July 2020 Orange Living Magazine

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LAUREN LEIGH’S MURALS BRIGHTENING THE ORANGE COUNTY AREA FOLLOWING THE ORANGE GROVE TRAILS HIDDEN PARADISE IN A BACKYARD Summer 2020

#SCVconnected starkculturalvenues.org

Š2020 Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

TABLE CONTENTS OF

MURAL ARTIST

Lauren Leigh’s Murals brightening the Orange County area..............................................6

RECIPE

Lemon garlic shrimp and grits.................................10

DAY TRIP

Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point can keep ‘nature lovers’ busy...........................................12

Information aspiring nurses can include on their résumés ..............................................................................14 Following the Orange Grove Trails...............................16 RSVP ...........................................................................20

ON THE SCENE

See who was seen out and about..............................22 Hidden Paradise in a backyard ......................................28

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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In the last three months, we have experienced the whole world shutting down, the longest month ever and the reopening of our great state.

Who would have thought we would consider “Where to find toilet paper” a legitimate conversation to have with friends, family and complete strangers?

Before 2020, I thought the longest month was a child waiting for the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas to pass so they could open presents. Now I have been corrected by the 999 days of April 2020.

Now summer is upon us and we look forward to spending time with our friends at the beach and on the riverfront.

Things may appear to be different this year and we may still have to adjust to how we plan events and activities, however, so many things remain the same such as gardening.

In this edition, you will discover the beauty one couple created in their backyard – a true hidden paradise.

While we are continuing to social distance, a Tour of Oranges is a great way to entertain all ages while also opening up the world of imagination. Each orange is turning into beautiful works of art while featuring what Orange County has to offer.

We encourage you to send in pictures from your events to be included in the On The Scene section of the magazine. Send us your pictures at news@ orangeleader.com with the name, date of your event with persons named from left to right.

Meantime enjoy a refreshing drink, “Summer Cantaloupe” from Andrew Schloss’ “Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits” (Storey Publishing). It is easily whipped up and can go a long way toward making summer evenings especially sweet.

Summer Cantaloupe

3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.

4. Stir in the Simple Syrup.

Makes about 1 quart

5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.

1fifth (31⁄4 cups) 80-100 proof vodka

Simple Syrup

4cups cantaloupe chunks

Makes 3 cups

1cup Simple Syrup (see below) Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

21⁄4cups water 21⁄4cups granulated cane sugar

1. Muddle the vodka, cantaloupe and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar.

Stir to moisten everything.

2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of melon, four to seven days.

GENERAL MANAGER Dawn Burleigh

DESIGNER Dawn Burleigh Design2Pro

PHOTOGRAPHY Dawn Burleigh Van Wade

WRITERS Dawn Burleigh Van Wade M

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Mix the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is all moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool. Refrigerate for up to three months.

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ABOUT Orange Living is published and distributed

by Orange Newsmedia, LLC for Orange County residents promoting and encouraging the cultural and social scene in the Greater Orange Area. For information about advertising, to ask a question or make a comment about our magazine, contact Orange Newsmedia, LLC at 409-883-3571 or by email at news@ oarngeleader.com.

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Van Wade/Orange Living

Lauren Leigh’s murals brightening the Orange County area

By Van Wade

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Ever since she was in second grade, Lauren Leigh Stanley has had the ‘bug’ to be an artist that helps brighten people’s lives.

Well, she is certainly accomplishing that and then some across Orange County with her amazing storefront paintings and murals. She has been greatly involved in all of the Oranges around town that was the idea of the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Doing this type of work has been my passion ever since I was a little kid,” said Stanley. “It is something I always wanted to do. I have been fortunate enough to meet some great people in the Orange area. I’m 37 and I’m raising a family and also pinching myself that I have finally reached my dreams of being able to do this.”

Stanley was inspired early on to become an artist.

“As a kid, I would love to just sit down in front of the TV and watch Disney shows,” said Stanley.

