M.B. North class of 67 Reunion

M.B. North Class of 1967 will be celebrating their 50^th “Golden” anniversary on March 23-25. This reunion would have taken place in November 2017, but Hurricane Harvey had a different idea. Four months later and we are back. We are small in numbers, but big in heart and determination. We were the last class to graduate from North before integration and status changes took place. We had about 90 students walk across the stage. At least half of us are still alive and well.

Lots of events have happened during our lifetime. We have seen assassinations, space shuttle explosions, terror attacks, shootings of innocent children, and others. Also, devastating hurricanes and flooding in a no flood zone. Last but not least, we have lived to witness our first black president of the USA. The class of 1967 could probably write a book, if we desired.

Our itinerary is as follows: Friday night, classmates gathering (chit chat), Saturday night (gala) VFW Hall and Sunday worship service (St. Paul CME) followed by a farewell banquet at Robert’s Restaurant. Our own Rev. Robert Wheeler will provide words of encouragement until we meet again. Thanks to all who helped make this reunion a success! Class of ’67 Rocks!

 

Collecting books

The AAUW (American Association of University Women) will have its annual used book sale on the porch of the Lutcher Theater at Art in the Park 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sat., April 7.Book donations may be made at Looking Good Salon in the Northway Shopping Center next to Market Basket until April 2.

The owner of the salon, Paul Burch, volunteered to be a drop-off point this year.  For further details, please telephone:  409.886.5739 or 409.988.5602.

Donations accepted include gently used books, puzzles, board games, reference books, cookbooks, children’s books, religious books, mysteries, nonfiction, biographies, fiction, DVD’s, & CD’s. Monetary donations also appreciated.  A small silent auction will take place for AAUW during book sale.

All proceeds go for college scholarships for both a West Orange-Stark High School and a Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School female graduate.  The Orange AAUW Scholarship applications are available in the counseling office of each high school.

Shangri La to open three days

Shangri La Gardens will be open for three days only from April 19-21 (Thursday-Saturday) starting at 10:30 a.m. and lasting until 3:30 p.m. Free admission and free butterflies for the release on Saturday. Join us for this 3-day event to revel in the beauty of the garden and celebrate mother earth. Family friendly activities and games will take place each day culminating with a butterfly release at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Each day has a different theme. Thursday: Blooms; Friday: Bugs; Saturday: Butterflies. Local and regional organizations and businesses will be onsite hosting booths that provide information about earth-friendly products, services and opportunities. Games, activities, and engaging presentations provide entertainment for the entire family. Enjoy the gardens in full bloom and view baby birds on Ruby Lake.

 

Shootout on the Sabine

The City of Orange and Visitors Bureau will be hosting the fifth Annual “Shootout on the Sabine” DSRA Drag Boat Races May 19-20 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the City of Orange Boat Ramp. There will be no charge to attend the event. In an effort to promote tourism, the event will include 50 to 60- racers from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Depending on the classification, speeds of more than 100 mph are possible. Food, drink and adult beverage vendors will be on site serving a variety of items. A children’s activity area will also be available on site. Live entertainment by Jamie Talbert and the Band of Demons will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the boat ramp. Please note, no pets and no coolers will be allowed. For more information call (409) 883-1011 or online at www.orangetexas.org.

 

Seeking sponsors

The Bridge City-Orangefield Rotary Club is seeking sponsors for the Annual Bunny Run and Egg Hunt. Sponsorships start at $50. Funds raised go directly to local students from Bridge City and Orangefield schools in the form of scholarships. Forms for sponsorship can be found at http://bridgecitychamber.com/bunny-run-sponsorship-form-2/

 

Friends of the Orange Library meeting

Friends of the Orange Library, Inc. will hold their annual business meeting of members and visitors at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 24, in the Ira Williamson meeting room of the Orange Public Library located at 220 Fifth Street in Orange. Information on the Orange Public Library’s annual used books sale and Scholastic Book Fair will be announced. Both of these events are sponsored by the Friend’s organization. The American Association of University Women will present the year’s Library Family of the Year. Light refreshments will be available. The public is invited.

