By Melinda L. LucasStarting today, the Old Jail Art Center is hosting a two-week Christmas DIY Drop-In Gift Workshop, with extended evening hours and featuring several different kinds of projects that can be made by ages from elementary to adult.

By Donnie A. LucasA blood drive conducted by the Hendrick Regional Blood Center will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Albany High School.The event is sponsored by the AHS Student Council as a way to gain donations from students who meet the requirements, as well as the general public.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany’s senior adults will have a chance to let Santa know what they want for Christmas when he makes a planned stop Friday morning at the Shackelford County Senior Citizen Center.St. Nick will arrive at the local center at 9:30 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasThe final rehearsals are set next week for “The Nativity” performances set for Dec. 10 and 11 at the Aztec Theater.Tickets are free of charge and will be available at the door starting 45 minutes prior to each performance.The opening show is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.

By Donnie A. LucasVolunteers are still needed to help place 560 fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of local veterans as part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 17.A brief ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m.

By Sam WallerThose intending to send Christmas packages through the U.S. Postal Service should start soon to ensure presents are delivered before Christmas Day.Albany postmaster Laura Gilbreath said packages posted by Friday, Dec. 16, should arrive at their destination before the holiday.

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published on Dec. 29 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.“We’ve decided to again take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany Junior High and Nancy Smith Elementary are competing in a number of UIL contests on Wednesday, Dec. 7, with the sixth through eighth graders traveling to Hamlin and the second through fifth graders at Cisco.

ByDonnie A. LucasAlbany residents are invited to get into the holiday spirit on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the annual Christmas concert for the Albany school bands.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Academic Booster Club is once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff through its Christmas Wish List program.