“Then, I wanted to become a cartoonist. I would literally stop and pause the TV so I could stop the characters and draw them.”

Word of mouth spread around and Stanley really started getting busy around Christmas time last year.

“I did work at the City Hall and things started to explode from there and people wanted to start booking me,” said Stanley. “I started getting a lot of calls. Everyone loved the work I did at the Family Pharmacy’s and then I did some work at the Brown Bag Boutique and the Water Tree. I’m already getting a lot of calls for this coming Christmas and I realize now that I will have to get off to a much earlier start, like midNovember, but I love every single second of it. It’s my passion.”

Courtesy photos

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Courtesy photos

Courtesy photos

Stanley’s murals definitely stand out. She did an amazing mural that features sea life in the nursery at Bridgepoint Fellowship Church in Bridge City that has wowed so many people.

For the most part, Stanley was heavily involved with doing artwork and murals in residential homes and now businesses are constantly wanted to book her.

“I love doing murals, a lot more goes into that and it’s more time-consuming, but once you see the finished product it’s great to see people become overjoyed and I do the same thing. For the longest, I did murals in people’s homes, mainly in kids’ rooms, doing artwork such as the Hulk, Captain America and football players.”

Stanley is going to be real busy soon with a big job she proudly accepted as well.

“I met with Orangefield High School administrators and they want me to do some work on the entire Orangefield High

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Stanley worked with a Florida photography company for a while and dealt with special photos and such and eventually found her way to Southeast Texas.

“I met my husband Brandon, who grew up here in the Orangefield area and I just love it here,” said Stanley. “We stay busy, raising our kiddos and the Orange County area is a great

place to do that. I’ve been grateful to meet so many super people that have made me feel right at home. It’s been wonderful for sure and hopefully everyone around here will keep me busy for a long, long time.”

To see some of Stanley’s tremendous work, you can go to Lauren Leigh’s Murals on Facebook. 

FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

School library,” said Stanley. “That is going to be my toughest challenge yet and they and I have so many great ideas for it. I’m so excited to jump on that, I just can’t hardly wait.”

Stanley has had a blast painting a lot of the oranges across the Orange area and is still doing some of those as well.

“It is definitely a great project and I know the Orange Chamber has to be proud, and they definitely bring out a lot of community pride,” said Stanley. “I have been able to meet so many great people through that project. I like to hear the stories and some of the jokes. I like the one between Brad Childs of Childs Supply and Tony Dallas and his insurance agency. Brad is all about Texas A&M and Tony has SFA, Tennessee and Lamar on his, it’s great listening to them go back and forth.”

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By Van Wade

Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits hit the spot

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There are plenty of excellent healthy recipes for everyone, especially after so many people have gained weight due to staying home more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One tasty route is the tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe.

The Food Network Kitchen has plenty of healthy recipes and this one is to delight.

INGREDIENTS INCLUDE: 3/4 cup instant grits Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 1/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails intact) 2 large cloves garlic, minced Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus wedges for serving 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley

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1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, covered. Uncover and slowly whisk in the grits, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and 1 tablespoon butter. Remove from the heat and season with salt and black pepper. Cover to keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, garlic and cayenne, if using, and cook, tossing, until the shrimp are pink, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons water, the lemon juice and parsley; stir to coat the shrimp with the sauce and season with salt and black pepper.

3. Divide the grits among shallow bowls and top with the shrimp and sauce. Serve with lemon wedges.

4. Happy eating everyone. ď ´

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Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point can keep ‘nature lovers’ busy

By Van Wade

Courtesy photos

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Outdoor adventure and fun for the whole family is in store in Louisiana’s Outback, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.

The Creole Nature Trail route takes you through coastal marshlands, prairies and along 26-miles of natural Gulf beaches.

World-class bird and alligator populations make this scenic byway a natural wonder; and top-notch fishing, hunting, crabbing, shelling and wildlife viewing make the Creole Nature Trail a recreational paradise.

Kick off your Creole Nature Trail journey at the new Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point - a free, fun attraction that immerses you in nature and Louisiana’s unique culture.

