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July 18, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 25

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'Blessing' a new engine for Leeds Fire & Rescue Leeds celebrates new $500K fire truck, promotion of firefighters BY NATHAN PREWETT Leeds Tribune Staff A ceremony was held on Saturday morning for the blessing of Engine 51, a new truck at Leeds Fire & Rescue Station No. 1. The ceremony also honored the promotions of seven firefighters at the department. Opening the ceremony was Capt. Adam Couvington, followed by Chief Charles Parsons who was the keynote speaker. He gave his remarks on the department, as well as the functions of Engine 51 and gave a brief overview of the history of fire trucks leading up to the modern age. Pastor Steven Weems from Leeds First Baptist Church blessed the truck, which is a tradition for new fire engines before being put into service. Parsons spoke about the purchase of Engine 51, which was $510,000 though he said that

the money didn’t come out of the general funds from the city. St. Clair County has a fire tax and “every year they divide out whatever amount is brought in” for the 26 fire departments in the county, including Leeds. In January, checks are sent out in which the Leeds department received around $50,000 with an additional $12,000 in July, making an estimated $62,000 $63,000 this year and can pay off the truck over time. The new engine is a Sutphen Monarch Custom Pumper with a 50 horsepower diesel motor. It was purchased from the Sutphen company headquartered in Ohio. One of its features includes a backup camera that functions similarly to a rearview mirror as well as spacious compartments to store equipment.

See BLESSING, Page 2 Leeds Fire Chief Charles Parsons led the ceremony to bless the truck and promote firefighters.

First Thursday Street Fest returns downtown on Aug. 1 BY DONA BONNETT Special to the Leeds Tribune

Weather was perfect for the First Thursday Street Fest in May. The next one is Aug. 1.

Plans are firming up for Leeds Downtown First Thursday Street Fest for Aug. 1 scheduled from 5- 8 p.m. It’s going to be another afternoon of great entertainment, food trucks, street vendors, car cruise-in, downtown shopping on the Parkway and just a wonderful time of building community. Live performers at the gazebo on the corner of 9th Street and Parkway include Cody Howell, Paul Sisson and Mandi Rae. Cody Howell is a Birmingham-based singer and guitarist. With influences in R&B, blues, folk, and pop, his music is punctuated by soulful vocals and moody guitar licks, never quite fitting into any genre. Cody grew up in Moody, Alabama and began playing music for school events. Since then, he’s continued to develop his style and regularly plays at numerous local venues. Paul Sisson is also a local songwriter and musician. Paul

is from Moody. He’s a barber by trade and has entertained with his voice and guitar for a very long time. Paul has performed almost everywhere in Birmingham and currently works at Salon U Midtown. Mandi Rae, a military brat with her roots from Leeds, gives us a genuine taste of the sincere, straightforward narrative and powerful songwriting voices of the real south. Always known for being full of humor and straight to the point, she has a natural affinity for entertaining and offers a refreshing break from any of the standard expectations in today’s Americana or Country styles. More in line with Jonathan Richman lyrically and Loretta Lynn in presentation, Mandi Rae’s good humor and lively stage presence keeps the audience engaged in Southern storytelling through song. The car cruise-in will include the Porsche Club sponsored by Eurasian Auto Services which will have a 1967 Porsche on display. All

See STREET FEST, Page 3

Acting couple who met on the Leeds stage presents first play written together ‘Esther’ cast includes Leeds teens, adults at Leeds Arts Council BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff Eight stage performances of the play “Esther” will be presented by the Leeds Arts Council beginning Thursday, July 18. But the real beginning of the play dates back to the Leeds stage in 2009. The musical is based on the story of an orphaned Jewish girl who becomes Queen of Persia. Show times are at 7 p.m. on July 18-20 and July 25-27. Sunday matinees will be at 2 p.m. on July 21 and 28. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. The musical was written by an alumnus of the Leeds Arts Council, Martin Landry, and his wife, Janice. It was the first

musical that the duo co-wrote. Completed in 2009, it first went on stage in 2010 at Janice’s home church, Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. “Before I was ever in the picture, she co-wrote a musical based on ‘Pilgrim’s Progress,’” Landry said. “We decided that if we could write a show together, there’s actually a chance that we can live in harmony as a married couple.” There was some existing material based on Esther at Janice’s church. The couple decided that they’d like to expound upon it. The story goes like this: After Esther discovers that her people are to be annihilated, decreed by her husband the king, she is forced to face

difficult and frightening circumstances, with the survival of her entire race seemingly on her shoulders. Told with humor and pathos, the show has generated enthusiasm wherever it has been performed. “As we began to dig into the background of the story and some of the commentaries that bring out more detail, we were fascinated with it,” he said. “We thought, ‘Well, yeah. We have to write this.’ It started out as the practical matter of, ‘Hey, we’d like to do this,’ and then it became something much more involved.” At that point, it was a quick process. The duo had completed the musical in just

See LEEDS COUPLE, Page 4 Many of the actors are from Leeds.

