Amber Helms is the owner of Amber Helms Photography, located in the downtown district of Leeds. A wife and mother of two girls, ages 10 and 6, Amber has been a full-time photographer since 2017. She specializes in weddings, newborns, family and senior sessions, with a focus on capturing genuine moments and timeless imagery. Deeply rooted in her community, she and her family are often found volunteering at local high school football games and supporting events throughout the Moody area. For bookings and inquiries, email amberhelmsphotography@gmail.com, or find her on Facebook (Amber Helms Photography) or Instagram (@amberhelmsphotos).
Caroline Simmons,, Photographer
Caroline “Nellie” Simmons is a multimedia artist from Alabaster. With a B.A. in theatre and studio art from the University of Alabama, she works as a freelance photographer and creative consultant. One can see her freelance photojournalism and sports work published in AL.com, The Tuscaloosa News, USA Today, Shelby Living and FloSports. Her clientele work including portraits, events and live performances can be seen on her website nelliesimmonsphoto.com and on Instagram @nellies.photos.
Chase Holmes, Writer
Chase is a Birmingham-based journalist and writer, who previously served Trussville as a news reporter for the Tribune. He enjoys bringing local stories to his community, highlighting small businesses and writing impactful articles to help people’s lives. In his free time, he continues to edit his first novel while writing the first draft of his second. He has two dogs, a cat and the best wife in the world supporting him.
Katharine Armbrester, Writer
Katharine Armbrester is a freelance art journalist and contributing writer to multiple publications in the state, including Alabama Heritage. She also reviews contemporary literature for the Southern Review of Books and the Alabama Writers’ Forum. She graduated from the MFA creative writing program at the Mississippi University for Women in 2022, and she received her M.A. in history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019.
Moody Living is published quarterly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Moody Living is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Moody Living, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.
Moody Living is mailed to select households throughout Moody, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit MoodyLivingMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting MoodyLivingMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@shelbycountyreporter.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
II’ve always had somewhat of a competitive nature. Not the kind that made me a sore loser, but the kind that encouraged me to push myself to be better if I lost.
Over the years, I’ve realized there’s a healthy balance in pushing to be my best while accepting that won’t always be the best, but we all like to win sometimes, right?
As many of you have anticipated, this issue reveals the winners of our annual contest. After weeks of promotion or voting for your favorite retailers, community places and more, the time has come to see who will hold the title of Moody’s Best 2026 and who will have to wait until next year to try again.
Before you get to those winners, this issue is filled with those winning in their own lanes.
Check out the philosophy of Coaches Becky Seymour, Wren Moore and Rebecca Davis (page 21) as they look back on their historic seasons and the road that led to those wins.
While Moody Miracle League (page 47) won’t be winning a state title, the organization is still winning at its goal of crafting community by giving everyone a chance to play.
Ralph J. Miles wasn’t trying to win a game, but he did fight alongside fellow citizens of this country in World War II. Today, his son, David Miles, is educating others through the personal experiences of his father in the book, “Led by Love of Country” (page 13).
Win or lose at whatever you’re doing, I hope you keep striving to be better. Many wins and achievements don’t come overnight, but they may never come if you give up.
That’s the real win. Keep going, even when it’s difficult, and try to find joy in the process.
Enjoy the ride, folks,
michaela@moodylivingmagazine.com
Like A Girl
Coaches Becky Seymour, Rebecca Davis and Wren Moore share passion for training athletes that win at life.
Photo by Caroline Simmons
Design by Morgan Lockhart
” “THE QUESTION
What artist would you most like to see in concert this season?
Maroon 5 but their old songs
-Ashley Michelle
Keith Urban
-Deborah Richardson Burleson
Considering the price of tickets, nobody
-Deidre Parvin Stokes
Jason Wilber would be fun. -Jimmy Morrison
Restless Road !!!
-Lisa Smith
Alexandra Kay
-Macie Allred
We’re going to see Alex Warren in June and so excited! It’s our boys’ first ever concert!
-Maegan Dockery
Sean Dietrich (Sean of the South)
-Ronald Howard
@moodylivingmagazine
Tag us in your Moody photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
THUNDER IN THE PARK
JULY 11
6 P.M.
Moody City Park
The annual event is back and will kick off at 6 p.m. with music and food trucks on the pavilion side of the park. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, and hang out for this family-friendly celebration.
THE GUIDE
AROUND TOWN
FRIDAYS
Moody Market
1-5 P.M.
Moody City Park
Moody Market has returned and will take place every Friday this summer. Each afternoon, vendors will set up
under the pavilion with fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, baked goods and more.
JULY 18
Watermelon Fest at the Farm
9 A.M.-5 P.M.
Howard Family Holiday Farm
Come out to Howard Family Holiday Farm for the second annual Watermelon Fest. Watermelon seed spitting and ice cream eating contests, arts and crafts vendors and food vendors will all be a part of the festivities. Admission is free. For more information, find them on Facebook (Howard Family Holiday Farm), or call 205-821-5212.