Through imaginative, hands-on displays you can learn the best places to spot alligators and migrating songbirds, take a peek at

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wildlife found in bayous and marshes, smell mouthwatering aromas of Cajun/Creole cooking, and “play along” with a Cajun and Zydeco band.

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Located at 2740 Ruth Street, Sulphur, LA, just south of Interstate 10 at exit 20, this attraction is open seven days a week.

From the gateway city of Sulphur and the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point you can head south to Hackberry, where you can catch speckled trout and redfish in Calcasieu Lake.

Local professional charter fishing guides are ready to make sure you catch your limit. The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is your next stop featuring the Blue Goose Trail overlook and walkway to the Calcasieu Ship Channel as well as the 1.5 mile fully accessible Wetland Walkway right into the marsh.

There are also four well marked recreation areas where you can easily catch your own fish or crabs. Farther south you can find Holly Beach as well as five other coastal beach areas where you can swim, surf fish, shell or even camp out.

If you’re a birder, you won’t want to miss the Peveto Woods Sanctuary - a hot spot for birders especially during the spring and fall migration of neo-tropical songbirds and butterflies.

Heading east from Holly Beach drive right on the Cameron Ferry to cross the Calcasieu Ship Channel. Be sure to be on the lookout for porpoises playing. The community of Cameron features the Cameron Parish Jetty Pier with a birding observation tower, RV park and a fishing pier right into the Gulf.

Continue heading east and you’ll have access to Rutherford Beach featuring excellent shelling.

Heading north from Oak Grove on LA 27 will show you a whole different view of Louisiana’s Outback. Salt marshes will gradually turn to freshwater marshes as you cross the Intracoastal Waterway, then change again to rice fields and prairie lands.

Just north of the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway is Pintail Wildlife Drive, a three-mile driving tour which usually holds hundreds of birds as well as lots of alligators (assuming it’s not too cold, of course.)

In winter, waterfowl by the hundreds of thousands call this area home and are easily viewed and photographed from a half-mile accessible boardwalk. Continuing north on

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LA 27 you will find the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center. Incredibly life-like animatronics at the center speak to the area’s “living off the land” culture as well as the value of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. There are also two overwater boardwalks where you can view a wide variety of wildlife and birds.

From Oak Grove, you may also opt to travel east on LA 82 to reach Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and Price Lake Nature Drive. Be on the lookout for alligators while you’re there – this refuge boasts the highest alligator nesting concentration in the United States.

Price Lake Nature Drive is also a wonderful place to bank fish, cast net for shrimp and crab or just view the wildlife.

Courtesy photos

Lake Charles, Louisiana is the hub city for the Creole Nature Trail. Here, you can enjoy four fabulous casino resorts, numerous authentic local restaurants (yes, we are Cajun!), more than 75 annual festivals and events and accommodations of every variety.

Every season on the Creole Nature Trail dramatically changes the animal and plant life which may be viewed so you’ll want to visit often. For more information, visit CreoleNatureTrail.org or contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-456-7592.  Courtesy photos

Courtesy photos

During your trip along Louisiana’s Outback, don’t miss the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge on the LA 14 spur of the Creole Nature Trail, home to the Lacassine “Pool” – a 16,000 acre freshwater impoundment providing excellent bass fishing. The Nature Drive around The Pool is a great place to view wildlife including neo-tropical songbirds during migrations.

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Information aspiring nurses can include on their résumés

By Dawn Burleigh their nursing program should notes that on their résumés, as the RegisteredNursing.org notes that could make candidates appear more desirable in the eyes of prospective employers.

Regardless of what they chose to study, many students look forward to graduation and the next step, which typically involves finding work in their chosen professions. Nursing students are no exception to this, and many, upon completion of their studies, are excited to begin their careers.

A well-crafted résumé is essential for nurses throughout their careers, but especially important for those starting out.

