By Sam Waller

First Christian Church of Albany has begun its Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection for 2022.

Shoeboxes are available at the church and may be picked up during regular business hours or on Sunday morning.

The last collection day is Monday, Nov. 14.

The shoebox gifts are filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to share God’s love with millions of boys and girls around the world through the Samaritan’s Purse project. Donors are also asked to contribute $9 per box to cover the costs of shipping.

First Baptist Church of Albany youth will conduct a silent auction fundraiser following services on Sunday, Oct. 23 in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Items to be auctioned will include baked goods, frozen casseroles, and desserts.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to help pay for local youth to attend camp next summer.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Several dozen cast members of the Fort Griffin Fandangle are gearing up for a special Sampler to be performed during the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards on Saturday, Oct. 29.

The show will be staged in the Stampede Room at 2:00 p.m. that day, according to Fandangle creative director Lorna Ayers.

A group with Red Steagall himself at the helm organized the event for three decades, but even though he is still involved, the 83-year-old Steagall has stepped back somewhat.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Jr./Sr. High Student Council will be out combing the streets seeking donations to the Albany Chest during the annual Trick-or-Treat For Change project on Sunday, Oct. 23.

The council will be divided into five groups and canvass the town dressed in their Halloween best, hoping for donations to assist the Albany Chest in raising their goal of $47,000 this year.

In the past, the council has typically collected about $1,000 through the event, which is all turned over to the Albany Chest.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County 4-H Food Show is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at Bethel Assembly.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said club members may prepare appetizers, main dish, side dish, or desserts.

4-Hers will compete in three separate parts of the contest, Bell said.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A total of four new ­COVID-19 cases have been reported during the last two weeks, indicating a significant decline based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Monday reported two positive test results out of six tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Oct. 10-14.

Skelton reported two positive cases out of 13 tests for the week of Oct. 3-7.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Acknowledging the problems that dyslexic students face is the goal of information going out this month from Albany ISD specialist Kristie Smith.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and Smith is trying to share as many facts about dyslexia as possible through various methods, including reading a book about dyslexia to elementary classes and meeting with parents of identified students.

According to Smith, dyslexia is one of the most prevalent language-based learning disabilities.

By Sam Waller

Deadlines are swiftly approaching for Shackelford County 4-H and FFA members who plan to exhibit at the county stock show and other winter shows.

Moran FFA will have validation for heifers, sheep and goats 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24.

Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H will have validation for heifers, sheep, and goats 4:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Albany High School ag building.

Swine validation is Sunday, Oct. 30. Late tags are $18.

By Melinda L. Lucas

About two dozen members of the Albany High School Class of 1972 celebrated their 50th reunion with a couple of activities over the weekend, meeting at the Whitney Theatre after Friday night’s game, then getting together again on Saturday.

They also rode in the homecoming parade on Friday.

Betsy Black Parsons, who hosted the events, said that four other classmates had planned to attend but weren’t able to come because of COVID and other illnesses.

By Sam Waller

Eight-time PRCA world champion bullrider Don Gay spoke to students and faculty at Moran ISD on Monday, Oct. 17.

“We had a special meeting with the teachers for about three hours,” Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said. “Don spoke about winning, relating winning in rodeo to winning on the STAAR tests.”

Gay also spoke to an assembly of sixth through 12th grades.