By Sam Waller

Rain forced the Nancy Smith Elementary School Field Day indoors earlier this week, but it couldn’t delay the start of summer vacation. Albany schools wrapped up the 2021-22 year today with early release at 2:30 p.m.

Before that, a junior high awards ceremony was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the high school auditorium.

Albany ISD offices will be closed Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day, then start summer hours on Tuesday, May 31.

By Sam Waller

Despite a late change of plans, First Baptist Church of Albany enjoyed a good attendance Sunday, May 22 for its annual Bible presentation to the Albany High School senior class.

The event, including the traditional Coke float party, was moved to early afternoon at First Baptist after a schedule change with Albany’s Baccalaureate.

First Baptist youth minister Eduardo San Lucas addressed the pending graduates before presenting Bibles. Kyle Viertel led the worship service.

Five Albany High School seniors were presented with Albany Masonic Lodge scholarships at a special meeting held at the Lodge on Thursday, May 19 for recipients and family members.

After a hamburger meal, Lodge member Kelly Head offered an opening prayer, and  Stephen Kayga led the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.

By Sam Waller

Albany Methodist Church will honor retiring pastor Tim Trimble with a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at The Feed Store.

Trimble is retiring after more than 16 years in the ministry, the last nine in Albany.

Trimble said a highlight of his time in Albany was seeing the church’s Celebrate Recovery ministry flourish.

By Donnie A. Lucas

With just three weeks remaining before the opening date, rehearsals for the Fort Griffin Fandangle are going very well, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.

“We have had a great response by cast members this year,” Ayers said. “We have picked up several more adults in just the last week in response to needing more supervision for our record number of kids in the show this year.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the June distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are June 2-3.

Moran families should pick up their commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2.

Albany families who have been certified may pick up their food on Friday, June 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.

Justice of the Peace James Breeden, who handles the program for the county, said it is very important for eligible recipients to pick up their commodities.

By Sam Waller

Local high school coaches are offering a variety of sports camps this summer for students entering kindergarten through ninth grade for the 2022-23 school year.

A basketball camp is set Wednesday-Thursday, June 1-2 at the high school gym with instruction by Tate Thompson and Ryder Peacock.

Sessions are 9:00-10:30 a.m. for grades 4-9 and 10:45 a.m.-noon for kindergarten through third grade. Registration fee is $25 per child.

Registration forms should be mailed to Ryder Peacock, 375 Ranch Road 1, Albany, Texas 76430.

By Sam Waller

Seven Albany seniors and one from Moran will participate in the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Games coming up in June.

On Friday, June 10, Albany’s Ana Balliew and Cooper Fairchild will play for the North teams in the softball and baseball games, respectively. The softball game will be played at Angelo State University’s Mayer Stadium with baseball at Foster Field.

By Sam Waller

Local youth interested in playing golf are invited to a free clinic sponsored by the Albany Kiwanis Club in cooperation with Central Texas Junior Golf.

The clinic for students in third through eighth grade is scheduled for 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 26 at the Albany Golf Club.

Instruction will be by PGA professionals.

To preregister, visit the Central Texas Junior Golf Facebook page or call 325-895-0817.

Clubs can be provided if needed.

By Sam Waller

The Moran High School class of 2022 will conduct graduation ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 27 at Bulldog Field.

Four seniors – valedictorian Johnnie Hise, salutatorian Hannah Rogers,  Harmony Slaughter, and Arren Hawley – will receive their diplomas.

Former Moran superintendent Danny Freeman will give the commencement address. Hise and Rogers will also speak, and all four seniors will have a role in the program.