First through fifth grade classes at Moran were able to attend Hardin-Simmons University’s 37th annual Western Heritage Day last Thursday, April 25.
Western Heritage Day is designed to immerse children of the Big Country in western culture as it might have been in Abilene during the 1800s.
Organizers are busy putting the finishing touches on plans for this Saturday’s Wild West Day in downtown Albany, and they are hoping that the pleasant forecast and the plethora of family friendly activities will attract a big crowd.
“We have a lot of activities planned and have put so much work into it, that I am really hoping people will show up to enjoy it,” said Albany Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones.
The rain that was predicted for this Tuesday arrived in downtown Albany in a fairly dramatic fashion just after 2:00 p.m. that afternoon, when the dark sky opened up, and rain poured down so thick that the opposite side of Main Street was hidden from view for several minutes.
Small hail, pea to dime sized, gathered into drifts on some porches and against structures, but for most, the sheer volume of water was the greater concern.
The list of honor students in the 2019 Albany High School senior class was released last week, naming Caroline Masters as valedictorian and Jillian Guinn as salutatorian.
Masters, daughter of Tami and Brian Masters, has a four-year average of 96.937.
The salutatorian, daughter of Robbin Guinn and Shea Guinn, has earned an overall average of 96.27.
Local students earn the traditional grade point average based on numeric grades for each class. However, it is actually the weighted grade point system that is used to determine class ranking.
The annual Fandangle membership Sampler, presented at Collins Creek Ranch at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, was a big success, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.
“The weather was beautiful,” Ayers said. “The turnout was great. And the show was fantastic!”
Association president Lanham Martin agreed.
“We had a really good turnout,” Martin said. “The show went smooth, and it was a great night. I think everyone had a good time, and I know that all of the seven or eight briskets that Cody Leech and Lesley Jones prepared all got eaten.”
The Albany Student Council will be hosting a blood drive at Albany High School next Monday, and seniors who donate blood for the second time this year will be eligible to wear a red honor cord at graduation.
The Hendrick Regional Bloodmobile will be at the high school from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, and although the drive is geared toward students and teachers, community members are also welcome, according to principal Edward Morales.
According to recent news broadcasts, O positive blood is in especially short supply.
Parents who need to register their child in the Head Start program for the 2019-20 school year should go to the Nancy Smith Elementary School, room 107, on Monday, April 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Head Start is a free, full-day, pre-school program for economically disadvantaged children that are three or four years old and who qualify for free meals.
Head Start is also open to students with specified disabilities.
Parents of current returning students in Head Start must recertify their child and complete a new registration packet.
Academic excellence will be recognized at the Albany High School Academic Banquet sponsored by Albany ISD, the Feed Store, and the AJSH Academic Booster Club on Monday, April 29, at 7:00 p.m., with a theme of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
The annual banquet is held in the main gym in honor of students who displayed outstanding scholarly achievement during the school year.
The menu will be fajitas, rice, beans, chips, hot salsa, and chocolate cake, according to Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins.
The public is invited to come by the First Christian Church prayer Labyrinth, located on South Pecan Street across from the Old Jail Art Center, at noon next Thursday, May 2, to join the Albany Ministerial Alliance and millions of people across the nation in prayer for the United States.
“It will be a time of prayer, and we will sing a couple of hymns,” said Alliance president Brad McBee.
Prayer by the people, for the nation, has been a part of America since it began.
Participants in JAM, the “Jesus And Me” children’s ministry at First Baptist Church, presented their end-of-the-year program on Wednesday night, April 24, and will meet next week for the final time this school year.
The annual family night at Webb City Park is set for Wednesday, May 1, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Families of JAM participants are invited for food and games.
