By Melinda L. LucasA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, Oct. 12.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Ragin’ Red Band will compete Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Big Country Marching Festival at Wylie High School in Abilene.The Albany band will take the field at 11:30 a.m., according to director  Will Vaughan, and the public is invited to attend.

By Donnie A. LucasMembers of the National Honor Society recently elected officers and discussed upcoming projects for the school year.Kiana Roberson was elected as president of the group, while Brooklyn Abbate was named vice president.

Albany students will have a holiday on Monday, Oct. 9 in observance of Columbus Day.The staff will also have a holiday if they have fulfilled the required numbers of workshop hours.Classes will resume for all AISD students on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the regular time. The bell will ring at 7:55 a.m.

By Sam WallerBethel Assembly’s The Patch fundraiser provided a morning full of family activities in addition to raising money for community outreach programs.“We had a great turnout at The Patch this year,” organizer Christina Daugherty said.

By Sam WallerAfter two road games and an open date, The Feed Store’s Fifth Quarter youth gathering returns Friday, Oct. 6 with its third installment of the 2023 football season.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store hosted a record crowd for the Saw You at the Pole youth rally Wednesday, Sept. 27 to cap off the See You at the Pole prayer event.The evening rally, organized by Paul Johnston, drew an estimated 270 to 300 participants.

By Sam WallerTrinity Lutheran Church will hold its annual Mission Festival at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 with pastor Keith Reich of Cisco’s Redeemer Lutheran Church speaking.After the service, a meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

By Donnie A. Lucas& Sam WallerThe deadline to make reservations for the 19th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala is Monday, Oct. 9.The Gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Collins Creek Ranch, featuring Aaron McDonnell and the Neon Eagles, and includes a meal and silent auction.

By Sam WallerEight students from Moran’s dual-credit advanced animal science class visited the 6666 Ranch at Guthrie to tour equine facility and breeding program.Superintendent John Denson said the group was escorted by Eric Van Reet, the ranch’s stallion manager.