By Kathy Thomson

The first of four Region 14 teacher workshops hosted by the Old Jail Art Center this summer will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, July 13. 

Project Archeology

Project Archeology: Investigating Shelter is a supplementary science and social studies curriculum unit for third through fifth grades and is easily adaptable for middle school Texas and U.S. history and science classes, according to OJAC education director Erin Whitmore. 

By Kathy Thomson

Thirty-five children from China and North Korea have spent the last week at Stasney’s Cook Ranch in Albany enjoying some rest and relaxation at a family retreat sponsored by ChinaAid.

The group, including parents, guardians, and ChinaAid staff members arrived on June 26 and were scheduled to leave today. While they visited the area, they attended the Fort Griffin Fandangle, went horseback riding at Camp Able in Buffalo Gap, explored the Abilene Zoo, went to the Old Jail Art Center, learned to fish, and went swimming. 

Several stories of family members persecuted by their governments are shared by ChinaAid staff member Rebecca Isaacs.

Zhang Haitao

Zhang Haitao was 44 when he was taken away by the Xinjiang National Security Bureau on June 26, 2015. 

His bank card, mobile phone, and computer were all taken, leaving his wife, who was three months pregnant, with approximately $126. 

Haitao was initially charged with inciting “ethnic hatred and ethnic discrimination,” a charge later changed to “picking quarrels and provoking troubles.” 

The thunderstorm that produced a spectacular light show across the night sky last Saturday produced very little rain in the immediate area, but has been blamed for igniting at least six grass fires in Shackelford County.

Merrick Davis Fire

The first wildfire was reported to the Shackelford County Rural Fire Department soon after sunset on June 23, according to chief Brad Henry.

The final two performances of the 2018 Fort Griffin Fandangle will take place this weekend, wrapping up the 80th anniversary edition of the show.

Good seats are still available for both of the final two shows including a very limited number of box seats as of Monday evening.

“The stands were full Saturday and we are anticipating a lot of ticket sales this week,” said artistic director Lorna Ayers.

Review

Sixty-four entries, including floats, antique vehicles, wagons, horses and riders, fire trucks, and longhorns braved temperatures in the triple digits last Saturday afternoon to take part in the 2018 Fort Griffin Fandangle Parade.

Some of the horse-drawn wagons and old cars only went through town once, and then opted to drop out because of the heat, and the blacksmith shop/horseshoeing float pulled out because of hitch problems.

Parade Lineup

The parade was led down Main Street by Louann George playing the calliope, a Fandangle parade tradition.

The annual Fandangle Pet Parade will take place near the Picket House at the Bank Park at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29 (tomorrow), and everyone is invited to bring their favorite pet to the parade and compete for prizes in several categories.

Along with a Best in Show, winners will be named in Swimsuit, Best Costume Duo (of either two pets or one pet and their owner).

Also selected will be Most Creative Costume, Most Unique Pet, Best Celebrity Look-a-like, and Best Wild West Costume.