ResourceCare case worker Makenzie Marshall reminded everyone that the annual Adopt-a-Buddy school supply program is underway, and she is hoping to hear from those that can use a little help, as well as those who can provide assistance for local students.

In just three weeks tardy bells will ring out the start of a new school year, and parents that need help providing their children with school supplies can register to be included in the free program.

A free Kick Off Rally will be held at Robert Nail Stadium next week and all of the high school and junior high students from Albany and other towns in the eastern part of the Big Country and their parents are encouraged to attend the event.

ResourceCare’s Summer Day Camp is winding down, with only two days of activities left of the three week schedule.

So far this week the campers have gotten their camp T-shirts, gone to the Old Jail Art Center, enjoyed snow cones, played Bingo for prizes, and watched a children’s movie at the Aztec Theater, according to program director Mindy Ary.

Today the children will venture to the City Park, The Feed Store, and the Shackelford County Courthouse, added Resource Care worker Makenzie Marshall.

The Albany City swimming pool will close for the season in two-and-a-half weeks.

“The pool will be closing on Tuesday, Aug. 14,” said Dakota Fowler, who manages the pool. 

The pool will still be available for private rentals through the month of August, but there will be no public swim hours after Aug. 14, according to Fowler.

Private rental of the pool costs $125 per two-hour time block. 

To inquire for available rental times, and/or to book a time slot, call the City of Albany at 325-762-3133.

Regular Pool Hours

The Albany Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a back-to-school bash on Thursday, Aug. 9.

Many downtown merchants plan to stay open until 7:00 p.m. that even-ing to accommodate back-to-school shoppers.

Local fifth through 12th grade students are invited to the Albany City pool to swim with their classmates, according to Chamber office manager Mary Beth Jones. 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) applications as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) efforts supported by the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV) – Grassland Restoration Incentives Program (GRIP) Partnership.

Taylor County 4-H will be offering a Youth Food & Nutrition Camp on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The camp will be held at the Taylor County Extension Office located on the Taylor County Expo grounds in Abilene. 

Registration deadline is 12:00 noon Friday, July 27. To reserve a space, call the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048. 

Cost for the day is $5 for 4-H members and $15 for non-members, which includes lunch and supplies. Youth must have completed the second through 11th grade to participate.

High school volleyball players will return to the court next Wednesday for summer workouts, with high football players following a few days later to prepare for the 2018 season.

The volleyball girls will start practicing on Wednesday, Aug. 1, with the football program beginning on Monday, Aug. 6.

Coaches for both programs are anticipating an increase in numbers this season if all the athletes who expressed intentions to play show up for workouts, also referred to as two-a-days.

The 2018 football program will be sent to the printers next week, and everyone who still wants to help support the local high school and junior high athletes, encourage a student at the secondary school, and/or promote their business by placing an ad in the magazine-type program is asked to do so as soon as possible.

“Sales have been going well,” said Albany Athletic Booster Club treasurer Shawnee Tischler. “But we still have room for some more ads. Please get them to us ASAP!”

Photographs taken of various teams and individuals by The Albany News since the beginning of the local coach pitch, softball, and baseball seasons are available for pickup.

Summer baseball and softball packages are priced at $18 plus tax. Many of the packets have already been paid for, and although many have already been picked up, there are dozens still at the News office.

Graduation photos of the 2018 Albany High School seniors are also in, but several members of the class have not yet placed their orders.