By Sam WallerChildren’s summer programs at First Baptist Church of Albany get into full swing Wednesday, June 7.Children’s minister Ginger Bumguardner said there are still a few openings for the Summer SONshine program, while the community children’s choir is seeking more participants.

By Sam WallerAfter months of planning and fundraising, members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 will enjoy the fruits of their Labors Friday, May 26 with the annual Project Graduation party.The final touches are being applied this week by parents and community members in charge of the event.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-Hwrapped up its year Sunday, May 21, with officer elections at its final meeting at The Feed Store.Officers will begin their duties when the 2023-24 school year begins.“All the candidates gave speeches,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said.

By Donnie A. LucasTwo celebrity judges will be coming to Albany on Saturday, June 17 to the annual Fandangle Parade, as well as staying for the performance of the local production afterwards.

By Sam WallerPreregistration is under way for the Albany Community Vacation Bible School, which is scheduled for July 30-Aug. 1.Organizer Betsy Spraberry urged parents to sign up their children early in hopes of having ample time to plan for the event.

By Melinda L. LucasDespite a last-minute change of presenters, First Baptist Church of Albany was able to host its annual Bible presentation for the Albany senior class.The event and the traditional Coke float party was held at 2:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasThe annual Splash Day at the Albany city pool is scheduled for Thursday, June 1.The facility will be open free of charge to the general public from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. to start the beginning of the summer.Meg Walser is managing the pool this year.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany Dance Theater Company will present its 73rd Annual Recital on Saturday, June 3.The free performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Albany High School auditorium.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions extended the 2023 baseball season for another week by sweeping their Class 2A regional quarterfinal series against 10th-ranked Hamilton.The Lions (23-3) advance to the regional semifinals to take on New Home in a rematch of last year’s regional final.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions may not have gotten the prize they wanted at the Class 2A boys state golf tournament, but they definitely got a prize.After starting the final round in second place, the Lions held on to take third in the team standings, finishing a stroke ahead of hard-charging Sonora.