By Kathy Thomson

Six adult members of First Baptist Church’s mission team, along with three youth workers, spent the first week of July in Del Rio repairing a building during the congregation’s annual summer mission trip.

“We had a good trip,” said team leader Dinty Bowman. “We were working in an old church building that is being utilized to teach young children things like hygiene including hand washing and brushing teeth, basic reading, and art.”

The church building was old, rundown, and needed some TLC, according to Bowman.

By Kathy Thomson

Thanks to a new volunteer, Albany Neighbors In Need, which had only been open on Monday mornings from 10:00 a.m. until noon, is now also open from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

“Brad McBee will be available to accept donations and to allow our shoppers who work all week to come and shop too,” said organizer Lori Reames. “By donating during that hour, items can be stored immediately into our building to ensure they are available for those who truly need them!”

By Kathy Thomson

Over a dozen youth from Albany and their sponsors traveled to Rockport last week to assist with ongoing efforts to rebuild structures damaged by Hurricane Harvey almost two years ago.

This year the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church youth mission trip worked through an organization called TEAMeffort Missions. 

By Kathy Thomson

The new Scout Hut in Albany is almost ready to use, according to local Scout committee chair Teri Lucas, and the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts should be able to start using the building as soon as the plumbers have completed their part of the project. 

“The outside of the building is done, and most of the inside is finished,” said Lucas. “The floors, walls, electricity, heating, and air are installed. Tables and chairs have been donated by the First United Methodist Church.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Summer workouts are scheduled to begin in just two weeks for fall sports such as volleyball, football and cross country, signaling that summer vacation time is quickly coming to a close.

The Lady Lion volleyball team will meet on Thursday, Aug. 1 for two-a-day workouts, while the football teams and cross country runners have to wait until Monday, Aug. 5 to begin.

Coaches for both volleyball and football are encouraged by the interest being shown by students for the upcoming seasons.

Volleyball Meets First

By Donnie A. Lucas

Improvements are underway at the city-owned softball field at Webb City Park, with larger dugouts being constructed and the visitor seating area improved.

The old chain link dugouts have been taken out and city workers, along with volunteers, have started setting the cinder block walls. The chain link back stop will also be replaced with nylon netting to provide fans with a less obstructed view.

In addition, the project will include building platforms to raise up spectator seating and adding guard rails.

By Kathy Thomson

Parents of girls from three years old through incoming sixth graders only have two days left to register their daughters for the 2019 Cheer Camp at the reduced rates of $35 per camper and $20 for each additional sibling before the cost for the popular cheerleading camp increases to $40 per child on July 20.

The camp will be held at the Albany High School gym from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on each of three days, Wednesday through Friday, July 24-26.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Girls entering high school who plan to participate in volleyball for the 2019 season can still sign up for a team camp set for July 28-30, according to new head coach M.J. Reneau.

The coach said that over 25 prospective JV and varsity players have already signed up for the camp, but registration will remain open until the first session on Sunday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. 

The cost of the camp is $40.

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Athletic Booster Club met earlier this week to elect officers and start planning for the annual Hamburger & Ice Cream Supper and other fall events.

Officers elected at the meeting on Monday, July 15 were Stephen Kayga - president,  D’Anna Knight - vice president, Shawnee Tischler - treasurer, and Tisha Wilkins - secretary.

Logan Neve will be in charge of the “Tunnel Crew,” and anyone willing to help Neve with the inflatable A, the horn, or the flags is asked to contact him. 

By Kathy Thomson

Preparations are beginning for the 16th annual gala planned by the Friends of Fort Griffin for Saturday, Oct. 5, and reservations for the nonprofit fundraiser are currently being accepted.

An open bar with premium brands, a steak dinner, silent and live auctions, music, and dancing will all take place at the event held again this year at Lynne and Clifford Teinert’s Collins Creek Ranch.

Tickets

Anyone 21 years and older is invited to purchase a ticket to the gala.