By Sam Waller

Children’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.

The Summer SONshine program will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Children’s Big Room.

Space is limited by transportation, so prospective participants are encouraged to sign up soon.

By Sam Waller

After 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 Waller

Shackelford 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. “Each office was uncontested. We had as many candidates as positions available, which worked out great. We followed parliamentary procedure to vote them into office uncontested.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Two 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.

Texas icon Red Steagall, an American actor, musician, poet, and stage performer who focuses on American Western and country music, and Tim Long, president of Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards at Ft. Worth, have both committed to serve as parade judges and attend the Fandangle, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.

By Sam Waller

Preregistration 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.

Spraberry said a flyer has been prepared with a QR code that can be scanned to link to a registration website. It appears on page 8A of this edition of The Albany News.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Despite 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. Sunday with almost all graduating seniors and family members attending.

FBC youth minister Eduardo San Lucas was ill, so Rick Davis addressed the graduates briefly and presented Bibles.

Many stayed for Coke floats, an observance that has been enjoyed by more than 50 years worth of Albany graduates.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The 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. She and city workers have already put in quite a few hours getting the facility ready for the opening, cleaning not only the pool but the concession area and restrooms.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The 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.

There are eight featured seniors in this year’s recital, including Presley Green, Leddie Leech, Chloe Daugherty, Brooke Kayga, Briley Tabor, Gracie Price, Melissa Olivarez, and Sierra Sanchez.

More than 100 students from Albany, Moran, and several surrounding towns participate in the local dance program.

By Sam Waller

The 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. Game 1 of the series is set for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 25 (today) at McMurry’s Walt Driggers Field. After a day off for graduation, the series resumes with Game 2 at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 27 at Lubbock Christian’s Hays Field.

By Sam Waller

The 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.

“It feels good,” Lions coach Tate Thompson said of collecting a trophy and medals. “It’s not as good as it would be with a silver medal, but it still feels good.”