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Community Miss Leeds pageant winners visit supporters The Miss Leeds Area and Miss Jefferson County committees hosted a Send Off Party on Sunday for Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen, Zoe Champion, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2019, Miss Jefferson County’s Outstanding Teen 2019 and Miss Leeds Area’s Outstanding Teen 2018. Zoe

is also a Leeds resident. The party was held at the Parish Life Center of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Mayor David Miller presented Zoe with a declaration and a key to the city declaring Sunday as Zoe Champion Day. She will be competing in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant beginning July 23.

Charity Bowden and Emma Terry with Leeds Family Eyecare owner Jason Pulliam wearing their new sunglasses from Leeds Family Eyecare.

Leeds Mayor David Miller presented Leeds resident Zoe Champion, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2019, with a declaration and a key to the city declaring July 13 as Zoe Champion Day. The winners with Michael Gee at the Pants Store.

Auditions open for iconic John Henry play

The play “Listen to that Cold Steel Ring” was a regular feature of the John Henry festival that ran until 2011. It is returning on Sept. 21. Auditions for the play are later this month.

Auditions for the play “Listen to that Cold Steel Ring” based on the folk tale of John Henry are July 29-30 at Leeds Arts Council. The play will be a centerpiece of the revived John Henry Celebration that will be held on Sept. 21 downtown. Auditions are scheduled for 7-9 p.m. July 29-30 at Leeds Arts Council. The cast will include 15 African-Americans and 10 Caucasians of all ages, male and female.

The play was written by Marie Cromer. The advertising and promotional campaign will launch soon. If you would like to be listed as a sponsor on the mailouts, posters and other media, please send your contribution now to the Leeds Redevelopment Authority. For more information about festival details, play auditions, sponsorships, vendor space and more, visit www. LeedsJohnHenryCelebration.org.

Emma Terry, Miss Leeds Area’s Outstanding Teen 2020; Donna Coates, President of LadyBUGS; Charity Bowden, Miss Leeds Area 2020, spoke briefly Tuesday at the monthly LadyBUGS luncheon.

With Neva and Erin Reardon at Mum & Me Mercantile.

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Blessing

continued from page 1

KIDS ANTIBIOTIC CLUB IMMUNIZATIONS

A pin ceremony followed, celebrating the promotion of the seven fighters in the department to the ranks of Lieutenant, Apparatus Operators and Captain. The fighters promoted were: Capt. Kyle Shell Lt. Demarlo Blount Lt. Christian Hannah Lt. Dunn Mizell Apparatus Operator Tyler Paterno Apparatus Operator Chris Tipton Apparatus Operator Cortney Williams In addition to firefighters and their families, Mayor David Miller and members of the Leeds City Council were in attendance.

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(205) 699-5195 millspharmacies.com Engine 51 joins the Leeds Fire & Rescue department.

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July 18, 2019

News Leeds motorcycle maker’s new $75K model featured in Autoweek BY BRAD FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff An electric motorcycle manufacturer based in Leeds was featured in an article by a major publication last week. The 2020 Curtiss Zeus Radial V8 electric motorcycle made by Curtiss Motorcycles was the subject of a 700-word article on Autoweek’s website. The article, dated July 12,

describes the motorcycle as “a bike that is wholly, even radically, modern, yet still shockingly fresh.” The bike was designed by Jordan Cornille and is the first offering from Curtiss Motorcycles, “a high-end cycle-builder founded by Matt Chambers,” according to the Autoweek article. The author felt comfortable using the term high-end because the bike will sell for around $75,000.

The bike features eight cylindrical batteries arranged in a V formation, an homage to early internal combustion engines with the additional advantage of cooling the cylinders, the article says. The bike received the 2018 Innovation Award from the Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Curtiss Motorcycle Company is a technology and lifestyle startup formed to be the global electric motorcycle leader.

Lehigh supports a contractor and a good cause Lehigh Cement Co. in Leeds donated $5,000 to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society to support a contractor who was named Man of the Year at their annual

fundraiser. Julie Moon, campaign manager of the Man & Woman of the Year & Leukemia Cup Regatta, visited Lehigh Cement

to thank them for the donation made for Paul Henderson of BCH Industries, who was named Man of the Year for the Birmingham chapter of LLS.

The 2020 Curtiss Zeus Radial V8 electric motorcycle made by Curtiss Motorcycles will go on the market at $75,000.

POLICE BLOTTER The Leeds Tribune is running a list of arrests made by agencies including the Leeds Police Department, Moody Police Department and the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office. This week’s arrests are from July 9-16. Information comes from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office website at www. stclairsheriff.org. Lewis Phillips Booking #: 804 Age: 21 Gender: M Race: W Address: Leeds, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: South Booking Date: 07-10-2019 - 4:16 pm Charges: FTA ASSAULT 2ND, FTA USE OR POSS DRUG PARA, Non-SupportChild Bond: $15,795.13

Julie Moon, Campaign Manager, Man & Woman of the Year & Leukemia Cup Regatta, Kimberly Rose (Environmental Coordinator, Lehigh Cement), Jen Platt (Safety & HR Manager, Lehigh Cement), Greg Sills (Maintenance Supervisor, Lehigh Cement) and Joel Yeager (Environmental Manager, Lehigh Cement. Photo provided.

