By Sidney Bartee

ResourceCare Day Camp officially ends tomorrow, averaging 86 campers a day.

The Day Camp has been held annually since 1998, when 15 kids participated in the program to provide students with a safe place, food, activities, and experiences during part of their summer vacation.

This year, the camp started on Monday, July 12, and it will continue from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. through tomorrow, July 30.

Drop-off is between 8:20 and 8:45 each morning at the youth center.

By Sidney Bartee

Summer rehearsals for all band members began on Monday, July 25 with no practices scheduled for Fridays.

On Monday, Aug. 2, percussionists will not have separate practice, but will join the rest of the band from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday night practices are from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. so students can attend church.

Students will continue to rehearse, splitting their time between inside and outside practice, until Monday, Aug. 16.

By Sidney Bartee

Tuesday, Aug. 3 is the deadline for parents to register their children for the annual Adopt-A-Buddy school supply program sponsored by Resource Care.

Applications are available for pickup at the front desks of the Resource Center and Closet Angels.

Forms should be returned to Resource Care by the end of the workday on Tuesday.

The Adopt-A-Buddy program benefits not just elementary students, but junior high and high school ages can also qualify.

By Sidney Bartee

This year’s state sales tax holiday is set for Friday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 8.

The law exempts sales tax on qualified items – such as clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks – priced below $100, saving shoppers about eight dollars on every $100 they spend.

Because of the ­COVID-19 pandemic, cloth and disposable masks are now listed as a clothing item, making them exempt from sales tax on the weekend.

By Sidney Bartee

The Albany Ministerial Alliance sponsored Vacation Bible School began this summer’s “Destination Dig” on Sunday, July 25 and wrapped up the program on Wednesday, July 28. 

The Wednesday night program included a “Family Night,” hot dog supper, and swimming.

Multiple drawings for prizes were done at the pool for both adults and children.

Parents had the opportunity to win one of five $150 Walmart gift cards for back to school shopping.

One student won a free snow cone every day for the rest of the summer.

By Sidney Bartee

Plans are underway at the Feed Store for the upcoming school year.

The Feed Store will first be handing out “goodie bags” during registration for secondary school students on Aug. 2 and 3.

The organization will also hand out “goodies” at the staff lunch.

According to executive director Tisha Wilkins, snacks will be available for football, volleyball, cross country, cheerleaders, and band participants as they begin two-a-days and summer rehearsals.

By Sidney Bartee

The annual Back to School Bash at Closet Angels is scheduled for today, July 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Multiple drawings will be held during the two-hour event.

Families that would like to enter any drawings can sign up at the front desk, but they do not have to be present to win any prizes.

Applications for school supplies through the Resource Center will also be available.

First Financial Bank is providing hot dogs and gift cards, and Bethel Assembly will give Walmart gift cards for school supplies.

By Sidney Bartee

With the school year officially beginning for Moran students on Aug. 23, student and staff events are in full swing.

Cheer Camp

Moran varsity cheerleaders will begin cheer camp on Monday, Aug. 2.

The cheerleaders will practice from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. until Wednesday, Aug. 4.

According to cheerleader coach Liz Walls, the girls will learn new cheers, chants, stunts, and a new dance at the camp.

Walls commented that the cheerleaders held a bake sale fundraiser to fund this year’s camp.

Fall Sports

Words cannot express the prayers, love and support that we have received during the loss of Papa Hugh. We are so thankful and blessed to live in such a caring community and appreciate the cards, calls, flowers, food, visits and memories shared. 

The family of

 Hugh Lowe

By Donnie A. Lucas

Summer football workouts for the Albany Lions are slated to start Monday, Aug. 2 at the field house.

All the uncertainty of last August due to the coronavirus has cleared into a “regular” start for the program, including typical August weather.

“After having a fairly mild summer, the forecast calls for 100-degree temperatures next week,” head coach Denney Faith said. “We need the guys to be hydrating well this week in preparation, continuing when workouts start.”