By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions will start getting ready for the 2022 football season with their first preseason workout at 8:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1.

Lions head coach Denney Faith said he expects between 40 and 50 players to take part in the program this year.

"We’ve been passing out all their gear this week, so they should be dressed and ready to go by 8:00 in the big room,” Faith said. “Those that haven’t gotten their stuff need to get here early.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Fun and facts about Greece will kick off the Old Jail Art Center’s annual summer camps for kids next Wednesday, Aug. 3, with three spots open for students in grades 1-6.

There are also two openings for the Aug. 9 safari camp for grades 1-3.

Participants need to be registered for the remaining places for the on-site events by this Friday, July 29, according to OJAC education director Erin Whitmore.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions volleyball program will begin preseason practice at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 at the Albany Junior/Senior High gymnasium in preparation for the upcoming season.

“The girls will need to be here about 7:15 a.m. to make sure they get all of their equipment,” Lady Lions coach M.J. Reneau said.

The practices are for high school teams only. Junior high teams cannot begin practice until the start of school.

By Sam Waller

The Albany City Pool will close for the summer after Sunday, July 31, but will remain available for parties already booked, according to manager Meghan Walser.

“We will have normal pool hours until then,” Walser said. “We do have private parties scheduled for Aug. 7 and Aug. 17.”

Walser said the main factor in the closure is availability of lifeguards, most of whom are high school students who will be involved in preseason sports practice next week.

By Sam Waller

Four Moran faculty members took part this week in a workshop on self care for educators.

Moran teachers Gay Williams, Carly Henson, Betty Galvan, and Anita Wheat attended the program presented by the Region 14 Education Service Center on Monday, July 25 at Southern Hills Church in Abilene. Dr. Tina H. Boogren of Denver instructed educators from several school districts on how to better take care of themselves.

By Sam Waller

Community Vacation Bible School and inaugural R.O.P.E. program closed out its four-night run Wednesday, July 27 with a Family Night and pool party.

The programs, which are sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance, were a rousing success, according to organizer Angie Hinshaw.

“Our message to the kids was that they are created by God, designed by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit,” she said.

Hinshaw said attendance for both VBS and R.O.P.E. (Rights of Passage Experience) was strong.

By Sam Waller

Houses for Healing is constructing a tiny house to serve Shackelford County residents who need a place to stay while receiving medical care in Abilene.

Houses for Healing, founded by Brian and Karen Massey, is a ministry to engage the body of Christ in caring for the sick, taking in the stranger and loving one’s neighbor.

“Just like Jesus said to do,” Brian Massey said.

By Sam Waller

Fans of Albany Lions and Lady Lions athletics will get to meet members of fall sports teams for football, volleyball, and cross country Monday, Aug. 8 at the Albany Athletic Booster Club’s Ice Cream Supper at the Bank Park.

Food will be served at 6:30 p.m. with player introductions starting at 7:00 p.m.

“Folks need to bring their own chairs,” Booster Club member Amanda Tabor said. “We’re not going to have the tables set up. It’ll be more picnic style so people can stand and move around.”

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels held a Teacher Appreciation Tuesday fundraiser Tuesday, July 26 in preparation for its Back to School Bash.

The Back to School Bash is scheduled for 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. next Monday, Aug. 1.

Heather Nitschke, Daivis Gallagher, and Brandi Lehew organized Tuesday’s event, arranging a rack of $1 items for local educators.

By Melinda L. Lucas

This Sunday afternoon, July 31, Albany High School students who are interested in dual-credit classes through Cisco College are asked to meet at the secondary library starting at 2:00 p.m., along with one or both of their parents.

The session was originally scheduled for June 3 but was postponed because of conflicts.

AISD career counselor Jenny Scott and new school counselor Kelly Windham will present the dual-credit course offerings for the 2022-2023 school year.