The families of Liz Walls and Donna Balliew want to thank you for all the texts, prayers, and phone calls on behalf of our parents, Don and Joyce Sazama. Your love and support means the world to us. They loved their Albany community.

The Sazama Family

Dear Editor:

It was the middle of December, 1960. President Eisenhower was getting ready to hand over the reins to President elect Kennedy. On the radio, Johnny Horton was singing about going North to Alaska. And I was in the eighth grade and living in Temple, Texas. The Telegram (the Temple paper) had run several articles that week about the upcoming State Finals game between Albany and Crosby. I had never been to a state finals game and was very excited when Dad told me we were going.

Dear Editor:

Many years ago we moved to Albany. One of the first things that impacted me was the oilfield Christmas tree on one mile hill. It brought so much joy coming into town and seeing that tree all lit up. It was such a welcoming sight during the Christmas season.

It would be so nice if some of the “movers and shakers” in our community would make that happen again. Perhaps, some club or organization could take it on as a project for the community.

Merry Christmas!

Mary Rose

I am amazed at your hospitality, love, care, and kindness. You have made me feel so welcome in your gracious communities. I will sincerely miss every one of you.

I am pleased and saddened at the same moment as I announce my retirement. It has been my greatest pleasure to serve you as your UPS delivery man for 17 and a half years. My last day to deliver to you will be Thursday, October 27.

Dear Editor:

Let’s make Albany more bird-friendly by being a Lights Out community.

Help protect migrating birds this fall by going Lights Out! Turn off all non-essential lights from 11pm – 6am every night, especially during peak migration Sept. 5 – Oct. 29!

By Brad McBee

A few months ago, I sat at the labyrinth across from the Old Jail Art Center with my Bible and devotional. It was a beautiful early morning, and I was enjoying the day and my prayer time.

Suddenly I saw a flutter high up in the tree in front of me. I couldn’t quite make out what it was. I knew it was a bird, a small one of some kind, and then I saw the distinguishing mark, and I knew right away what it was.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone. The food, cards, donations, visits, and outpouring of love and kindness shown to our family was truly heartwarming.

Dinty will definitely be missed by many.

Thanks and love

from the family of

Dinty Bowman

By Brad McBee

Earlier in the month I caught sight of my first Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (also known as the Texas Bird-of-paradise) of the year. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is by far one of my favorite birds of Texas. 

When I first moved to Texas, this elegant bird immediately caught my attention, sweeping through the air as it dashes to catch insects in flight. If the windshield of my truck is any indicator, there are plenty of bugs that need to be eaten.

Dear Editor:

Thank you to the citizens of Albany for your support last week during the unprecedented winter weather event and the conditions that resulted from the extreme cold. The heroes are numerous as a city faces such challenges!

Billy Holson led Albany through this time with knowledge and determination. All of the city’s employees, along with many others, worked alongside Billy 24 hours a day to keep the water and electricity on.

Countless hours were spent in freezing, miserable conditions.