Free Electronic Filing Tax Services

Jackson Community Center will be offering Free Tax Assistance through Lamar University Community Tax Center beginning January 23 – April 18, 2016. Open Monday thru Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and every other Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 520 W. Decatur Ave. in Orange. Fast refund and electronic filing are available to eligible families and individuals earning up to $54,000. By appointment only. To schedule an appointment and for additional information please contact Elizabeth Campbell, Program Manager at (409) 779-1981 or email jccorange@gmail.com

 

Blood Drive

LifeShare Blood Center has scheduled a replacement blood drive for Orange County Corrections Officer Jerrod Seago, which will also help the critically low blood supply. It will be held 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mon. Jan. 25 at Orange County Sheriff’s Office Training Room, 205 South Border behind the Orange County Courthouse. There is an immediate need for blood donations to the Lifeshare Blood Center in his name.

 

Meeting cancelled

The January 25, 2016 meeting of the West Orange City Council has been cancelled.  The next regular meeting of Council has been scheduled for

Monday, February 8, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

 

VFW Auxiliary Changes

The VFW Auxiliary Orange Post 2775 will be discussing and voting on meeting changes during the meeting on January 25 at 7 pm at the VFW Hall on Highway 87 North.  At present we meet the 4th Monday at 7 pm each month.  One option is to go back to two meetings a month due to volume of our activities.  For further information contact Secretary Jeanette Clark at 409-883-0264.

 

OC Commissioners Court

Orange County Commissioners Court will hold a Special Court Session at 2 p.m. Tues., Jan. 26 in the Commissioners’ Courtroom of the Orange County Administration Building located at 123 South 6th Street in Orange.

 

Pinehurst City Council Meeting

The City of Pinehurst City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tues., Jan. 26 at Pinehurst City Hall located at 2497 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Pinehurst.

 

Fun with Sewing

Anyone interested in joining 4-H or 4-H members interested in clothing and textile projects are encouraged to register for the Fun with Sewing course at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Orange County. Classes will meet at 6 p.m. monthly on the 4^th Tuesday of the month starting January 26, 2016. You will have the opportunity to participate in the Fashion show held at the County and District level. For more information and to register, call 882-7010.

 

New Concept Gallery

Texas Artists Museum announces their Grand Opening Reception for the exhibition of 25 + local artists. Approximately 200 pieces of art work will be available for viewing and purchase.  The artists will be changing their art work every three months and bring in new pieces to continuously present a new show. This is a new concept for the gallery and will ensure that a diverse assortment of art will always adorn our walls for members and visitors to enjoy. There will be many beautiful pieces to purchase for gifts at reasonable prices.
To celebrate this occasion, TAMS will host a reception to introduce the many artists and their beautiful paintings and photography. The date and time is Thursday, January 28, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. The entire public is invited to come by and see our new look in what we’re calling our “New Concept Gallery”. For information please call 409-983-4881. The museum hours are from Tuesday through Friday, Noon to 4 pm. Plans are currently underway to also be open on Saturdays in the near future.

 

Police Appreciation Breakfast

Trinity Baptist Church is hosting a Police Appreciation Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Sat., Jan. 30 at 1819 North 16^th Street in Orange. Come and go, as you like. The church would like to thank local law enforcement for their service.

 

Blood Drive

LifeShare Blood Center has scheduled a replacement blood drive for Earl Tipton, which will also help the critically low blood supply. It will be held at Little Cypress Baptist Church, 3274 Little Cypress Drive, on January 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call the Blood Center of Southeast Texas at 409-838-5289.

 

Mardi Gras Krewe of Krewe’s Grande Parade

Come join us on January 30, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. for the 13^th Annual Mardi Gras Krewe of Krewe’s Grande Parade. A traditional Mardi Gras Parade with illuminated floats, decorated trailers and Krewe members tossing beads, cups and trinkets to enthusiastic spectators. The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to stay in our hotels and enjoy Historical Downtown and the spirit of Mardi Gras. Following the parade will be a concert by Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys at the Riverfront Pavilion. Food and beverage vendors will be at the event (No dogs, No pets, No coolers). Parade applications are available at the Chamber office 1012 Green Avenue in Orange. For information about the parade contact (409) 883-3536.

