Orange Living Summer 2021

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PEEVEY EAGER TO GET THE BATTLIN’ BEAR PROGRAMS “ROARING” BOATING

FLOWERS FLOATING ON WATER

WHY BUTCH CAMPBELL LOVES ORANGE

July 2021

Drop by the Stark Museum of Art this summer to visit our special exhibition Welcome to Color: Stark Cultural Venues Coloring Book and pick up your FREE copy of our new coloring book! The exhibition features original contour line drawings created by SMA Teaching Artist Karen Leonard that highlight the unique locations and collections at the Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, Stark Park, Lutcher Theater, and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

On view June 5 - September 25, 2021

#SCVconnected starkculturalvenues.org

©2021 Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

TABLE CONTENTS OF

PUBLISHER’S LETTER............................4 How to prevent damaged, brassy summer hair........5

BOATING

Flowers floating on water............................................6

HEALTH

5 ways to pamper yourself more often ......................9

DAY TRIP

Galveston Sea Ventures..............................................10

FEATURE

Peevey eager to get the Battlin’ Bear programs “roaring”......................................................................12

RECIPE

Key West Flank Steak.................................................15

Shangri La reopens, ready for visitors.....................16 How to Run a Remote Meeting................................19 Pampering your nails for summer fun....................20

HOME

Discovering the beauty of a new ‘old’ home...........21

ON THE SCENE

See who was seen out and about..............................24

ART

Light Layers exhibit on display.................................30

WHY I LOVE ORANGE

Butch Campbell..........................................................31 (On the cover: John and Jeanelle Cochran grace us with a peak in their home. Photo by Dawn Burleigh)

EDITOR’S LETTER

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Summer is definitely here. If you doubt me, just step outside and feel the weight of the humidity. Despite the things humidity does to our hair, we have seen some beautiful blue skies which are beckoning me to find a friend with a boat to take me out on the water.

After reading Tammee’s article about ladies captaining their own boats, I have come to terms with the fact I will never be a boat owner. And I am ok with this, well, as long as a friend remembers to call and invite me out on the water from time to time.

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When I was younger, the best memories of Summer were not on the beach with friends but times on the sail boat with my dad. We had several laughs each summer as he tried to teach me how to navigate my way across the bay. The trouble with a sailboat is that you need wind to make it move. My dad could be at the helm and there would be a slight breeze from the time we left the dock until we returned to the slip to secure the boat for another day.

Put me in the Captain seat and the breeze would disappear almost instantly. Actually, closer to after I was in the middle of the bay and would be stuck there until someone pulled me in or a breeze would finally return, hours later. See, Dad never ever had engine trouble UNLESS I was stuck out there on the bay. Then everything would go wrong. It was more comical than stressful, even then.

There is something about the water which makes creating memories even easier.

Fishing trips, a day of crabbing, even a campfire on the beach all bring back fond memories.

With Summer just starting, now is the time to go create those memories with your families and friends.

There are so many places right here in Orange County where one can enjoy the peaceful

GENERAL MANAGER

Dawn Burleigh

WRITERS

Dawn Burleigh Van Wade Tammee Greer

DESIGNER

Dawn Burleigh Design2Pro

AD TRAFFIC AND SALES Amy Dansby

PHOTOGRAPHY Dawn Burleigh Van Wade

serene sounds of nature as you listen to the waves of the water crash against the rocks such as walking along the riverfront in downtown Orange. Bailey’s offers some beautiful colors during a sunset. Watching the vehicles go over the bridges as the sky turns to shades of orange and reds can be very relaxing. Not a bad place to ‘wet’ a hook either.

Which brings up an interesting question… have you ever actually caught a fish while at Bailey’s? My husband laughs when I suggest Bailey’s for fishing because for us it is a place to fish, not catch. I do need to find a good fishing hole this Summer. Any suggestions?

Another place to relax and enjoy the waters is City of Orange Boat Ramp. A pier is nearby as well for fishing.

Blue Bird’s Fish Camp is a great place to hang out and fish, plus you are right there at Blue Birds where you can get one of their famous hamburgers. Blue Birds Fish Camp has been an icon on the banks of the Sabine River since at least the 1940’s which began primarily as a bait shop.

Claiborne West Park has some waterways which make for great pictures as well as a relaxing walk. Located just east of Vidor, Texas, on Interstate 10, it is a living memorial to Claiborne West, who played an important role in making Texas independent from Mexico. The park is a wooden recreation area comprising 453 acres of land. It is a wildlife and bird sanctuary and part of The Great Coastal Birding Trial.

A hidden secret is Smith Lake Water and RV Park. The water park is traditional open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors can also relax the day away by renting floats. Kayaking and Canoeing is also available along with backpacking, hiking and scuba diving.

However you decide to spend your summer, enjoy yourself and make some memories. 

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 409-883-3573 or by email at news@orangeleader.com.

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HOW TO PREVENT DAMAGED, BRASSY

A new haircut or a color change can align perfectly with the carefree spirit of summer.

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A new haircut or a color change can align perfectly with the carefree spirit of summer. Summer may be an opportunity to experiment with lighter hues or highlights to complement the natural changes to hair that come with exposure to the sun and surf.

Hair care routines after changing colors may require a few additional steps, as weather or

SUMMER HAIR styling conditions can contribute to less-thandesirable results, including brassy tones.

According to the hair experts at The Matrix, everyone’s hair has warm colors within.

Whenever hair is lightened, underlying gold or red tones become more visible. Hair also may turn brassy because the follicles are porous and can soak up everything from minerals in

shower water to pollution or chlorine.

Exposure to chlorine and summer sun can contribute to brassiness, making hair more vulnerable to damage and breakage.

Many people may not know that some hair care products also can contribute to brassiness Continued on Page 9

FLOWERS FLOATING on water

By Tammee Greer

She remarked, “It turns out there was a big alligator beside me while I was knee boarding.

I’m not sure if that is really funny or not.”

Lisa Fournet, a resident of Bridge City, Texas and avid boater said, “I’ve been around boats my whole life.”

Lisa splits her time between being home for her children and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels in Orange. Fishing is a big part of her family adventures.

Lisa said, “Put me on a boat and it’s my happy place. All the white noise, everything blocks out. You don’t think of anything else. It’s tranquility to me. You’re not thinking about folding the clothes. You’re not thinking about what I didn’t get to. You’re just out there in the water in the breeze.”

Della Fourtney, 17, with her 8 pound 6 oz Bass.

Photos by Tammee Greer

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Spying a fish popping out of the water spontaneously as the sun peeks over the horizon and the surrounding sounds of the birds singing are the sights and sounds that greet the disturbance of the canoe.