 

NAACP Banquet

The NAACP Annual Scholarship Award Banquet will be at 6 p.m.  Saturday, March 31, at Mount Olive Baptist Church in the Rosa Watson Life Center. Guest speaker is Sixth Street Community Church Pastor Anthony Thomas who was MLK Gala Man of the Year and also named Superintendent of East Coast District in Texas Gulf Coast Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. The theme for this year’s event is Pursuit of Excellence. The banquet is a fundraiser for scholarships granted by the NAACP. Tickets to the event are $25 person. Table sponsors are welcomed. Platinum tables are $1,000, Gold $750, Silver $500, and Bronze at $300. For tickets call Terrie Salter at 409-338-1449, Brenda Cook at 409-779-8219 or at 409-886-2700, Carolyn Mayfield at 318-990-9240, Evera Enard at 409-886-1854 or Tina Moffett at 409-338-8528.

 

Mystery Dinner Theater

Southeast Texas Hospice will host Mystery Dinner Theater featuring ‘And The Old Man Died’ at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 17 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Tickets are $30 per person. For reservations call 409-886-0622 or 800-749-3497.

 

2018 South Texas State Fair

The South Texas State fair will be held March 22 – April 1, 2018 in Beaumont.

 

Spring Indoor Garage Sale

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2775 Auxiliary will host a Spring Indoor Garage Sale on Saturday, April 21, at the VFW Hall at 5303 N. 16th Street.  Vendors can set up Friday, April 20 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Saturday doors will open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. For reservations, send a check to VFW Aux. 2775 to Chairman Mary Snapp at 7927 Sandra Ln; Orange, TX 77632 for the number of tables at $10 each.  For further information you may call Mary at 409-697-0380 between 10am and 5pm.  Early Registration guarantees a spot.

 

Judge James B. Scales Memorial Golf Tournament 

The Bridge City Chamber will hold the Judge James B. Scales Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Babe Zaharias Golf Course in Port Arthur.  Tee time is 8 a.m. for this four person scramble.  The cost is $60 per player which includes green fees, cart, beverages, food, and door prizes.  Mulligans may be purchased for $5 each with a limit of two (2) per player.     Hole sponsorships in the form of tee box signs are available for $100 each.  All proceeds go to the Bridge City Chamber and Historical Museum formerly the Prairie View Teacherage.  For more information or to register, call the chamber at (409) 735-5671 or Golf Tournament Chairman Jerry Jones at (409) 735-6801.  Registration forms can be found on the chamber’s website: www.bridgecitychamber.com.

 

Lenten Fish Fry

St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Council 13825 is selling fish dinners in the San Damiano Center (behind the Church) located at 4300 Meeks Drive from 5 to 7 p.m. on the following Lenten Fridays: March 23. Dinner includes two pieces of fish, French fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw, drink and dessert for $8.

 

Nehemiah’s Vision

If you are in need of assistance repairing/rebuilding your home please visit our website at www.nehemiahsvisionrecovery.org and click on the GET HELP tab or call our office at (409) 617-1038.

 

Special Angels Rodeo Fish Fry Fundraiser

Special Angels Rodeo will be holding our Annual Fish Fry and Auction Fundraiser on Thursday, April 5, 2018. This event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW on North 16th Street in Orange. There will be live entertainment, live and silent auctions, door prizes, and much more. This event is a fundraiser for the Special Angels Rodeo, and adaptive sports rodeo for special needs individuals of all ages, regardless of disability. Tickets are available at Farmer’s Mercantile, 702 W Division Avenue in Orange. Individual tickets are $40 each or $75 per couple.

 

BC Chamber to award scholarships

Attention all Bridge City and Orangefield High School seniors.

