Community Briefs for the 12th Week of 2019. To add your group’s events, send an email to news@orangeleader.com. Put “community briefs” in the subject line

 

Day of Caring

United Way of Orange County has partnered with iConnect Outreach, Nehemiah’s Vision, and Orange County Disaster Rebuild to coordinate volunteers from our community to work on Harvey damaged homes. Volunteers will paint, construct, cleanup, and help make a difference for some Orange County families. Day of Caring will begin at 7:45 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

Volunteers who can only work half a day are still encouraged to signup.

The deadline to signup is Monday, April 15.

Sign up forms can be found HERE

For questions, contact Maureen McAllister at 409-883-3591 or mmcallister@unitedwayorangecounty.org.

 

Book signing

Spencer Scogin will hold a book signing at Barnes & Noble, 4155 Dowlen Road in Beaumont, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30. The event will begin at 1 p.m. -1:45 p.m. with a Meet and Greet, followed at 2p.m.-4p.m. with the Book Signing and 4p.m.-5p.m. with a Q&A. Scogin was born in Port Arthur and an Orangefield graduate. He also attended Lamar State College-Orange.

 

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 is 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.

 

AAUW Annual Book Sale

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, Sat., April 6, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Book donations may be made at Looking Good Salon in the Northway Shopping Center next to Market Basket until March 31.  The owner of the salon, Paul Burch, volunteered to be a drop-off point this year.  For further information, please phone 409-886-5739 or 409-882-1679.

Donations accepted include gently used books, puzzles, board games, reference books, cookbooks, childrens ‘ books, religious books, mysteries, nonfiction, biographies, fiction, DVDs, CDs, etc.

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 will be available in the counseling office of each high school in the near future.

 

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 3 free programs:

• Walk and Talk

Raymond Gould Walking Track

Beginning at 9 a.m.

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

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

• Be Well, Live Well: A Program on Healthy Aging

Orange County Event and Expo Center

6 p.m. till 7 p.m.

March 18, 25, and April 1

Learn how to reduce your risk of disease, engage in a healthier lifestyle, and be independent.

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. 

 

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.

 

BC Public Library Seeking Donations

The Bridge City Public Library is having our annual Summer Reading Program, “2019 Universe Stories.” The Texas Reading Club is designed to encourage youth to read for pleasure and to promote library usage. The library is asking local patrons and businesses for help donating to our program. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Deadline for donations is May 31. The library will mention all our donors in our local newspaper after the Grand Finale in July 2019. If you have any questions, call Kelle Miller at 409-735-4242.

 

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

• Master Gardener Certification Training – Starts Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Orange County EXPO.

For the beginner gardener to the experienced gardener, improve your horticulture knowledge while gaining the experience to become a Certified Texas Master Gardener.

 

Grief Support

Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas offers Spring 2019 Grief Support at its Orange office located at 1502 Strickland Drive Suite 4 in Orange.

Sessions are 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesdays on March 26, April 9, April 23, May 7 and May 21. There is a $10 materials fee. Childcare is not provided. To register call 409-727-6400 or email samaritancenter@sccset.org

 

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 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.  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 online

 

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.

 

SE Texas Hospice Mystery Dinner

The Fifth Gospel is the Southeast Texas Hospice Annual Mystery Dinner to be held at 6:30 p.m. for two nights only on Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. To make your reservations today, call 409-886-0622 or 800-749-3497.

 

GOALS

GOALS (Greater Orange Area Literacy Services) is interested in replacing several spots on the Board due to some who have moved or plan to move.  The mission of GOALS is to help those in Orange County who are unable to read to learn to read, to assist ESL (English as a Second Language) students with the learning of English, and to provide tutoring for those wishing to take the GED (General Educational Development) equivalency test to obtain a high school diploma.  GOALS is a nonprofit organization founded by Bonnie Hopperton 25 years ago.  The GOALS office may be contacted at 409.886.4311 and asking for Rhonda Powell, Director.  Powell also can give guidelines for those wishing to volunteer to tutor or possibly secure a spot on Board. 

 

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.

 

CASA informational meeting

The second Tuesday of each month, CASA holds an information meeting to answer questions on how to become a CASA representative. The meetings are at 6 p.m. at the CASA office located at 2120 Gloria Drive in Orange. To reserve a seat, call 409-886-2272.

 

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.

 

Clay Shoot

Mark your calendars for the Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas 8th Annual Charity Clay Shoot on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 1-In-100 Gun Club. Funds provide services for children’s programming. For more information, call 409-727-6400

 

Noon Lion’s Club meeting

Noon Lion’s Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Domino’s Meeting/Party room located at 2107 MacArthur Drive in Orange.

 

NAACP meeting

NAACP meets 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.