Enjoying the dawn of the morning in a canoe before the demands of the day is something Karen Stevens, executive director of Meals on Wheels, and a weekly columnist for the Orange Leader newspaper in Orange, made a habit of every morning. She still tries to make time for this favorite morning ritual.

Karen also enjoys time on the family fishing boat, the Fish Master. The Fish Master is not

just for fishing. It pulls water tubes and is used to water ski. In fact, Karen spoke of a funny adventure with their fishing boat soon after they moved to southeast Texas.

Karen said she and her family were on Cow Bayou knee boarding. It was her turn on the water and her boys were recording her skills on a video camera.

Karen said, “They were waving at me and smiling and laughing. So, I smiled back and kept waving to them.”

They watched the video when they arrived home.

Lisa mentioned she has been boating since she was old enough to hold a pole. Her earliest memory of boating was when she was five years old. Her and her mother would go fishing right before daybreak. She also remembers her uncle fishing in the mornings and in the evenings sometimes in a flatbottomed aluminum boat.

Lisa recommends a flare gun be stored on every craft. She recalls going taking a trip on her boyfriend’s twenty-one-foot fishing boat to Houma, Louisiana. She said there are so many waterways, if a wrong turn is taken, disaster can occur. They took one of those wrong turns and ended up in a mud flat. A rescue boat was called but it had a hard time finding them because they had no way to signal their location.

Many selections of watercrafts are available.

However, Lisa stated, “All you really need around here is a fifteen-foot fishing boat.”

Imagine a different scene.

The stillness and the peacefulness of the sunset has a calming effect. The slight rocking of the boat is not helping to maintain wakefulness.

As the sun slowly sets eyes are closed the head

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Chari Clifton sharing a peaceful moment with her friend, Carrie Snook, after a long day at the helm.

Photo by Tammee Greer

is tilted back resting on the seat. A glass of wine rests on the table. The soft murmuring of passersby and the soft splashing of the gentle current are the surrounding sounds easing the cares of the day into oblivion.

This is just one of the magical moments shared by friends, Chari Clifton, a retiree and a Bridge City High School Alumni, and Beverly L. Paris, MA., LPC. Beverly is a Licensed Professional Counselor for Communities in Schools and is also an Alumni of Bridge City High School. Beverly and Chari enjoy sailboats.

Beverly said, “I love being in the wind and sun. There are no worries. You feel free. It’s an escape.”

Beverly had two sailboats for a time. When Beverly was given the opportunity to buy her first sailboat, she said, “Why not? I have the money. Let’s do it.”

She ended up obtaining two 32-foot sailboats.

One was a Morgan and the other an Endeavor.

She flipped the Morgan a year and a half after she bought it, because she already liked flipping houses, and she kept the Endeavor for three years. Beverly lived on land but had her means of escape docked a half hour away.

She said, “It’s a great place to take some me time.”

have lived on the Sola Gratia since 2013.

There are advantages to living on a sailboat.

Among those are no property taxes. Living expenses consist of one bill a month when docked in a marina. The bill typically includes, the dock fee, living aboard fee and electricity. Depending on the marina, other charges may be included in the monthly bill, such as, icehouse and bar tabs.

“The most important advantage of living on a sailboat is if you don’t like where you’re living, you just leave and dock somewhere else,” Chari said. “After all, it’s free. It doesn’t cost you anything to move.”

Chari used to have a nice house with a big closet full of clothes and shoes. However, when she decided to live full-time on the sailboat, she said, “You figure out what you need and what is necessary.”

Among many considerations before buying a boat is the expense of owning one.

Karen explained boating is an expensive hobby.

She said seafarers should put their boat in for maintenance at least once a year. Expect to pay around a thousand dollars each time a boat is put in for maintenance. Karen warned not to be in a hurry to get the boat back either.

Chari said, “It just soothes your soul,” and “I love to be rocked to sleep.”

She said, “If you put the boat in a shop, they keep it for at least a month, because they are not in a hurry. It doesn’t matter to the repairmen if you have something coming up.”

Chari lives on a 1983, 40-foot Endeavor sailboat named Sola Gratia, which in Latin means “only by grace”. She and her husband

Then there are always the unexpected things which break down, much like on a car or a house.

Imagine climbing into a canoe and slowly moving through the water as the oar slices through it.

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“So many things can go wrong…electrical, battery, trolling motor, etc.,” Karen mentioned.

Beverly concurs with Karen. She advises of several precautions who are considering buying a boat on their own. One thing Beverly mentioned is to talk to people who own a boat.

Upkeep and repairs are expensive.

Beverly said, “Whatever the costs you expect, I’d probably double it.”

Beverly warns, “Whatever happens you want to take care of it right away. You want to keep the boat in good shape.”

For a woman considering purchasing a boat on her own, she suggests before buying talk to people who own a boat. Consider the maintenance and repair costs, know someone who is willing to work on the boat, or be inclined to perform upkeep and repair themselves.

Lisa added suggestions for a woman thinking about buying a used boat. She said to take along a brother, dad, or mechanically inclined

friend. Like a car, a boat must be driven before buying to recognize any problems and if a lack of boat knowledge is present, take courses at a boat training school.

Lisa said, “John Boats are the easiest to maintain.

They’re lightweight. You charge the battery and keep oars with you in case the battery runs out.

When you get to land, just flip them over.”

Backing up a trailer is a necessary skill when owning a boat.

Karen stated matter-of-factly, “Most women

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do not know how to back up a trailer. If you do not know how to back up a trailer, you shouldn’t own a boat.”

If cruising Cow Bayou, famished and craving crawfish, fish or shrimp, a pit stop is accessible at High Tides restaurant located on Cow Bayou where it intersects Highway 87 in Bridge City, Texas. High Tides has docks for boats with the option of eating inside the open restaurant or on the picnic tables on the pier. Canine guests are welcome as well. The street address of High Tides is 3109 Texas Ave., Bridge City, Texas.

The simple duties of boating cannot be forgotten. Boat Title Registration and boat trailer tags renew every year. Title Registration can be done at Texas Parks and Wildlife located at 5550 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77708. The phone number is (409) 892-8666. Their website is www. beaumontcvb.com. Trailer tag registration renews yearly as well and can be done at the tax office in Orange located at 123 6th Street Orange, TX 77631. Their phone number is (409) 882-7971 and the website is TxDMV. gov. Once these simple responsibilities are taken care of and one is anxious to get their boat in the water, locals in watercrafts of all sizes utilize the City of Orange Boat Launch located at 408 Pier Road.

