Youth Summer Programs Offered by AgriLife Extension

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Orange County will be offering several programs for youth this summer.  The registration for the programs will be online at orange.agrilife.org and you will select the tab for the program interested in. If you do not have computer access, please call the AgriLife office the day registration opens. Classes fill up quickly so do not wait to register.

Starting in June we will have our Youth Cooking Camp for ages 8-14, June 11-15^th, 10 a to 2 pm. The Youth will be cooking 8 recipes a day for 3 day then will have a food challenge on the 4^th day and awards on Friday. Cost is $45 per child, limited scholarships available. Cooking camp is limited to 60 youth.  Registration opens online May 1^st.

The 3rd Annual Michael Hoke Memorial Outdoor Awareness for Kids is Free with lots of Fun, food and nature will be held June 21^st at Claiborne West Park, 9 am to 2 pm. Deadline to register is June 8^th online or by calling the AgriLife office.

Registration for July classes will open online June 1^st. July will start with Good Table Manners, “Please” and “Thank you” along with Etiquette, this will be a three day class held July 16^th-18^th, 9 am to 1 pm, Cost is $10 per child with lunch provided. Open to ages 8-18. Youth Canning Class will be held July 19^th, 9 am to 2 pm for ages 8-14. Cost will be $25 per child. They will be canning strawberry jam and making homemade bread. Next class will be Sewing 101 for beginners only, July 23^rd-25^th, 9 am to 2 pm, cost is $20 per person, kids will bring their own lunch and drink.

The last program for the summer will be Clover Kids Camp for ages 5-8, July 31^st-August 2^nd, 1 pm to 4 pm cost will be $25 per person. The youth will have hands on cooking, sewing, robotics and science. If you have any questions about our summer programs, please feel free to contact the AgriLife office at 409-882-7010.

 

LUTCHER STARK CLASS OF 61′ REUNION

Lutcher Starl Class of ’61 Reunion will begin Friday night, April 27. We will meet at Spanky’s on Friday nite for those that would like to attend & visit, have an appetizer & glass of wine, beer or cocktail, etc. Class Reunion Dinner is 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Robert’s Steak House. WE are reserving a private area at Two Amigo’s afterwards. Everyone will have an opportunity to visit & enjoy a beverage of their choice. Breakfast is at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 30 at Ten West Diner (Old Gary’s Cafe). Please RSVP as soon as possible sharron.venable@att.net or jhanes@gt.rr.com

Text Sharron at 832-444-2188. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

 

First Saturday

Thrift and Gift will be open Saturday, April 7 for First Saturday. Come find our shop full of bargains. Ladies and men’s long sleeve blouses and shirts, dress sport coats 50 cents. Men and women’s shorts 75 cents. All formals for proms $5, paperback books are 10 cents, selected aprons half price. Our shop is located at 350 37^th Street (off Strickland between Salvation Army and Sabine Credit Union) Telephone 886-7649 for additional information.

 

Orange County senior citizens meeting

Orange County senior citizens are meeting on the 2nd Monday every month at 9:30 a. m. at Salvation Army Bldg. on corner of MLK and Highway 90 in Orange. Bingo, Prizes, Pot luck Lunch. All are invited to attend. For more information please call, Dermal at 730-5722.

 

Orange County Christian Writers Guild

The OCCWG has been meeting for the last 8 years and has helped a lot of Writers on their journey to success.  The Guild has produced bloggers, fiction novelist, children’s book artist/writer, etc. and have had some pretty spectacular speakers.  We meet the 2^nd Tuesday of the month.  Due to Harvey, we will be meeting at the Dairy Queen in Orange by Home Depot, for a month or so more.  Please join us!  We need your input and your ideas.  Iron sharpens iron and we need you to help sharpen our pens.  Our next meeting is April 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Please call Karen Y. Stevens at 409 988-2588 or email karen.stevens@coldwellbanker.com for questions.

 

Anger Management Classes

Wells of Agape is holding Anger Management Classes from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at Family Worship Center located at 2300 41st Street in Orange. It is the Old Bancroft School, room No. 35). Requirement to receive a Certificate of Completion is $30 per person, cash only. Must be paid prior to first class. One must attend all three Tuesday classes to receive the certificate. To register or more information, Call Donna Wells at 4099-221-5425. If no answer, leave a message or text.

 

Pinehurst Spring Clean up

Spring clean up will be from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday April 14 at the 2600 block of MacArthur in the parking lot of the old Sears building. Public Works employees will be on hand to help, however, hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, tires, batteries, motor oil, etc., will not be accepted.

