By Chris Kovatch

Friends of mine that live elsewhere often ask why I choose to live in Orange.

Quite often I am asked why we moved back here after living in the Dallas Fort Worth area for several years. While I did totally enjoy living off, it never really felt like home to me. I choose to live in Orange because it is Orange. That last sentence might not make any sense to you right now but let me explain.

I choose to live in Orange because it’s where I grew up. It is an amazing feeling to continue traditions, like the Lions Club Carnival, that I experienced as a child with my children. It is interesting to see how things have changed and get to share that with them too.

I choose to live in Orange because of the people.  It’s not what a city has that makes it great, but rather who lives there.

You know you are surrounded by good people when they pull together to raise funds to cover the cost of cancer treatment for one of its citizens in need or when they lend a hand to help in recovery after a hurricane.

You know that you are in the right place when you are greeted by name at local businesses and your grocery shopping takes a little bit longer because of conversations with friends that you encounter. I know that these relationships are almost exclusive to smaller communities.

I choose to live in Orange because of the values that most of its residents possess. I want my kids to hold doors for others, to say please and thank you, and to treat others how they want to be treated. There has been a visible shift towards a sense of entitlement, and frankly that concerns me. My children will learn what it means to work and earn something and will always remember where they came from.

Finally, I choose to live in Orange because I want to be part of its future. I want to be part of the reason we make it better, and not some sort of detriment. I want to help maintain its natural beauty, ensure its history is not forgotten, and help prepare it for a successful future. It is our responsibility and not one that we should take lightly. I take pride in where I am from and its my duty to ensure it is in better shape that when I found it and that I prepare its next leaders for the task ahead.