“It is important that your resume includes all the information your hiring manager is looking for. Your resume needs to present a complete picture of not only your educational background, but also your work experience,” Lamar State College Orange Associate Dean of Nursing Leah Anne McGee, RN, MEd, MSN, FNP-BC said.

According to RegisteredNursing.org, nursing résumés typically include sections commonly found on résumés for professionals across all industries. These standard sections include objective, education and technical skills. But nurses also may want to expand their résumés to include information specific to the nursing profession.

Newly minted graduates with degrees in certain fields may not have much, if any, experience to list on their résumés. But some recent nursing school graduates may have relevant clinical experience that could help them land their first jobs.

“Employers do not expect new graduates to have a lot of experience. Students can list clinical rotation experiences, but it is more important to match the skills they have mastered in their nursing program to the skills needed in the position they are applying for,” McGee said. “Graduates may also want to include other work experiences that they have had and the skills they have acquired at those positions. This could include customer service experiences, time management and communication skills acquired in a fast food establishment.”

When applicable, this section should include the company name (such as the name of the hospital or clinic), the location of the job, the job title, the dates of employment, and a description of the tasks the applicant performed.

RegisteredNursing.org advises aspiring nurses to include where they are now licensed as registered nurses as well as any information regarding certifications they earned during their nursing programs.

“A student should include any and all certifications, especially those related to the position that they are applying for,” McGee said. “ACLS, PALS would be significant to all specialty units, while Hearing Screening Certification would be significant to school nurse positions. These certifications may make them the best candidate for the position.”

Nurses who earned their Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification through

“When applying for a position, the new nurse needs to realize that this is a very competitive market. The recruiter will likely scan dozens of resumes for each position. Their resume must catch the recruiter’s attention,” McGee said. “It must be a well-organized, easy-toread document that is free of spelling and grammatical errors. When describing their qualifications, new graduates should be reminded to use the keywords from the job posting. List your qualifications as bullet points. Use action works to describe your qualifications. If possible, provide evidence of your qualifications by Including numbers or percentages, such as ‘90% of my patients felt that I gave excellent nursing care.’”

Every résumé should include a section on an applicant’s education history. But recent graduates from nursing school should include any relevant information about nursing programs they may have participated in while pursuing their degrees.

Résumés are vital when looking for work.

Recent graduates from nursing school can use their résumés to highlight any unique experiences they might have that can help them stand out among crowded applicant pools.

“In addition to a well written resume, I think the most important thing that new graduates should always include when applying for a new job is a cover letter. The cover letter lets the graduate introduce themselves, outline their qualifications, state where they saw the job posting and why they are applying for that specific position at that specific facility,” McGee said. “The cover letter lets the graduate customize their qualifications to those listed in the position posting. The cover letter should always end by stating that the graduate is available for an interview and that if they do not hear back, they will contact the company just to make sure they have received the application. And most important, thank them for taking the time to consider their application.” 

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The Hut. Photo by Dawn Burleigh

American Real Estate.

Photo by Dawn Burleigh

TOURING ORANGE VIA, WELL, ORANGES

By Dawn Burleigh

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A project inspired to bringing communities together while featuring the area has sprung new life into driving down the street as many are searching for the latest painted orange.

Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Chris Kovatch with President Ida Schossow made the announcement of the project, last summer, after discussing it for four years.

Since the arrival of the first 1100-pound concrete oranges in November, residents and businesses alike, have watched as more and more arrive throughout the county.

While many oranges were painted the traditional orange at first, more and more are starting to show up in different colors and artistry.

The first one painted, was the one delivered to the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce at the corner of 10th and Green

River Trust Capital Management.

Photo by Dawn Burleigh

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homes is proudly displayed on an area raised higher in front of the office. Frey’s Nursery and Landscaping also displayed their ingenuity for curb appeal with an eyecatching display on Interstate 10.

International Paper use theirs to add just the right touch to signs announcing its location.

While many thought the design on this

Travis T. Miller and Suzette Parker Dentist office.