JUNE 8-10
Basketball Camp (9-12 years old)
Moody Civic Center
JUNE 9
Teen Activities: Friendship Bracelets
Doris Stanley Memorial Library
JUNE 11
Land to Sea Exotics Presented by Doris Stanley Memorial Library
Moody Civic Center
JUNE 11-12
Basketball Camp (5-8 years old)
Moody Civic Center
JUNE 16
Teen Activities: Watercolor Painting
Doris Stanley Memorial Library
JUNE 16-18
Cheer Camp (5-12 years old)
Moody Civic Center
JUNE 18
Miss Calliope Presented by Doris Stanley Memorial Library
Moody Civic Center
JUNE 19
Movie Night: “Cars” Presented by MHS LEAD
Bill Morris Stadium
JUNE 20 Truck Show St. Clair County Arena
JUNE 23
Teen Activities: Clay Diffuser Disc
Doris Stanley Memorial Library
JUNE 25
Anniston Museum Presented by Doris Stanley Memorial Library
Moody Civic Center
JUNE 26 & 27
Lancaster Rodeo-Calhoun Family Benefit
St. Clair County Arena
JUNE 26
Dinner & a Movie Night: “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” St. Clair County Event Center & Gym
JUNE 30
Teen Activities: Dinosaur Trinket Dish
Doris Stanley Memorial Library
JULY 4
S4C 4th of July Event
St. Clair County Arena
JULY 10
St. Clair Lamb Club St. Clair County Arena
JULY 13-17, 20-24
Youth Theater Camp
Moody Civic Center
JULY 18
Magic City Mustangs Car Show
St. Clair County Arena & Event Center & Gym
JULY 24
Dinner & a Movie Night: “Cars” St. Clair County Event Center & Gym
AUG. 20
Varsity & JV Volleyball First Home Games vs. McAdory & Pinson Valley
Moody High School
AUG. 21
Varsity Football First Home Game vs. Briarwood
Bill Morris Stadium
AUG. 25
Flag Football First Home Games
Tri-match vs. Prattville & James Clemens
Bill Morris Stadium
AFE Awareness Blood Drive
10 A.M.-6 P.M.
Moody High School JULY 11
Long-time Moody residents, Nick and Katie Dawson first encountered AFE on July 23, 2018 during the birth of their second child, Cate. An Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) is a rare and often fatal condition that occurs during child birth. Katie and Cate both survived in large
AUGUST 7
Back 2 School Bash
5-7 P.M.
Moody High School
The Back 2 School Bash, presented by Exit Realty Crossroads and the 411 Kids Foundation, returns for its second year at Moody High School band practice field. The festivities will include food trucks, games, vendors, music, school supplies and more. This free event is a fun way to prepare to head back to school.
part due to the blood products Katie received in the hospital. Each year since, they have hosted a blood drive to promote awareness of AFE and collect blood donations to help blood product supply needs at hospitals and medical facilities.
ARTS CULTURE&
A SOLDIER’S JOURNEY
David Miles pays tribute to his father’s memory with compilation of his personal albums.
BY KATHARINE ARMBRESTER
PHOTOS BY ANGIE RUIZ & CONTRIBUTED
I“I’ve always loved dust and dead people,” David Miles said with a chuckle.
The many volumes in his home library and his exhaustive knowledge of World War II prove the truth of that statement. There are plenty of books by famous generals and historians on his shelves, but his favorite account of the war has always been the one written by his father, Ralph J. Miles.
David retired from Louis Pizitz Middle School in 2014 after serving as the school principal for 23 years. When not spending time with family and fellow World War II enthusiasts, he serves as a mentor in Samford University’s Aspiring Administrators program.
A resident of Moody since 2006, retirement gave David more time to pursue his love of history, and he decided to begin assembling two albums containing World War II documents that were collected by his father, which were published in 2024 as the book, “Led by Love of Country.”
Growing up, his father’s stories brought history to life and ensured he and his siblings had a unique and complete understanding of a complex world conflict.
“I read it over and over and over again as a kid, and I thought it was the most fascinating thing I’d ever read, not just because it was about my dad, but because he was an entertaining writer,” David said.
He had strong faith before going into combat, and he was a very mentally and physically tough fellow.
- David Miles
Ralph was born in Georgia, the son of a sharecropper, who was murdered when Ralph and his siblings were very young. He spent his teens trying to support his mother during the Great Depression, and in high school, Ralph joined the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) “in order to have clothes to wear for school,” David explained.
The year he turned 20, Ralph began working as a clerk in the FBI’s office in Savannah, Georgia; the attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States entering World War II, and Ralph married David’s mother, Eleanor.
“He was a tremendous patriot,” David said, as he explained that the reason his father did not rush to enlist was because he had so many family members dependent on him, including his widowed mother, wife and new infant daughter.
Ralph was drafted in September 1943 and attended boot camp at Fort McClellan in Anniston. The following year, he was transferred to Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.
Since he displayed an aptitude for advanced radio operations, Ralph was trained as a radio specialist before he was shipped to Europe in August 1944. A couple months later, on Oct. 19, he joined the 12th Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division, known later as “The Fighting Fourth.”
“Dad knew he was in the midst of history,” David said of the meticulous notes his father kept during his time in the military, often jotting down his observations in “microscopic” fine print on any scrap of paper at hand.
Ralph was in a regimental company, so he was sent to the front lines periodically and was not under fire for days or weeks at a time, unlike the thousands of soldiers who returned home with post-traumatic stress disorder, then called “shell shock.”
Ralph considered himself fortunate and later explained to his children, “It’s those front line guys that had it really bad.”
It appears that Ralph found a measure of peace in writing his story down, and unlike many war veterans, he was able to share war memories with his loved ones.
“He had faced down a lot of giants,” David said. “He had strong faith before going into combat, and he was a very mentally and physically tough fellow.”
Ralph’s regiment was involved in three significant combat operations: The Battle of Hürtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge and the assault on Prüm. They first entered the Hürtgen Forest on Nov. 7, 1944.
“One of my passions is to make sure people know what happened in the Hürtgen Forest because very few people have ever heard of it, usually only World War II nerds,” David said.
This battle in an enormous German forest was the longest land battle the U.S. Army fought in Germany during World War II. After 88 arduous days, the German forces claimed victory. David believes that the reason for the lack of awareness about this major battle was because it was a humiliating loss for the U.S. Army.
“We don’t like talking about our blunders; we like writing about our flaming victories,” David said. “The sacrifices that were made there deserve to be remembered and honored.”
Ralph next served in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most significant Allied victories of the war. Remarkably, Ralph wrote less about this famous battle and wrote in considerably more detail about the time he spent in the Hürtgen Forest and later, the bombarded German town of Prüm.