Boating provides opportunities to bring family and friends together, such as, Karen Stevens’ Champagne Cruises at sunset or Chari Clifton’s friends sitting randomly on any available space on her sailboat enjoying a country dinner.

Soon to be your ONE-STOP SHOP for work and play!

Lisa Fourtney summed the boating experience up best when she said, “I think boating is a true family adventure!” 

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5

TO PAMPER YOURSELF WAYS MORE OFTEN

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The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people scrambling for ways to unwind without risking their health or the health of others. For more than a year, opportunities to let loose and have fun have been stymied by the cancellation of concerts, theater shows, sporting events, family holidays, and so much more in the name of public safety.

Individuals can look to coping strategies to find silver linings. Pampering oneself can be a healthy and enjoyable endeavor to explore.

people who work multiple jobs or for extended hours may not have enough time for sufficient sleep, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates one in three American adults do not get enough sleep. Getting seven or more hours of sleep per night is important, but you also can add to your sleep bank by taking short naps in the early afternoon. A nap can reduce stress and elevate the mood. Stick to a snooze of 30 minutes or less.

Pampering means different things to different people. Pampering involves indulging in self-care strategies to improve mental, physical and emotional health. Pampering can provide a respite from stress, enabling one to switch off his or her brain for a bit. Rest assured that pampering doesn’t have to involve big expenses, and many pampering sessions can take place right at home. The following are five pampering ideas to explore.

2. Indulge in a luxurious practical item

1. Take a nap Getting enough restful sleep is essential for your overall health. The Sleep Foundation says

Continued from Page 5 or bland color. The beauty product review source Beauty Mag warns that shampoos that contain silicones, sulfates, parabens, and coloring can contribute to the problem.

Avoiding hair damage and unwanted color changes comes down to prevention and correction. These tips can make a difference in hair health.

• Wear a swim cap before going into the pool or the ocean to protect against chlorine or salt water, which may leach into hair shafts and cause brittleness and brassy hues. Specialty hair masks to coat tresses also can be effective.

Instead of splurging on something that is whimsical or unnecessary, allocate some disposable dollars to something functional — but put a luxurious spin on it. Think of buying a set of silk bedsheets or indulge on a high-end cut of meat for a family dinner. You’ll feel rewarded without feeling guilty that you were wasteful.

3. Schedule a salon service Hair, nail or skin services enable you to get away from home for an hour or more and devote time all to yourself. Plus, you’ll have

• Stick to the shade when outdoors to avoid having hair fried by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. If that’s not possible, wear a hat or hair products that contain UV protection.

the benefit of walking out of the salon looking like the best version of yourself.

4. Take a hot bath People may be pressed for time when engaging in their daily beauty and grooming routines. A 10-minute shower before work might not provide the relaxation and sense of escape you need. Set aside a time in the evening to soak in the tub and let stress as well as aches and pains melt away in the water. Scent the water with essential oils for a relaxing aromatherapy session.

5. Find a simple pleasure Display fresh flowers on the table, listen to some favorite music while cleaning the house or plan a homemade meal for yourself accompanied by a fine wine. Planning for a simple pleasure once or twice a week gives you something to look forward to.

Pampering comes in many shapes and forms and is an effective way to reduce stress. 

brassy. Stylists can add enough highlights to make the total effect appear much brighter.

• Determine if the water in your home is “hard,” which means it has high levels of chlorine, metals and minerals in it. Watersoftening systems and filters can help mitigate hard water issues. Also, there’s no need to wash hair multiple times a week, which can cause hair dye to fade more quickly.

• Use a toner or correctional “purple” shampoo. Toning products rely on color wheel technology. Opposite colors on the wheel cancel each other out. Orange and yellow (brassy) hues are opposite blue and purple. Therefore, using special shampoos that contain blue and purple pigments will offset brassy hues. Don’t worry, your hair won’t turn violet with recommended use.

• Consider highlights over all-over hair lightening/coloring. With highlights, there will be fewer colored portions of your hair and less opportunity for lightened hair to turn

Summer hair can retain its vitality and color with some easy steps. Speak with a local stylist about other ways to maintain beautiful hair color all summer long. 

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GALVESTON SEA

VENTURES Always a great time fishing the Gulf of Mexico

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Galveston Sea Ventures specializes in offshore fishing and deep sea fishing in Galveston, Texas. Some of the best offshore fishing, deep sea fishing, and shark fishing in the entire Gulf of Mexico are right here in Galveston.

Whether it’s a Galveston fishing charter with some clients, a deep sea fishing trip with friends and family, a morning or afternoon bay and jetty trip, Galveston Sea Ventures is the fishing charter and guide service you have been searching for!

tours and sunset cruises too! All of our trips are priced for up to 6 people and are priced per group, rather than per person. Whether you’re looking for a quick trip to catch your first fish or a full day deep sea fishing safari, Galveston Sea Ventures we would love to be a part of your fishing experience!

We offer a wide range of trips from 2.5 hours to 12 hours, as well as private dolphin/harbor

Approximately three million people go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico every year. The Gulf is one of the most ecologically diverse bodies of water, offering first-time fishers and expert anglers alike the chance to see sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and more.

For ways to book a great experience, call (512) 639-9188 or go to galvestonseaadventures. com.

Not every specimen you catch will be edible, but each one is guaranteed to be interesting.

There’s no such thing as a bad fishing spot on the Gulf Coast.

There are many different fishing trips available during your time in the Gulf of Mexico. From deep sea fishing for Spanish Mackerel to Bay & Jetty fishing with your family or friends, here are some of the different fishing trips you can look forward to on your visit to the Gulf coast: Deep Sea Fishing: During your deep sea fishing trip, you can typically expect some combination of bottom fishing, trolling, drift fishing, and jigging from 10 to 100 miles from shore. This gives you the opportunity to experience a wide variety of fish species

during your trip. Due to weather conditions, some days you may be limited to trolling and bottom fishing, but these methods actually yield a good amount of fish. Some of the most common types of fish you can expect to see when deep sea or offshore fishing trip in gulf waters include King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Tripletail, Dorado, Cobia (Ling), Sharks, Jack Crevalle, Sailfish, and Wahoo.

Some of the best places for a deep sea fishing trip are in Galveston, Texas and Destin, Florida.

Bay & Jetty Fishing: Bay & Jetty fishing trips are a great way to spend time with your family, especially if you have young children.

These trips offer the chance to catch a wide variety of fish species while also letting you see dolphins and maybe even a shark or two.