Photo by Dawn Burleigh

Ave. in Orange. Kovatch and his son, Stryker, painted it shortly after it was placed at its new home.

Now one can use a map at the chamber’s website to tour Orange via the painted fruit and discover the talents of the area.

Businesses around the area are adding their logos to the oversized fruit and many have used it as a monument on display for the establishment such as the way American Real Estate painted with different style

United Way of Orange County. Photo by Dawn Burleigh Bridge City Bank front. Photo by Dawn Burleigh

From fishing on the river as featured on the statue at Spanky’s on 16th Street to crawfish and lemons on the painted fruit at The Hut nearby, the flavors of the area are represented well.

Field of Plenty. Courtesy of Sandra Hoke

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Chauvin, who says she is in training learning from her Mom, donated their time and talent to paint the orange to represent the Field of Plenty.

Tracey drove from League City to help her Mom who lives in Groves. “The base is painted to look like dirt with all kinds of vegetables growing out of the

Alexa Torres admires the masterpieces of art throughout the area as she takes a tour of oranges.

Photo by Dawn Burleigh

particular orange was a wrap, it is actually painted.

As new oranges are still arriving and many waiting to be delivered, a tour can change everytime.

Oranges spotted during this tour which were unpainted are now painted such as the Field of Plenty orange.

The orange at the Field of Plenty Garden was donated to the garden by Cullen Smith, owner of Security Abstract and Title Company in Orange.

Dot Chauvin, Master Gardener and garden volunteer, and her daughter Tracy International Paper. Photo by Dawn Burleigh

Spanky's. Photo by Dawn Burleigh

Old Orange Cafe. Photo by Dawn Burleigh

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dirt,” Sandra Hoke, with Field of Plenty, said.

“Butterflies, bees, a trowel and even a leaky water hose is worked into the design. We are so proud of it!”

A helpful hint to the tour is look for the differences in the oranges.

“One caught my eye because I noticed there was a tooth were a star would have been on a Texas Flag,” Alexa Torres said.

Once the sculptures are on display, a list of locations will be available on the chamber’s website to share with visitors to the area.

The chamber is working with Brad Child’s, owner of Child’s Hardware, to coordinate the delivery of the oranges. Child’s Hardware is also the official paint supplier for the oranges.

The cost of an orange is $250 for chamber members and $500 for nonmembers.

Nonmembers will also receive an one year membership with the chamber allowing the business to discover firsthand the benefits of chamber membership.  See map at https://preview.tinyurl.com/ yd2pmu4w

Torres is referring to the Orange discovered off the main streets at the dentist offices of Travis T. Miller and Suzette Parker located at 3314 Concord Street in Orange.

Along the tour, ladybugs on the leaves, or discovering a design on the ‘back’ of the orange were discovered, such as the orange at Bridge City Bank at 57 Strickland Drive in Orange.

With well over 100 Oranges on display, a tour can take more than a just a couple of hours and can make each tour a little different.

The sculptures are available to purchase to be decorated and displayed outside one’s business or home.

Map of Tour of Oranges

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RSVP MATCHES OLDER ADULTS WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

By Dawn Burleigh Courtesy photos

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Millions of people across the globe volunteer every day. Without the selfless efforts of volunteers, many charities would be forced to cease operations. In fact, a 2017 study from the charitable community membership organization Independent Sector estimated that the labor provided by volunteers is worth roughly $193 billion per year in the United States alone.

But volunteering can be as beneficial for volunteers as it can for the organizations they help.

Volunteering in the community is not just for the younger generation. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) links the skills of volunteers with the identified needs of the community.

Since 1971, RSVP, one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation for people 55 and over, has matched older adults who are willing to help with local organizations on the front lines of meeting community needs. RSVP projects link

the skills of the volunteers with the identified needs of the community. RSVP volunteers do not receive any monetary incentive or stipend, but the RSVP project may reimburse volunteers for certain out-of-pocket costs associated with their service activities. In addition, RSVP volunteers receive accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance as well as community recognition, according to it’s official website.

