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LCM work mishap leads to medical emergency

Staff report news@orangeleader.com

LITTLE CYPRESS —

Little Cypress-Mauriceville

CISD announced Friday morning that a contractor was involved in an electrical accident while working on the LCM track.

The individual was taken to the hospital for medical attention, school officials said.

The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m.

“The contractor was carrying out essential electrical maintenance work when an unexpected electrical fault led to an electrocution incident,” a school district statement read.

“Upon receiving the news, LCM’s emergency response team immediately arrived at the scene to ensure the contractor’s safety and provide necessary assistance. Local emergency services were contacted, and an ambulance promptly transported the injured contractor to the hospital, where the individual is currently receiving medical care.”

The school district extended “its heartfelt prayers and support to the contractor and their family during this challenging time,” the statement read.

“The well-being and safety of all individuals involved in our projects are of utmost importance to us, and we are actively cooperating with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Cowboy Church of Orange County

According to the district, officials are working diligently to provide updates on the incident and any relevant findings as the investigation progresses. The construction site has been temporarily closed for the safety of all personnel until a thorough assessment of the incident has been completed.

“LCMCISD is fully cooperating with local authorities and relevant regulatory bodies during this investigation,” the district stated.

Officials respond to lightning-started fire

Staff Report news@orangeleader.com

PINEHURST — The Pinehurst Fire Department was called to the 3300 block of Old Castle Lane for a structure fire at 4:48 p.m. Thursday. Mutual aid was received by Little Cypress Fire, West Orange Fire and Orange County ESD4.

According to witnesses on scene, the fire likely started after the home was struck by lightning during severe weather that was ongoing in the area.

No injuries were reported.

673 FM 1078, Orange, TX 77632

Sunday Worship 9 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. adult Bible Study led by Pastor Harland Strother

Goals

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Continued from A1 United States cannot read, write or do basic math above a third-grade level.

So, what about locally?

According to The State of Literacy in America, 23 percent of adults in Texas and 30 percent of adults in the city of Orange function at Level 1 (the lowest level).

“Many students did not receive the individual help they needed at school,” Powell said. “Others left school to earn a living. Some have come to America to earn a living. These are just some of the ones who need our help.”

The U.S. has the world’s largest immigrant population and according to statistics from ProLiteracy America, among those immigrants, only half are proficient English speakers. In Texas, that’s approximately 2 million people.

“We offer English as a Second Language (ESL), for those whose first language is not English; Adult Basic Education (ABE) for adults wanting to learn to read and write; and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for adults who never received a high-school diploma,” Powell said.

Bonnie Hopperton, Debra Mitchell and Wanda Clifton of Orange had a dream of eradicating illiteracy in the city and founded GOALS in July 1993.

“They not only loved the residents of Orange but recognized a need for increased literacy help in our area,” Powell said.

Almost 3 million adults of working age in Texas are without a high school credential; 121,000 of those are unemployed. 43 percent of adults with the lowest level of literacy live in poverty, compared to only 4 percent with the highest literacy skills.

“Sometimes, those of us who can read, take it for granted, but those who can’t struggle with reading the newspaper or a prescription bottle, or filling out an application,” Powell said.

Powell said one of the students who made an impression on her was a 93-year-old woman who enrolled in the reading program.

“Don’t ever think that you are too old!” Powell said.

Powell has been involved with GOALS since 2015, when it was all very new to her.

“Very quickly, I began to love our cause and the clients we serve,” she said. “It makes me feel really good to help someone learn.”

Students who complete the program also feel a sense of accomplishment.

“Thanks to GOALS, I was able to get my GED, and now I can join the Armed Forces,” Peyton G said.

Daniela B said, “I’m learning English not just for me, but for everyone in my family.”

GOALS relies on grants, including the United Way and Community Development Block grant, as well as fundraisers to keep the program running. Their biggest fundraiser is the annual adult spelling bee, which usually happens in April.

“Teams are made up of three people and they usually bring cheerleaders,” Powell said. “Spectators and participants are served a lunch and have a great time at the bee. Participants are usually businessmen, educators and college students, as well as church groups.”

GOALS also functions thanks to several tutors, who start working after a course from the ProLiteracy site.

“Anyone can tutor. If you can read, you can teach another to read,” Powell said.

Powell says students feel a sense of accomplishment when they meet their literacy goals.

“Some are able to go to college, some get a job and others are able to help their children with their homework. Whatever the reason, GOALS is here for you,” she said. If anyone needs literacy services, call 409-886-4311 or go by the office, located at 520 W. Decatur Avenue in Orange.

PROGRAMS

GOALS offers individual and small class setting in four programs: said. That client was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. Later that night, a damaging thunderstorm blew through the city.

Adult Basic Education: for adults reading below sixth grade level.

English as a Second Language and Citizenship: for adults whose first language was not English.

Family Literacy: for parents who want to learn what and how to read to their children.

GED, General Equivalency Diploma: for adults reading at the eighth-grade level who have not received a high school diploma.

“Being able to speak English is not a luxury but is a necessity for all of us,” Sandra C said.

According to ProLiteracy America, a mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors, such as neighborhood and family income.

“Because Dawn pays attention to our ‘eye on’ approach, we saved this woman’s life,” Burman said. “There is no telling what would have come of our client had Dawn not called 9-1-1.”

As the Meals on Wheels of America website says, it brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day, but a knock on the door can even save lives.

Meals on Wheels started in Philadelphia in 1954 and, according to the national website, is guided by a single goal to support senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age.

Meals on Wheels has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping 2.4 million seniors annually in virtually every community in the country.

“We serve close to 500 meals a day in Orange County,” Burman says.

Those meals are prepared by hand with a kitchen staff of four to five employees with the assistance of a dietician who provides a menu for clients. Those meals are then delivered by ten drivers.

Besides delivering meals, there are several locations, where seniors who are able, can go to socialize and enjoy one of those same meals.

“[There is] one in Orange at 103 North 5th Street, downtown on the river front. The other two locations are in Bridge City at the Bridge City Senior Center. And then we also have one located at Optimist Village in the community room located there,” Burman said.

Burman says there is a common misconception that the program is based off income.

“While many of our clients are lower income, the only requirement is that you must be 60 years of age or more,” Burman says. “There is a sliding grading scale to determine if the client qualifies for the home delivery portion of the program.”

Burman says if the client does not meet the score set by the state, they are still able to go to one of the congregate locations to eat lunch and visit with their friends.

Since Meals on Wheels is the nutrition portion of the Orange Community Action Association, also a nonprofit, that means, all their funding is through government grants and private donations.

To help raise money to offset the rising cost of consumables, the organization is planning a fundraiser in September.

Friday Night Game Night, Battle of the Businesses, is scheduled Sept. 15.

“These businesses will face off in Family Feud! We will have Old Orange Café Cater dinner, silent auction, door prizes, bottle pull, designer purse raffle and open bar,” Burman said. There is a huge overhead to run a program of this size. We are hoping to raise $25,000 or more for Meals on Wheels.”

Not only does Meals on Wheels in Orange County need additional funds to keep operating, but organizers also need more drivers.

“I desperately need reliable back-up drivers,” Burman says. “You must be 18 and have a clean driving record. We provide the vehicle and the fuel.” Burman says it is a blessing to serve the senior citizens of Orange and is excited about growing the program in years to come.

“The majority of the seniors we serve daily have to share the meals with their animals, so it’s vital that we raise funds to continue this program,” Burman said. “Not everyone has family that takes care of them. Our clients truly rely on us.”

For more information on the fundraiser, or to apply for the program for yourself or your loved one, call Meals on Wheels at 409-886-2186.

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