 

Spring Shred Day

Sabine Federal Credit Union with the City of Pinehurst will host Spring Shred day from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at 1939 Strickland Drive in Orange. Bring personal records, financial statements, tax returns, file folders to shred it and forget it.

 

Golf Tournament

Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking teams and sponsorships for the 9^th Annual Golf Tournament scheduled for May 7, 2018 at Sunset Grove Golf Course and Country Club. For more information visit http://www.orangetexaschamber.org/

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

 

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

 

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

 

Clay Shoot

Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas will host the 7^th Annual Clay Shoot with proceeds to benefit Children’s Programs. Sponsorships and teams are being accepted now. The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Tickets are available at www.sccset.org

 

Saturday, April 7

Art in the Park

Art in the Park will be held 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Stark Park located at 711 Green Ave. in Orange. It will include arts and crafts, live entertainment, food and drinks.

 

AAUW Book Sale

AAUW will have its annual used book sale to benefit scholarships on the porch of the Lutcher during Art in the Park.

 

Autopalooza

Bridge City Project Graduation Autopalooza benefitting the graduating class of 2018 and sponsored by Gulf Coast Camaro Club has been postponed due to the weather. It will be rescheduled at a yet to be determined date and time.

 

Sunday, April 8

Guns & Hoses

Guns and Hoses Charity Basketball Game hosted by LCM Project Safe Graduation is at 7:30 p.m. in the LCM High School Gym. $5 entry free, kids five and under are free.

 

Monday, April 9

OC Retired Teachers Association

The Orange County Retired Teachers Association will hold its next meeting on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 10:30 am at Wesley United Methodist Church, 401 37th Street, Orange, Texas. The guest speakers will be Mike Louvierre, a local historian, describing the World War II Internment camps located in our area, and Crystal Petry of RSVP, talking about volunteerism in Orange County. Guests are welcome.

 

VFW Awards Program

VFW Post 2775 and Auxiliary will host their Annual Awards Program at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall at 5303 North 16th Street (Highway 87 North) in Orange.  All student contest winners throughout the year will receive their awards, along with many other entities, who will also be recognized for their dedication and services.  Texas Representative Dade Phelan will be Guest Speaker.  A buffet will be available for those attending the program.  Please contact Patricia Kemp at 883-6909 or 988-3269 or Secretary Jeanette Clark at 883-0264 to RSVP or for further information.

 

Tuesday, April 10

Networking Coffee and Ribbon Cutting

Bridge City Chamber of Commerce will hold a Networking Coffee and Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 8 a.m. at Sweet Boutique and Desserts located at 2637 Texas Ave. in Bridge City (across from the high school).

 

Orange County Christian Writers Guild

The OCCWG has been meeting for the last 8 years and has helped a lot of Writers on their journey to success.  The Guild has produced bloggers, fiction novelist, children’s book artist/writer, etc. and have had some pretty spectacular speakers.  We meet the 2^nd Tuesday of the month.  Due to Harvey, we will be meeting at the Dairy Queen in Orange by Home Depot, for a month or so more.  Please join us!  We need your input and your ideas.  Iron sharpens iron and we need you to help sharpen our pens.  Our next meeting is April 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Please call Karen Y. Stevens at 409 988-2588 or email karen.stevens@coldwellbanker.com for questions.

Wednesday, April 11

Golden K Kiwanis meeting

Drew Whatley of the Stark Foundation, who hails from Arlington, Texas, will be the guest speaker for Golden K Kiwanis, discussing the various endeavors of the Stark lumber industry.  Meeting time is 9-10 a.m. at the Salvation Army Meeting Room at the corner of MLK and Strickland, across from Shell station and Fire Dept. Substation.

 

OCF Mah Jongg

OCF Mah Jongg, a game of Eastern Asian Tiles, easy to learn will be from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at the home of Karen Akers, 6304 W. Tanagers Trails, Orange, 77632, 409.988.9706.

 

 

Saturday, April 14

Job Fair

West Orange – Cove CISD will hold a Job Fair on Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the WOCCISD Educational Service Center located at 902 W. Park Avenue in Orange.

Registration, as well as interview scheduling, for teacher, food service, and transportation department positions is available through the WOCCISD website:  www.woccisd.net. Applicants can also complete job applications on-line.

 

Boy Scout Troop 23 link sale

Boy Scout Troop 23 will hold a link sale from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Edward Jones building located at 3726 North 16^th Street in Orange. (Across from Market Basket). The meals are $5 each and include a bun, drink, chips and dessert. The troop is raising money for summer camp.

 

Boot Scootin’

Seventh Annual Boot Scootin’ from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Brown Estate. This is a LSC-O Foundation annual fundraiser for scholarships. For more information call Phyllis Ford at (409) 553-6955.