By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany Chamber of Commerce members will be treated to a Crawfish Boil at the Depot Thursday (today) beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“All Chamber members are invited,” Chamber executive secretary Mary Beth Jones said. “This is an appreciation event for all current members.”

A check-in table will be set up in the parking lot at the Chamber office for anyone who wants to renew a membership or join.

The menu for the event will feature crawfish, fish and all the fixings. Water will be provided.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Grandparents Week at Nancy Smith Elementary continues today and tomorrow, along with the associated Book Fair.

The Parent-Teachers Organization is hosting the annual Book Fair in the cafeteria on the same days that grandparents are welcome to eat with their grandchildren or other students who might need a stand-in.

“It has been booming so far,” counselor Susie Beard said Tuesday. “We have had lots of grandparents for lunch, as well as both parents and grandparents at the book fair.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Old Jail Art Center’s Junior Docent Corps will host Slow Art Day this Saturday, April 9, with student workers on hand from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to discuss artwork with museum visitors.

“Slow Art Day is an international event where museums ask visitors to slow down and explore the art around them,” explained Kirsten Hahn, Education Programs Coordinator at the Old Jail. “Our Junior Docents, inspired by their favorite pieces, have created activities throughout the museum to encourage you to get up close and personal with our galleries.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will host their annual Easter egg hunt at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 at Webb City Park.

The park will be sectioned off for each individual age group.

All children will need to meet with their parents at the pool parking lot before the hunt begins to find their sections.

This will be the 20th year for the community egg hunt.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the April distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8.

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 7.

Albany families who are eligible for the April food distribution program may pick up their food on Friday, April 8, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Excitement is building with final touches being made to the traditional Sampler of the Fort Griffin Fandangle, which is just over a week away on Saturday, April 16 at the historic Matthews Ranch for the first time in 25 years.

All current members of the association are invited  to attend the preview performance for the summer shows at Reynolds Bend on the Lambshead Ranch. Show time has been set for 6:00 p.m., with the gates at the site opening at 5:30 p.m.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Another annual Albany Classic Car Show is gearing up for Saturday, April 16 in downtown Albany, with the public urged to come view dozens of vintage cars and trucks.

Organizer and car enthusiast Robert Snyder said he has had a good response so far of owners planning to attend.

“We realize it is Easter weekend, but a lot of the car owners actually like that because they feel more out-of-town visitors are here to come see the cars,” Snyder said. “We are expecting another good show if the weather cooperates.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Not to diminish any of the success of the Albany High School band earning a sweepstakes award last week, but the current group is not the first Albany band – or even the second – to earn the distinguished designation.

The News stated last week that the sweepstakes award was “thought” to be the first in program history. However, several readers of the newspaper quickly pointed out the mistake.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-Hers qualified for state competition last week in both fashion and horse judging events.

The qualifiers will compete at the State Roundup this summer.

There will also be photography submissions at state, according to Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell.

At the District 7 Fashion Show held March 30 at Llano, Johnnie Hise placed first in Construction Everyday Living and second in Natural Fibers, both in the Senior Division, to advance to state. Hise also helped emcee the event.

By Sam Waller

Local churches are making preparations for special Easter activities with a number of Holy Week programs in addition to Easter Sunday services.

Easter Sunday falls on April 17 this year.

Friendship Baptist Church will conduct its traditional flowering of the cross during Easter morning services at 10:55 a.m. An Easter egg hunt for children will follow worship services.