By Melinda L. Lucas

Application forms for Albany Chest funds are now available at both local banks and The Albany News, with a deadline of Friday, Sept. 29.

Forms can also be requested by email at news@thealbanynews.net.

Funding requests, which are mandatory to be able to receive Chest monies, will be reviewed at the board’s next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 4, when a goal will be set.

Letters to previous Chest donors and new prospects will be mailed soon after the Oct. 4 meeting to kick off the 2023 campaign.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two artists will be featured in the Old Jail Art Center’s fall exhibitions, scheduled to open at the local museum with a members’ reception and dinner on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The evening is free to all OJAC members, who are asked to RSVP by next Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Memberships range from $15 for educators and $25 for individuals to $1,500 for “Sustainers.” To obtain a membership, call the Old Jail Art Center at 325-762-2269, email- -kbellah@theojac.org, or visit the museum’s website, www.theojac.org.

Fall Features

By Sam Waller

A total of 18 participants took part in the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community garage sale Saturday, Sept. 9.

Chamber manager Brandi Lehew said the event went well.

“I reprinted maps a couple of times Saturday morning,” Lehew said. “It was very busy. I drove around and looked at the sales, and there were a lot of cars at the sale locations.”

Lehew, who organized the event for the first time, said she foresees no changes to the format moving forward.

By Donnie A. Lucas

It was a banner year at the 37th annual First Impressions pig sale benefiting the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association on Sunday, including the largest number of pigs sold, most buyers, and the highest gross sales.

According to organizer Mike Parsons, a total of 128 head was sold, amounting to $132,700 in sales.

The highest selling individual didn’t set a record but was still a big number at $9,600. That record was set last year with a price of $20,000 paid for the grand champion boar pig. In 2021 the top pig sold for $5,000.

By Sam Waller

Big Country Piggin and the Timothy Project raised more than $2,000 to assist with medical expenses for Albany resident Willie Mosley, and the amount is expected to increase once raffle totals are obtained.

In addition, donations are still being accepted for Mosley at Clear Fork Bank.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, a day-long cornhole tournament and evening concert were held at Jackson Warehouse to benefit Mosley.

Organizer Bill Hall said the event raised approximately $2,300.

By Sam Waller

Maranatha Fellowship will have Brian Holamon of Abilene speak at its Sunday, Sept. 17, service.

The service begins at 10:00 a.m. with Holamon speaking about 10:45.

Holamon is the owner of ReVive Life Spa in Abilene. He is a medical massage therapist and body trainer.

By Sam Waller

Bethel Assembly’s The Patch fundraiser returns Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Bank Park in downtown Albany.

The event raises funds to be used for community outreach programs.

Pumpkin sales begin at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until all are sold.

The day will include a number of activities for children and families. Among the list are free family photos, face painting, train rides, a petting zoo, cornhole, and pumpkin tic-tac-toe.

By Sam Waller

Dakota Irwin began his duties as youth minister at Friendship Baptist Church with the church’s Back to School Bash and now moves into his role with the youth group.

Junior high and high school youth meet at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday nights.

Irwin, who grew up at Ranger and is a senior at Tarleton State University, said he hopes to advocate discipleship with the youth group.

“I don’t want to just stand there and preach about the Bible,” he said. “I want to give them the tools they can use to go live out what we’re talking about.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Open registration for GED classes continues weekly on Monday and Tuesday nights at the Shackelford County Library, according to local instructor Kenzie Fairchild.

Classes started Monday with three students enrolling; however, students are free to begin the program at any point.

Weekly classes are held on Monday and Tuesday each week from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and will follow the Albany ISD holiday calendar.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Students who are needing extra help can attend one of three after-school programs  offered at Nancy Smith Elementary and the Albany Jr./Sr. High campus.

All students in grades 7-12 can attend Lion Academy on Tuesday through Thursday this year, while fifth and sixth graders can stay after school on Monday through Thursday for Cub Academy.