Cynthia Joubran Booking #: 6830 Age: 54 Gender: F Race: W Address: Leeds, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF

Leeds tutoring program seeks volunteers BY BLAKE ELLS Leeds Tribune Staff A new tutoring program is coming to Leeds, and it is actively seeking volunteers who are prepared to help students improve their reading skills. Leeds READ (Reading Enrichment and Discovery) is the result of area organizations coming together to maximize the number of students they can reach. With assistance from Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Leeds Outreach, Leeds City Schools and the Jane Culbreath Public Library, volunteers will work with students to help them stay on the right track.

A similar group existed in Leeds nearly a decade ago. That effort was led by The Literacy Council of Central Alabama, and it largely focused on adult literacy. Dormant for five years now, Beth Gregory of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany felt called to breathe new life into the program by focusing on school-age children. “One of the volunteers from Leeds Outreach was presenting at our church for a Wednesday supper, and she had noticed that the need for assistance was present,” Gregory said. “I knew that it was ours to do.” Phase one of this effort will focus on children, and it will begin this fall. Gregory hopes that a second and third phase can

focus on adults and later on those who speak English as a second language. Gregory says that she was led to focus on children after a conversation with Leeds Schools Superintendent John Moore. “I spoke with him, and he said that they used to have a group that would come in and work with students,” Gregory said. “They’re already falling behind. Sometimes, they don’t have anyone at home that can work with them to improve.” Much of the program’s success depends on the community. Gregory has already recruited some volunteers through her book club at the library, but they’ll need more. On Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to

noon, an orientation will be held at Jane Culbreath Public Library. It’s open to anyone, but Gregory encourages those who are interested to contact her by email at LeedsRead19@gmail.com. Orientation will take place in the classroom at the library, and as the program continues and grows, the library will be available for tutoring sessions. The volunteer commitment is reasonably small. The group hopes that volunteers will give one or two hours a week. It’s ideal for people that love to read, and for retired educators. If you’re interested and have any further questions, contact Gregory at the email address above or at 205.396.8972.

Facility: South Booking Date: 07-13-2019 11:37 pm Charges: FTA promote prison contraband Bond: $0.00 Stephen Ragland Booking #: 138 Age: 56 Gender: M Race: B Address: LEEDS, AL Arresting Agency: LEEDS POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 07-13-2019 2:31 am Charges: Drug Paraphernalia-1st Offense, Exposure or Lewd Act in Public, Criminal Littering Bond: $2,000.00 Jessica Jenkins Booking #: 1570 Age: 30 Gender: F Race: W Address: Leeds, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: South Booking Date: 07-12-2019 10:56 pm Release Date: 07-13-2019 12:31 pm Charges: FTA CRIMINAL

Brian Waites Booking #: 1104 Age: 47 Gender: M Race: W Address: Moody, AL Arresting Agency: ST CLAIR CTY SHERIFF Facility: North Booking Date: 07-15-2019 8:47 am C h a rg e s : Probation Violation, POSS OF CONTR SUBS, U.P.O.D.P Bond: $3,000.00

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continued from page 1 lawn chairs and just hang out. Also, invite your friends and help get the word out. This is a free event hosted and sponsored by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Leeds and Leeds Redevelopment Authority. For more information and to download a street vendor application, please call 205.699.5001 or visit www. LeedsAreaChamber.com or www.LeedsAlabama.org.

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

antique and special cars, bikes and trucks are invited to cruise-in and there is no charge to participate. Food trucks include Pazzo Pizza, Rusty’s BBQ, Dixieland Funnel Cakes and shaved ice. There are plenty of street vendors lined up for this month’s street fest and don’t forget about our downtown shops who will be staying open a little later for your shopping convenience.

Street Fest activities will begin on Parkway Drive at the library on the corner of 8th Street and extend to 9th Street at City Hall. Live entertainment with our performers will take place at the gazebo. Plan to bring your family and enjoy street vendors, food trucks, entertainers, car cruise-in, downtown shopping on the Parkway and more. Feel free to bring your

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Cody Howell is a Birminghambased singer and guitarist.

Paul Sisson is a songwriter and Mandi Rae is a military “brat” musician from Moody. with roots from Leeds.

Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part other than for personal use is prohibited withStay up-to-date on Leeds News at our out the express written consent of the website publisher Kingfisher Media LLC 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.