The Battle of the Bulge has been depicted in multiple films and written about in dozens of books, but there are far fewer resources for those interested
in the battles fought in Hürtgen Forest and Prüm. “Led by Love of Country” is an invaluable resource for both casual World War II enthusiasts and professional historians alike.
Between 1945 and 1950, Ralph painstakingly collected all of his notes, war mementoes, maps and cartoons from the U.S. Military paper, “The Stars and Stripes” into albums.
“My siblings and I pawed over those, and I thought the cartoons were hilarious,” David recalled.
After the war, Ralph worked for the FBI as a street agent and was later appointed special agent in charge of the northern half of Alabama for the FBI at Birmingham. He retired from the FBI in 1975 and passed away in 2008.
After David retired, he now had more time to transform his father’s albums into a publishable manuscript, which included careful research and investigation.
Through social media he connected with people who were knowledgeable about the Hürtgen and Prüm battles, including a German mayor and author who invited David and his family to visit.
David enjoyed talking to veteran’s groups as he prepared the manuscript, and he also presented at the Moody Chamber of Commerce and returned to Pizitz Middle School to speak to students.
Ralph wrote that his memoir was “a not-soremarkable account,” but reading “Led by Love of Country” demonstrates that he was, in his son’s words, “a tremendous wordsmith,” one with an eye for the beauty of nature, a sense of humor and a heart for the vulnerable.
In his V-J Day radio broadcast after the surrender of Japan, General Douglas MacArthur spoke of “the un-named brave millions homeward bound to take up the challenge of that future which they did so much to salvage from the brink of disaster.”
A humble radio man, Ralph was one of those brave soldiers, and long after his passing, each chapter of his memoir reminds the reader that freedom is not free, and citizens today are enjoying the future that sixteen million Americans fought to secure for their descendants.
For more information or to purchase a copy of “Led by Love of Country,” visit dwmilesbooks.com.
To discuss bulk pricing for schools, email David Miles at dmiles5022@windstream.net.
Are you searching for the perfect venue for an upcoming event?
The Leeds Depot and Rowan Oaks are available for event rental. For details, availability, and to reserve either venue please contact LHS at 205-571-1812 or visit our website, LeedsHistoricalSociety.org. Preserving the Cornerstones of our Past
Summertime
Recommendations from Doris Stanley
Memorial Library Staff
The staff combine for more than 15 years of experience working in libraries. Sara Roberts, library director, has worked at Moody for four years with seven years of prior library experience. Shannon McCrary has worked at the library for more than three years. Amy Morrison volunteered with the Moody public library for a year before joining the staff in October. Buffy Hosey has four years of previous library experience and started at Moody in March. Here, they each recommend their choice read for this summer. READ THIS BOOK
Beach Town
By Mary Kay Andrews | Romance
Reviewed by Amy Morrison
In this book, movie location scout and California native Greer Hennessey is sent to a remote area of the Florida panhandle to find the perfect old-style location for a movie shoot. Locals are excited for a change of pace, but some are less willing to dive into the limelight of filming a movie in a historic area of town. What will Greer’s future look like after working weeks in Florida with friends and family? This fun, summer read highlights family and friend relationship building with a touch of romance.
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
By Elle Cosimano | Mystery
Reviewed by Buffy Hosey
In this first book of a six-book series, Finlay Donovan’s life is falling apart. A once successful writing career stalled by writers’ block, an unexpected divorce, her husband’s affair-turned-engagement to their attractive, successful real estate agent and mountains of unpaid bills have jeopardized her ability to function. Her children’s stability as well as her own are on the line. She’s desperate and out of options when a misunderstanding leads to a scary—and illegal—opportunity. To what lengths will she go to get her life back on track? Will fear of losing her children push her to do things she couldn’t possibly have imagined? With the perfect mix of comedy and suspense, this book is a fun, engaging read whether beach-vacationing or patio-staycationing, and there is a TV adaptation in development.
A Castaway in Cornwall
By Julie Klassen | Historical Romance
Reviewed by Shannon McCrary
Laura Callaway, an orphaned young woman, does not feel like she belongs anywhere. She lives with her uncle and his family in Cornwall. She spends her time assisting her uncle, a clergyman, and searching the coastline for treasures washed up by the sea. One night a ship crashes into the rocks near the shore, and Laura finds a man washed up on the shore, very injured. Is the man the treasure she has been searching for? Will he bring her a sense of belonging and peace? Will she finally find a place to belong?
Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter
By Heather Fawcett | Fantasy
Reviewed by Sara Roberts
Agnes Aubert runs a cat shelter in what seems to be early 1900s Montreal, and magicians in the city have damaged her current location beyond repair. She finds herself drawn to a new, much nicer space, only to find that it’s available and affordable because a notorious magician is using it as a cover for his illegal workshop. Agnes has to quickly reevaluate her position against magicians while managing two suddenly very popular cat shelters. There’s a touch of romance, but it does not overshadow the plot. For any fans of Fawcett’s “Emily Wilde” series, this cozy fantasy will not disappoint.
SCHOOL SPORTS&
HERSTORY MAKERS
Three Moody High School coaches are shaping and encouraging athletes day after day.
BY FELECIA MARIE
PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY, CAROLINE SIMMONS & ANDREW SIMONSON
WWalking the halls at Moody High School on any given day means seeing students going to class, bustling about the halls, and many young athletes headed to practice afterward. For these three coaches, Moody High School is also the place they have cultivated their careers and lives and propelled their teams to historic heights.
The coaches behind the scenes are former softball coach and current assistant principal Becky Seymour, flag football coach Wren Moore and girls basketball coach Rebecca Davis. These women share a similar philosophy: They want to craft a team of successful athletes that are also young women who are prepared for the world when they walk out of the doors of Moody High School.
