Issuu

DR. AMY TOWNSEND

OPENS MAGNOLIA DIRECT PRIMARY CARE HIGH TIDES OPEN ON THE WATER TWO EXHIBITS CELEBRATING TEXAS ART OLD AND NEW OPEN AT AMSET Fall 2020

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TABLE CONTENTS OF

CULTURE

RESTURANT

INTERIOR DESIGNS

COMMUNITY

RECIPE

ON THE SCENE

Two exhibits celebrating Texas art old and new open at AMSET............................................................6 The art of buying art for your home..........................8 Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Culets............................10

HEALTH

Dr. Amy Townsend opens Magnolia Direct Primary Care...............................................................12

High Tides open on the water .................................20

3 Simple Steps to Help Protect theÂ Environment .............................................23 See who was seen out and about........................24-29

WHY I LOVE ORANGE

Stacey Bristor..............................................................30

DAY TRIP

Mom and son grow town with quilt shop...............16

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EDITOR’S LETTER

From COVID-19 Crisis to Hurricane Laura, it has been an eventful three months since our last magazine. It also reminds us that not all events are fun and exciting. In October, stores and restaurants are reopening and allowed a larger occupancy than has been seen since…well, March. Autumn is upon us as we listen for marching bands and the roar of the crowds as our favorite football teams score another touchdown.

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November will offer times with family and friends as we gather around the dining room tables to enjoy Thanksgiving dinners. December will offer the joys and smiles of the holiday season. At least I hope we are able to see smiles by then. We may still be wearing masks. Recently, I observed a co-worker with what appeared to be a cute little bag hanging from her wrist. My first thought was how perfect it would be for a ball of crochet thread. Just let it hang from the wrist like it did 100 years ago and crochet away as one sits and waits or watches television. I asked where she got it and she said, “You mean my mask? I keep it here, so I don’t forget it in the car.” Either I am entirely too obsessed with yarn or we are all becoming extremely creative with our masks. Maybe it is a combination of the both. Maybe is it more of thinking outside the typical box. Two great examples of such thinking are Stitchin’ Heaven and Dr. Amy Townsend in this edition.

GENERAL MANAGER Dawn Burleigh

Amy Townsend, MD

DESIGNER Dawn Burleigh Design2Pro

PHOTOGRAPHY Dawn Burleigh Van Wade

2845 Texas Ave. BC 409•313•6277 magnoliadpc.com

WRITERS Dawn Burleigh Van Wade

I hope you enjoy this magazine as much as we did working on it for you. The challenges we all faced are the same ones we faced as we strategized on what stories to work on and finding events for On The Scene. Then, of course, came the questions of mask on or mask off for pictures. We let the individuals decide. If you want to see your event On The Scene? Send us at news@orangeleader.com with the name, date of your event and pictures with persons named from left to right, to be considered for a future edition of Orange Living. Long before it was called “fall” or “autumn,” the third season of the year was referred to as “harvest” in England, according to www.bustle.com. During the 1600s, more people began leaving rural farmlands to move into larger, metropolitan cities. Without farming, the term “harvest” became less immediately applicable to the lives of city-dwellers, and subsequently, “fall” and “autumn” emerged as two new names for the season. “Autumn” came from the Latin word “autumnus,” with the root of the word having connotations regarding “the passing of the year.” The term “fall” was likely a deviation from the Old English words “fiaell” and “feallan,” both of which mean “to fall from a height.” It is assumed that this new name for the season was inspired by trees’ falling leaves. Call it Fall or Autumn, enjoy the crisp cooler nights as we continue to listen to the roar of the crowds and cheers from the pep squads from high school football fields this season.

