By Sam WallerDeadline for horse validation in advance of the Shackelford County Horse Show is Monday, May 1.The inaugural show, which gained approval from the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association earlier this month, is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 6 at the Fikes Arena on FM 601.

By Sam WallerThe garden work day at the Ben Richey Boys Ranch Albany location has been tentatively rescheduled for Wednesday, May 3, weather permitting.Weekend showers delayed the event from the original April 23 date.

By Donnie A. LucasWith teacher and staff appreciation week just a couple of weeks away, two local organizations have opted to honor school personnel a week early.The annual Ben Richey Boys Ranch dinner for teachers and staff is set for Tuesday, May 2 at the pavilion at the ranch.

By Sam WallerProject Graduation fund­raising efforts are winding down as commencement ceremonies are now less than a month away.The 33 members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 will graduate Friday, May 26. The Project Graduation party will follow.

By Melinda L. LucasOrganizations planning to award scholarships at the 2023 Albany High School graduation exercises on Friday, May 26 are asked to report their scholarship amounts and recipients by Wednesday, May 10.

Parents of Albany High School graduating seniors are reminded to gather baby pictures for The Albany News’ upcoming graduation section.Pictures are due by the end of next week, on Thursday, May 4, if possible.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance will conduct local observance of the National Day of Prayer at noon Thursday, May 4 at Bank Park.The theme for this year’s event, chosen by the NDP task force, is “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much,” based on James 5:16.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store will host an evening of praise and worship at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30 to cele­brate the fifth Sunday of the month.Organizer Kyle Viertel said the the program will include a number of songs, a spoken word message, and possibly a time to share testimony.

By Sam WallerFor nearly four decades, Polo on the Prairie has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and patient programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Research Center.

By Donnie A. LucasAnyone who would like to add a veteran’s name to the veterans memorial marker located on the Shackelford County Courthouse square needs to contact Mary Kay O’Connor by Monday, May 15.