds High School seniors and juniors toured Jacksonville State University recently to learn about its programs.

Leeds Elementary School

Presley Anderson, Nicole Armstrong and Lily Bartee

FCCLA sponsors Miriam Turner and Christy Bartee and chaperone Andrea Walker.

Leeds Primary School Kids at Leeds Elementary School competed to try and build the tallest shoe tower in Kimberly Brownlee’s class.

The LPS Student Lighthouse Team are leaders at the school.

Other students in the class compete for the highest tower.

March 21, 2019

Sports

The Leeds Tribune

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Each week, the Leeds Tribune recognizes a star athlete at Leeds High School. This week it is Samuel Sertell. Samuel Sertell Leeds High School baseball Grade: Junior How long have you been playing this sport: 5 years Favorite pro team: Atlanta Braves Favorite player: Ender Inciarte What are successes you are proud of ? Throwing a no-hit-

The boys’ JV team won the championship at the Golden Cup JV Tournament.

Leeds spring sports off to strong start LEEDS TRIBUNE STAFF Leeds High School’s spring sports teams have logged some serious successes so far this season. The boys’ Junior Varsity soccer team won the Golden Cup Tournament Championship. The ladies’ tennis team won the Mortimer Jordan

Invitational, the first championship for the Leeds ladies’ tennis program. The Leeds Varsity baseball team won the area series against Indian Springs with a 10-0 victory. Leeds softball team has a record of 7-3-1 and ranked No. 9 in the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s ranking in the class 4A category.

The Lady Greenwave tennis team won the Mortimer Jordan Invitational last week. It was the first championship for the ladies’ tennis team.

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ter in Kentucky for travel ball, throwing 90mph at South Alabama and Oxford, and getting most valuable pitcher for 2018 Varsity baseball. What other activities at Leeds High School are you involved with? Ambassador, Chamber Diplomat, HOSA and N at i o n a l Honor Society. What are your plans for after graduation? I would like to play college baseball at a D1 College.

Mike Kurov

Published on Mar 20, 2019

The Leeds Tribune | March 21, 2019

Published on Mar 20, 2019

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