Brandon Hollis Booking #: 8973 Age: 23 Gender: M Race: W Address: Odenville, AL Arresting Agency: MOODY POLICE DEPT Facility: South Booking Date: 07-15-2019 6:47 pm Release Date: 07-16-2019 2:31 am Charges: Possession of a Concealed Weapon without a Permit, MethamphetaminePossess Bond: $3,500.00

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Street Fest Publisher: Cindy Fisher publisher@leedstribune.com Contributing Writers: Blake Ells • Nathan Prewett • Brad Fisher Sales Representative sales@leedstribune.com

MISCHIEF, FTA ASSAULT 3RD Bond: $704.04

July 18, 2019

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Community Cedar Grove Baptist’s Fishes, Loaves and Love ministry grows

CHURCH DIRECTORY Here is a list of churches to attend in Leeds. If you know of a church in Leeds to include, email us the church at news@leedstribune.com.

First United Methodist Church 7833 Parkway Dr. 205-699-8575 Fairview Freewill Baptist Church 1804 Park Ave. 205-640-5003

Wellspring Worship Center 1433 Vivian St. 205-699-7247

Leeds Presbyterian Church 8317 1st Ave. 205-699-8463

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 1338 Montevallo Rd. 205-699-2404

Ashville Road Church of Christ 1401 Ashville Rd. 205-699-2447

First Baptist Church Leeds 7481 Parkway Dr. 205-699-6141

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 8546 Rockhampton St. 205-699-3183

Gathering Place 635 Park Ave. 205-699-4442

Cedar Grove Baptist Church 2001 Cedar Grove Rd 205-699-8446

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 1118 Henry Ellen Rd NW 205-699-4414

Fishes, Loaves and Love founder Lindsay Isbell hopes the ministry will grow to feed more bodies and souls. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha/Alabama NewsCenter BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA Alabama News Center Huge red donation buckets greet you as you enter Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Leeds. You can toss in any nonperishable food, and you know it’s going to a good cause. On the buckets are fliers with a few words: “Food Drive, Fishes, Loaves, Help” and others. But one word jumps out: “Love.” Sure, people need food and fish and loaves and help and other basic needs from a nonprofit group, but love? “We called our ministry Fishes, Loaves and Love for a very simple reason: We wanted to mirror feeding the people with fishes and loaves, but we also wanted to feed them love,” founder Lindsay Isbell said. “We believe when you bless others, you are blessed as well.” Fishes, Loaves and Love began in 2016 out of a small Bible study. Isbell and the other participants wanted to

get involved in the community and began cooking in churches in Leeds for the hungry. Now they serve all of Jefferson County. “Our mission is to nourish bodies and souls through our involvement in the community, and to get people excited about giving back to their community,” Isbell said. “We do three things to make that happen. We cook meals and leave them at churches for their shut-ins. We have a backpack program with the Irondale school system. And we work with local youth groups who might not have the funds to go out and give back to their community.” Actually, Fishes, Loaves and Love offers much more than that. It helps with frozen meals, baskets, backpacks and service projects, as well in hospitals and with teachers and first responders and the homeless. “We have these donation buckets for any business or church that wants to partici-

pate in our food drive. We collect them three times a week,” Isbell said. The numbers prove Fishes, Loaves and Love has been effective. In the first year alone, the group delivered 2,500 frozen meals, 50 hospital-care packages, 55 teacher packages, 200 police officer packages and 20 homeless packages. “When we see the effect our work does for people, it really brings a sense of warmth and love to us,” Isbell said. “We feel blessed every time we deliver a meal or drop off a lunch at a school. It’s pretty awesome to feel we are truly helping people.” Go through your pantry and cabinets and gather items, then head over to the Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Leeds and donate. Better yet, place one of the buckets at your place of business. These blessings will only come around and bless you. For more, visit www.fishesloavesandlove.com.

Tower of Prayer 8429 1st Ave. SE 205-699-8629

Valley View Baptist Church 7254 President St. 205-699-8398

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church 8101 3rd Ave. 205-352-3741

Little Rock Missionary Church 7334 Ruth Ave. 205-699-2946

Leeds Worship Center 7315 Parkway Dr.

205-699-8636 Happy Home Baptist Church 1515 US 78 205-699-6756 Mt. Hebron Baptist Church 2617 Eastern Valley Rd 205-699-7803 Little Rock Missionary Church 7338 Ruth Ave. 205-699-2946 Macedonia Baptist Church 7944 Charles Barkley Ave. Beulah Primitive Baptist Church 1424 Ashville Rd. 205-995-8503 Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church 7036 Coosa Ave. 205-702-7099 Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus 1441 W. Riverview Rd. 205-338-7711 Leeds Community Church-SBC 1721 Moton Street 205-370-1024