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce they will be awarding two $500 scholarships to Bridge City High School seniors and two $500 scholarships to Orangefield High School seniors. Applications are available at the student’s high school counselor’s office, Bridge City Chamber office at 150 W. Roundbunch Road, Bridge City, TX 77611, or can be downloaded from the chamber’s website: www.bridgecitychamber.com. Completed applications should be turned in to the respective high school counselor no later than April 6, 2018. For more information, contact your high school counselor or call the Bridge City Chamber at (409) 735-5671.

 

Electronic tax filing assistance

Jackson Community Center (JCC) has fast refund and electronic filing are available to eligible families and individuals earning up to 54,000 or less.   Open Monday thru Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. thru April 18, 2018, by appointements only. JCC is located at 520 West Deactur Ave. in Orange. To Schedule an appointment and for additional information please contact Elizabeth Campbell, Program Manager at 409-779-1981 or email jccorange@gmail.com

 

Walk and Talk to be held in Vidor

Better Living for Texans is offering a better way to learn tips on getting healthy by joining us for our Walk & Talk series that will be held at the Raymond Gould Community Center park. We will meet on Thursday mornings, March 22, at the Gazebo beginning at 9 a.m. We will be discussing exercise tips, beneficial foods, and a healthier body and much more. For questions or to sign up call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 409-882-7010.

Annual Bloomin’ Crazy Plant Fair

The Annual Bloomin’ Crazy Plant Fair sponsored by the Orange County Master Gardeners Assn. will be held Saturday, March 24 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield. We will have a HUGE variety of plants available to choose from. We are still looking for Vendors who are interested in participating in selling their crafts at our event. For more information about participating, please email sheribethard@gmail.com. For more information about the Plant Fair please check our website https://txmg.org/orange .

 

Food, Fun, & Fitness 8 Week Challenge

Kick start Your Monday’s to a Healthier You!  Fallon Foster, County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Health, will hold free classes for 8 weeks on Mondays, January 29^th – March 26^th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  You will have 30 minutes of exercising and 30 minutes of nutrition education.

To register call the Extension office at 409-882-7010.

 

 

NAACP meeting

NAACP meet at 7 p.m., every fourth Thursday, at the WOCCISD Administration Building located at 902 West Park Ave. in Orange. All are encouraged to attend and join. To join, contact Franklin Gans at 409-221-8438.

 

Friends of the Bridge City Public Library meeting

Friends of the Bridge City Public Library meets once a month on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Join today for only $5 per year. As a member of the Friends you can help with fundraisers, the summer reading program, decorate Library for the holidays, scrapbook events from the year and Bayou Buddy Storytime.

 

OC Texas AgriLife collecting UPC labels

We’re collecting UPC labels for our Youth Cooking Camp. Please join Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s H.O.P.E. Committee (Helping On Purpose Everyday) by collecting Best Choice UPC Labels from your local Market Basket. We appreciate your support! Labels can be dropped off at the AgriLife Office 11475 Farm to Market Road 1442 in Orange or call, (409) 882-7010.

 

2017 INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

AARP Tax Filing Assistance will be offered starting 12:15 PM, Friday, February 2, at the Orange Public Library. IRS-certified volunteers will be available from 12:15 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday through April 13, and Tuesday, April 17.  April 17 is the last day to file 2017 taxes.

Anyone coming for assistance should bring the following:

Proof of identification (photo ID)

Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents

Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents

Wage and income statements (Form W-2, Social Security, 1099-R, 1099-Misc, W2G).

Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

Records of any Capital Gains and Losses

Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements

A copy of last year’s federal and state returns is very helpful in the preparation of the 2017 return.

 

LAMPS Conference

LAMPS Conference will be held 7 p.m. Friday, May 4 and 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Hosted by First Church of Orange, 3406 Edgar Brown Drive in Orange. Keynote Speaker is Sis. Kathy Corson speaking on -Ladies • Abused • Mentally • Physically • Sexually, (and Substance, Self, Spiritually). For more information call Kathy Corson at 318-268-5442, Vickie Hodges at 281-433-4976 or Laura Aranda at lauraaranda@owlofhope.com

 

Wednesday, March 21

Golden K Kiwanis meeting

The Golden K Kiwanis guest will be Rhonda Powell, Executive Director of Orange GOALS non-profit group.  The meeting is set for 9-10 a.m. in the Salvation Army Building at the corner of MLK and Strickland.  The public is invited and coffee will be served.

