By Melinda L. Lucas
The public is invited to the Fort Griffin State Historical Site this Saturday to go fishing for rainbow trout in what is expected to be sunny weather, tour the fort, and then stay to view the night sky through the high powered telescopes of several astronomers.
By Kathy Thomson
Members of the AJSH Academic Booster Club have formed a “Rise and Shine” committee to bless, encourage, and uplift the faculty and staff of the Albany Independent School District, and this holiday season they are inviting everyone to assist them in their efforts by “adopting” a local teacher.
“The committee has created a teacher/staff Christmas wish list event,” said co-chair Heather Brown. “This is a great opportunity to encourage the teachers/staff who love, care for, and educate our students each and every day.”
By Kathy Thomson
Albany Junior High seventh grader Will LeMay competed in the Tuf Cooper Jr. World Finals in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
He qualified in the 12-and-under tie down event by accumulating points throughout the year at events in Texas and Oklahoma.
Along the way, LeMay won four saddles and five buckles at the American Junior Rodeo Association’s National Finals where he earned the year-end championships in tie-down roping, ribbon roping, optional roping, and all-around.
By Kathy Thomson
Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays at noon next Friday, Dec. 20, and student early releases on both Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19 should help everyone survive the five-day-long week and make it to the anticipated vacation.
Students on both campuses will be released at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19, and at 12:00 noon on Friday, Dec. 20.
By Kathy Thomson
Members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance make a special effort each year to insure that every family in the local community has enough food to prepare a special meal over the holiday season, and the annual delivery of the Christmas food baskets will take place on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Sixth grade leadership students from Nancy Smith Elementary School will help pack the non-perishable items, picking up the canned goods and other staples at Brookshire’s and then sorting the items into the Christmas food boxes at The Feed Store.
By Kathy Thomson
Members of local Cub Scout Troup 225 recently collected mittens, hats/toboggans, and scarfs to donate to Closet Angels.
“The entire pack was involved in gathering the items,” said new Cubmaster Jacey Shack. “We have 15 Cub Scouts, including both boys and girls, and ranging in age from kindergarten to fifth grade.”
According to the Cubmaster, the Cub Scouts asked friends and family members for donations, and most of the items were brand new.
By Kathy Thomson
Christmas Eve is only a dozen days away, and along with all of the shopping, baking, and family events scheduled for the season, local churches have set aside times for believers to pause and remember the real reason for the season: the celebration of God coming into the world as a helpless infant, all so that He could eventually sacrifice Himself on a cross to pay for all sins and allow his followers to once again join in fellowship with their Creator.
By Kathy Thomson
The 11th annual Christmas Feast will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. Serving will end around 1:00 p.m.
According to one of the organizers, Tamara Trail, the dinner is free to the public, and anyone is welcome.
The menu for the feast includes beef tenderloin, turkey, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and dessert.
By Kathy Thomson
Christmas is fast approaching, and several programs designed to help make the season bright for everyone in Shackelford County are almost ready to distribute the holiday gifts and food donated by generous community members.
Toys for Tots provides gifts to underprivileged children ages newborn to sixth grade.
Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty coordinates the local Toys for Tots campaign. He is assisted by Albany High National Honor Society members and local merchants.
By Kathy Thomson
Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter has two events scheduled this weekend for 4-H members and other area youth.
4-H Christmas Party
There will be a 4-H Christmas party at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and everyone is invited to attend.
“Come join us for games, fun, and lots of food,” said Painter. “Bring your friends. We will be collecting new blankets to donate to the Resource Community Center, so bring a blanket to donate if you can.”
Hunter Education
