By Kathy Thomson

Christmas Eve is only a dozen days away, and along with all of the shopping, baking, and family events scheduled for the season, local churches have set aside times for believers to pause and remember the real reason for the season: the celebration of God coming into the world as a helpless infant, all so that He could eventually sacrifice Himself on a cross to pay for all sins and allow his followers to once again join in fellowship with their Creator.

By Kathy Thomson

The 11th annual Christmas Feast will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. Serving will end around 1:00 p.m.

According to one of the organizers, Tamara Trail, the dinner is free to the public, and anyone is welcome. 

The menu for the feast includes beef tenderloin, turkey, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and dessert.

By Kathy Thomson

Students in the Moran Independent School District are finishing junior high University Interscholastic League academic contests on Thursday, Dec. 12, and then have an optional/required fifth day on Friday, Dec. 13.

Classes will release at 12:00 noon on Dec. 13.

Last week, children from Moran attended the annual puppet shows at the Old Jail Art Center in Albany, and more Christmas time activities are planned over the next few days.

PTO Holiday Meal

By Kathy Thomson

Winners were chosen in two divisions from among the participants in the 13th annual Lighted Christmas Parade that filled the downtown area with lights last Saturday evening, the Memorial Tree was lit, and Albany Bucks were awarded to those whose tickets were pulled out of the hopper in the drawings for local script.

As in previous years, the rules for the drawings stipulated that “you must be present to win.”

By Kathy Thomson

The Feed Store has a lot of events on its December calendar including a senior citizens “Legacy” dinner, a fundraising meal, the annual youth Christmas party, and opportunities for students to study for exams. 

Former Feed Store director Grant Zeller and his new wife Emily were the guests of honor at a Christmas ornament shower on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Legacy Dinner

The “Legacy” Seniors Christmas Dinner took place on Monday, Dec. 2.

By Kathy Thomson

This Saturday, Nov. 30, is the deadline to register fifth and sixth grade boys and girls to play in the Albany Little Dribblers Association youth basketball league, according to organizer Clint Chapman.

Sign-up forms were sent home from the elementary school last week.

Registration is $35 and includes a team shirt. 

The fee and completed paperwork should have been returned to the elementary school office before the Thanksgiving break, or they can be given to Chapman by the Nov. 30 deadline.

Photo packages of local flag football teams and individuals have been printed and are now available.

Parents who paid in advance or who have valid accounts can pick up their packages at The Albany News office.

Others can be ordered when they are paid.

By Kathy Thomson

Students and teachers at Nancy Smith Elementary School are wrapping up a full five days of Grandparents Week celebration.

“Grandparents Week is going really well,” said administrative assistant Stephanie Gleitz on Tuesday. “We’ve had a good turnout.”

NSES students’ grandparents and “substitute” grandparents were invited to join their family members for a special lunch, classroom visits, and entertainment during Grandparents Week Nov. 18-22.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The location of the annual community-wide Thanksgiving service has changed since it was first publicized last week. 

The traditional service sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance will be held at the First Christian Church rather than the Albany Church of Christ, beginning at 6:00 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 24.

First Baptist Church pastor Jeff Turner will deliver the message at the Sunday night event, and other members of the Alliance will also participate in the program.

By Kathy Thomson

Christmas, which in America is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings, gift giving, and holiday foods, is only a month away, and members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance are once again working to try and insure that everyone in the county, even those who are having financial difficulties, have a chance to enjoy a special Yuletide meal this year.

Applications for the Alliance’s Christmas baskets are currently available at participating churches and at ResourceCare.