By Donnie A. LucasNominees and other class royalty were selected last week for Albany High’s homecoming set for Friday, Oct. 14.The traditional “big” homecoming celebration held by the Albany Ex-Students Association and the high school will kick off with a parade at 5:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerPumpkins will be on parade and for sale Saturday, Oct. 1 when Bethel Assembly holds its annual The Patch fall celebration at Bank Park.The pumpkin market will open at 10:00 a.m. and last until the pumpkins sell out. Proceeds will benefit Bethel Assembly community ministries.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes will participate in the annual Fields of Faith program Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Graham’s Newton Field.The event is one of seven put on by the Big Country FCA.

First Christian Church will celebrate a Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 10:00 a.m. on the south side lawn of the church.“Everyone is welcome to bring their furry friends for a word of blessing at this short and meaningful service,” said pastor Brad McBee.

Dear Editor:Let’s make Albany more bird-friendly by being a Lights Out community.Help protect migrating birds this fall by going Lights Out! Turn off all non-essential lights from 11pm – 6am every night, especially during peak migration Sept. 5 – Oct. 29!

By Sam WallerThe Albany NFL Flag Football League will have 102 players when the season kicks off Saturday, Oct. 1.The league will have 12 teams, four in each age division.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the October distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Oct. 6 and Friday, Oct. 7, with no restrictions.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, sponsored by the Albany Lions Club, will be in Albany in a little over a week, with two shows on Friday, Oct. 7.

By Sam WallerHealth issues continued to be a problem for the Moran volleyball team last week as the Lady Bulldogs dropped their only match in three sets.The Lady Bulldogs began their last week before the start of district play Tuesday, Sept. 27 at Woodson. Results will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerSue Breeden likes to bead, and judges at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo seem to like her work.For the fourth year in a row, Breeden earned a blue ribbon for winning her class in the Pinterest Division at the fair.“I enjoy doing it and probably will continue,” she said this week.