By Kathy Thomson

Books, posters, and educational products for next week’s annual Scholastic Book Fair were expected to arrive at Nancy Smith Elementary School this morning and as of press time on Tuesday, volunteers were still wanted to work during a few slots during the book fair, as well as assistants for set-up and take down, according to Parent Teacher Organization president Ginny Ivy.

The Albany PTO’s traditional fundraiser is set for next week, Feb. 10-14 in the grade school cafeteria and is also available online. 

By Kathy Thomson

In response to recent inquiries by readers who were wondering if Albany currently has a food pantry, The Albany News contacted ResourceCare program assistant Ragan Riley for information about the assistance they offer.

According to Riley, the food bank at ResourceCare is open Monday through Friday, and receives part of its food from the food bank in Abilene.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Feb. 12, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

By Kathy Thomson

Matthew Key was the overall winner in the Albany Cub Scouts’ annual Pinewood Derby race that was held at the Scout Hut on Tuesday, Jan. 28, taking home the top trophy.

Cubmaster Jacey Shack and Den Leaders Dan Key, Crystal Herrell, and Robert Rogers organized the event.

“All the kids did a fantastic job building their cars,” said the Cubmaster. “We presented ribbons to the first through third place winners, and trophies to the grand and reserve.”

By Kathy Thomson

Three of Albany’s fifth and sixth grade basketball teams were on the court last Saturday, and all four of the local teams are expected to compete in the season-ending tournaments scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 8. 

The sixth grade boys will play in Clyde’s main gym, while the fifth grade boys will be in Clyde’s auxiliary gym.

The girls’ tournaments will be in Eula. The sixth grade girls will be in the Eula High School gym, while the fifth graders will be playing at the middle school.

By Kathy Thomson

Tomorrow, Feb. 8, is the deadline to sign up for playing in the Albany Girls Softball Association this spring.

Registration fees are $45 for the first player in a family. Additional siblings can be entered in the league for $30 each. Scholarships are available. 

Players will be divided into teams based upon their age, with divisions for under-6, under-8, under-10, under-12, and under-14 (as of Jan. 1). 

Games will be played in Albany, Breckenridge, and possibly additional nearby towns.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Little League signup, along with registering for T-ball and coach pitch teams, takes place tonight at the Feed Store between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Little League players only need to go with their parents to the registration so that they can try on a jersey and cap for size.

It is not necessary for T-ball and coach pitch youth to attend the meeting, according to Anthony Ceder, who is helping to organize the team. 

By Kathy Thomson

Pick-up dates for the February distribution of the commodity food program are Feb. 6 and 7.

On Thursday, Feb. 6 certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the monthly food distribution program can pick up their commodity food Friday, Feb. 7 at the rear door of the JP office (the former county jail) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

By Kathy Thomson

Project Graduation supporters have planned several fundraisers that will take place during February. 

Order forms for Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles are available at both school campuses.

“The deadline for pre-orders for the truffles is Wednesday, Feb. 5,” said class parent Jenny Scott. “The seniors will help prepare them, and the truffles will be delivered to the high school and to Nancy Smith Elementary School on Valentine’s Day.”

By Kathy Thomson

One hundred and three area youth, including two students from Albany, took part in the girls Weekend of Champions camp at Solid Rock Christian Camp in Eastland Jan. 24-26.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsors the annual event.

FCA Big Country East representative Paul Johnston said that in addition to the two local students, leaders from Albany who helped with the event last weekend included Kathryn Hamilton from The Feed Store, college student Rachel Hill, and several other adults and college students.