By Donnie A. Lucas

Response to rehearsals for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle has been great, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers, especially among the younger members of the cast.

“We have had a record number of children showing up for rehearsals which is great,” Ayers said. “But it also presents a problem of having enough adult supervision to make sure the kids all stay safe.”

The director said that the Fandangle has people in place on either side of the stage for the Indian Prairie, which is made is up of mostly children.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany City pool will open to the general public on Wednesday, June 1 with a one-day-only, free-admittance Splash Day.

Albany City pool co-managers this summer are Savannah Maberry, Meg Walser, and Mikaela Jones. Maberry helped with the operation of the facility last summer.

By Sam Waller

Local residents may still submit names for the Shackelford County veterans memorial marker.

Organizer Mary Kay O’Connor said that while it is too late to have names added to the monument in time for this Memorial Day, which will be Monday, May 30, she is continuing to work on the project.

O’Connor said veterans do not need to be deceased nor do they have to have served during wartime to be included.

Veterans’ names should be submitted the way they will appear on the marker as well as proof of service.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Following a month-long reprieve from COVID-19 cases, six positive cases have been reported over the last two weeks.

County Judge Bob Skelton reported Monday that three positive results were reported to him for the week of May 9-13. He also reported three positives the prior week of May 2-6.

A total of eight tests were administered each week.

By Sam Waller

A community-wide clean-up day, an annual promotion of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Saturday, June 11.

“We need all the help we can get,” Chamber manager Mary Beth said. “Just come on out and help us make Albany look good. If you come and put in a good amount of work for us, we’ll make sure you get something for lunch.”

All area citizens are encouraged to show up that day and work on projects aimed at beautifying Albany. The event offers an opportunity for those needing to accumulate volunteer hours to do so.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School seniors have a little over one week until they cross the stage and receive their diplomas, and several activities are planned for the soon-to-be graduates between now and Friday, May 27.

This Week

Seniors will practice for Baccalaureate during WIN time on Thursday, May 19 in the AHS auditorium,

Caps and gowns are  being distributed this week.

Gowns will need to be removed from the bags, hung up, and possibly steamed to remove wrinkles.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School  seniors are on the final countdown to graduation,and their parents and community members are finalizing plans for the traditional Project Graduation party.

Project Graduation is an all-night drug-free and alcohol-free party following commencement exercises and has been an annual tradition in Albany since 1988.

This year’s fundraising drive has resulted in adequate funding, but chairman Kenzie Fairchild said this week that any additional monies given in the next week will subsidize the seniors’ gift card amounts.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany bands will end the year with a concert set for Thursday, May 19 in the main gym at the high school beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The concert will open with selections by the high school band, followed by the sixth grade and seventh grade bands, both separately and combined.

The high school band will play again to end the program.

According to director Will Vaughan, a number of outstanding soloist awards will be awarded, along with the announcement of the John Phillips Sousa Award.

By Sam Waller

The final week of the school year will start off with two days of fun and games for Nancy Smith Elementary School students.

The annual track meet will be held Monday, May 23 at the high school track.

A field day will be Tuesday, May 24 at Webb Park.

Lunch will be provided both days.

There will be no early dismissal Monday through Wednesday. Students will be released from the elementary campus at the regular times.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany will present Bibles to members of the Albany High School Class of 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22 in the FBC sanctuary.

The event, a decades-long project of First Baptist, was combined with the school’s Baccalaureate two years ago because of COVID restrictions, and was also part of the same service last year.

The Bible presentation has been changed back to a separate event for this year.