By Melinda L. Lucas

In addition to looking for people to purchase hamburgers this next Sunday, the Ministerial Alliance is also looking for volunteers from each church to help sack and serve the meals.

The event benefitting the Lee Hail family, will be held at Friendship Baptist Church at noon on Sunday, Dec. 5, with hamburgers, chips, cookie, and a drink available for donations.

Hail, who pastored the United Pentecostal Church, died recently after contracting COVID.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An Albany blood drive is set for today, Dec. 2, coinciding with an announcement that there is a critical need for blood in the Big Country.

According to Kelsey Caprio with the blood center, the holidays have led to a critical shortage of blood A and O blood types, but all types are needed.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H will be slowing down for a bit this month, but not coming to a complete stop.

Local 4-Hers will take advantage of early-release days from school on Dec. 15-17 to conduct their next service projects.

By Sam Waller

There is less than a month left in the annual Albany Chest campaign, and many more contributions are needed in order to meet the 2021 fundraising goal of $46,000. 

This year, more than two dozen groups ranging from pre-school to senior citizens have submitted requests totaling more than $56,000.

However, the goal was set at a more reasonable $46,000, with collections of $21,566 as of Monday afternoon’s deadline time.

Local residents are reminded that everyone is asked to give what they can, even if they cannot contribute large amounts.

By Sam Waller

Albany churches are getting ready for Christmas with several planning special events and services leading up to the holiday.

Some pastors and congregations have not yet finalized plans for Christmas events. Any changes or additions will be publicized in future issues if requested.

First Baptist

First Baptist Church will hold a JAM Christmas party for the 100+ children in the Wednesday night program at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

Details were still pending at press time, but several special activities are being planned.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local residents are invited to come catch the Christmas spirit at the annual Albany Bands Christmas Concert set for Thursday, Dec. 9 in the high school auditorium.

The concert is again being divided into three parts so students and parents don’t have to stay for all the bands unless they want to.

The Sixth Grade Band performs first at 6:30 p.m., playing two selections – Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nick.

The Seventh Grade Band will play two songs starting at 7:15 p.m., including March of the Toy Soldier and Carole of the Bells.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Academic Booster Club is once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff through its Christmas Wish List program.

Sponsored by the “Rise and Shine” committee, the event enables local residents who want to participate to access a wish list teachers and staff have been asked to make of items they would like to have for their classrooms or offices.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The student and teacher of the six-weeks for the second grading period were announced recently.

Seventh grader Mimi Ivy was selected by fellow students and teachers as the student of the six weeks, receiving a pair of Apple air pods.

The students and teachers at the junior high and high school campus also picked special education teacher Missy Dutchover as the teacher of the six weeks. She received a $50 cash prize.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany Junior High and Nancy Smith Elementary students are competing in a number of UIL academic events this week, culminating on Tuesday, Dec. 7 when all contests must be completed.

Each of the participating schools in the district are mostly conducting contests locally, with each school scoring their own contestants when possible and sending the totals to be tallied by Tuesday.

The remote format was implemented last year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with schools continuing the process this year out of caution.

By Sam Waller

Toys for Tots raised more than $600 Saturday providing barbecue sandwiches for attendees at Albany’s Lighted Christmas Parade.

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who heads the campaign in Shackelford and Stephens counties, said the project netted $614 in donations.

“That’s pretty good for just a couple of hours of serving meals,” he said. “We had some good donations.”

Beaty commended members of Albany High School’s National Honor Society for their assistance.