By Sam WallerResourceCare collected almost 7,000 cans of food to benefit food banks in Albany and Cross Plains through its Battle of the Schools Food Drive.“It went better than we could have hoped for,” ResourceCare program assistant Ragan Riley said.

By Donnie A. LucasAn induction ceremony for new members to the Albany chapter of the National Honor Society has been set for Sunday, Nov. 21.The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will start at 2:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

By Sam WallerCongregations from Albany’s First Christian Church, First Baptist Church, and First United Methodist Church are participating in the Samaritan’s Purse annual Operation Christmas Child.

By Sam WallerFriendship Baptist Church will hold its fifth annual Harvest Acres bazaar on Nov. 20.The event has been scheduled for the Saturday before Thanksgiving since its inception. This year’s Harvest Acres will start at 9:00 a.m. at the church’s Activity Center located at 600 Greer Street.

By Donnie A. LucasWith the arrival of cooler temperatures, a special donation drive to collect blankets for senior citizens to be able to stay warm over the winter has reached a little less than half of the goal.

By Melinda L. LucasA handmade quilt is being raffled in memory of the late Carolyn Guinn Waller, local educator, librarian, volunteer, city council member, and avid quilter.

By Melinda L. LucasEveryone in the community is invited to a night of praise and worship at The Feed Store this Sunday, Nov. 14.According to Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins, a live band featuring Kirk House of Abilene will provide music for about an hour starting at 6:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Independent School District will hold its Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 18.The event is open to all community members.Meals will cost $3.83 for adults and $3.09 for students.Pre-K and kindergarten students will start lunch at 11:00 a.m. and will eat in their classrooms.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Independent School District has been designated a District of Innovation, giving it more local control and flexibility.Moran ISD superintendent John Denson said the district was notified by the Texas Education Agency Oct. 20 that the district’s application was approved .

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a festive holiday season with several events on tap.Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said Albany Bucks tickets, the Lighted Christmas Parade, and memorial ornament sales are once again on the calendar.