By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3.Certified families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 2.

By Sam WallerAlbany postmaster Laura Gilbreath is encouraging U.S. Postal Service customers to get a jump on mailing packages to ensure deliveries of Christmas presents before Christmas Day.Gilbreath said the Albany Post Office will maintain its regular hours through Dec. 23.

By Sam WallerAlbany Live will present the first concert of its live music series on Wednesday, Dec. 8, with Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis performing a holiday-themed program at the Aztec Theater.Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the performance to start at 7:30 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasNo new candidates started11 the filing process for county posts since last week, with the filing deadline set for Monday, Dec. 13 at 6:00p.m.

By Sam WallerFor the second year in a row, the elements were a factor in the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s Small Town Saturday celebration, but this time it didn’t rain on their parade.Twelve floats participated in the Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday despite damp conditions.

By Melinda L. LucasWhile the days of poring over a catalog of Christmas toys are long gone, children are still making lists for Santa.The Albany News will be printing Santa letters and holiday essays in the Christmas issue to be published on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published on Dec. 30 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.“We’ve decided to take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Sam WallerMoran’s Johnnie Hise’s sewing ability resulted in a blue ribbon at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in September, and the product of that effort will soon be making an appearance at public events in Strawn.

By Sam WallerThe Moran FFA meat judging team recently finished 10th  at a contest  at Texas Tech.Moran had the best finish among teams from the Big Country District and was second among Area IV teams behind Seymour.

Trash collection for the City of Albany will run on a slightly different schedule for the week of Thanksgiving.Residential trash containers and business and industrial containers normally picked up on Thursday will change to Friday this week.