By Donnie A. LucasAlbany junior high students began the UIL academic season this week, competing in writing events.The meet will be conducted virtually for the most part again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all events to be completed by Dec. 7.

By Sam WallerDeadlines are creeping closer for those looking to contribute to or benefit from local holiday programs.The application deadline for Believe Tree for Teens and the Christmas Basket food drive, both sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance, is Nov. 29.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a three or four year break, the Albany chapter of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (­FCCLA) is back in action at Albany Jr./Sr. High School.

By Donnie A. LucasA total of 13 students will be inducted in the Albany Chapter of the National Honor Society during a ceremony set for Sunday, Nov. 21 at the high school auditorium.The public is invited to attend the 2:00 p.m. ceremony, which will be followed by a reception in the school library.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Junior High one act play cast has taken on the task of providing justice in the comedy “The Trial of Goldilocks,” which will be presented today in Stamford at the district contest.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany school students and staff members will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. next Tuesday, Nov. 23 for the Thanksgiving holidays.Students at Nancy Smith Elementary and Albany Jr./Sr. High will  all be dismissed early, with buses running about 12:35 p.m.

By Sam WallerFriendship Baptist Church’s fifth annual Harvest Acres bazaar offers local residents a chance to enjoy food, crafts and fellowship all while helping worthy causes.The event will start at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the church’s Activity Center located at 600 Greer St.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s First United Methodist Church will once again help the Abilene Salvation Army with its Thanksgiving meal.Local residents can contribute by bringing homemade or purchased pies to the church’s fellowship hall by 10:00 a.m. Monday.

By Sam WallerLocal shoppers can start this weekend earning tickets that can be redeemed for Albany Bucks.Albany Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones said boxes will be in stores Saturday.Tickets are earned by shopping at participating downtown or locally-owned merchants.

By Sam WallerBeverly Rogers of Albany is steadily nearing her overall goal of raising $100,000 for Alzheimer’s awareness.Rogers raised $5,825, the second-highest individual total this year in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held Oct. 9 at Abilene’s Grover Nelson Park.