By Kathy Thomson

The Albany student council will host a blood drive at the secondary campus next Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

“The blood drive is open to everyone,” said advisor Donnie Lucas. “Community volunteers can call Ann Riley at the high school office to set up an appointment time.

Students had to pre-register by signing up in the high school office and selecting a time spot.

The Hendrick bloodmobile will be set up in front of the gym.

By Kathy Thomson

Nancy Smith Elementary School fourth grade students and their teachers traveled to the Abilene Ballet Theatre’s 32nd annual performance of The Nutcracker last week at the Paramount Theatre.

“It’s always a really great event,” said NSES fine arts instructor Robbin Westmoreland. “We attended the 9:45 a.m. show, and all of the students seemed to really enjoy the performances and the music. The Nutcracker is such a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will host its third annual Cele-bration of Remembrance on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 6:00 p.m.

“This service is intended for all Albany residents, and I hope that all churches and citizens will participate,” said Debbie Hamilton, who is helping organize the event. “The purpose of the service during the holiday season is to honor family and friends who have passed on before us.” 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Friendship Baptist Church members held their fourth annual Harvest Acres on Saturday, Nov. 23.  

“The baked goods flew off the table pretty much as soon as they were set down,” said church member Danita Johnston. “We had a steady stream of people all morning, served dozens of pulled pork sandwiches for lunch, and then finished the day with stew and chili made with love by the ladies in our church.”

She added that more than $3,000 was raised for the account that provides funds for local mission projects and needs.

By Kathy Thomson

Two Shackelford County 4-H members placed well at the District 7 Food Show on Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Big Country Hall located at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene. 

“Ellis (Hise) competed in intermediate nutritious snacks and he got fourth place,” said new local extension agent and 4-H leader Kloey Painter. “He made mozzarella cheese, and he did great!” 

Intermediates do not advance beyond the district meet.

By Kathy Thomson

Moran Independent School District is off this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, and school will resume at the normal time on Monday, Dec. 2.

MISD’s annual Thanksgiving Meal took place on Friday, Nov. 22, with a traditional meal of turkey, ham, dressing, green bean casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, giblet gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, and cobbler, served to students and their family members.

By Kathy Thomson

Two items that Moran residents may need to put on their calendar for next week include the government commodity pick-up and the annual holiday craft fair.

Commodities

The pick-up day for Moran commodities has been moved back to Thursdays starting in December. Those receiving the government commodities also need to note that the hours have changed, and the food items must be claimed during the two-hour scheduled time slot.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Four local candidates filed their paperwork for placement on the March Republican primary ballot with county chair Lynne Teinert last Wednesday, Nov. 13, according to County and District Clerk Cheri Hawkins.

Teinert also submitted an application to continue as county chair.

Ed Miller paid his fee for reelection as Shackelford County Sheriff, and Precinct 1 incumbent commissioner Steve Riley paid his filing fee the same day. 

Lanham Martin filed by petition to run again for his current commissioner’s post in Precinct 3.

By Kathy Thomson

The Aztec Theater will be filled with music selections from the 1930s through the 1980s this Saturday when local singers and musicians present Road Trip: A Musical Journey.

General admission tickets to the one-night-only live performance will be available at the door for $10 each.

By Kathy Thomson

Slow cooked barbecue, tasty desserts, friendly servers, and a chance to donate to a good cause await everyone who attends the annual Toys for Tots fundraising luncheon at the Youth Center this Sunday, Nov. 24.

The free-will donation meal, which will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., raises funds to help provide Christmas gifts to disadvantaged local children ages zero to 11.