Golden Triangle RSVP is a volunteer match maker service that matches people 55 and older with diverse non-profit agencies in the Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange County region.

Approximately 500 volunteers participate annually and their 80,000 hours a year equates to over $1.5 million in services rendered.

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Penny Pearson, volunteer coordinator, is the first person a volunteer will speak with when they reach out to the organization. Pearson will email or mail an application to the person and has a list of over 50 different agencies in need of volunteers.

“About 50 percent will know where they want to volunteer,” Petry said. “Others want to volunteer but not sure where. Penny talks with them to find a good fit.”

RSVP takes care of all the paperwork and tracking the volunteer hours so volunteers just have to volunteer.

“Some do not know who to call or where to start,” Petry said.

In Orange County, RSVP volunteers work at Orange Christian Services, Orange Community Action Association, United Christian Care Center, Veterans Advocates of America, and Vidor ISD Community Education.

Petry added the need for people to be fed, clothed or children in elementary school is constantly growing.

The Golden Triangle RSVP is funded by a 3-year federal grant. RSVP recently received another grant for April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2023.

“They have to be 55 or older and live in Orange Jefferson or Hardin County,” Petry said. “No, they do not have to be retired. We have several volunteers who work full time or part time.”

The criteria to join RSVP is simple.

Volunteers also select how much time and how often they volunteer so it can fit their schedule.

“We have several organizations in Orange and Orange County,” Petry said. “Volunteers are not restricted to the area if they want to volunteer in Hardin or Jefferson county.”

To volunteer, call 409-924-3382 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. RSVP will help you find the right place to volunteer as you help give back to the community. 

According to a 2017 study from Independent Sector, a United States-based national membership organization that brings together the charitable community, the value of a volunteer hour is more than $24. So, for every hour volunteers are working for their favorite charities, they’re saving those charities $24. That money can then be used to help charities achieve their missions.

Director of Golden Triangle RSVP Crystal Petry describes the organization as a volunteer match maker program.

“We match volunteers 55 and older with a non-profit agency,” Petry said. “We are always in need of more volunteers as the need is always growing.”

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ON THE

SCENE

Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Scholarships

Chloe Smith and Crissa Bonnin

5.22.20

Nicole Harris, Chloe Smith, and Allichia Bonneaux

Photos by Randy Strong Bridge City Chamber of Commerce announced its 2020 Scholarship Recipients for Orangefield High School and Bridge City High School. Each student

Mary, Alex, Ernesto, and Alan Gonzalez

received a $600 scholarship to go toward their college education. Bridge City Chamber of Commerce held several events and fundraisers during the year to put toward the Scholarship Program.

Zack Quinn, Connor Tait, and Shaun McAlpin

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ON THE

SCENE

Republican County Convention

5.23.20 OC Republican County Convention Photos by Dawn Burleigh Orange County Republican Party of Texas heldit’s County Convention on May 23 at the OC Republican Party headquarters. It was one of the many events which took place as soon as Texas Governor Gregg Abbott announced Texas was entering Phase II of reopening after the COVID Crisis.

Linn Cardener and David Derosier

David Covey and Scott Golemon

Katie Covey and Evita Kemmer

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ON THE

SCENE Food Distribution

5.23.20 Photos by Dawn Burleigh Orange County Disaster Rebuild and Southeast Texas Food Bank teamed up to make a difference with a COVID-19 Emergency Response Drive Thru Food Distribution on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center.

Volunteers from Texas AgriLife, Orange County Disaster Rebuild, Southeast Texas Food Bank, Salvation Army and United Way of Orange County helped distribute two gallons of milk and eight pounds of frozen chicken to those who patiently waited in a line that extended to Interstate 10.