During Bay & Jetty fishing trips, you’ll try a combination of light tackle and bottom fishing. You can also use both live and dead bait. Bay & Jetty fishing trips are popular yearround. Some of the most common types of fish you can expect to see include Sheepshead, white trout, Red Drum (Redfish), Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Sharks, Flounder, Whiting, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and more. The most comprehensive habitat for jetty fishing is in Galveston, Texas…. home to potentially the largest jetty complex in the world.

Shark Fishing: Shark fishing is best between May and September on the Gulf coast, when the waters are warmer. During this time, sharks are the most abundant and plentiful along the beachfront and nearshore waters of

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Galveston. Sharks can be caught with different types of baits including live and dead baits.

You can also use drifting or bottom fishing.

They can be fun to catch, especially because sharks are hard fighters. This trip is best for catch-and-release anglers looking for a big fish fight. Some sharks are allowed to be kept as long as they’re legal and you plan to eat them, not waste them.

There are many different fishing trips you can enjoy in the Gulf of Mexico. But what types of fish can you find in the Gulf?

Local fishing guides will tell you that there are hundreds of different species you can look for while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. They may not all be hungry on your trip, but there’s always a great surprise that could be waiting for you on your next trip! Whether you plan to catch-and-release or catch-and-eat, here are some of the most common types of fish you can expect to see: Red Snapper: This is one of the most soughtafter fish in the Gulf. Red Snappers can range anywhere from 3 lbs to 30 lbs and are typically found in waters between 50 to 300 ft. Red Snappers are most commonly found around a variety of bottom structurEs and artificial reefs, but regulations do set a limit of fish caught per person to protect the population and ensure future generations can enjoy a great fishing experience for them as well.

Kingfish: Also known as King Mackerel, Kingfish can range anywhere between 1 lb to 60 lbs and put up an incredible fight with a big

mouth full of sharp teeth. Kingfish are typically caught between April and November as they make their annual migration. Anglers can use a variety of dead baits, typically whole fish and also artificial lures to catch them. Regulation limits each person to three Kingfish.

Ling: Also known as Cobia, Ling are big fish that typically weigh from 20 lbs to 50 lbs, although some fish have been known to grow up to 100 lbs. The best season to catch Ling is between April and September. They’re brown or dark gray and are best found under platforms, buoys, and anchored shrimp boats. They can be baited with mullet, cigar minnows, crabs, live pinfish, shrimp, squid, and dead fish.

Amberjack: These fish can weigh anywhere between 30 lbs to 50 lbs but can sometimes weigh up to 100 lbs. They’re one of the hardest fighting fish you’ll catch because they’re very strong. These fish are often found on reefs that range between 60 ft to 400 ft deep. They can be caught using live bait and are typically caught on a longer deep sea fishing trip, most often for 12 hour trips.

Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, Redfish have a bronze or reddish color with a white underside. They can range anywhere between 10 lbs to 30 lbs but have been known to get up to 50 lbs at their heaviest. They can be found along grassy shorelines, rocky shorelines, shallow flats and jettiesas well. They feed on shrimp, crabs, and other live baitfish.

Speckled Trout: These fish are typically caught

throughout the bay and can be difficult to find as they follow baitfish and prefer slightly lower salinity waters. Part of the drum family, they’re a popular fish to catch and typically range between 3 lbs to 15 lbs in weight. They range between 19 inches to 32 inches in length.

Sheepshead: Also known as the Convict Fish or Bay Snapper, the Sheepshead has black vertical bands and protruding teeth just like a sheep. This fish has strong and heavy fins, which make them hard to catch despite their small size. The average Sheepshead weighs less than 4 lbs. They live on shellfish, shrimp, and small crabs and can be found in rocky areas ain’t jetties and bulkheads.

Shark: Sharks are the largest species of fish you can expect to catch during your fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the most common types of sharks you can catch include Blacktips, Spinners, and Sandbars.

Tiger and Bull sharks are also occasionally caught by anglers as well. However, many of these sharks can’t be kept and are meant for catch-and-release trips. The size of the average shark caught in this area measures between 4 ft and 7 ft with an average weight of over 100 lbs.

The Gulf of Mexico is a great place for firsttimers and experienced anglers alike to fish for interesting specimens. Whether you’re fishing with your family or as a part of a corporate getaway, consider making your next adventure a fishing trip along the Gulf this year. 

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By Van Wade Photos by Van Wade New LC-M Athletic Director and head football coach Eric Peevey is ready to roll in guiding the Battlin’ Bear program as he celebrates with LC-M Superintendent Stacey Brister.

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LITTLE CYPRESS – An “Orange County guy” at heart has made his return to the area as Eric Peevey, who was the head football coach at Class 6A Beaumont West Brook, is certainly staying busy as the new Athletic Director and head football coach.

believed in me and now I can’t wait to coach some Battlin’ Bears and get to know all of the athletes, students and staff here.”

“I want to thank Superintendent Stacey Brister and the Board of Trustees and the whole LC-M School District for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” said Peevey.

“They really inspired me when they said they

“Believe me, we had a great deal of solid applicants but we feel like we got the right man,” said Brister. “We believe Coach Peevey is a proven leader on and off the field. He has a tremendous vision of developing a program.

Brister is thrilled to have Peevey aboard the LC-M ship.

He brings a great deal of enthusiasm and I think he will do a wonderful job.”

This summer, LC-M athletes have been up at the high school working harder than they ever have before with a massive turnout. At one point in June, they were averaging over 400 kids a day up at the school working out.

He has also already inspired the masses as the LC-M High School Gym was packed late in the spring as Peevey and his staff had a nice

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Eric Peevey loves spending time with his family as wife Amy along with sons Will and Greyson give him plenty of support.

PEEVEY EAGER TO GET THE BATTLIN’ BEAR PROGRAMS “ROARING”

LC-M Athletic Director pushes some young Bears during a pushup drill at the LC-M Weight Room.

LC-M coach Eric Peevey puts some youngsters through a workout at the LC-M Weight Room.

It has been a busy June for LC-M athletes as Coach Eric Peevey has inspired so many kids to get and stay in shape over the summer months.

rally for the student athletes and their parents as he looks to inspire more school spirit.

Peevy had a great deal of success as the head coach of Beaumont West Brook. Coach Peevey helped lead the Bruins all the way to the Class 6A Division II State Championship Game in 2018 where they lost a hard-fought 35-34 decision to Longview. He notched a 33-15 overall record at West Brook with four playoff appearances.

The Bruins were 5-6 last season and made the bidistrict playoffs.