MEET COACH SEYMOUR
Before she became Moody’s assistant principal, Seymour spent 11 years as the school’s head softball
coach, laying the foundation for a successful team in the years to come. A Division I player herself at Jacksonville State University, Seymour always knew there was a strong tie between softball and a scholarship.
“My dad worked really hard his whole life, and my mom was a stay-at-home mom,” Seymour said. “We didn’t have some of the dual enrollments and AP courses; they weren’t available to us in high school. So, I knew that my ticket to college was going to be a softball scholarship. I had a fantastic high school coach who really believed in me and helped me get my feet wet.”
Her coaching philosophy was shaped in part by one of her strength and conditioning coaches. While her coach mentioned he was initially hesitant to train female athletes in her ninth grade year, by the time her senior year rolled around, she proved to him the resilience she now tries to instill in all her players.
This impacted the way she approached her players at Moody High School. She drew on the influences of all her coaches, her mom and others who shaped her journey to create an athletic program that created strong, confident women, who are not defined by being a female athlete, but just as an athlete.
Moody softball is continuing on an upward trajectory, sending high school players to paly at the college level with scholarships. In 2024, the team made it to the state championship game but lost during double-elimination. While it was devastating, Seymour said it also lit a fire under her, and in 2025, her players came back more determined than ever not to feel that way again, winning the first blue
map for Moody softball.
On and off the field, the team continues to excel.
The softball program has posted the highest GPA of any sport at Moody High School for several years, which is a point of pride for her.
“I think the biggest thing for me is having the recognition that these young women deserve,” Seymour said. “Obviously, as a coach, I want them to be successful on the field, but I have always been one of those coaches who would put the student before the athlete. So for me, it was always you’re a student athlete, and you need to focus on that.”
Now, as assistant principal, Seymour has a frontrow seat to seeing a culture she helped foster at Moody High School.
MEET COACH MOORE
For Moore, coaching at Moody High School isn’t just a job; it’s a homecoming. After graduating from Moody High School in 2014, she played softball at Southern Union State Community College before transferring to Jacksonville State University a few years later. However, it didn’t take her long to find her way back to Moody, where she has serves as the front office secretary, handles social media for sports programs and coaches the flag football team—a team she took to the state championship game in its first year, followed by a state championship win the following year.
“The emotions were so much higher, actually being able to say I won one instead of saying that I lost one, because I already knew what it was like in high school to lose a state championship,” Moore said.
One of the things that continues to provide enthusiasm is flag football’s continual growth. According to Moore’s research, by 2028, the sport is projected to have a presence at every college in the country.
For the athletes who play multiple sports, flag football represents additional paths to scholarships and opportunities.
“It’s gotten to a championship level in high
school, but now, by 2028, it’s gonna be at every single college in the country, and I think that’s given more opportunity for girls to get their education and to succeed and have a platform,” Moore said. “I feel like I want to use my platform and continue to tell them that they can be a voice with these sports that they’re playing.”
She’s also keenly aware that her athletes are fighting a visibility battle. A battle she addressed at Moody’s city council meeting recently. She quickly let the council know that only 10 percent of social media sports coverage is devoted to female athletes. It’s a statistic she wants her players to be aware of and help change.
“I think they are changing the outcome of how the next generation is going to see sports growing up, and how girls can really make a difference in using their sports as a platform, whether that be for themselves, whether that be for something they’re trying to tell the world about, their religion, anything, their sports team is their platform,” she said.
MEET COACH DAVIS
Davis didn’t intend to coach at Moody High School. She originally thought she wanted to go to law school, but when she graduated from Auburn University, she landed what turned out to be her first and only interview. Something clicked during that interview with Moody.
The school’s principal at the time was what Davis described as one of the most intimidating women she’d ever encountered. However, the principal took a chance on an unseasoned coach who admittedly had no idea what she was doing at the time.
“I was fresh out of college, and she let me make mistakes,” Davis said. “She trusted me enough to let me do things my way. That doesn’t happen in a lot of places, and I will forever be indebted to her for that.”
Fourteen years later, the Moody girls basketball program has gone from not winning games for years before Davis arrived to a state championship appearance.
“It’s not always about growth, but for us it is,” Davis said. “It took a long time for us to get here. That being said, you don’t reach the level of success
that we’ve had overall in girls athletics without really talented athletes.”
This past season, the girls basketball team started out 0-6 while waiting for their flag football players to finish that championship run. Davis didn’t push them because she wanted the girls to have every shot at winning state in flag football first, and they did. By the time the basketball roster was fully assembled, they were already weeks into the season, but it didn’t matter because the team peaked at just the right moment.
Davis said much of that turnaround was a shift in her own coaching style, partially inspired by
Moore. For her, it was like watching their team and realizing there might be a different kind of balance. Knowing that Moore runs her flag football program like a democracy, where decisions are made by a committee, has impacted Davis’ philosophy.
“I don’t know what more you could want as a coach because at the end of the day, you just want your kids to be successful in sports and in life,” Davis said. “You’re hoping that the experiences you’re giving them make them successful as adults.”
Standing in the arena at the state basketball
championship, Davis shared that the moment exceeded anything she had ever imagined. She tried not to get herself too caught up and wanted the athletes to enjoy the whole experience and to realize what a privilege that moment was.
Though they lost in that final game, it was the first time a Moody basketball team—boys or girls— had even made it to the Elite 8. Now, Davis is
focused on what comes next.
“What excites me about this coming year is the chance of redemption, the chance of watching my kids grow and the opportunity to see how they respond now that their expectations have changed,” she said. “Can we get back to that place and get over the mountain? That’s what I’m most excited about.”
ALL TOGETHER
What Seymour, Moore and Davis have built at Moody High School is not just a winning record, but a legacy. These women with different paths are now in similar places, a wonderful reassurance that the young women in their care are capable of accomplishing whatever they set their minds to.
Championships are proof of the work they put into it, and each young woman who walks off the field or court knowing she can handle whatever comes next gives these teams and coaches the grit to keep going.
