By Sam Waller

Producers needing to accrue Continuing Education Units can do so Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Big Country CEU Conference in Abilene.

The day-long program will consist of six one-hour classes covering different topics. Five Agriculture CEUs and up to six Structural CEUs will be offered.

“It’s an opportunity for people to get CEUs at the end of the year if anyone needs them,” said Shackelford County Extension agent Kelsey Bell, who will help with the event. “This is an opportunity to get several.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9.

In addition to the regular foods, families who pick up next week will receive an extra “Christmas Bag” to make up for the “Thanksgiving Bags” that were scheduled to go out last month.

County justice of the peace James Breeden, who oversees the program, said that products were not available for the usual holiday bags in early November, so he is giving Christmas foods to make up for it.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual Lighted Christmas Parade will cap a full day of seasonal activities and shopping on Saturday as it rolls through downtown starting immediately following the last of three Christmas drawings starting at 6:00 p.m.

“We have about 20 official entries so far, but I have received several more verbal commitments,” parade organizer Megaen Birdwell said earlier this week. “We really want to get as many people involved as possible.”

She added that several of the entries are new to the parade this year.

By Sam Waller

The local Toys for Tots campaign will again offer barbecue sandwiches during Small Town Saturday on Nov. 26.

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who coordinates the toy drive in Shackelford County, will be assisted by members of the Moran National Honor Society. Beaty said serving will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Bank Park before the start of the Lighted Christmas Parade. In case of inclement weather, the serving line will be set up at The Albany News’ covered parking area.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Directors for the Shackelford County Hospital District awarded Christmas bonuses during a very short meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

After a closed session, Jason Price made the motion, with a second by Mary Beth Jones, to approve the bonuses for all district employees.

Specific amounts were not included in the motion, but hospital district administrator Brandi Green said that they were similar to those given last year.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will not hold a weekly luncheon on Friday because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to Chamber officer Lisa Barton.

In addition, the Shackelford County Library will be closed Thursday and Friday, and senior games on Friday are also cancelled due to the holiday.

It’s almost deadline time for Santa letters and holiday essays if they are going to be included in the Dec. 22 Christmas issue published by The Albany News. The letters should be turned in by Dec. 2.

Students in both Albany and Moran schools will be working on letters and essays in their classes, but home school students and preschool children are welcome to bring their letters by the News office.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD’s school board is a complete seven-person unit again after trustees appointed Bo Brown to serve for the rest of Dr. Cory Brown’s term, which will end in May 2023.

Dr. Brown moved out of the district earlier this year and has resigned from his Place 3 seat.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Even though the popular puppet shows at the Old Jail Art Center will not take place this year, the Christmas season is in full swing at the museum, and the OJAC education department has plenty of things planned for local families and their visitors.

Special activities for December include a DIY Drop In Gift Workshop and an upcoming family festival on Dec. 17.

DIY Workshop

By Donnie A. Lucas

The sounds of love songs – all types – were in the air Saturday during a musical performance called “The Seasons of Love,” presented by a group of local singers to benefit the Aztec Theater.

Performing on the Aztec stage, about a dozen local singers and several musicians presented a variety of music dedicated to love one way or another. The evening of music was attended by about 200 audience members, with proceeds benefitting the theater.

This was the sixth show over the past eight years by the group, performed to benefit local causes.