By Donnie A. LucasShackelford County veterans are invited to join local students for a Veterans Day celebration on next Friday, Nov. 11 at the Nancy Smith Elementary School cafeteria.The program will start at 9:00 a.m.Several patriotic songs will be presented by music students in grades 2-4.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Cub Scout Pack 255 Wolf Den has two community service projects underway for retiring unserviceable American flags and providing Thanksgiving baskets for Shackelford County residents.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Shackelford County Courthouse will “go green” next week as part of a special program intended to honor veterans.

Recipes are still being accepted for the upcoming holiday recipe section, according to Albany News editor Melinda Lucas, but time is short.The deadline is  Friday, Nov. 11, with the special tab to be included with the Nov. 17 paper ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

By Donnie A. LucasRed Ribbon Week at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the junior/senior high campus wrapped up last week with winners named in contests at both locations.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s FCCLA chapter will sell home-cooked meals Sunday, Nov. 6 at The Feed Store to raise funds for chapter members to attend regional, state, and national events.Meals of ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, rolls, and dessert will be served from 11:30 a.m.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store had an almost identical number of participants from a year ago but an unprecedented result for the 24th annual Running Man event Oct. 29.

By Sam WallerFirst Baptist Church sixth graders received a pumpkin-related message and learned to carve pumpkins during the group’s meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

By Melinda L. LucasMembers of Matthews Memorial Presbyrerian Church resume one of Albany’s longest-running traditions with their annual bazaar.This year’s event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 in the MMPC Educational Building.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Ragin’ Red Band improved their ranking from last year at the UIL Area Marching Contest, placing 15th out of the 25 Class 2A bands that competed last Saturday in Lubbock.