To keep up with these sports programs, find the softball team on Facebook (Moody Blue Devils Softball), and follow the other teams on Instagram (@411flagfball, @moodygirlsbasketball) and X (@411flagfball, @moodyvghoops).
Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.
Childrens AL •org
We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Alyssa Rector
Fourth & Fifth Grade Teacher
at Moody Intermediate School
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Alyssa rector has taught at Moody Intermediate, (formerly Middle) School for 2 years. She graduated from Oak Mountain High School and went on to attend the University of North Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She met her husband during her senior year of college, and they married two years later. In November 2025, they welcomed their first child, David, who is truly the joy of their lives!
What led you to your career in elementary education?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I was the little girl who loved to play school with my dolls, friends or anyone who would sit and let me pretend. I had many wonderful teachers throughout my entire school career. They loved me like their own and showed me how much fun learning can be and demonstrated what a joy it is to teach. So, I became a teacher and hope that I make the same impact on students that they made on me.
What does a day in the life look like for you as a fourth and fifth grade teacher?
Every day being a teacher is different, which is one of my favorite parts! Every morning starts with prayers for my students, our day and the school as a whole! In the morning, I teach math and science using a mix of direct instruction, hands-on activities and real-life
connections to keep students engaged. In the afternoon, I teach my fifth grade class, continuing math and science at a higher level. Throughout the day, I’m answering questions, encouraging students by building relationships and making sure they feel supported and loved.
What is the most-rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my students succeed and grow. I love being their biggest cheerleader and supporting them every step of the way; that’s truly why I became a teacher. There’s nothing better than helping a student understand a new math skill and seeing that lightbulb moment when it finally clicks. It’s also incredibly special when former students come back and share all the things they’ve accomplished since leaving my classroom.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The biggest challenge is the variety of personalities and needs. Each child is so unique and finding a way to best teach and love all of them in their own way at the same time can be challenging, especially trying to do it while continuing to cultivate a love of learning. There are other challenges, such as all of the other hats we end up wearing day in and day out, but I truly wouldn’t want to do anything else!
What would you like people to know about your job that many do not already know?
I would love for people to know teachers are all in it for the kids. Teaching truly is a job you cannot do if you do not love teaching and love kids. Teaching has changed a lot over the years and brought many changes and challenges, but one thing that has not changed is how much teachers love their students!
FOOD DRINK&
SUMMERTIME SWEETNESS
Le-Le’s Shaved Ice offers sweet treats to cool off this summer.
BY CHASE HOLMES
PHOTOS BY AMBER HELMS
TThere’s nothing like summer in the South. The summer sun arrives like an unwanted house guest and overstays its welcome like one too, lingering on the porch with idle chatting nobody knows how to get away from until finally just turning around and going back inside.
In a place like Moody, deep inside the hot and humid zone of the South, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a threat. It is the kind of problem one can only solve by taking it head on.
Go to the pool to cool off, head for a shade tree or an awning at the backyard barbecue, or just hide away in the air conditioning until the sun sets. Any of those options can be enhanced by pairing with something cool in hand, such as a fresh cup of shaved ice, flavored with, sugary goodness.
For the past three years, Le-Le’s Shaved Ice has
been helping Moody residents conquer that nefarious sun and cool off. Parked at events and popping up around town, owner and operator Lea Elliott’s shaved ice trailer has become a beacon of cold relief to summer-weary residents.
Elliott said she loves the seasonal satisfaction of helping her town come together and enjoy a favorite summertime treat. Wherever there’s a need for cool refreshment, she’s ready to pack the trailer with fresh ice and flavored syrups eager to brighten up someone’s day.
A Moody resident and high school alumna, Elliott didn’t just come up with the idea of Le-Le’s to start a business, but to create a place where she can enjoy more time with those she loves while providing a valuable escape from the heat for her community.
“My family was and continues to be my primary
inspiration,” she said. “Starting this business allowed me the flexibility to spend more time with my kids. As they grow up, they’ve become more involved. They are definitely my expert taste testers!”
Elliott said the Moody community has been more than welcoming, embracing her business and the joy she brings to town one satisfying cup at a time.
“Everyone here has been incredibly supportive and encouraging,” she said, “I love how the Moody community comes together for one another during both good and bad times.”
For a shaved ice truck, family and community are integral parts of the business itself. Memories are made in front of the order window, whether it
be the first time someone has ever tried shaved ice or the first time they ordered for themselves without mom or dad assisting. Among many other interactions, these moments are one of her driving reasons to open up the window every day.
“One of my favorite parts of the job is taking orders and getting to interact with the kids,” she said. “(I) always love interacting with children at events; their excitement is so contagious.”
Shaved ice in a cup with bold flavoring might seem like a simple thing, but it packs a punch when the sun is so hot your shoes are threatening to melt to the black asphalt. Originally a staple treat in Japan, the humble shaved ice was brought to the United States through Hawaii and soon after could be found all over the country at state
fairs and being peddled out of ice wagons to hot Americans on busy street corners.
Experienced shaved ice enjoyers know that a good cup is only as tasty as the flavors chosen to pour over the cold, refreshing ice crystals. After a few trips to Le-Le’s, most people will have probably decided on their favorite, but the adventurous might try them all over time or mix
them up in new ways to see what happens.
“I see so many random flavor combinations that it’s hard to pick just one; I always say, ‘To each their own!’” Elliott said.
Knowing how many taste buds might come to her trailer, she is more than prepared to meet the needs of even the most discerning requests. Le-Le’s syrup arsenal includes 16 standard
syrups, two sugar-free options and two sugarand-dye-free flavors. The most common flavor requested is Tiger’s Blood, and Elliott’s personal favorite is Blue Raspberry. She always adds cream on top, a popular flavor add-on at Le-Le’s.
