By Melinda L. Lucas

The deadline for the Old Jail Art Center children’s workshop has passed, but organizers are willing to accept a few more signups.

According to education director Erin Whitmore, the virtual camps are full, but spots are available for the in-person Safari and Re-Create camps, and families need to sign up by this Saturday, July 23 if they want to participate.

The Aug. 3 Cultural Connections Camp about Greece is full, said Whitmore, both virtually and in person. The puppet classes, to be held online Aug. 10-12, are also filled.

By Sam Waller

The second date for the Shackelford County 4-H STEM camp was cancelled because of COVID-19 cases in the family of Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell, but at press time, leaders were still hoping to conduct the July 26 event.

Bell said with her staying home to care for family members and Kelli Kreitler out of town, there weren’t enough adult leaders available to conduct this week’s session.

By Melinda L. Luca

A blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, July 28.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.

Blood center officials said that there is always a need for blood donors of all types. In particular, officials said those who have O+ and O- are needed.

By Melinda L. Lucas

New and ongoing recipients of the Albany ISD Education Foundation scholarships need to provide proof of enrollment in order to receive their awards for the fall 2022 semester.

A total of 30 new 2022 graduate recipients need proof of enrollment, which is typically a class schedule for the fall semester, and the award letter that was in the scholarship envelope they received at graduation.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Registration for all Albany ISD students will open online beginning Monday, Aug. 1, according to school officials.

The district is once again using the Ascender Parent Portal for registration, with a link available on the district website. Parents are instructed to access the “Parents Sources” tab, then look for the Ascender Parent Portal.

Parents can login to an existing account or create a new account if they do not have one. Follow the instructions provided on the website.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Four members of the Albany FFA chapter and sponsor Chris Beard attended the Texas FFA State Convention in Ft. Worth last week, picking up a pair of awards won by the local chapter.

Representing Albany at the convention were Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, Robyn Trail, and Kenzie Neve. The students attended several leadership sessions while at the event hosted at the Ft. Worth convention center on July 11-15.

Three members of the group also served as voting delegates on several policy items, along with state officers and talent show winners.

By Sam Waller

Preparations for Community Vacation Bible School are under way with volunteers setting up for the event, which will run Sunday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 27.

A new feature for this year is the addition of the R.O.P.E. program (Rights of Passage Experience) for rising seventh graders. That group will meet 5:45-8:15 p.m. at The Feed Store.

Darla Cotter will lead the program, which focuses on learning to handle issues facing those entering adolescence.

By Sam Waller

The past two weeks have seen youth groups from First Baptist Church of Albany enjoy outdoor activities while also strengthening their relationship with Christ as they attended summer church camps.

A total of  19 preteens (fourth through sixth grades) and two adults spent July 11-15 at Camp Copass near Denton.

"Camp Copass was great,” FBC youth minister Eduardo San Lucas said. “We had two salvations, six recommitments, and five wanting to get back to Christ. It was a blessing.”

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels is once again planning a Back-to-School Bash to help families prepare for the start of the upcoming school year.

The event is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1.

Shoppers are encouraged to sign up for the drawings to win cash prizes, gas cards, and Zappos gift cards for shoes.

Everyone with school-age students in Shackelford County is invited to attend.

Director Lori Reames said Closet Angels will be closed until the event due to family issues and to ensure racks are well-stocked.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD enrollment packets will be available after Monday, Aug. 1, according to school officials.

All students planning to attend Moran school in the 2022-23 school year will need to pick up a packet from the MISD office.

The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 8 at Moran, which is employing a four-day class week this year.

Principal Jo Hise said students from outside the district will need to provide an immunization record, a birth certificate, and a copy of their social security card in order to get a packet.