“I will always cherish the opportunity that West Brook gave me and I will always be forever grateful and I have so many wonderful

relationships built over there.” said Peevey. “With that said, I’m an Orange County guy, grew up here, went to Orangefield, my wife graduated from LC-M. I have been a coach here in the past, we live here, my kids go to school here. We prayed about it and we look forward to what God has in store for us here. I can’t wait to get rolling.”

Peevey was recognized by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine as one of the best young leaders in the state for Texas high school football.

He was named to the 40 Under 40 coaches list. It marks the third straight year that Peevey has made the list, which includes 30 high school coaches and 10 college coaches.

Student athletes at LC-M have flooded the weight room, track and gyms, numbering more than 400 during the hot summer days.

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The LC-M athletes have certainly enjoyed their new weight room facility as they have come out in droves over the summer.

Peevey took over for long-time LC-M AD Randy Crouch, who announced his retirement at the beginning of the year.

Peevey definitely has roots in Orange County and is a proud 2002 graduate of Orangefield High School.

Peevey learned a great deal from former Orangefield, Crosby, West Brook and Tomball head coach Kevin Flanigan.

Peevey spent two years with Flanigan as an assistant at Crosby then came back to Orangefield as an assistant and then went to LC-M and was part of Crouch’s staff for three seasons from 2009-2012 in which he served as offensive pass game coordinator, wide receivers and tight end coach and assistant track coach.

Flanigan talked Peevey into going to Beaumont when Flanigan took over at West Brook in 2012 where Peevey became the defensive coordinator. When Flanigan left for Tomball in 2017, Peevey took over the headcoaching reigns for the Bruins.

Coach Peevey will look to lift up a football program that has notched just one playoff victory in the last 23 seasons. The Bears finished 1-7 last season.

“I can’t wait to get to know the kids and the coaches we have on staff and get things cranked up,” said Peevey. “I always think of three things the most when I talk to the kids.

It’s about dedication, passion and love, which are three key ingredients to not only the sport you’re playing but off the field as well with life.”

Peevey definitely wants to crank up the enthusiasm in Bear Country.

“It’s not all about football, I want to be involved in everything and I can’t wait to hit the ground running,” said Peevey. “At West Brook, it was all about being one big family. I want to see the same here with the bands, drill teams, cheerleaders and a huge student section cheering the Bears on with a lot of community support. It’s great when you can see everyone united.”

Peevey is anxious to get to the junior high and the elementary level as well.

“I want us to have success at the younger levels, that’s where it all starts,” said Peevey. “I want to see some of those young football players, like those 5 and 6-years olds, who usually say they want to be a Longhorn, an Aggie, a Cowboy or Texan, say they want to be a Bear.”

Coach Peevey and his wife Amy have two sons, Will, 8, and Greyson, 6.

Peevey officially started his job at LC-M Feb. 15 and has been going at it non-stop ever since.

“I’m ready to ‘Bear Down’ and ready to be part of something that is going to be wonderful, “said Peevey.

Coach Crouch finished with a 52-70 overall record in Bear Country. He led the Bears to their first playoff victory since 1997 in 2019 when the Bears ran past Stafford 48-21 in the bidistrict round. 

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Key West Flank Steak can whet

By Van Wade

the appetite

F

For everyone that loves the beach, the Key West Flank Steak recipe is simply amazing and it can ignite everyone’s taste buds.

This recipe is very popular in Key West, Florida. The recipe was inspired by Colombian roots. To make it even better, you can grill extra lime and onion slices. It’s tremendous served with sides of rice and fried plantains.

The total time includes 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes on a marinating grill. The following recipe makes up four servings.

INGREDIENTS • 1 large red onion, sliced • 1 cup minced fresh cilantro • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar • 1/4 cup Key lime juice • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided • 6 Key limes, halved • 1 beef flank steak (1 pound) • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine onion, cilantro, vinegar, lime juice and 2 tablespoons oil until blended. Pour 1 cup marinade into a large bowl or shallow dish. Add lime halves.

Rub steak with remaining oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add to bowl; turn to coat.

Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.

Drain steak, discarding marinade and limes in bowl. Place reserved marinade in a food processor; process until chopped.

Grill steak, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°), 6-8 minutes per side. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade. Let stand 10 minutes before thinly slicing steak across the grain.

NUTRITION FACTS 3 ounces cooked steak: 271 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.

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SHANGRI LA A

reopens, ready for visitors

According to the Greek myth, a maiden who fell in love with the sun god Apollo admired him so much that she would watch him each day as he rode his chariot across the sky.

Eventually she turned into a flower and her face continued to turn and follow him on his fiery path. Whether or not the myth is true, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is home to Autumn Beauty and Velvet Queen sunflowers in its courtyard.

Reaching up to seven feet tall with flowers on multiple stems, they’ll bloom from early summer right through to frost. Not only do they make good cut flowers, they’re an excellent source of pollen, nectar, and seeds for a host of birds, bees and butterflies. These sunflowers are super easy to grow from seed and with such rich colors and so many visiting pollinators, you just may find yourself sitting in the garden watching them, according to a Facebook post from the gardens.

And it is open again to the public.

Recovering from Hurricane Lauara and then a winter freeze, beither of which took kindly to the gardens, the grounds are flourishing as Director of Horticulture Jennifer Buckner

Photos by Dawn Burleigh

and her team work to develop and refine new planting areas that will create even more exciting WOW! moments for visitors.

Shangri La is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, a private operating foundation that aims to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas by providing significant resources for the study and enjoyment of art, history, nature and culture.

After decades of solitude following Stark’s death in 1965, the Shangri-La of the 1950s began a revitalization process through the leadership and financial support of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, the private foundation established by Lutcher Stark and his wife, Nelda, in 1961. The board of directors of the Foundation recognized the unique ecosystems and rich educational opportunities of Shangri-La and, in 2002, launched a plan to restore Shangri-La to its original grandeur.

La as earth-friendly as possible, including language in the design statement that Shangri La should be the “greenest project in Texas”.

Using this philosophical framework as a foundation principle, the design teams associated with Lake/Flato Architects and the landscape architectural firms of MESA and Jeffrey Carbo Landscape Architects, began developing designs to accomplish this vision.

Unfortunately, in September 2005, as construction was poised to begin, Orange, Texas sustained a direct hit from Hurricane Rita. The resulting damage from Rita leveled

From the outset, the Stark Foundation made a commitment to honor Stark’s devotion to the environment by making the new Shangri

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much of Shangri La’s upland forests and historic garden areas throughout the property, resulting in the loss of more than 50,000 trees. Despite this fact, the Stark Foundation and the design teams never wavered in their commitment to the future and took full advantage of the opportunity to salvage fallen trees and incorporate them into the design of new facilities, develop revised garden design schemes, and utilize salvaged lumber in a variety of other ways.

With its newly designed gardens, gleaming new facilities, and diverse flora and fauna, the new Shangri La, now renamed “Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center“, opened to the public in March 2008. However, nature would throw yet another significant challenge in the way when Hurricane Ike slammed into southeast Texas in September 2008, resulting in significant flood damage to the newly reopened Shangri La. Despite these natural disasters and other challenges faced during planning and construction, the Stark Foundation’s enduring support was finally rewarded when Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center permanently reopened to the public in March 2009 following the completion of renovations.

Moreover, that same spring, Shangri La was selected as one of the greenest projects in the world by the American Institute of Architects and also recognized by the United States Green Building Council as a Platinum LEED project, which is the highest level of green construction (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Shangri La became the first Platinum LEED certified new

construction facility in Texas and the 50th project in the world to earn this designation.

Today, the modern Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange, Texas. It is an ecological wonderland and living museum for visitors of all ages to explore.

Shangri La’s Visitor Center engages visitors to become acquainted with the rich history of Shangri La, from H.J. Lutcher Stark’s original vision to the new Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. This area includes the Exhibit Hall, Discovery Theater, Exhibition Greenhouses, historic Epiphyte Greenhouse, the Here We Grow! Children’s Garden, the Wetland Demonstration Garden, Edibles Garden, a Café, and the Garden Store.

A prominent feature of Shangri La is its Botanical Gardens. Utilizing artistic concepts, the Botanical Gardens feature hundreds of plant species in artistically themed displays that are intended to inspire and amaze. The gardens include five artistic rooms and four Sculpture Gardens. A historic color garden around the reflection pool known as the Pond of the Blue Moon pays tribute to the original Shangri-La, featuring 41 varieties of azaleas, some of which belonged to H.J. Lutcher Stark in his original Shangri-La. The modern Shangri La is also a world-class Nature Center. Visitors first experience the Nature Center when they explore the Nature Discovery Center, a handson exhibit dedicated to Shangri La’s wetland ecosystems.

Following a stroll through Shangri La’s Cypress-Tupelo swamp on a boardwalk, visitors board the Outpost Tour watercraft and enter the world of cypress swamps while travelling to one of two Outposts.

At these Outposts, visitors learn about the importance of wetlands, upland forests, and grasslands to both man and wildlife.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is not only a living paradise where visitors can better observe how art serves nature and nature serves art, but also a place where visitors can gain a true understanding

of the complexity and fragility of our natural world.

Shangri La plays an active role in the community, too, through its environmental education programs and activities, including our annual Community Trash-Off, Scarecrow Festival and Christmas Strolls. Shangri La also hosts numerous workshops, lectures, demonstrations and programs for educators, families and organizations.

As a program of the Stark Foundation, Shangri La offers a glimpse of how people can live in harmony with nature as programs strive to Mentor Children of All Ages to Be Kind to Their World. 

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Join the

$25 Difference

Donate $25/month and help vulnerable families buy groceries, pay bills, make rent, and maintain the stability of a roof overhead. #DoingTheMostGood #25Difference give.salvationarmytexas.org/

The Salvation Army Family store helps the community in a couple of very important ways: When you donate goods, you're helping to provide items that are sold to the community or given to those with the greatest need.

When you shop for items at our stores, you're directly funding the life-restoring programs that exist in your community.

The Salvation Army of Orange County Texas Family Store

409-291-4109 • 414 Donnell Street, Orange, TX 77630

Vadym Pastukh / iStock via Getty Images Plus

HOW TO RUN A REMOTE MEETING (StatePoint) With many offices continuing to function remotely or hybrid style, video conferencing will remain a mainstay of the American workforce for the foreseeable future. Here’s how to ensure your meetings stay professional and productive:

1

Be Mindful of Limitations

Miscommunication can occur during an in-person meeting, however, there is a larger margin for error in a video call. Be mindful of the limitations of remote meetings and encourage participants to address who they are speaking to by name to avoid confusion.

Consider assigning a moderator to help prevent interruptions, as well as someone to take minutes. This can ensure key takeaways

are understood by all, particularly if tasks are assigned during the call.

2

Embrace its Benefits

While video calls do have their limitations, they also have a number of key benefits too.

Features like screensharing make it easy to share presentations, data and analysis.

Meetings can be also recorded for future reference or shared with colleagues who were unable to attend. And, while the mute/unmute button should never be abused, having this feature does give moderators the ability to make it clear who has the floor at any given time so that meetings stay structured.

conferences. For example, Motiv, a mobile dashboard powered by Eturi that tracks productivity metrics for team leaders, now has a new Google Meets feature offering deeper insights specifically into meetings and calls. Is the time allocated for reoccurring meeting being used effectively or can it be optimized? Are the right team members using ad hoc meetings to brainstorm and collaborate? Who is meeting with who, when? Using this feature, CEOs, managers and team leaders can have these questions answered so they can make informed decisions. To learn more, visit motivapp.com.

3 shing you a Safe and Happy 4 of July Employ New Tech

The right technology can help ensure your staff is not overwhelmed with calls and video

Your team may be decentralized, but collaboration is just as important as ever.

With the right habits and tools, you can run more effective meetings, and work productively together from afar. 

EVEN MORE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

Walk-in Humidor BRIDGE CITY

2105 Texas Ave, Ste C · 313-6863

NEDERLAND

ORANGE

2948 N 16th St · 883-4222 1201 Green Ave · 883-6208

2828 Hwy. 365, Ste. 500

NEW

ORANGEFIELD

6311 FM 1442 · 738-2400

BEAUMONT

5760 Walden Rd.,Ste. 208 & 210 April 2021 | 19

PAMPERING YOUR NAILS

FOR SUMMER FUN

By Dawn Burleigh

Individuals can improve their self-esteem and confidence in many ways, including ensuring they’re well groomed. When men and women seek to pamper themselves, the local salon can be a great starting point.

With Summer here, it is time to show the bling on your shoes and toes.

Those winterized feet will be ready to face the summer after a pedicure.

A pedicure is not just for the toenails but also includes the heels and massage of the legs below the knees. Complaints of discomfort can be eliminated by not shaving the legs for a couple of days prior to the procedure.

This allows the pores time to close and makes the experience more enjoyable and relaxing.

Scheduling regular pedicures approximately once a month can also help prevent nail diseases such as toenail fungus.

threading, makeup application, facials, and skin care consultations.

