By Sam Waller

The 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.

If the Lions win tonight’s Class 2A Division II state semifinal, they will play in the championship game on Thursday, Dec. 16 in Arlington. Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said that puts the project in limbo.

By Sam Waller

Toys 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.

Adopt A Senior

Gift baskets for the Adopt-a-Senior program will be delivered with Vittles by Vehicle meals on Dec. 15. Approximately 40 senior citizens were adopted in the program.

Additional Needs

By Sam Waller

The 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.

Family Festival

“Posadas” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Mexico on Saturday, Dec. 18.

The event, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., is the last of several special family festivals held during the year.

By Sam Waller

Albany 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.

At the district competition, Albany competed in Senior Radio (Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, Robyn Trail), Junior Radio (Kenzie Neve, Madelynn Daugherty, Abi Hale) and Junior Quiz (Jake Hale, Brody Brown, Abi Hale, Kenzie Neve).

The Big Country District includes 23 schools.

By Donnie A. Lucas

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

The Albany Academic Booster Club is once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff by fulfilling one or more entries on the Christmas Wish List.

By Donnie A. Lucas

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

The concert was changed due to a conflict with the Albany Lions semifinal football playoff also now set for Thursday (today) in Lubbock.

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

The Sixth Grade Band will perform first at 2:30 p.m., playing two selections – Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nick.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany 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.

Three Albany students are traveling to Midland Greenwood High School this Saturday, Dec. 11 to try out for the All-Region High School Band.

Those registered to compete are Ashley Sanchez – clarinet, Chey’Anne Weaver – flute, and Trinity McBee – flute.

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.

Believe Tree for Teens typically provides gifts for about 40 junior high and high school students in Shackelford County. The program received 41 requests this year.

Unwrapped gifts should be taken to a participating church or The Feed Store by Monday, Dec. 13. They will be picked up by family members on Dec. 19.

By Sam Waller

The 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.

First Baptist

First Baptist Church will host a family hayride on Sunday, Dec. 19.

By Sam Waller

Moran basketball teams had a busy week with both boys and girls varsity teams making their first tournament appearances.

The Bulldogs started the week against Strawn Nov. 30 before competing in the Woodson tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs played in the Breckenridge tournament after dealing with schedule changes.

Both boys and girls will play in the Lueders-Avoca tournament this weekend.

Girls Games