Patiently Persevering through Pain

At the close of his epistle, James gives a final exhortation for patience with these words, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord” (James 5:7a). This is written to persecuted believers who needed encouragement in tribulation (James 1:1-3). It is hard for us to think about having to wait for anything, let alone deliverance from intense persecution. Our society has resources to address most needs at any given time. Yet, like these first-century believers, there are times when there is no immediate deliverance. This leaves us feeling trapped, longing for salvation. It is to people in these circumstances that James writes. James reminds them that their experience, and history in general, is no different than seasonal farming, “the husbandman waiteth for the

precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain” (James 5:7b). In Israel there were two main periods of rain. There was an early rain around October that prepared the ground for the initial planting and growth. The second rain came around March. Without the second rain the crop would not mature for harvesting. Likewise, as applied to waiting believers, we who have experienced the early rain of being saved by Jesus Christ now look for the latter rain of his second coming. This analogy is directly followed with the command to set our hearts, or affections, on Jesus Christ (James 5:8). The only way to not get discouraged at present circumstances is to focus your attention on your Savior. In other words, your outlook is only as good as

Leeds Couple over six months from conception to stage. Since, it has been licensed by more than 80 theater groups across the world, including productions in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. While Landry has no direct involvement in the production by the Leeds Arts Council, Lucy Lunceford will direct. Landry says that his work couldn’t be in better hands. “I got my start as an actor on that stage, and Lucy was just a child,” he said. “We were in shows together with her whole family and my whole family. To see her all grown up, directing a show that I co-wrote. Even though I’m not directly involved in it, I’ve been keeping tabs. The fact that it’s on the stage where I got my start,

it warms my heart. It’s very nice.” He was first cast in a production of ‘Hello Dolly!’ in 2000. When he was cast in ‘Shenandoah’ the next summer, the director allowed Martin’s character to die “with his eyes open,” and Martin knew that he wanted to be a performer for the rest of his life. He graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in musical theatre before moving to New York City to pursue his career. He met Janice while they were both working on a production of ‘Dear Edwina’. Nearly two decades removed from his first role in Leeds, he recalls the impact that the Leeds Arts Council had on his career.

your up-look. Looking up also helps eliminate anger over present situations because we know that Christ’s return is closer every passing moment (James 5:9). James closes this exhortation with two examples of those who endured suffering, the prophets and Job. The persecuted prophets of the Old Testament make sense to us. They were persecuted for following God. However, the second example is troubling to us and resonates well with our own experience. Job was a good man and suffered great loss. He did not understand why he was suffering. Likewise, we generally have no idea why we may be suffering. With Job, we cry out to God with the begging question, “Why?” In God’s infinite wisdom, he did not give Job an answer to every question. God answers Job, and us, in an unexpected way. He answers our question of “why” with a “who.” God directs our attention not to the reason for our trials, instead, he directs our faith to Jesus Christ. We may never know the ultimate reason for our suffering. However, if you have experienced the early rain of salvation in Jesus Christ then you will also experience the latter rain of everlasting rest. If nothing else, our present affliction will make us long for our final deliverance with greater joy and fervency (2 Corinthians 4:7). Joshua Winslett is the pastor of Beulah Primitive Baptist Church in Leeds.

continued from page 1 “Massive,” he described it. “It began as a way to get me and my brother out of the house for the summer. He had a driver’s license; I didn’t. Mom sent us to audition, and we were cast as two store clerks. It was so much fun! My dad ended up joining. Mom started getting involved on the production side. Then, all five members of my family were in the production of ‘Shenandoah.’ I was bitten by the acting bug on that stage.” The upcoming production of Martin’s ‘Esther’ includes 30 local high school students as well as college students and adults from the community. For reservations, contact the Leeds Arts Council office at 205.699.1892 or visit leedsartscouncilal.org.

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July 18, 2019

Voices 2020 races around the corner Much needed

BY STEVE FLOWERS Folks, don’t look now, but the 2020 Presidential Election is upon us. Indeed, as many as 21 Democratic aspirants are already announced and campaigning. They are quite a liberal group as you might expect. Leading the pack of Democrats trying to take Donald Trump out of the White House is an avowed, true socialist, Bernie

Sanders. Behind ole Bernie are a host of ultra-liberal U.S. Senators who are socialists wannabes. They hail from either the left coasts of California or New England. Included in the pack of CNN/ MSNBC/Stephen Colbert watchers are Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren of Massachusetts. She makes Teddy Kennedy look like a conservative. You also have Kamala Harris of California, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and losing Texas Senate candidate, Beto O’Rourke, in the race. Our own anomaly Democratic Senator Doug Jones really should run for president next year. He would have a much better chance of winning the Democratic nomination for President than winning a seat in the U.S. Senate from the Heart of Dixie. He has been a liberal Democrat in Alabama his entire adult political life. He

