— We would like to thank everyone for the prayers and support during this unbelievable time in our family The cards, visits, beautiful flowers, and delicious meals are deeply appreciated. The presence of friends, acquaintances, andlovedonesfromfarand wide overwhelmed us with gratitude.

As followers of Christ, how are we preparing for Christmas? Like many people, we may decorate a tree, go shopping, wrap presents, and enjoy holiday music.

Closet Angels will be closed through the first week of the new year to allow staffmemberstospend the holidays with family. The ministry will reopen at noon Monday, Jan.

Albany churches are gettingreadyforChristmas with a handful of special services planned for Sunday, Dec. 24.

˚ LUNCH MENUS Dec. 18 - 22 Monday - manager’s choice Tuesday - manager’s choice Wednesday - manager’s choice Thursday - holiday Friday - holiday ˚ PRINCIPAL’SPOINTS Nancy Smith Elementary is in full swing as we wrap up the fall semester of the 2023-2024 school year.

Albany’s junior high and elementary students completed in the annual UIL Academic District competition last Wednesday in Anson, with a large number of students placing and Nancy Smith Elementary winning the district title. The elementary racked up 399.

The Old Jail Art Center hasbeenpromotingChristmas spirit with an artistic flair this month, starting with a Family Festival last weekend and continuing with the opportunity to make handmade gifts. Until Dec.

Members of the Albany City Council worked through a few routine agenda items in less than a half hour, then ended their Dec. 11 meeting with another half hour in closed session.

Bylatespring,MaryKay O’Connor hopes that two new stones she was able to order this week will join the otherveteransmonuments on the Courthouse Square. Two weeks ago, almost $4,000 was still needed in order to meet a Dec.

Albany’sNationalHonor Society students raised $630fortheannualToysfor Tots campaign in addition to collecting toys. Marine SSgt.