 

Thursday, March 22

Tri-County Disaster Rebuild Pep Rally

The Tri County Disaster Rebuild SETX Pep Rally will be held Thursday, March 22 at the Orange County Expo Center at 11475 FM 1442 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Come learn about the different Orange County Advisory Committees and get involved with rebuilding your local community.

 

Friday, March 23

Fish Dinners

Gate City Guild #42 will have Fish Dinners at 110 Amaryllis Ave. in Orange. The dinners will consist of fish, potato salad, green beans, bread and drink. The cost is $8 a plate.

Saturday, March 24

Bloomin’ Crazy Plant Fair

The Annual Bloomin’ Crazy Plant Fair sponsored by the Orange County Master Gardeners Assn. will be held Saturday, March 24 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield. We will have a HUGE variety of plants available to choose from. We are still looking for Vendors who are interested in participating in selling their crafts at our event. For more information about participating, please email sheribethard@gmail.com. For more information about the Plant Fair please check our website https://txmg.org/orange .

 

Happy Birthday Family Day

Celebrate good times at the Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave. in Orange, during Happy Birthday Family Day! Join us from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. as we roll out the red carpet in honor of the museum’s 40th birthday and the 10th anniversary of Family Day! Enjoy art-making activities, a Museum dance party, face painting, cupcakes, raffles, coloring contests, and more! Free Admission. Additional parking available at 6th and Elm or in the Lutcher Theater parking lot.

 

AAUW’s Library Family of Year

AAUW’s Library Family of Year and Orange Friends of the Library meet at 10:30 a.m. in the library’s room inside library. The Justice Family will be honored as AAUW’s Library Family of the Year, which includes parents Janie and Matthew Justice and sons Merrick and Xavier. There will also be an Orange Friends of the Library meeting held. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served.

 

Guys in Ties

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host Guys in Ties, Men of Excellence Mentoring Program at 1 p.m. at the Planning and Zoning Building located at 303 North 8^th Street in Orange.

 

BWU convention

Black Women Unite will hold Women Empowering Women convention from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. at LaQuinta Inns and Suites located at 108 Texas Ave. in Bridge City. Keynote speakers are Ta-Tanisha Pollard, Tiffany Overstreet, Michelle Cole, Kimberly Harvey-Jordan. Guest performer is Ingrea Aberra. $5 donation is requested with all proceeds to benefit the seed community.

 

409 Strong

Don’t miss the event of the year, 409 Strong — Rebuild…Recover…Renew.

Celebrate our community’s recover sponsored by the LC-M Education Foundation Saturday, Mar. 24 from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the Orange County Expo and Convention Center. Join the county-wide community celebration in honor of our rebuilding, recovery and renewal post Hurricane Harvey. Free admission, live music/entertainment, family activities, face painting, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a silent auction of local goods, 409 Strong t-shirts and hats, local restaurants with specialty items for sale, a sweet shop with fresh baked goods for sale. Food vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more info contact Jamia Harris (409) 988-3515 or Sherry Combs (409) 883-2232.

 

Keep Orange Clean

Hosted by Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Orange will be sponsoring the 2018 Keep Orange Clean event on Saturday, Mar. 24 from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Volunteers are asked to please gather near Burton and 16^th Street in the Kroger parking lot to register and receive clean-up materials. For additional information, please contact the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau at (409) 883-1010

Sunday, March 25

Symphony at Shangri La

Lutcher Theater and Shangri La Botanical Gardens are happy to announce Symphony at Shangri La featuring the Symphony of Southeast Texas is rescheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2018. The event was postponed from it’s original date due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey.