Community Briefs for the Fourth week of 2019. To add your group event to our community briefs, send an email to news@orangeleader.com. Put “community briefs” in the subject line

 

OC Historical Society meeting

The Orange County Historical Society will have it’s first quarterly program of the new year on Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Orange City Library. The speaker will be Henry Lowe who at this time is working towards establishing an African American Museum, which will be located at the intersection of Park and Third Street.

Henry has led an interesting life first working as a quarter horse jockey across the Southwest. Next, he was employed for a short time as a horse trainer and groomer for movie stars Dale Robertson and Robert Mitchum. During this period he became acquainted with World War II hero and movie star Audie Murphy. Henry spent most of the remainder of his working years involved in some capacity at horse racing tracks.

Refreshments will be served during the program. The public is invited.

 

Free Electronic Filing Tax Services

Jackson Community Center, 520 W. Decatur Ave. in Orange, will be offering Free Tax Assistance through Lamar University Community Tax Center. Fast refund and electronic filing are available to eligible families and individuals earning up to $54,000, beginning February 2, thru April 15, 2019.  Open Monday thru Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and every other Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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

 

Parkinson Support Group Meeting

The Orange County Parkinson Awareness Support Group will have their Valentine’s Day Social at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Blue Bird Fish Camp located at Simmons Dr./102 N. Farragut St. in Orange. For more information Please contact Wanda Simar at 409-779-2558 or Ella Guillory at 409-886-4877.

 

2018  Income Tax Assistance

AARP Tax Filing Assistance will be offered starting 12:15 p.m., Friday, February 1 at the Orange Public Library.  IRS-certified volunteers will be available from 12:15 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday through April 12 and Monday, April 15.  April 15 is the last day to file 2018 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 2018 return.

 

Bridge City 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 5, 2019.  For more information, contact your high school counselor or call the Bridge City Chamber at (409) 735-5671.

Orange County Texas A&M University Mother Club scholarship

The 2019 Orange County Texas A&M University Mothers Club scholarship application is available.  For a copy of the application, contact the local high school counselor and/or scholarship coordinator.  Applications are also available at 

https://orangecountymoms.aggienetwork.com/scholarships/  .

 

Cooking Class for adults

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of Orange County is holding a Cooking Class for Adults with Rocky Bridges.  This will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 10 a.m. and costs $25.  You will be having fun while cooking healthy recipes and preparing a 3-course meal.  There will also be door prizes.  Payment is due by February 15.  It will be held at the Orange County Extension Office on 1442 in Orange.  Make your reservations today by calling 409-882-7010 as the class size is limited!