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.

A hamburger fundraiser hosted by members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department is set for this Sunday, Oct. 14 to benefit longtime fire chief Kyle Tischler.

The meal will be held at the city fire station from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Tischler has had major back surgery recently, according to fellow VFD member Joel Viertel, and has used up all his vacation time, with the prospect of being off work for at least two more months.

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.

Members of the Albany Mainstreet Playhouse will host a high school reunion themed murder mystery dinner in the reception room and patio (weather permitting) of the Aztec Theater at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 and Oct. 18.

“Come wearing your school memorabilia,” AMP representative Lorna Ayers said. “Wear your letter jackets, cheerleading uniform, or something from the corresponding time period. We know you can still fit into them!”

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.

It seems as if the very possibility of a fleet of freshly washed and polished classic trucks parked side by side for a truck show in Albany in the fall of the year is enough to inspire clouds to gather, and the third annual Shifters Car Club Truck Show, currently scheduled for the rain-out day on Saturday, Oct. 13, may be rained out a second time.

“We will wait until it gets closer to Saturday to make the call on whether to have the show, or call it due to weather,” said organizer Robert Snyder. “Check the Shifters Car Club Facebook page for information.”

The third annual Shifters Car Club Truck Show will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, and truck fanciers are welcome to enter a 1987 or older vehicle and compete for prizes, or to walk through the trucks exhibited in downtown Albany for the event and take a stroll down memory lane.

The truck show was originally scheduled to take place in downtown Albany last month, but was postponed due to rain.