By Sam Waller

There are three weeks  left in the annual Albany Chest campaign and contributions are badly  needed in order to meet the 2021 fundraising goal of $46,000. 

The goal was set by the directors at the start of the campaign after they reviewed the submitted funding requests from 26 organizations. 

The total donated as of Tuesday, Dec. 7 was $23,464. 

This year, more than two dozen groups covering pre-school to senior citizens and youth sports to community service have submitted requests.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The year is underway for local Cub Scouts, who have had several meetings since organizing in September.

Cubmaster Jacey Shack said that about nine members are finishing up the annual popcorn sales and other projects planned by Den Leaders of the Lion, Wolf, Bear, and Tiger dens.

The Scouts will also be participating in upcoming camping trips designed to “get them back outdoors,” and they provided a Color Guard for the school’s Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 11.

By Sam Waller

The 13th annual Christmas Feast will be held Saturday, Dec. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Tamara Trail, one of the event organizers, said there is no charge for the meal, and anyone is welcome to receive food.

“It’s intended to provide  Christmas Day fellowship for those who may not have family in town this year,” Trail said. “It’s an opportunity to let people know how much the Lord loves them and to celebrate this day and not be alone.”

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels and The Local Exchange) formerly Neighbors in Need) will be closed over the school Christmas break so volunteers can have time with their families.

The last day Closet Angels will be open is Wednesday, Dec. 15. The ministry will reopen Jan. 5.

“We close whenever the schools do,” Closet Angels director Lori Reames said. “This is going to be the long­est break we’ve ever had. That’ll be three Mondays that we’re off.”

Reames said there will be plenty to keep volunteers busy through the break.

By Sam Waller

The Christmas season is being celebrated with a wide range of special activities and services at Albany churches.

Some pastors and congregations have not yet finalized plans for Christmas events. Any changes or additions will be publicized in future issues if requested.

First Baptist

First Baptist Church will host a family hayride on Sunday, Dec. 19.

All 41 ornaments that were part of the Believe Tree for Teens program were claimed from local churches last weekend. Now contributors have until Monday to fill the wish list they selected.

Believe Tree for Teens typically provides gifts for about 40 junior high and high school students in Shackelford County. The program received 41 requests this year.

Unwrapped gifts should be taken to a participating church or The Feed Store by Monday, Dec. 13. They will be picked up by family members on Dec. 19.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany eighth grader Cheyenne Hebel earned a seat on the All-Region Junior High Band last Saturday.

Hebel competed at San Angelo’s Lake­view High School, taking 11th chair among the 80 trumpet players who tried out.

Three Albany students are traveling to Midland Greenwood High School this Saturday, Dec. 11 to try out for the All-Region High School Band.

Those registered to compete are Ashley Sanchez – clarinet, Chey’Anne Weaver – flute, and Trinity McBee – flute.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The traditional Christmas concert that was scheduled for Thursday featuring the three Albany school bands has been postponed until Sunday, Dec. 12.

The concert was changed due to a conflict with the Albany Lions semifinal football playoff also now set for Thursday (today) in Lubbock.

The concert is divided into three sessions so students and parents don’t have to stay for all the bands unless they want to.

The Sixth Grade Band will perform first at 2:30 p.m., playing two selections – Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nick.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The link to the Christmas Wish List for Albany school teachers and staff is now available to be accessed on three different sites.

The Albany Academic Booster Club is once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff by fulfilling one or more entries on the Christmas Wish List.

By Sam Waller

Albany FFA competed in the Big Country District Leadership Development Event on Nov. 15 at Cisco College, winning a Sweepstakes award.

The FFA program received a banner commemorating the achievement Monday at the Area IV FFA banquet at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

At the district competition, Albany competed in Senior Radio (Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, Robyn Trail), Junior Radio (Kenzie Neve, Madelynn Daugherty, Abi Hale) and Junior Quiz (Jake Hale, Brody Brown, Abi Hale, Kenzie Neve).

The Big Country District includes 23 schools.