An assortment of canvas tarps and tents are being erected at Fort Griffin today in preparation for this weekend’s Living History Days, but heavy rain tomorrow could cause student participation numbers to be lower than normal, according to program specialist Eric Abercrombie.

“We have had additional school districts contact us this week to confirm they are planning to attend,” he said. “But if it is raining hard on Friday, some schools may decided not to come after all.”

Painted streets, streamers tied to signs, decorated parade floats, dress-up days, plays x’ed and o’ed on the board, halftime program practices, and careful consideration of Friday’s hairstyles, makeup, and outfits by halftime royalty were all part of the preparation made for tomorrow’s Homecoming activities. 

AHS Royalty

Each of the four high school classes chose a king and queen nominee from among the seniors, winners will be decided by votes cast by the entire student body, and they will be announced during halftime on Friday.

Representatives of the Albany Ex-Students Association are encouraging Albany graduates to attend as many Homecoming events as they can, including the pep rally, parade, FBC fundraising meal, football game, halftime activities, business meeting, and alumni luncheon. 

Pep Rally

The pep rally will take place at the high school gym at 8:40 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12.

The Albany Chapter of the National Honor Society will induct 16 new members this Sunday.

A recognition ceremony for the new members will be held on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Albany High School auditorium.

A reception in the --high school library for honor society members and their families and guests will follow the ceremony.

AISD students chosen to be honored with induction into the National Honor Society are Addison Asher, Max Balliew, Tyler Beard, Julia Bowman, Conner Clark, Seth Hale, Blaine Kayga, and Alayna Koemel. 

More than 100 Nancy Smith Elementary School students in third, fourth, and sixth grades participated in the Kids on the Land (KOL) program at Lambshead Ranch recently, where they were exposed to a variety of hands-on experiences designed to connect them to the land and spark a love of science.

A number of Albany volunteers attended training on Monday, Oct. 1, with KOL director Peggy Maddock, who brought a core group of instructors with her to Shackelford County.

Bethel Assembly’s family friendly outdoor event last weekend, “The Patch,” was declared a success in spite of closing earlier than planned. 

“It was wonderful, and the crowd was great,” said member Betsy Spraberry. “We would have a wave of people, then it would trickle down, and then there would be another wave! We were pleased and excited with how it turned out.”

The Patch closed early on Saturday after heavy rain moved in the area, and was cancelled on Sunday.

Reverend Allan Eckert from San Angelo will preach at Trinity Lutheran Church’s Fall Mission Festival this Sunday afternoon, Oct. 14, at 4:30 p.m. and, according to pastor Tom Chandler, the entire community is invited to attend the service and stay for the free-will donation meal that will follow.

Mexican salad along with tea and several types of dessert will be served.

First Baptist Church members are serving a chili and bean supper tomorrow night, Oct. 12, from 5:30 p.m. until the start of the homecoming football game at 7:00 p.m., and everyone is invited to attend the fundraiser.

“Freewill donations for the meal will go toward our children’s programs, primarily the 2019 summer camp,” said church secretary Carolyn Waller.

Dessert will also be served. 

Shackelford County senior adults (50 and up) are invited to attend the Shackelford County Resource Center’s October senior luncheon to be held on Friday, Oct. 19 at the Youth Center beginning at 11:00 a.m.

“For October we will have a murder mystery luncheon,” program assistant Ragan Riley said. “Everyone is encouraged to wear a Halloween costume. And they will be solving a murder mystery as they eat!”

A prize will be awarded for the best costume.

A special homecoming mum and garter fundraiser for the Albany FCCLA is continuing through 10:00 a.m. today (Thursday).

Members of the Albany High School FCCLA are making wristlet mums for elementary age girls and garters for elementary boys at a cost of $25 each, according to senior Haley Stewart, who is a member of the group.

There is a limit of 50 mums and garters, and orders will not be taken after 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11.

The students are raising funds to attend the regional and state convention in February, Stewart said.