has been the soul of the liberal Alabama Democratic Party for decades. He has campaigned and voted for George McGovern, Walter Mondale, Teddy Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. Since he has been in Washington for the past year, he has organized with and voted with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. Therefore, he is just as liberal with a much lengthier liberal pedigree than all of the aforementioned liberal Democratic Senators in the race; plus he has a proven Civil Rights record. The scenario that occurred in last year’s special election to fill Jeff Sessions’s seat was a perfect storm that will never occur again. First of all, it was the only show in the country and the first opportunity for liberals all over the country to show their distaste for Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Having Judge Roy Moore as an additional lightning rod just added fuel to the fire. It attracted over $20 million of liberal, leftwing money to Doug Jones. He was able to out spend Moore 21 to 3. That is almost impossible to overcome, plus, with it being a Special Election it became a referendum on Doug Jones versus Roy Moore and the Republican vs Democratic delineation became obscured. During this race, Doug Jones built a national liberal fund-raising base from leftwing America, much like Beto O’Rourke did in Texas. They both have become national stars as Democrats in Red States. Although O’Rourke probably has an edge on Jones in looks and youth. However, recently, Jones appeared on the left leaning Democratic Stephen Colbert Show. Jones may very well be eyeing national politics. Doug Jones, as a lifelong stalwart Democrat, has

worked diligently for the State and National Democratic party for most of his adult life. In recent months, he has tried to wrestle some control away from longtime Democratic dictator Joe Reed. It is practically impossible to understand what is going on in the State Democratic Party. Eventually, there may be a new vote on the party chairmanship. The National Democratic Party has mandated a new election due to the clandestine way that Nancy Worley was elected. The state hierarchy has ignored the National Party. There is no doubt that Joe Reed is still in control of the Alabama Democratic Party. You can bet your bottom dollar that he calls all the shots. My guess is that he has his horse picked out of the 21 Democratic presidential candidates. He asked California Senator, Kamala Harris, to be the keynote speaker at his Alabama Democratic Conference June annual event. Therefore, Senator Harris might be a good horse to bet on to win next year’s March third Alabama Democratic Presidential Primary. The Democratic Party in Alabama continues to be a big mess. The bottom line is that on the state level the Party is essentially irrelevant. The odds of a Democratic candidate for President carrying Alabama or a Democratic nominee winning any statewide race in the Heart of Dixie is slim to none. Steve Flowers has analyzed Alabama politics for national television audiences on CBS, PBS, ABC and the British Broadcasting Network. Steve has been an up-close participant and observer of the Alabama political scene for more than 50 years and is generally considered the ultimate authority on Alabama politics and Alabama political history.

reforms coming to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

BY PAUL DEMARCO There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel after years of controversy for one of the state’s most troubled institutions - the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. First, the legislature this past session passed new legislation that made much needed reforms to the board. Starting September 1st of this year, new restrictions will be placed on when an inmate can be considered for parole and the governor will now have the power to appoint the director of the board. Secondly, the Governor has appointed former two term Attorney General Charlie Graddick as that new director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Graddick has earned the reputation of being an advocate for victims and a tough prosecutor. His leadership is a welcome change to the board that has been mired in controversy after the early release of an inmate who later murdered three people in Guntersville last year. In addition, an investigation by WSFA 12 News in Montgomery last year revealed the early release of violent inmates and dozens of others up for parole. The three member board was forced by the governor to enact new regulations as well last year to make them more accountable for the early release of those convicted of violent crime. In addition, she appointed a new chairman of the board. Groups like the Victims of Crime and Leniency who advocate for Alabama crime victims supported the legislation and the appointment of Graddick. Yet, the Southern Poverty Law Center opposed the efforts to reform the parole board. Hopefully with this legislation and Graddick at the helm of the Board the public will be safer and have confidence in the system. Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives.

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July 18, 2019

THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

Lifestyle Recipes for cold foods on these hot summer days feel like cooking over a stove for long periods of time, you should try making a sandwich and a cold side item or two. These recipes can be made fairly quickly and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. They pair nicely with crackers and fresh fruit. Take advantage of your local farmers markets and grab some fresh produce. This will make a meal that is satisfying and contains fresh ingredients. 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

BY ANDREW ARMSTRONG POLLARD CHICKEN SALAD 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 Cup of sugar

This weekâ€™s column is all about cold salads. When it's hot and humid and you don't

July 18 Leeds Chamber of Commerce meets at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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July 19 The Knights of Columbus hosts bingo every first and third Friday at St. Theresaâ€™s Catholic Church on Ashville Road. Buy cards starting at 5:30 p.m. and games start at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Must be 18 or older to play.

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The Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on the third Friday in July, and ends at twelve midnight on the following Sunday,

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ACROSS 1 Beer, for short 4 Male aristocrat 7 Spot 10 Back to square __ 11 Board defect 13 Fork over 14 Downed a sub, say 15 Finger 17 Roofs, in a way 19 Bridge 20 Secreted 23 Spin 26 When procrastinators get around to it 31 Beachgoer's desire 32 Bowl over 33 Looked high and low 35 Usher tune 37 What a steamroller steamrolls 38 South China and Aegean 41 Golf-course distance unit 45 Mirror image 49 Flat fish 50 Musical aptitude 51 Try, as a case 52 Become better, as Brie 53 Signify 54 Good looker? 55 Hospital unit DOWN 1 Dory 2 "Render therefore Caesar ..."