 

Free Diabetes Educational Class

It’s Time to Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes! Fallon Foster, County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences will be offering free diabetes educational classes for adults. The classes will be held once a week for five weeks beginning February 2^nd at the Orange Senior Center, 103 N 5^th Street in Orange, 1 pm to 3 pm.  It is important to attend all 5 classes to receive the full educational benefit. Ms. Foster will show you how to control your Type 2 diabetes with the right portions, reading food labels, proper exercise, cooking right and maintain good health will having fun learning. Please call to register 882-7010.

 

OC Historical Society meeting

The Orange County Historical Society will have its first quarterly program at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in the conference room of the City of Orange Public Library. Jennifer Hudson Connors, manager of the Stark Foundation Library and Archive, will be the speaker. Her presentation will discuss the difference between a library and archive; and how family and local historians alike can access primary source materials. Jennifer will talk about her work saving history in Orange and the new wing being added to the Stark Museum of Art. The meeting is free and open to the public.

 

Culinary Class to Cater Conference Luncheon

Kay Jones has agreed for her Newton High School culinary class to cater the luncheon for the Newton County Genealogy Conference 2016 on Friday, February 12, 2016 at noon at Eagles’ Landing on the Newton High School Campus.  Newton native Alana Inman will be the keynote speaker for the luncheon with Mary Elizabeth Fortenberry introducing her.  The menu is:  Caesar salad, pulled pork, sour cream and rice, green beans with bacon, apple cake or cobbler, and coffee or sweet tea or unsweetened tea–all for the price of only $10. Only 70 can be served, so don’t wait, Those wanting to attend should RSVP no later than February 5 at 3 P.M. by calling John Jefferson, Newton County Historical Commission Chairman at (409) 381-9403 or Dickie Dixon, Conference Organizer, at (936) 240-8378. The public an email John at jeff75966@yahoo.com or Dickie at dickie.dixon@hotmail.com Checks or money orders should be made to Newton ISD and mailed no later than February 5th to the Newton County History Center Museums and Genealogical Library 213 East Court Street, Newton, Texas 75966.  Put on the envelope Attention:  John Jefferson.

 

Food Handlers Class Offered

Interested in taking a (3) hour Food Handlers Course on proper food handling and food temperatures? Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Orange County will be offering the first class February 18^th at 6 pm at the AgriLife Office. This is a Texas Department of State Health Services accredited food handlers program. This class is recommended for all food service employees to help promote the service of safe food. The fee is $20 per person payable the day of class by cash or check. Be sure to call and let us know you will be attending, 882-7010.

 

Fundraiser

Friends of the Orange Depot are selling bricks for the depot. The bricks are available in two sizes, 4 x 8 for $50 and 8 x 8 for $100. Each brick can have a maximum of 16 characters per line with a limit of two lines for the smaller bricks and five lines for the larger bricks. Visit www.friendsoftheorangedepot.org for more information.

 

Annie

Annie on January 23 at Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, 707 West Main in Orange. www.lutcher.org. Call 409-886-5535 for more information.

 

Orange County Livestock Clinic

Attention all livestock exhibitors, County Extension Agents, Ag Teachers, volunteers and leaders, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Orange County and Orange County Livestock Show Association will be holding a two day livestock clinic open to all counties for youth and adults. The two day clinic will increase youth and adult knowledge and abilities in grooming, caring, feeding and showing, beef cattle, chickens, rabbits, goats, lambs and swine. Please, do not bring your animals. The clinic will be held Friday, January 29, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center, 11475 FM 1442 Orange with dinner provided. Saturday January 30 at the Orange County Livestock Barn, Arnell Road in Mauriceville.  Youth registration 8am-9am with clinic beginning at 9 a.m. Adult registration will be 8 a.m.-8:30 a.m. with clinic beginning at 8:30am.  Youth registration fee is $10 and adults are $20. No charge for children under 7 years of age. Early Bird registration deadline for youth is January 15^th. All youth who register early will receive a free t-shirt.  Be sure to bring your folding chairs – seating is limited. Concessions will be available.  Call or stop by the Orange County Extension office to register, 882-7010.

 

Attention all Food Establishments

Needing to get your Certified Food Managers certificate? This certificate is required for all food establishments in Orange County. There will be three different sessions held this year. First session will be held February 24^th and 25^th with registration deadline February 5^th.  Each participant must go to http://foodsafety.tamu.edu to complete registration form and mail to TAMU along with payment. Cost of $125 per person includes 2-day course, handbook with all materials and national certification exam.  Anyone needing to retest will need to go to same website and complete form for retest and send to TAMU along with payment. The course and exam will be conducted by Fallon Foster, County Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 11475 FM 1442 Orange. Questions, call our office 882-7010.

