By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour knocked out the first two of its scheduled four programs in the span of five days with children getting the chance to learn about different animals.

On June 9, beekeeper Mark Routon gave a presentation on bees.  Then on Tuesday, June 13, Lori Schooler gave a presentation on chickens.

Story hour will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesdays for the next two weeks. Preschool children must be accompanied by an adult. The program will include crafts and games related to each story.

By Sam Waller

The First Baptist Church youth program is again planning to conduct a fundraising volleyball tournament after an earlier effort fell through in March.

The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 24 at the Albany High School gym, with an entry deadline of Thursday, June 22. Proceeds will go to help fund attendance at summer camps for FBC youth.

FBC youth minister Eduardo San Lucas said he is looking for volunteers to assist with the event.

Maxine Moore, age 92 of Albany, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 16 at Friendship Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Services have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Maxine Levelle Rhodes was born Jan. 21, 1931 in Olden, Texas to Henry Arnold Rhodes and Gladys Mae Ferguson Rhodes. On Aug. 7, 1947, she married J.M. Moore in Albany, Texas.

Alice Lynn Breeden, age 80 of Snyder, formerly of Albany, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Slaton Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 15 at First Christian Church of Albany, with Pastor Robert Webb officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After a return performance by the “Fancy Dancers” at the Old Jail Art Center on Saturday afternoon, a well-known Native American artist will discuss works in the OJAC’s current exhibition, “Cheyenne Ledger Drawings: Stories of Warrior Artists.”

The Focus Lecture by Gordon Yellowman is planned for 3:00 p.m. in the Stasney Center, with the dance exhibition in the Marshall R. Young Courtyard earlier at 2:00 p.m.

Fancy Dancers

By Donnie A. Lucas

Owners of pets of all types are urged to enter the annual Fandangle Pet Parade Saturday, June 24  beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The parade will take place at the Bank Park with prizes awarded for Best Dressed, Most Creative, Most Unique Pet, and Best Fandangle Costume.

Pet owners are encouraged to dress pets up in their best wild west attire.

Early registration is recommended  by looking for the Google form on the Fandangle’s Facebook page. Otherwise, registration will begin at the Bank Park at 9:30 a.m. the morning of the parade.

By Sam Waller

Albany’s summer 7-on-7 program qualified for the 7-on-7 State Tournament by winning its side of the Abilene State Qualifying Tournament Friday, June 9 at McMurry University.

Albany qualified in Division II, which includes Class 1A (six-man) through Class 3A Division II. Albany qualified for state for the fifth time in its history, following Division II berths in 2015-16 and Division II berths in 2019 and 2021.

By Sam Waller

Albany Lions baseball coach David Fairchild has been recognized by his peers by being selected to coach in this year’s Texas High School Baseball Association All Star Game.

Fairchild will help coach the North team in the Class 2A-4A game, scheduled for noon Saturday, June 17 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.

By Sam Waller

Eight Albany graduates took to courts and fields for the last time as high schoolers last week during the 2023 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival.

Local participation started Friday, June 9, with the 10th annual FCA All-Star softball and baseball games at San Angelo. On Saturday, June 10, basketball games were played in Brownwood while volleyball and football games were held in Abilene with Albany cheerleaders providing support.

Softball

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Parker Henry exceeded his expectations in his first time competing in the USS Strongman National Championships, placing ninth among 24 competitors in the Open Men’s Middleweight class (198 pounds or less).

Henry finished with a total of 65.5 points despite “zeroing out” in one of five events in the meet, held Saturday, June 3, at Hyatt Regency Dallas.