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ANDREW'S CORN SLAW 2 cans of yellow corn, drained 1 bell pepper, diced 1 onion, diced Celery to taste, chopped 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper 1/8 teaspoon of white sugar 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder Mayonnaise to taste The amount of Mayo used is based on your preference. Mix all the ingredients together and chill covered. Let the Corn Slaw sit in the fridge for 4 hours, before serving. CHEESE SALAD 2 sticks of cream cheese, softened

1 small container of cottage cheese 1 small container of sour cream 1 bags of mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 Cup of parmesan cheese, grated 1 onion, grated 4 ribs of celery, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 clove of garlic, crushed and minced 1 Cup of heavy cream, whipped stiff 1 can of artichoke hearts, chopped 1 can of black olives, sliced & drained 1/4 teaspoon of paprika Salt to taste Cream together the sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, parmesan cheese and 1/2 of the mozzarella. Fold in

the remaining ingredients and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. SWEET AND SOUR COLD SLAW 1 large head of cabbage, shredded 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 1 Cup of sugar 1 Cup of vinegar 3/4 Cup of vegetable oil 2 teaspoons of salt 1 teaspoon of celery salt 1 teaspoon of mustard seed or mustard powder Mix all the vegetables together in a mixing bowl and toss with the sugar. Combine the remaining ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Pour the boiling mixture over the other ingredients, cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Community Calendar

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on lettuce or with fresh honeydew.

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1 Cup of water 2 Tablespoons of flour 1/2 Cup of white vinegar 1/2 Cup of chicken broth 1 teaspoon of salt 1/4 teaspoon of mustard, dry 1 teaspoon of butter 1 bunch of celery, sliced 1/2 Pound of Almonds, sliced 1/2 pint of heavy cream 1 whole chicken, cooked & deboned Mix the first 9 ingredients together and cook on low to medium heat, while continuously stirring. Cook the mixture, until it has thickened. Set aside and let it cool. Combine the mixture with the chicken, celery and almonds. When you are ready to serve it. Whip the heavy cream stiff and fold it into the chicken mixture. Serve

pursuant to 40-23-210 through 213, Code of Alabama, 1975.

July 25

Tickets are $15. To reserve tickets, contact the Leeds Arts Council at 205-699-1892 or leedsartscouncilal@gmail. com.

Moody City Council meets at City Hall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dumbledoreâ€™s Army: Join the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library on the last Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. for Harry Potter fun. Each month participants will be doing a different activity or craft. This club is for 6th grade-Adults. For more information or to sign-up please call or email Ms. Ginny. 205699-5962 or gedwards@bham. lib.al.us.

July 23

July 25 â€“ 27

July 29 â€“ 30

St. Clair County Commission meets at Ashville Courthouse from 9 a.m. to 10Â a.m.

Esther the Musical at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center at 7 p.m. Sunday performances are held at 2 p.m.

As part of the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, the city of Leeds is hosting a John Henry festival. There will be two public performances of a one-act play based on the legend of John Henry, a steel-driving man. Written by Marie Cromer and directed by Suellen Wilkins. Two free public performances will be held on Saturday September 21 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Leeds Theater and Arts Center in downtown Leeds. The cast includes 15 African-Americans and 10 Caucasians, all ages, both male and female. There is a young John Henry, as well as an adult John Henry. Come to auditions prepared to read from the script.

July 22 In celebration of the bicentennial, the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library is hosting a film series of movies that are set in Alabama. This showing will be the film, â€œWoodlawn.â€?

3 Like a billionaire's pockets 4 Execute a slalom 5 Resting place 6 Fishing gear 7 High school subject 8 Fast no more 9 "Red __ " thriller 12 Overturn 16 Automobile 18 Her 21 Belonging to something 22 Reno cube 24 Arriving soon 25 Drop the curtain on 26 "Come to think of it ..." 27 Have chits out 28 Bar 29 Purchase at a home store 30 Historic time 34 Yip or yelp 36 That ship 39 One of the largest trees in the world 40 Spots 42 Riyadh native 43 See red 44 Coloured 45 Indeed 46 Galley need 47 Slurp up 48 Cook chicken, in a way

July 29 In celebration of the bicentennial, the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library is hosting a film series of movies that are set in Alabama. This showing will be the film, â€œForest Gump.â€?

Aug. 1 Leeds First Thursdays Street Fest is from 5-8 p.m. downtown. Street entertainers, food trucks, arts, crafts, vendors, car cruise ins, kids activities, shopping and more. Don't miss these exciting times together as a community for some fun, entertainment and just hanging out together. Include your community event in our calendar! Email information to news@leedstribune.com.

