By Donnie A. Lucas
The 2020 Red Ribbon Campaign to educate students and the general public about drug and alcohol abuse is set for next week, Oct. 26-30, with events at both local school campuses.
This is the 32nd year that Albany ISD and the Albany Task Force on Drug and Alcohol Abuse has sponsored the week-long campaign that is held in conjunction with the national effort.
The theme for 2020 is “Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free.”
By Lynsi Musselman
The Albany High School student council will sponsor a Hendrick Regional Blood Center blood drive at the secondary campus on Monday, Oct. 26 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
The AHS student council plans to sponsor two blood drives this year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
Students who are 17 and older, or 16 with a parent’s consent, and weighing at least 120 pounds are eligible to donate.
The annual Trick or Treat for Change sponsored by the Albany student council has been cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus, according to secondary principal Glen Hill.
“We didn’t think it would be a good idea at this point to pack kids in cars and send them out around the community to go door-to-door to collect money,” he said. “We are currently considering other projects that we can do safely to make up for the fund drive.”
By Donnie A. Lucas
Like several other local events such as the Fall Fest and homecoming parade, the 23rd annual Running Man event sponsored by the Feed Store has been cancelled for this year due COVID-19 concerns.
“The board met last week and decided to postpone Running Man until next year,” executive director Tisha Wilkins said. “They want to take extra precautions to help keep students at school, so this was just one less large gathering.”
By Lynsi Musselman
The Old Jail Art Center is now offering a monthly arts and crafts workshop series through a subscription box format.
OJAC education director Erin Whitmore said that each month, subscribers will receive a supply kit and coordinating video that is password protected. Subscribers can watch and create at their convenience.
“We created a series for fall, and we will also have a series for the spring,” Whitmore explained. “Each season, the subscription includes four kits plus a holiday bonus box.”
The Albany News’ 15th annual holiday recipe section will be published in one month, with favorite recipes being solicited from all ages of current and former Albany and Moran chefs and bakers.
“We’re looking forward to getting this underway,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “I’ve already heard from a couple of people.”
All kinds of recipes from appetizers and beverages to desserts are needed.
The official deadline for the special section is Thursday, Nov. 12. The tab will be included in the Nov. 19 edition.
By Lynsi Musselman
Albany Flag Football and 7-on-7 teams have made it halfway through their seven-week season.
League organizer Anthony Ceder explained that all teams have played three games each.
The fourth and fifth grade teams have played Breckenridge squads recently, and there are other out-of-town teams lined up.
The 7 on 7 team plays in Abilene Monday nights.
Ceder said all the players are looking forward to the Super Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 7.
By Lynsi Musselman
Early voting for the Nov. 3 election began in Texas and Shackelford County, on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Shackelford County and District Clerk Cheri Hawkins said in-person early voting is being held on the first floor of the Courthouse until Friday, Oct. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including during the lunch hour.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20 and again on Tuesday, Oct. 27, the Courthouse will be open for voting from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on those two days only.
By Lynsi Musselman
The mums are getting made, and the streets are painted in preparation for Albany Homecoming 2020, an event that some felt might never get to happen.
The football game against Ranger is planned for this Friday, Oct. 16, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
Albany Junior/Senior High principal Glen Hill said with all the unknowns this school year, it is good to actually have the opportunity to celebrate Albany High School students.
By Lynsi Musselman
The fourth annual Albany Mainstreet Playhouse Mystery Dinner will take place at Fort Griffin General Merchandise next Tuesday, Oct. 20.
A cocktail hour will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the main event at 6:30 p.m.
“We have taken guests to a wedding, back to high school for a reunion, on a cruise to Hawaii, and this year we are gathering for a memorial and will reading,” said organizer Ragan Riley. “Guests are encouraged to wear their best bereavement clothing, the more dramatic the better.”
