By Sam WallerThe 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.

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.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany 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.

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

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

By Sam WallerAlbany 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.

By Sam WallerThe Old Jail Art Center has been promoting  Christmas spirit with an artistic flair this month, starting with free marionette shows earlier this week and continuing with the family festival on Saturday, Dec. 18.

By Sam WallerToys from the local Toys for Tots campaign may be picked up Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Youth Center.Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who heads the campaign in Shackelford and Stephens counties, works with ResourceCare to provide gifts for Albany children from infants to 11 years old.

By Sam WallerThe Shackelford County 4-H Club service projects scheduled for next week will take place as planned on Wednesday, Dec. 15.After that, it depends on the Albany Lions football team.Local 4-Hers had planned three days of leaf raking to take advantage of early-release days from school.

By Melinda L. LucasLion fans can continue showing their belief in the 2021 Albany football team by joining the community send-off on Thursday (today), Dec. 9, at 12:15 p.m. in the downtown area and along Main Street.