By Donnie A. Lucas

After a four-year absence, the presentation of the Albany Nativity is set for two performances this weekend at the Aztec Theater.

The production, first written and produced in 1939 by Albany playwright Robert Nail, is opening on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., with a second performance on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:00 p.m.

As is the tradition, tickets to the performance are free of charge and will be available at the box office starting 45 minutes prior to each show.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Even though the original Dec. 2 deadline has passed, Santa letters will be accepted by The Albany News for a few more days.

Several local teachers have indicated that a large number of children have been out of school with flu, strep throat, and other illnesses during the last couple of weeks, so they are still gathering some letters and essays from their students.

The special section containing Santa letters and short compositions about Christmas, will be published Thursday, Dec. 22.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With a special “Christmas Bag” available this month, pick-up dates for the December distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9.

Certified families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food and the extra Christmas food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 8.

Albany families or individuals who are on the list can pick up their commodities at the rear door of the JP office next to the courthouse from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday moring.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Old Jail Art Center has been promoting Christmas spirit with an artistic flair this month, starting with an ongoing gift workshop and continuing with a family festival on Dec. 17.

DIY Gifts

The Old Jail Art Center’s Christmas DIY Drop-In Gift Workshop is continuing for another week until next Thursday, Dec. 15 in the Stasney Center for Education, with about a dozen different kinds of gifts to make.

Ranging from ornaments to scented soap, prices for the handmade gifts start at $3 and go up to a maximum of $10.

By Sam Waller

Albany’s National Honor Society made a contribution of more than $600 to the local Toys for Tots Campaign.

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty said he is beginning to wind down the campaign for 2022, collecting donated toys from Albany Junior/Senior High after accepting the donation.

“I’m trying to get everything wrapped up by Monday, Dec. 12,” Beaty said. “ResourceCare is doing their pickup next week. I’ll bring a bunch of stuff to the Youth Center, and they’ll take it from there.”

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H is staying busy right up until the holiday break with club members participating in or preparing for upcoming contests.

Club members Grace and Faith Fry took part in the NCHA Cutting Horse Judging Contest last weekend in Fort Worth.

Grace placed first individually with Faith finishing third.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The sounds of Christmas will be featured at the annual Albany Christmas Band concert on Sunday starting at 4:00 p.m. with the high school band in the high school auditorium.

The seventh grade band will follow at 4:45 p.m., with the sixth grade band students concluding the program with their selections starting at 5:30 p.m.

The concerts are again divided into three sections to allow students and parents to chose the band they want to hear and not have to attend all three unless they want to, according to director William Vaughan.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The link to the Christmas Wish List for Albany school teachers and staff is now available on the Facebook page for the AJHS Academic Booster Club.

Club members are once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff by fulfilling one or more entries on the Christmas Wish List submitted by teachers and staff members.

The wish lists are hosted on SignUpGenious.com and a link is available on the AJSH Academic Booster Club Facebook page.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Regular school day hours could change next Wednesday and Thursday somewhat if the Lion football team advances to the state playoff game.

School officials are waiting to see if the Lions win the semifinal game against New Home on Thursday (today) in Sweetwater before announcing any changes to the school schedule.

The Lions will play at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington if they advance to the championship game.

By Sam Waller

Albany FFA was among several chapters recognized for achievements in the spring and fall at the Big Country District Banquet at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene on Monday, Dec. 5.

Albany FFA adviser Chris Beard said 12 chapter members attended the event.

Last spring, Albany FFA claimed 15 banners at the district, region and state level in events such as Plant Identification, Cotton, Environmental Natural Resources, Range and Pasture, Wildlife, Homesite Evaluation, and Land Judging. Albany teams advanced to state in Plant ID, Cotton and ENR.