3 Albany ‘Lights’ presented Friday
By Kathy Thomson
Members of the Albany Chamber of Commerce named their first three “Lights of Albany” at the bi-annual party held last Friday, Aug. 23 at the Aztec Theater.
Chosen for the honor this year were the Albany ISD ag students, teachers, and coaches, Jane Hooker, and Lisa Barton.
Albany ISD
“Chris Beard and his ag classes do a lot for the Chamber and the townspeople,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. “They built our wooden Christmas tree, haul tables and chairs whenever needed for community events, and help the elderly move and haul off unwanted items.”
Jones also credited the ag students with representing Albany professionally, academically, and with great sportsmanship at various contests and shows across Texas.
“The AISD teachers and coaches share the duty of teaching our youth to be good individuals,” said Jones. “They keep God in the game and demand that their athletes display good sportsmanship and mature into good men and women. Albany ISD supports the community, and we support them.”
Albany ISD helps to keep local history alive by continuing to produce men and women who still abide by old time values, according to Jones.
“Our students are our future,” she said. “Teaching them the history of Albany and getting them to understand the significance of that history is not an easy task, but it is so important.”
Jean Hooker
Jean Hooker was the next named Light of Albany at the Chamber event.
“Jane goes out of her way on a daily basis to make sure that our history and prestige are upheld,” said Jones. “I love her knowledge of history and her tenacity to get things done. She not only employs people to help keep Main Street gorgeous, she is willing to get her own hands dirty too.”
Jones said that Hooker is not afraid to tackle anything or anyone.
“She watches to make sure we keep our historical roots intact,” said Jones. “The people of Albany recognize and appreciate her straight forward honesty and actions. She makes Albany bloom, grow, and shine.”
Lisa Barton
The third person awarded an Albany Star for being a Light of Albany was Chamber treasurer Lisa Barton.
“Lisa was nominated by several people because she goes above and beyond to make sure our downtown area is decorated, clean, and ready for visitors,” said Jones. “She puts in endless hours and much garage space to keep the town festive and beautiful.”
Barton is always available to help do anything she is asked, according to Jones.
“She has helped me in so many ways,” said Jones. “I am lucky to have her on the Chamber board, and I am proud to call her my friend. She is a treasure to this town and holds it dear to her heart.”
The Chamber plans to continue honoring Lights of Albany by presenting three more people with Albany Stars at the organization’s bi-annual event next spring.
“We want to recognize three people every year, but the normal presentation time will be at our spring celebration,” said Jones. “We had a lot of nominations and feedback, so if your person didn’t win, don’t worry. We will be doing this again.”
— —