 

Bridge City Chamber Murder Mystery Dinner

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce will hold its 5^th Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the Bridge City Community Center.  This year’s pirate themed Mystery Dinner promises to be great fun as always.  Prizes will be given to the best-dressed pirate. Tickets are $30 each or a table for 8 is $230.  Dinner and alcohol will be served. To make reservations, please call the Bridge City Chamber at 409-735-5671 or email bcchamber@sbcglobal.net.

 

AAUW Book Drive

The Orange Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is beginning their annual drive to collect “gently used” books for their scholarship fund. All books, fiction, non-fiction, hardbound and paperback are needed.  Also wanted are audio and video tapes, CDs, DVDs, video and board games, and puzzles.  These may be delivered to the Mann Insurance Agency, located at 1505 Park Avenue at 15th Street, during regular business hours. If unable to deliver your donations, you may call 886-5739 or 886-2194 to arrange for pickup.  The AAUW will collect books until March 31st.  The book sale will be in conjunction with Art in the Park.

 

Gallery Conversations Winter 2015

Interpreting an Artist’s Fantasies 11 a.m. – Noon on Saturday, February 14, 2015 Gallery Conversation Leader: Dr. Sarah Boehme, Curator of Art, Stark Museum of Art in Orange. Gallery Conversations Winter 2015 is included with general admission. SCV members are free. No registration is required, however, we suggest arriving at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the program. Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue, Orange, Texas.

 

MADE IN AMERICA SALE

Thrift and Gift is proud of our MADE IN AMERICA SALE. Vendors have dressed up the front counter with homemade items. Our half price sale continues with clothes, shoes, lingerie, purses, belts, hats, underwear, socks. Hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday thru Friday at 350 37th St. off Strickland Drive in Orange. Call 409-886-7649 for needed assistance.

 

Volunteers needed

Christian Women’s Job Corp – Golden Triangle is accepting applications for volunteers. Opportunities include mentoring, teaching life and job skills, and Bible study, to name a few. CWJC welcomes all Christian women, who would like to help change lives. To apply please call 409-882-7010.

Free meals

Bethel Baptist Church, 2906 Western Ave. in West Orange, is offering free meals at 5 p.m., every Wednesday. Call Pastor Frank Young at 936-465-1203 for more information.

 

Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry

Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry on February 2 at Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, 707 West Main in Orange. www.lutcher.org. Call 409-886-5535 for more information.

 

Elephant and Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’

Elephant and Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ on February 5 at Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, 707 West Main in Orange. For children from pre-K to second grade. www.lutcher.org. Call 409-886-5535 for more information.

 

Steel Magnolias

Orange Community Players will present Steel Magnolias at 7:37 p.m. Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. Matinees are 2:37 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21. Orange Community Players is located at 708 West Division Ave. in Orange. For reservations call 409-882-9137.

 

The Band of the Royal

The Band of the Royal on February 16 at Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, 707 West Main in Orange. www.lutcher.org. Call 409-886-5535 for more information.

 

Riverdance 20^th Ann. World Tour

Riverdance 20^th Anniversary World Tour on February 24 and 25 at Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, 707 West Main in Orange. www.lutcher.org. Call 409-886-5535 for more information.

 

Gallery Conversations Winter 2015

HERStory: Women in Western Art 11 a.m. – Noon on Saturday, February 14, 2015 Gallery Conversation Leader: Meghan Fleming, Associate Professor of Visual Arts, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA. Gallery Conversations Winter 2015 is included with general admission. SCV members are free. No registration is required, however, we suggest arriving at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the program. Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue, Orange, Texas.

 

DuPONT SABINE RIVER WORKS

29^th Annual Reunion of Former Instrument Personnel will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at JB’s BBQ (886-9823) IH-10 West off Old 90 – Orange, Texas. Go through Serving Line. Each person pays for his own lunch. A short meeting will follow lunch. Visitors are welcome. Arrive about noon for visitation before lunch. If you have questions, contact Sue Ryder at 409/504-5047.

 

Into the Woods

Orange Community Players will present Into the Woods at 7:37 p.m. April 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23. Matinees are 2:37 p.m. April 17 and 24. Orange Community Players is located at 708 West Division Ave. in Orange. For reservations call 409-882-9137.