For those looking for something other than shaved ice but still wanting a refreshing drink, fresh-squeezed lemonade is available as well and can also be customized with any of the available syrups.
Shaved ice has long been a staple of hot, American Summers, and as long as Le-Le’s keeps serving up cold cups, things will stay that way in Moody. Elliott knows the city and its people expect the best, and she loves giving her all for the people in her town while spending time with her family while she does it.
Le-Le’s Shaved Ice is available for a number of occasions, such as employee appreciation days, church activities and school events. For bookings, call 205-445-3760 or email leleshavedice@gmail.com. To stay up to date on where the trailer is, find Le-Le’s Shaved Ice on Facebook.
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Natavia Garner
Niece of Le-Le’s Shaved Ice Owner
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Natavia Garner is 16 years old and attends Moody High School. There, she plays varsity softball. She began working with her aunt, Lea Elliot, at Le-Le’s Shaved Ice when she was 15.
How did you get started working with your aunt at Le-Le’s Shaved Ice?
I started working with my aunt when she started working certain events just to give an extra hand in the trailer because it can be very overwhelming at times.
What has been your favorite part of working with her?
My favorite part about working with her is that it’s never a dull moment when we are together because of how close our family bond is. We always make working in the trailer a fun experience when we goof off and laugh at each other waiting for our amazing customers to visit us.
We tell story after story, laugh at everything and push each other out of the way to make it to the other side of the trailer when we are busy. She’s definitely the type of person anyone would want to work with, and I’m very grateful to be that person to work with her!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from your experience?
One lesson not only I just learned, but definitely the both of us did, is to always, and I mean always, set the ice out prior to customers coming, or the struggle will be so real!
What’s your favorite memory with Le-Le’s ?
My favorite memory has to be anytime someone asks us what flavors we have (even though they are on the window), and all we can do is just look at each other and laugh, then point them in the direction of our flavors.
If the menu had to be limited to only three flavors, what would they be and why?
The three flavors I would choose are definitely piña colada, blue raspberry and peach because those are the best in my opinion, and anytime someone asks to be surprised or what’s the go-to flavors, those are always my options.
HOME STYLE&
“FRAMILY” STYLE
Chad and Sara Crowe enjoy hosting friends and family in their home designed to do just that.
BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
PHOTOS BY CAROLINE SIMMONS
Face of the Home
Compared to the white brick, darker stone surrounds the dark brown, wooden double doors, creating a natural draw into the house. The farmhouse-style shutters also add pops of contrasting color to blend the overall design together.
FFor as long as Chad Crowe is aware, there’s been someone who shares his last name living in Moody, where he was born and raised.
“I know everything about it and everybody in it,” he said.
Contrarily, Sara Crowe grew up in Tallahassee, Florida.
“This was kind of foreign to me; it felt very small town,” Sara said with admiration for football games and parades that draw out the entire town.
The pair met in 2001. Sara came to the “big city” of Birmingham, where she planned to move for college later that year, to visit her dad and find a senior prom dress no one else in Tallahassee would have.
One of her dad’s friends introduced her to his daughter, so she could meet some people before relocating in the fall. One of those people was Chad, and they remained friends for four years before finally dating in 2005.
They married in 2007. In subsequent years, they lived in a few houses outside of Moody and welcomed their first child, Ana Lynn. Later, when Sara was pregnant with their son, Jackson, the couple decided they needed more space.
In 2016, they moved into their current home in Moody, which they had designed and built.
When it came to that, Sara picked out most of it, but Chad had one request, an entirely open basement for all of his different hobby equipment. The basement, which spans the entire footprint of the house, holds hunting gear, several cars, side by sides, a boat and more.
As for the rest of the house, they compared measurements at their previous house and knew they wanted an open-concept space for all the hosting they do.
“We have a lot of parties here,” Sara said. They’re often asked to host parties for other people
Living Room
The living room was designed to be large enough to fit this sectional the Crowes have owned since 2011. Its corner is one of everyone’s favorite places in the house.
The mantle hung in Chad’s grandfather, Pawpaw’s, smokehouse for around 50 years, and according to Chad has probably been in Moody for 100 years. Before the Crowes were hosting parties, Sara’s parents hosted “kitchen dance parties” in their small home, where this radio sat on top of the refrigerator.
but also plan their own, including bridal and baby showers, birthday, graduation, bachelorette and holiday parties and what they call “porch parties,” where they reach out to see who wants to show up and hang out that day.
Those parties regularly include 20-50 people, but sometimes are large as 100 people, making space an important commodity, especially to Sara who is consistently trying to reconfigure the flow of gettogethers to ensure everyone is comfortable and enjoys their time.
“There’s nothing worse than having a plate and feeling like you don’t have anywhere to sit down and eat,” she said.
The Crowes are happy to host and do so often as they welcome both nearby family and others they have come to know and love.
.“It’s a framily house,” Chad said. “It’s friends and family.”
Powder Bathroom
The textured accent wall in the powder bathroom, gives the space an elevated, contemporary feel. Opposite the accent wall, sketches of the Crowe’s dogs, Mat and Annie, add a personal touch.
Dining Area
In their previous home, the Crowes had a more formal dining room but rarely used it. In this house, they opted for an open-concept dining area that flows into the kitchen for added space when hosting.
Kitchen
The kitchen is completely open to the living room, and it includes extra chair-height counter space that acts as a built-in kitchen table, providing more seating right in the middle of the open area.
Back Porch
Just outside of the living room, the spacious back porch offers multiple other seating areas and is just a few stairs away from the expansive backyard.
Office
Though not often used as an office, Sara added decorative elements to this extra room to enhance Chad’s mounted animal heads to craft a cohesive theme that is one of the first seen when entering the home. Chad’s grandmother, Mammow, refinished this piece of furniture for Chad to give to Sara as an anniversary gift.