Salons are vital businesses in many communities, helping residents look and feel wonderful.  A pedicure starts at $25, with artwork and rhinestones costing extra.

With nail art trends such as animal prints, marbling, abstract, alternative French tips, to name a few, there is a design or style to fit everyone’s style.

Salons frequently offer waxing or other hair removal, massages, eyebrow shaping/

Acrylic nail services also available, which involve the application of a liquid acrylic product mixed with a powdered acrylic product (monomer and polymer) to form a malleable product that can be shaped to the nail and will harden with air drying, according to Nails magazine. Gel nails are another product, and these offer long-lasting nail color.

Nail techs and artists Hannah, Nyna, Leo and Lisa at Nails Art, under new ownership at 3109 Edgar Brown Drive in West Orange, help clients look and feel their best with manicures and pedicures.

Photos by Dawn Burleigh

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DISCOVERING THE BEAUTY

OF A NEW ‘OLD’ HOME

By Dawn Burleigh

Photos by Dawn Burleigh

S

Sometimes as one searches for an older house to purchase, one discovers new is a viable option such as a regal looking house located on Pine Ave in Orange.

The architecture designed the homes for the plans from old Southern homes but modified with more modern amenities.

“We wanted to live in an old true house,” Jeanelle said. “We decided to build an old new house instead. I made some changes but I wanted it as close to an older house.”

When John and Jeanelle Cochran were looking for the perfect house to turn into a home, they opted for a brand new house with a Southern Living Floor plan.

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“It made more sense to me that they all have the same archway,” she said.

While the house itself is not an antique, many of the light fixtures throughout it are such as the gaslight chandelier hanging in the entrance way. The keys on the fixture have the US Post Office mark on them. It once hung in a post office before being converted to electricity and now hanging in the home.

Built in 1995, the plans were inspired by a home built in Natchez, Mississippi in the 1860s.

“The one good thing about the home is if it gets a ding,” Jenelle said. “If it truly was over 100 years old, there would be lots of dings.”

Minor changes such as making all the arches from the entrance way, well arches. One opening was squared at the stop as it led to the back of the house.

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She pointed out a spot in the entrance way, unnoticeable until she directs your eyes towards it.

A worker, during the construction, pushed a cart into the wall and gave it the first ‘ding.’

“They were antiquing it for me,” Jeanelle said with a smile.

A retired interior design teacher, Jeanelle said she enjoys a variety of color.

“We have a different color in every room,” Jeanelle said. “It was common for that back then.”

A dark red was chosen for the dining room because “a rich warm color whets the appetite.”

Although, it is not a solid color but a subtle pattern which adds atmosphere to the room making it even more inviting.

In keeping with the look of an older house, the couple painted the ceiling of the front porch Haint Blue.

While the home was under construction and paint colors were still being decided, John painted a square on one wall in the front room. When the workers say it Monday morning, they questioned if the couple was really going to use that color because it looked like wet cement.

“I smiled and told him it was up to the wife,” John said. To this day, the couple refer to the room as the wet cement room.

To add consistency throughout the house, Jeanelle added faux arches to the doorways.

“Stephanie at Odile’s painted them for us,” Jeanelle said. “She did a wonderful job on every one of them.”

Stephanie Frey Leggett is owner and designer of Odile’s Fine Flooring and Design located at 911 Green Ave. in Orange.

The house is currently on the market and looking for a new family to create many more wonderful memories. 

“In Louisiana, Haint Blue is used on the ceilings to keep bugs away and bird from building a nest,” Jenelle said.

“It does work to an extent,” John said.

Both agreed the color had no affect on dirt dobbers.

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ON THE

SCENE

4.10.21

OC River Festival

Photos by Dawn Burleigh

Orange County showed up in record breaking crowds to enjoy the Bassmaster fishing tournament and the Orange County River Festival.

Pastor Brad and Anna Claire McKenzie

Zair Davis

Andre Robertson and Brodrick McGrew

Monica Scruggs and Forrest Spraggins

Brad and Terri Childs

Monica and Brian Beldon, Kacelyn Moody and Regan Collier

Becky Trahan and Maureen McAllister

Tanner McMillion, Kacey Burnitt and Wayne Currie

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ON THE

SCENE

A Western Swing Spring Fling, An Evening With The Quebe Sisters at Lutcher Theater

4.17.21 Courtesy photos

The Quebe Sisters graced the stage at Lutcher Theater.

The crowd gave the sisters raving reviews on their performance.

Hannah and Parker Danielson

Jennifer Harris, Lanie Brown, Maureen McAllister and Lori Thurman

Huey Buxton, The Quebe Sisters and Don Lemp

London Stroud, Tricia Stroud and The Quebe Sisters

Lynae Sanford, Leah Stark and The Quebe Sisters

The Quebe Sisters on stage at Lutcher Theater

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ON THE

SCENE 100 for Hope Kick off

5.10.21

Photos by Dawn Burleigh

The Advisory Board of the Salvation Army Orange County kicked off a fundraising event called 100 for Hope. The board initially hoped to raise $10,000 and was able to exceed that amount. Consider celebrating Christmas in July with a donation to The Salvation Army. You can make a donation by dropping it off at the Boys and Girls Club or visit https:// www.salvationarmytexas.org/orange/ and click on the donate button.

Laci Gibbens, Kristin Evans, Amy Peevey and Maureen McAllister

Lauren Pope and Captain Frankie Zuniga

Major Jim Robbins and Al Nusbaum

Michael Key and Captain Jan Zuniga

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ON THE

SCENE

5.13.21

Breakfast Connection Photos by Dawn Burleigh

After missing the socializing offered through events such as the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Connection held at Bridge City Bank in Orange, om May 13, many attended the event and talked about enjoying being able to see people again. Each month it is held at a different location and a great way to meet other business owners and chamber members and is held on the first Thursday of the month.

Bobby Payne and Johnny Trahan

Amy Peevey and Captain Jan Zuniga

Angie Lane and Stephanie Roberts

Kacey Burnitt and Kristin Burman

Chris Kovatch and Mary McKenna

Lanie Brown and Pastor Demetrius Moffett

Donna and Ron Wells

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ON THE

SCENE

Democrats Celebrate Memorial Day

5.29.21

Courtesy photos

Orange County Democratic Party honored Memorial Day with a Hot dogs, links and ice cream social on Saturday May 29, at 1006 Green Ave. in Orange.

