Community Briefs for the 10th Week of 2019. To add your event, send an email to news@orangeleader.com, put “community briefs” in the subject line.

Round-up Luncheon

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. will host a luncheon from 12 Noon to 3 p.m. March 9 at the Lions Den Park in the shelter area along MacArthur Drive. Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. are recruiting teens from 13-17 to join Top Teens of America, Oran’je Chapter. Registration application will be available. The menu includes BBQ and trimmings. Registration fee is $45, one time. Dues are $7 per month. Contact Marva Paul 409-886-7975, Willamena Wills 409-779-3860 or TLOD President Mrs. Mayfield 318-990-9240 for more information.

 

LCM Advanced Placement tests

Students who plan to take Advanced Placement exams for the AP courses in which they are enrolled should sign up in the Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School counseling office between March 4 and March 28.

For non-economically disadvantaged students, the cost will be $94 per exam. The subsidies for economically disadvantaged students have not yet been determined by the state. Economically disadvantaged students may still sign up now. Their payment will be collected when cost is determined (it is usually under $20 per exam). Payment may be made by check or cash. Checks should be made payable to LCM High School and MUST include the driver license number of the person signing the check.

AP Exam dates and times are set by the College Board as follows:

• May 6 – U.S. Government – 8 a.m.
• May 8 – English Literature and Composition (English 4) – 8 a.m.
• May 14 – Calculus AB – 8 a.m.
• May 15 – English Language and Composition (English 3) – 8 a.m.
• May 16 – Statistics – 12 p.m.
• May 17 – Music Theory – 8 a.m.

For additional information, call 409-886-5821

 

Spelling Bee

The annual spelling bee, the main fundraiser for GOALS (Greater Orange Area Literacy Services), is set for Friday, March 22, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Lamar State College-Orange Student Gym.  The theme of the Spelling Bee this year is “Books and Storybook Characters.” Master of Ceremonies will once again be KFDM-TV weather personality, Dana Melancon.  

Teams of three spellers (plus one cheer support person if possible) are encouraged to register at the GOALS office, 520 Decatur, Orange 77630, or by phone with Rhonda Powell, Director, at 409.886.4311.  Deadline for registration is Friday, March 15.  Non-profits, churches, city and county officials, banks, credit unions, etc. are asked, as well as other organizations, to assemble a team to assist in this non-profit cause.  There is a $350 registration fee required for a spelling team, with 100 percent proceeds benefiting GOALS, a 25-year-old local non-profit organization.  The registration check should be made payable to GOALS.

A list of all spelling bee words are given to each participant when registration paid.  A light lunch is provided, and fun costumes and face paints are welcome!  This is an annual event in the Orange community.  Prizes are also donated by various area merchants.  Individuals may attend for a $15 fee, with lunch provided.

GOALS prides itself on distributing study guides for the GED high school certification, helping students and adults increase reading skills for better literacy, and assisting ESL (English as a Second Language) students prosper in the written/oral understanding of the English language.  The objective of helping individuals with literacy needs is a GOALS’ priority.

 

Sherriff’s Posse scholarships

Attention all Orange County Public school seniors. The Orange County Sherriff’s Posse is pleased to announce they will be awarding scholarships to seniors in Orange County. Applications are available at the student’s high school counselor’s office. Completed applications should be returned to the respective high school counselor by the date on the application. For more information, contact the high school counselor of the respective school.

 

Better Living for Texans programs

The Better Living for Texans Assistant, Tommy Byers, with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office is holding the following free program:

• Walk and Talk

Raymond Gould Walking Track

Beginning at 9 a.m.

March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24

We will discussions on exercise tips, beneficial foods, you are encouraged to bring a friend.

For more information on these programs, and to let us know you are attending, please contact Tommy Byers at 409-882-7010.

 

Annual Spring Garage Sale

Orange VFW Auxiliary Post 2775 is taking reservations for their Annual Spring Garage Sale on Saturday, March 23, 2019, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW Hall on Highway 87 North.  Vendors will be allowed to set up on Friday, March 22, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Tables and/or spaces will rent for $10 each.  To make a reservation, send a check made out for the number of table/spaces you want.  PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO VFW AUX 2775 and mail to Mary Snapp; 7927 Sandra Lane; Orange, Texas 77632…include your name, address, telephone number, and any special needs.  For further information, call Mary Snapp at 409-697-0380 and leave a message for a callback. 

 

Vision 2:20 Glorification Dinner

Nehemiah’s Vision which has helped 75 families back into their homes to date, will honor homeowners and survivors, as well as volunteers, church leaders and ministry partners with its inaugural Vision 2:20 Glorification Dinner 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the Orange County Expo Center (11475 FM 1442, Orange). Tickets are $75. Event sponsorship is available. For more information or to purchase tickets call 409-617-1038 or visit the link HERE

 

Job Fair

Lamar State College-Orange in partnership with Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas will host a Job Fair from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at Shahan Events Center located at 209 Green Ave. in Orange.

 

Upcoming Orange County Master Gardener events

For more information check our website  or call 409 882-7010

• Selecting The Right Plants – Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Cormier Park, Orangefield

Learn how to determine what are the correct plants to choose and where to put them.

• Annual Bloomin’ Crazy Plant Fair – Saturday, March 23, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Cormier Park, Orangefield.

Pick from your everyday choice of plants to the odd and unique plants along with visiting the vendors on-premise to enhance your choices

 

Murder Mystery Dinner – Death Near Dead Man’s Holler

 Y’all put on your boots, chaps and ten-gallon hats for a rootin’, tootin’, shotgun shootin’, good time at the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Murder Mystery Dinner, Death Near Dead Man’s Holler.  Leave the little ones at home and enjoy the adult only entertainment with dinner, drinks and a show on Saturday, March 9 at 6 p.m. at the Bridge City Community Center.  Prizes will be awarded for best cowboy and cowgirl.  Tickets are $40 per person or a table for 8 is $300.  Tickets are going fast so don’t wait to get yours!  For reservations, call the chamber at 409-735-5671 or go to the chamber’s website.

 

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

 

2018  Income Tax Assistance

AARP Tax Filing Assistance will be offered starting at 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.

Fly-Ins

Orange County Radio Control Club meets each Tuesday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the club’s airfield located at 10623 Farm to Market Road 1442 in Orange. Guests are welcome as long as club members are present. Learn more about building and flying remote-controlled airplanes with other enthusiasts.

 

Hand Quilting Demonstration

Thrift and Gift Shop holds a free Hand Quilting demonstration from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., every Tues. and Thurs. at 350 South 37th Street in Orange (located in the old Salk School). For more information call 409-886-7649.

 

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 the 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.