By Kathy Thomson

Closet Angels and Neighbors in Need will both be closed until further notice, and neither will be able to accept any donations during the current coronavirus outbreak.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed CA and NIN and we will not be accepting any donations until further notice,” said director Lori Reames. “Please do not leave any items outside of the buildings, as volunteers have been instructed not to come. Anyone seen on camera leaving items will be contacted to retrieve their donations.”

Albany firefighter Jeff Hill received the Purdue-Pickard Outstanding Student Award at the Mid-West Texas Introductory Firefighter Academy at the close of the school on March 7. 

Additionally, Albany students David Hardin and Lathin Brownlee were recognized as Honorary Members of Academy Class 14, and the Albany Fire Department was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for providing critical support for the Academy. 

By Kathy Thomson

Classes in the Albany schools will resume on Monday morning, March 16 following a week-long spring break.

The tardy bells will ring as usual at 7:55 a.m. at Nancy Smith Elementary School and 8:00 a.m. at the secondary campus.

The remainder of the semester will include mandatory state testing, interrupted by one student holiday.

A teacher workday and student holiday is scheduled for Good Friday, April 11, with classes to take place as usual on Monday, April 13. 

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual Membership Drive Crawfish Boil at the Albany Golf Course next Thursday, March 19 starting at 6:00 p.m., and Chamber members, along with those who want to join the organization, are encouraged to attend.

“All Chamber members are invited,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. “And if you’re not a member, you can come and join at the party. We’ll have special membership prices that night only including families for $50, seniors for $40, and businesses based on the number of employees.”

Levi Britting of Albany was named to the All-Lone-Star Conference Men’s All-Academic Team for the 2019-20 indoor track and field season.

Britting is a member of the Angelo State University track team. He is the son of Rod and Susan Britting and Kristi Espinosa.

By Kathy Thomson

Fandangle rehearsals start next week, and everyone who wants to be in this year’s sampler or in the summer show, veteran or first-timer, is encouraged to come to the rehearsal and join their neighbors in the uniquely Albany activity.

“We invite anyone new to Fandangle or those who have been contemplating returning to Fandangle to come join us on Monday, March 16 for rehearsal,” said artistic director Lorna Ayers. “Horsemen and wagons can plan on joining us for rehearsals at Collins Creek beginning April 20.”

By Kathy Thomson

Classes at the Moran Independent School District will resume at the normal time on Monday, March 16, after the week-long spring break vacation on March 9-13. 

Cheer Tryouts

Practices for students trying out for next year’s cheer squads will take place from 4:05 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16 and again on Wednesday, March 18.

Cheer, mascot, and twirler tryouts are scheduled to take place on Friday, March 20, starting immediately after school.

Parents are not allowed inside the gym during tryouts.

By Kathy Thomson

Activities planned in Moran this month have included fundraisers, starting a community garden, and painting activities.

Ladies are invited a fun and creative activity planned at the Moran Community Center this Saturday evening, March 14.

The “Ladies Paint Night” is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Cost is $10 a person and includes canvases and paint, though attendees are encouraged to bring a pair of canvas shoes and try something new.

To reserve a spot, contact Christal Herrell at 325-669-3667.

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Chamber of Commerce second annual Membership Drive Crawfish Boil will take place at the Albany Golf Course on Thursday, March 19, starting at 6:00 p.m.

The Chamber will provide crawfish, chicken, fish, deer steak, all the fixings for the meal, and water to drink.

“You can BYOB if you want something else,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. “We’ll have live music provided by volunteers who will come up and pick and sing. We welcome others who are good at playing and singing to join in.”

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany High School 2020 competition one-act play The 39 Steps was performed in front of a live local audience at the high school auditorium on Monday, March 2, to prepare for the district competition taking place today.