Betty Strattion and Johnnie Amacker

Lanie Brown

Michelle Tubbleville and James Scales

Tommy Byers Maureen McAllister and Kyle Tubbleville

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ON THE

SCENE Feed Our Community

5.23.20 Feed Our Community Photos by Dawn Burleigh Krewe de Onyx spends a Saturday afternoon giving away free lunches to help the community. In the announcement of the event, the Krewe stated, “Krewe de Onyx realizes that many families in our town are affected by the current pandemic and economy and wanted to do something to help and give back to the community.�

Brock McGrew, Danina Jones and Freddie JOnes

Horace Broussard and Russell Bottley

Erica Beasley and LaTonia Jones

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ON THE

SCENE Food Distribution

5.23.20 Photos by Dawn Burleigh Orange County Disaster Rebuild and Southeast Texas Food Bank teamed up to make a difference with a COVID-19 Emergency Response Drive Thru Food Distribution on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center.

Volunteers from Texas AgriLife, Orange County Disaster Rebuild, Southeast Texas Food Bank, Salvation Army and United Way of Orange County helped distribute two gallons of milk and eight pounds of frozen chicken to those who patiently waited in a line that extended to Interstate 10.

Kevin and Misty Wiggins

Misty Bornholdt-Winder, Brock Winder and Larry Winder

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Signs imes of the t by Photos

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During the Coronavirus, so many Orange County businesses, schools and churches have been there along the way, inspiring Orange County residents to keep their spirits high throughout the tough times with so many wonderful, inspirational messages. ď ´

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HIDDEN PARADISE IN A BACKYARD

By Dawn Burleigh

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Photos by Dawn Burleigh

A hidden garden offers peace and tranquility in the backyard of Pete Gresham and his wife’s home in Orange are a foliage paradise.

Pete and Janice Gresham have turned a back yard into a beautiful getaway with a relaxing atmosphere enhanced with an outdoor fireplace and even a waterfall.

The couple moved into the subdivision 22 years ago after Pere built it.

“My favorite part of the garden is the fireplace,” Pete said. “We really enjoy it.”

Pete suggests before starting your own backyard paradise to decide how much work you want to put into it.

“I have 200 pots here,” Pete said. “You have to have an idea of what you want before you start and take into consideration how much sun and shade you will have.”

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From there, you can decide which plants you will want.

Caladiums are Pete’s favorites.

“I order them every year from Caladium World in Florida,” Pete said. “I put out bulbs every year.”

Caladiums are a tropical South American plant of the arum family, which is cultivated for its brilliantly colored ornamental foliage.

Even with all the planning before you start, be prepared to learn what does and does not work along the way.

“One mistake was trying periwinkle,” Pete said. “They are too susceptible to disease. I can’t grow them.”

Periwinkle is an Old World plant with flat five-petaled, typically bluish flowers and glossy leaves. Some kinds are grown as ornamentals and some contain alkaloids used in medicine.

Pete added rain can kill the plant or lead to a fungus which will also kill it.

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Another aspect of the garden is the couple’s very own waterfall.

“It is tranquil with the water running,” Pete said. “We eat out here a lot and enjoy hearing the waterfall.”

It is in the garden the couple is usually found as they enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“I am really proud of how it looks this year,” Pete said. 

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In the heart of downtown Crowley, on the second and third floors of the Dixie True Value Hardware building is the 1901 Opera House.

505 North Parkerson Avenue Crowley, La. 337-785-0440 http://www.thegrandoperahouse.org

26th Germanfest October 3, 2020 8 a.m. - October 4, 2020 8 p.m.

Grounds of St. Leo Catholic Church Roberts Cove Rayne LA 70578 337-334-8354

The Historic Rice Theatre is home of Cajun Gospel and Country Music. Be entertained by local and International talents.

Hours vary by season. Special events are also scheduled.

Call for more information.

E-mail: ricecity@bellsouth.net

amy@acadiatourism.org

Kelly’s Landing 1109 Robert’s Cove Road Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0546

Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building 425 North Parkerson Avenue Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0824 www.crowley-la.com

Le Vieux Presbytere Rue Ivy LeJeune & south Rogers Street Church Point, LA 70526 337-684-5692