By Donnie A. LucasThe link to the Christmas Wish List for Albany school teachers and staff is now available on the Facebook page for the AJHS Academic Booster Club.

By Donnie A. LucasThe sounds of Christmas will be featured at the annual Albany Christmas Band concert on Sunday starting at 4:00 p.m. with the high school band in the high school auditorium.The seventh grade band will follow at 4:45 p.m.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H is staying busy right up until the holiday break with club members participating in or preparing for upcoming contests.Club members Grace and Faith Fry took part in the NCHA Cutting Horse Judging Contest last weekend in Fort Worth.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s National Honor Society made a contribution of more than $600 to the local Toys for Tots Campaign.Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty said he is beginning to wind down the campaign for 2022, collecting donated toys from Albany Junior/Senior High after accepting the donation.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Old Jail Art Center has been promoting Christmas spirit with an artistic flair this month, starting with an ongoing gift workshop and continuing with a family festival on Dec. 17.

By Melinda L. LucasWith a special “Christmas Bag” available this month, pick-up dates for the December distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9.

By Melinda L. LucasEven though the original Dec. 2 deadline has passed, Santa letters will be accepted by The Albany News for a few more days.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a four-year absence, the presentation of the Albany Nativity is set for two performances this weekend at the Aztec Theater.The production, first written and produced in 1939 by Albany playwright Robert Nail, is opening on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasA project that retiring Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton has been working on was finally realized this week as commissioners and other county workers joined him on the Courthouse Square Tuesday.

By Donnie A. LucasA new concert series for the spring season hosted by Albany Live at the Aztec Theater was recently announced, with the first performance set for Jan. 14.