Master Bedroom
The words on the sign above the bed are from Jon Pardi’s song “All Time High,” and Sara gifted it to Chad for an anniversary.
Ana Lynn’s Room
Ana Lynn made the cheer team for the upcoming year at Moody Junior High School, marking her first time on a school squad. She also tumbles and plays basketball. Mementoes of her hobbies can be seen throughout her room, and her favorite part of her room is her “really big bulletin board” that displays photos, notes, drawings and other memories.
Jackson’s Room
From looking at Jackson’s room, it’s evident he is a sports fan. He primarily plays baseball but has also played flag football and basketball. His favorite parts of his room are his Playstation, couch and basketball hoop, and his favorite Braves player is Ronald Acuña, Jr. The first deer Jackson killed hangs prominently over his bed to watch him sleep, though he said he doesn’t even notice it anymore.
Play Ball
Moody Miracle League offers a chance to play baseball alongside a sense of community.
BY ASHLEY TIEDT | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
AA player steps up to the plate. The crowd leans in. Over the loud speaker, the announcer builds the drama. In a moment, the bat connects. The cheers from parents, teammates and volunteers are as loud and genuine as the ones at a World Series game.
However, it’s far from a major league stadium; it’s Moody Miracle Field, a place where joy, excitement and most of all, acceptance exists.
ALABAMA’S FIRST
The Miracle League concept was born out of a simple yet powerful idea that baseball diamonds were not designed with wheelchairs and crutches in mind, and that needed to change. The first Miracle
Field opened on April 6, 2000 after the Rotary Clubs of Rockdale and Conyers, Georgia, raised $700,000 to build a special baseball complex designed exclusively for players with disabilities. It featured cushioned, synthetic turf, fully accessible restrooms and dugouts built so wheelchairs can move freely to and from home plate.
Moody was not far behind. The Moody Miracle League became the third organization of its kind in the United States and the first in Alabama. Today, it serves individuals from St. Clair, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, Talladega, Blount, and Calhoun counties, with 144 players across 11 teams, ranging in age from 2 to nearly 30. The best part is that every single one of them plays for free.
None of your donations will go to waste.
-Steven Sink
BEHIND THE BASES
Behind every great organization are people who pour themselves into it, and the Moody Miracle League is no different. Kim Sebastian has been at the helm since 2017, when founding member Phillip Deason asked her and her husband to take over the league. She manages schedules, coordinates new players, orders uniforms and organizes every summer and winter activity the league offers.
“It’s a community,” she said. “It’s a family.”
Beside her every step of the way is Kathy Bromley, a board member who oversees coaches, team moms and the merchandise room.
“Kim (Sebastian) and I are like sisters,” Bromley said. “When she’s out, all the telephone calls come to me.”
Also on the leadership team is Steve Sink, an
Edward Jones financial advisor who serves on the board of directors and brings a watchful eye to the league’s finances.
“They use the money for the kids,” Sink said. “None of your donations will go to waste.”
That financial stewardship is what makes the league’s no-cost model possible. Players receive a jersey and a hat at no charge, courtesy of team sponsors. Businesses can also support the league at various levels, and Sebastian is quick to point out that even a small contribution matters.
“If someone just donates $25, that’s just something else to help cover the cost,” she said.
The league’s biggest annual fundraiser is a car show, co-presented by CNC Motor Company and Copper Native Pizza each October, which funds everything from field maintenance to the beloved Christmas party.
BEYOND BASEBALL
Ask anyone connected to the Moody Miracle League what makes it special, and they will tell you the same thing. It is so much more than baseball. Every summer, Sebastian and Bromley plan a full calendar of activities designed to accommodate players at every ability level. Birmingham Barons games, bowling nights, hockey games, bingo, movies at Pell City’s free summer series, a petting zoo and even a candle-making workshop are all on the docket.
“The more donations we get, the more we can do with these players,” Sebastian said. “We are 100 percent volunteers.”
For many players, these experiences are genuinely life changing. Bromley’s son, who is 29, moved to Moody from Florida with almost no
social connections.
“Since we’ve started these summer activities, he has blossomed with friends,” Bromley said. He now has a close-knit group of teammates he goes bowling with, sits with at ball games and calls his own. When asked whether he’d ever consider moving back to the beach, he answers that he likes it here.
Sebastian’s son, also a longtime player, is legally blind but has learned to read the pitcher’s arm to time his swing.
“He’s become very, very outgoing,” Sebastian said. “He’s a little social butterfly.”
His advice to anyone thinking about signing up is characteristically straightforward.
“Go on to the website, and register to play ball,” he said. “It gets you out of the house and gives you the opportunity to hang out with friends.”
HOME RUNS AND HIGH FIVES
Eleven-year-old Ace Gragg has Down syndrome and will tell you confidently that his specialty is hitting.
“I hit the ball really hard,” he said. “I always get home runs.”
His mom, Brytanni Gragg, got involved with the organization after someone mentioned the league in passing when Ace was a toddler. At the time, they had no support network and no community to lean on. The league gave them both.
“We’re really learning a new appreciation for everybody’s challenges and struggles,” Brytanni said, watching players of all abilities take the field together.
She is also passionate about the high school
volunteers, called buddies, who come out each week to assist players on the field. Each player is paired with a buddy who helps them play the game and protects them from getting hurt.
“I feel like not a lot of parents are teaching their kids about inclusion, and for them to get to come out and see that these kids are just like any other kids; they have feelings, emotions, dreams, wishes,” Brytanni said.
Elizabeth Hallmark, 25, found her way to the league through her best friend and has been playing for three years. Hallmark has autism and is full of joy, known to light up every game.
“She runs, and she just smiles all the way around the base, and she wants high fives with everybody.” said her mom Stephanie Hallmark, who this season stepped up to become a coach.
When Stephanie floated the idea of switching leagues, Elizabeth shut it down immediately. Her friends are at Moody. That settles it.
