Fandangle practices began this week, and the next scheduled rehearsal will be at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25, at the Aztec Theater.

“I want to invite new people to Albany to experience Fandangle and invite Fandangle veterans to return,” said artistic director Lorna Ayers. “You will not be disappointed. This year’s show is going to be extra special, so I encourage everyone to not miss out.”

Ayers’ script this year will highlight the Matthews and Reynolds families, including John Matthews who, at 100 years old, is still a cast member and plays “The Old Timer.” 

Albany school board members discussed some budget fears that may become hard realities over the next few years unless state legislators make major changes in school funding.

Trustees talked at length about what they will soon face.

The Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a “Wild West Day” on Saturday, April 27 from noon until 10:30 p.m.

According to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones, the day will include a crooners contest for amateur singers, two melodramas about Doc Holiday, a pie baking contest, fiddlers, and vendors selling handcrafted items.

“Please contact me if you want to help with Wild West Days,” Jones said.

Jones can be reached at the Chamber office during business hours Tuesday through Friday by calling 325-762-2525.

Entire families are invited this Saturday afternoon to the Old Jail Art Center’s next family festival, entitled “Holi – the Indian Festival of Colors!”

The event, one of several family-friendly cele-brations that take place throughout the year at the local museum, will start at 12:00 noon and end at 3:00 p.m.

“Investigate collection artifacts and enjoy traditional crafts, games, food, and music from India,” said OJAC education coordinator Molly Merck. “Celebrate Spring with a henna tattoo and take a swing at our ‘Rangoli-Piñata’.”

Members of the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association will meet on Tuesday, April 9 for a general meeting to evaluate the 2019 show, consider any proposed rule changes, and address any concerns that have been brought to the attention of the Association.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the high school agriculture building.

Final preparations for the Buyer-Seller Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, April 6, will also be addressed at the meeting.

Four members of the Comanche Masonic Lodge #41 drove down from Oklahoma on Monday, March 11 to present longtime Albany resident Vernon McDaniel with his 50-year Masonic pin.

McDaniel was born in Oklahoma and lived in the Shawnee area until he enlisted in the Marines in 1952. 

He was back in Oklahoma when he joined the Masons in early 1969.

Although McDaniel and his wife Geraldine moved to Albany that same year and the local Lodge invited him to join, he was unwilling to transfer his membership.

David M. Dukes of Abilene was born on Feb. 15, 1976 in Abilene, Texas to Jimmy Dukes and Catherine Burton Dukes. He died on March 14, 2019.

Funeral services were held March 16, 2019 at Northwest Church of Christ in Abilene.

David worked at BMC Construction Materials, formerly Abilene Lumber, for almost 20 years. 

David loved movies and comic books. He was a fan of anything related to Marvel comics, Spider Man, Dead Pool, and Avengers. 

Beginning April 1, Closet Angels’ new hours will be Mondays only from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. according to coordinator Lori Reames. 

In addition to changing hours, organizers are also asking that local residents be on the lookout for anyone taking unauthorized loads of donated clothing and shoes after hours.

New Hours

The facility will no longer be open on Wednesdays. 

This month participants at the Old Jail Art Center Third Thursday workshop, set for 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, will be crafting floral wreaths.  

“Bring a friend and your favorite bottle of wine and create a beautiful spring wreath for your front door,” said educational director Erin Whitmore. “Explore color mixing, texture, and scale as you craft your seasonal display.” 

Registration is $15 for OJAC members and $20 for non-members, and covers supplies.

For more information or to register, call 325-762-2936 or go to theojac.org. 

All Shackelford County senior adults (50 and up) are invited to attend the Shackelford County Resource Center’s March senior luncheon to be held on Friday, March 15 at the Albany Youth Center beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Members of First Methodist Church are hosting this month.

“The theme is ‘St. Patrick’s Day,’ and everyone is encouraged to wear green,” said program assistant Ragan Riley. 

The meal will be lasag-na, green beans, salad with dressing, and garlic bread. 

“We are planning entertainment,” Riley said. “All senior citizens are invited.”