By Sam WallerRegistration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community garage sale will start Monday, Aug. 22.“It’s time to start getting ready,” Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said.The garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10. Jones said registration will close on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

By Melinda L. LucasThe City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, Aug. 10, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 4 and Friday, Aug. 5.On Thursday Aug. 4, certified elgible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasMembers of the Ragin’ Red Band will perform for the first time this season at the Ice Cream Supper set for Monday, Aug. 8 at the Bank Park.Director William Vaughan said that the band will play the Alma Mater and the Fight Song at the event, which is slated to start at 6:30 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasParents who are interested in having a child participate in either the Head Start or the Pre-K Program should attend one of the two remaining in-person registration days to determine if they qualify.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany ISD teachers and support staff will start the school year on Tuesday, Aug. 9 with staff meetings and training.The secondary teachers and staff, which includes personnel assigned to grades 7-12, will meet at at the Feed Store from 8:30 a.m.

By Sam WallerMembers of the Methodist church in Albany voted overwhelmingly last week to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.Lance Thomas, president of the church’s board of trustees, said 32 church members voted Tuesday, July 26, with 94 percent favoring disaffiliation.

By Sam WallerRev. Bob Heidecker has assumed the duties as pastor of Albany Methodist Church, taking over for Tim Trimble.Heidecker, who has spent 43 years in the ministry, comes to Albany from Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church in Amarillo. His first sermon in Albany was Sunday, July 3.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store is gearing up for another school year with several programs returning to the schedule.“We’re still finalizing some plans,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said. “We are working on kicking off our Tuesday lunches again that first Tuesday of the school year (Aug. 23).

By Sam WallerTwo prayer initiatives have begun in advance of the new school year.Albany PTO president Malarie Sutton started 33 Days of Prayer for Albany in mid-July with each day dedicated to praying for a different group – students, faculty and staff – within the school district.