BATS FOR BLESSINGS
Steve Sink put it best when he described watching players at the Christmas party, which draws between 200 and 300 people each December and features Santa, a DJ and a catered meal.
“I love seeing them all excited,” he said. “They’re very grateful and appreciative.”
Bromley has a standing invitation for anyone who has not yet made it out to the field.
“If you need a blessing, just visit the Moody Miracle League one time, and see if you’re not blessed,” she said.
Kim Sebastian agrees. Her message to churches, high school teams and businesses alike is simple.
“It’s going to change your lives,” she said.
Altogether, what started as a place to give everyone the chance to play baseball has become a place of acceptance, friendship and blessings for many.
For more information on how to register a player, become a buddy or make a donation, visit moodymiracleleague.org, or find the organization on Facebook (Moody Miracle Field).
MOODY’S BEST WINNERS 2026
Who’s the best? We asked, and you answered. Thousands of votes were cast in Leeds Living’s annual contest. Read on to find out who our readers’ favorites are this year.
The Salon of Moody Archer Lawn Maintenance We’d love to
Alabama
with you to support your
To join the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce, email Andrea Machen at chamber@ moodyalabama.gov.
Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Katie Ashmore, President Cadence Bank
Autumn Null, First Vice President TCI Sales
Jasmine Sledge, Second Vice President Alabama Power Company
Bridget Russell, Treasurer Metro Bank
Wes Harrell, Past President ERA King Real Estate
Drew Russell Kilgroe Funeral Home
Paula Krafft Moody Realty
Ashley Wilson Chick-fil-A
Leslie Dawson Village at Cook Springs
Mike Mitchell Waste Management
Kim Sebastian Moody Miracle League
Dr. Cody Stubbs Crossroads Chiropractic
Shirley Kujan Servpro of St. Clair
Ken Williams Big Daddy Stitches
Andrea Machen Executive
Past Events
411 KIDS FOUNDATION BANQUET
BY AMANDA E.H. PRITCHARD
On Monday, May 11, at Moody City Hall, the 411 Kids Foundation celebrated another school year coming to a close at its first “Starry Night” banquet.
1. Ellie Kate Williams, Chloe White and Reagan Rutledge
2. Sara Crowe, Jessica Herbinger and Kristen Gable
3. Randy Hearon and Jimmy Harrison
4. Harrison and Sophia Dillashaw
5. Zayne Leonard and Caden Crump
6. Will Yates, Will Fisher and James Hardy
7. Jimmy, Tamara, Kimberly, Sully D, Jax and Davis Harrison
8. Kensley Williams, Sophia Dillashaw and Olivia Turley
9. Luke Tollinson
10. Marlie, Casey and James Culwell
11. 411Kids Ambassadors
12. Ashley and Chandler Williams
PHOTOS
PANCAKE COOK OFF
On Saturday, May 2, groups from around St. Clair County came out to compete in the Kiwanis Club of St. Clair County West’s third annual pancake cook off.
1. Chan Stringer and Deanna Russell
2. Sullivan and Tucker Brown
3. Ashley Wallace and Amber Sudderth
4. Samantha and Lee Kerzic
5. Shannon and David McCrary
6. Juniper Self, Layla Jolley and Ella Smith
7. Mortgage House of PancakesKristi G. Scott Group Powered by PMR
8. The Smith Family
9. Dr. Cody and Raven Stubbs
10. Lauren McAvoy and Jo Carroll
11. Sarah, Amanda, Charlee and Dixie-Claire Layfield
12. Nicole McCarrell and Wes Harrell
13. Kayla and Jacob Harris
14. Steve and Lori Booth
15. Dale Crowe and Jeff and Shane Black
16. City of Margaret
17. Stella’s Landing
18. Noah and Dawson Jones
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
411 DAY
On the evening of Friday, April 10, 411 Day festivities culminated in a community-wide event featuring vendors, food trucks and bounce houses.
1. Aria Rhetta and Kennedi James
2. Tessa Wills and Terry McNutt
3. Daniel, Abigail and Spivey Wilson
4. Hailee Young, Braylee Holcomb and Remi Watkins
5. Chandler Williams and Aspen McKeever
6. Michelle O’Brien and Chelsea Rodgers
7. 411 Kids Foundation
8. Nick and Cate Dawson
9. MHS Drug & Vape Prevention
10. Kennedi, Kyndall and Summer
11. Aleigha Rhetta and Cooper Pilkington
12. Cherie and Grayson Fine
13. Kinslee Gilbert and Abby Reese Atkinson
14. Megan and Robert Oliver and Meagan and Brent Waldrep
15. Karter, Ceralyn and Kaisley Staples
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
MY MOODY NICK RUTLEDGE
Moody Mayor
Outdoor Sites
Ballpark
My favorite place to go is our city ballpark. The joy it brings me seeing the happiness on all the young kids faces is priceless.
Eat Local
Carpenetti’s Pizza
Carpenetti’s Pizza is easily my favorite place to eat in Moody! I love the stuffed pizza with alfredo sauce, pepperoni and ricotta cheese!
Sentimental Spots
Aunt Tizzy’s House If there was one sentimental place I love to go, it would have to be Aunt Tizzy’s house for breakfast every Christmas morning. It’s a tradition that I married into, and it’s something that I’ve always thought was special for our family.
Special Memories
Mr. Jerry’s Meat Market
One my fondest memories in Moody is being a young teenager and bringing my deer to be processed at Mr. Jerry’s meat market. It was a strict process that could only be done at a certain time on a certain day. If you were around back then, you know what I’m talking about.
Community Fellowship Come Together
I don’t have a singular favorite event; I’m a very community-first guy. I love all the community events we get to enjoy, such as the Fourth of July celebration, Oktoberfest, our city Christmas parade, the homecoming parade for our high school and Trick or Treat the Blue Devils. Any time we can have an event that brings the community together is special.