Sarah Boehme and her mother Gwen Boehme (seated) Donna Ellis, Deborah Bednar, Will Bednar

Kelli Patin, Sue Little, Donna Ellis grilling zumos

Sue Bednar, Doug Venable, Juliet Smith

Juliet Smith

Kelli Patin, Jack Smith awarding door prizes

Democrats mantra, Remember All Who Served

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ON THE

SCENE Breakfast Connection

6.3.21

Photos by Dawn Burleigh

Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce held Breakfast Connection at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in June.

Derek McWilliams and Pastor Demetrious Moffett

Michael Smith and Pastor Jeff Bell

Kristen Walker, Suzonne Crawford and Walter Riedel III

Ida Schossow, Mary McKenna and Rebecca Johns

Stephanie Robertson and Amy Dansby

Trina Thomas and Rick J. Lewandowski

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EXPERIENCE

“LIGHT LAYERS”

“Light Layers” is an exhibition of oil paintings by the artist/illustrator Lynn Sweat each which seem to hold a secret. The exhibit opened June 15 and ends August 28, 2021. Moody and yet vibrant, Sweat’s bold use of color draws the viewer into a magical otherworld. Widely known for his illustration of “Amelia Bedelia,” Sweat’s fine art also inspires a sense of narrative.

His current work is a special treat to view at The Avenue Cafe brought to the public

by The Art Studio, Inc. in Beaumont, Texas.

Sweat, a Lamar University alumni, has lived out of state for decades but fondly remembers Texas. “My childhood was spent on the coast of Texas. My first memories are those of being close to nature, dragonflies,

turtles, frogs, ducks, wild geese, birds and clouds.”

To see the exhibit, visit Avenue Café, 1226 Port Neches Avenue in Port Neches from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. seven days a week. 

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WHY I LOVE

ORANGE I It’s the people. This one is really easy; it is the people. Recently, I was asked what it was that made me love Orange. Born and raised here, the answer was obvious to me. I wish all of my assignments in school would have had easy answers like this question.

It would have been easy to give the usual answers like the World Class facilities brough to us by the fabulous Stark Foundation.

Equally easy would be the World Class natural surrounds for fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, camping and everything else we are blessed with here. Chemical Row has provided. Skilled labor is plentiful and good livings have been in the fabric of this beautiful part of the Great State of Texas. This list could go on and on, with many other amazing features. Like service organizations, quality education, very established churches and congregations, tremendous restaurants, and a great housing market. Again, this list could continue for a while.

I am going to attempt to pull all of those attributes mentioned together by highlighting a few organizations/activities that I am very familiar with. You and I both know our area has multiple clubs/organizations/groups that are doing very similar good deeds for our citizens. I admire all of those attempting to help others, or as my mother and father always reminded me to do that “Golden Rule” thing. You remember, the “Do unto others,” lesson. So many people offer a hand up to their neighbors, and while it is highlighted during our many natural disasters, I promise the generosity, kindness, caring and pride is always here.

A couple of years ago, a small church congregation realized that some members didn’t have resources to purchase the basic school supplies for their children to start school. A love offering began and slowly these folks covered some “start up” costs. Word spread of this problem, and soon a small group of concerned citizens put their heads together with the church and the preacher. If

Photo courtesy LSCO

By Butch Campbell

Butch Campbell, left, receives an honor from LSCO President Dr. Thomas Johnson. Campbell is retired after 44 years of service with the college.

this church had this problem, surely this area would be plagued with a deficit that everyone knew about. A committee of eight was formed using Orange Christian Services as their headquarters and clearinghouse. This group became known as “Back to School Orange County”; a very grassroots effort, formed to make sure every student in Orange County had supplies to start school on a level plane with classmates. That meant school supplies.

Very quickly, the Committee realized that also meant backpacks, shoes, shots, haircuts, food and so much more. Where in the world would these resources come from? Guess the answer: the people stepped up and donated, volunteered, provided, put together, and brought to Back to School Orange County all of the needs for our students. Yes, OUR students. It looks like Christmas with the students and their parents coming out of the Back to School Orange County event, the first weekend in August. Fifty-five groups set up booths to supply the needs, while 200 folks showed up for each year’s event just to volunteer to help walk families through and make sure they got everything they needed.

Some 1800 Orange County citizens have come through the event the last several years.

And, as a side note, any and all supplies left over go back to Orange Christian Services, and each of the schools are given dates to bring trucks and pick up anything they need to stock the teachers’ classrooms. Every dime raised from fundraisers and extremely generous donations from congregations, organizations, local businesses and wonderful Orange County citizens that just want to help. It’s the people.

You have probably heard of the success of our community with Bassmasters Tournaments on the riverfront. Who in the world puts that on?

The brainstorm of a couple of businessmen, backed by the wonderfully staffed and solid Orange Chamber of Commerce, the Bassmaster Organization fell in love with the itty, bitty community of Orange, Texas. About 10 years later, Bassmasters has come back to Orange,

once every year or two years! This doesn’t happen! This is the equivalent of the NFL, MLB, or NBA showing up here. Once again, a core group of volunteers was formed to put this task together. Each citizen had a special talent that they brought to the table. Around 20 volunteers were tasked to come up with a game plan to make the impossible happen. Each visit puts upwards of $2,000,000 in this local economy!

That’s really cool, but why did it happen? Every fisherman will tell you it’s the organization, the fishery, the crawfish, but most of all, it’ the people. They love the hospitality and the people of Orange, Texas. Two hundred volunteers put on this show every time the greatest fishermen in the WORLD come to town.

Probably my favorite club, event, charity, and spectacular group is the Orange Lions Club.

Isn’t the Lion’s Club Carnival an amazing piece of small town America? Made up entirely of volunteers, this annual event is, in my opinion, the highlight of Orange each year. I know football fans may argue, but even they come out after the games. Did you know YOUR Orange Lions Club is the ONLY Lions Club in the world that owns, maintains, and operates its own carnival? Read that again.

This isn’t a traveling carnival that mysteriously shows up. This carnival is OURS. Rides are taken care of by members of our Lions Club.

All of the money raised goes right back into our local community, helping those that need assistance with any number of things: primarily, eye appointments and eyeglasses, hearing aids, some outstanding emergencies and many other things. The Orange Lions Club attempts to be good stewards of all monies raised at the annual charity carnival.

As a side note, each ride out there has its own story; some quite comical, others quite interesting. Here you go: Did you know that the Merry-Go-Round is a 1954 model and was built in San Antonio out of surplus military tanks! It was the 4th one EVER built

by San Antonio Roller Works and the serial number on it proudly displays 000004. 

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In the heart of downtown Crowley is the 1901 Opera House at 505 North Parkerson Ave., Crowley, La., 337-785-0440. www.thegrandoperahouse.org

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

info@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