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THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

July 18, 2019

Community ST. CLAIR COUNTY NEWS

Springville Community Theater celebrates 43 years with Peter Pan play under new leadership SPECIAL TO THE LEEDS TRIBUNE Now in its 43rd year, the Springville Community Theatre will be bringing Peter Pan to the stage. With a cast of 85, performances will run July 25, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on July 28 at 2 p.m. Under the leadership of June Morgan Mack of the UAB Department of Theatre, the Springville Community Theater has performed numerous children's shows and workshop productions as well as Oklahoma!, Music Man, The Wizard of Oz, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific and Mary Poppins. Each show gives opportunities to people of all ages to work together on a creative project with a cast of 70-100 and backstage and office volunteers of 50 or more. "An experience like this not only fosters a positive community spirit, it also helps you develop new skills, build confidence, forge life-long friendships while providing a fun night for people to applaud their friends," Mack said. When the group began in 1976, the focus was on children's plays. The goal was to allow children to gain confidence through public performance and for parents to see their children praised by their community, encouraging the children to strive for bigger and better things. Over the years the group has expanded to large-scale shows requiring casts of all ages. The group is a true community theater in that they cast every person who auditions, anyone can work on the show with no experience, the staff is all-volunteer, and ticket prices are kept as low as possible so that anyone can afford to see the show. This year, the group has a special "Help Peter Fly Fund" to cover the added expense of flying. The theater group has secured the services of a theatrical flying company out of Indianapolis, Indiana to install the flying equipment and train actors to use it. The shows are carefully chosen to fit the mindset of the community at the time of the production. They performed

The cast of Peter Pan playing at the Springville Community Theatre July 25-28. Oklahoma! when everyone was worried about finances to remind them that they could live simply and go back to their roots to find inner strength. Their last show, Mary Poppins, addressed the need to spend more time with family and slow down rather than rushing through life. Peter Pan was chosen because of its theme of a return to childhood, which the group feels is timely and practical when solutions to today's issues seem out of reach. "In the world of a child, anything's possible, and it's this type of thinking that can bring the best ideas forward," Mack said. Other themes include making friends with your enemies (symbolized by the Indians in the story) and being grateful for the little things in life -which can really lift one's spir-

its in tough times. As Peter says when he's teaching the children to fly, "Think lovely thoughts and up you go!" Briefly, Peter Pan is the story of a boy who refuses to grow up. He leads little boys who are lost in London to a magical place called Neverland. There they live in an underground hideout, befriend fierce Indians, fight pirates, and finally duel with a crocodile. Add to this that Peter can fly and has a fairy sidekick named Tinkerbell. The production is taking place at the Springville Middle School. Tickets may be reserved by going to springvillecommunitytheater.com or calling Donna Smith at (205) c937-0646 or Beth Bolton at (205) 601-1334. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

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1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

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NOTICE There’s no excuse for ELDER ABUSE “This project was supported by Subgrant #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication / program / exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

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OFFICIALS SEEK THOSE WITH DISABILITIES The City of Leeds Board of Education is committed through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, to ensure that children ages birth to twenty-one, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who need special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated. Child Find applies to children with disabilities who attend private schools, including children attending religious schools, within the education agency's jurisdiction, highly mobile children with disabilities (e.g. migrant), homeless children, or children who are wards of the State and children who are suspected of having a disability and are in need of special education, even though they have not failed, been retained in a course or grade or are advancing from grade to grade. Please contact Amy Terry, Director of Student Services, at (205) 699-5437 for additional information. 2019

July 18, 2019

THE LEEDS TRIBUNE

Sports Hurricane Barry stalls World Series title run for two Leeds baseball teams Two Leeds Youth Athletics baseball teams are still competing in the Dizzy Dean World Series, just a little

delayed due to Hurricane Barry. The hurricane has dumped rain across Mississippi, where

the World Series is being hosted, which has caused full days of delays on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The team threw souvenir balls into the crowd.

Before the rain, the 12U team had only played one game before the rain came, which they won 9-1 against

Huffman to keep playing. Their next game is Wednesday night against Winthrop, Fla. Check leed-

stribune.com for the latest. - Cindy Fisher

The 12U team with their banner on opening day of the World Series in Mississippi. Photos provided.

Lady Greenwave three-peats in preseason play The Lady Greenwave volleyball team won the Moody Summer Volleyball tournament for the third year. Coach Melissa Causey said it's always fun to win, but this is just preseason play. “I'm glad the girls had the

opportunity to be rewarded and find success in their hard work over the summer,” Causey said. “We have some tough area competition ahead of us this season. I am looking forward to the season and watching this team get better every day.”

This year's varsity team is led by five seniors: Gyrani Rogers, Nazaria Gaiter, Taylor Clough, Davalyn Walker, and Brooke Haynes. Causey said their leadership plays a big role on the team, and they are excited about the season. - Cindy Fisher

Lady Greenwave Volleyball team three-peats at the Moody Summer Volleyball Tournament. Photos provided.

The Leeds Tribune sizes up the 2019 Greenwave Football Team in a Football Preview Edition on

August 15

Be a part of this special edition that will be distributed to subscribers and at the first two Leeds football games!

View rates and buy an ad at leedstribune.com/football For more information, contact Publisher Cindy Fisher at publisher@leedstribune.com or 205-789-0973.

Davalyn Walker, Nazaria Gaiter, Gyrani Rogers, Taylor Clough, Brooke Haines