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Two exhibits celebrating Texas art old and new open at AMSET in fall

BEAUMONT — The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) will exhibit From the Vault: Tyler Museum of Art and Perspectives: Selections from the Permanent Collection on view October 3, 2020 through February 28, 2021 in the main galleries. From the Vault will feature a selection of early Texas paintings and works on paper from the permanent collection of the Tyler Museum of Art (TMA), with a spotlight on early Texas artist and educator Coreen Mary Spellman (1905-1978). The Tyler Museum of Art exists as an educational and cultural center to enrich the lives of East Texas citizens and visitors through the collection,

t on

Kyushu, 2017, oil pain Downtowns: SE TX and S. Christopher Troutman, Two purchase PC 2019.10 eum Mus in., 51 x 64 unstretched canvas,

Rosalie Speed Old

Man River, Vicksb urg, c. 1938 oil on in. Tyler Museum Masonite, 25 1/4 of Art, 2005.06 Gif x 28 1/2 t of the 2005 Colle ctors’ Circle

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preservation, study, exhibition, interpretation, and celebration of the visual arts. From the Vault is an exhibition series which enhances the relationship between AMSET and TMA. Concurrently, an exhibition of contemporary Texas paintings and works on paper from AMSET’s permanent collection, From the Vault: Art Museum of Southeast Texas will be on view at the Tyler Museum of Art September 13-November 29, 2020. Perspectives will feature works from AMSET’s growing permanent collection, including recent acquisitions. As stated in our institutional mission, we strive to provide education, inspiration and creative vision throughout Southeast Texas through our unique collections, exhibitions and public programs. Over the years, AMSET’s permanent collection has grown from 200 to nearly 2,000 objects, focusing our collections on contemporary Texas artists, as well as regional and Mexican folk art. It is through generous donations of our museum patrons, collectors and artists that we can continuously build our collections. Each year, we present an exhibition of works solely from the

permanent collection, giving Southeast Texas audiences the opportunity to see the works that are now part of their museum. The exhibition will also spotlight works from the John Gaston Fairey Collection of Mexican Folk Art. For more information, visit www.amset.org or call (409) 832-3432. Both exhibitions are generously funded, in part, by the Texas Commission on the Arts and

the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Beaumont, the Wesley W. Washburn, M.D. and Lulu L. Smith, M.D. Endowment Fund, the C. Homer and Edith Fuller Chambers Charitable Foundation, and the members of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts. gov. 

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The art of buying art for your home

Designing a home’s interior can be fun. Whether furnishing a first apartment or a newly purchased family home, many people feel that the art they put on the walls of their homes is an expression of their individuality, and that a home isn’t truly a home until its interior reflects their personalities. Furnishing a home with art can be intimidating, especially for people doing so for the first time. But a few tricks of the trade can help men and women turn the interiors of their homes into spaces that reflect who they are. • Embrace your personal taste. Don’t hesitate to decorate your walls with art you like. When buying furniture for a home, it can make sense to follow

A few tricks of the trade can help men and women turn the interiors of their homes into spaces that reflect who they are.

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certain rules. For example, parents of young children might want to purchase dark-colored furnishings that can hide stains. But no such rules should govern your choices of artwork. Art reflects the person who made it, but it also reflects the person who buys it, so buyers should embrace their personal taste when furnishing their homes with art. • Shop around. Thanks to the internet, billions of pieces of art, from tapestries to photographs to paintings, are at your fingertips. Comparison shopping can be fun and help novices discover their personal tastes. It also can be a great way to support artists. For example, 90 percent of all image royalties on art purchased from YourArtGallery.com goes directly to the artist, ensuring much of buyers’ money is going toward supporting the people responsible for the art they plan to hang in their homes. That can give people a greater sense of pride in their home’s decor.

• Seek inspiration. If you’re unfamiliar with art, don’t hesitate to seek inspiration. Art is everywhere, from the hotels you stay in while traveling to the billboards you pass while driving to work to the local art museum near your home. If you’re uncertain of what you like, make a concerted effort to recognize the art you see but may not stop to notice each day. As you expose yourself to more and more art, you will gain a greater knowledge of what you like and dislike. Use that knowledge to inform your decisions when buying art for your home. • Switch things up. Your entire home does not need to follow a theme. If your taste in art is eclectic, embrace that and have different rooms throughout your home reflect your different tastes. This can give each room its own unique feel and make for a colorful home. The art people hang in their homes is a personal choice, and the process of finding that art can be fun and eye-opening. 

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Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Cutlets recipe

By Van Wade Jazz up your weeknight routine with simple dinners that are perfect for the change of season. Give your usual chicken dinner a Southern spin by using grits to coat your cutlets.Â INGREDIENTS Yields: 6 servings Total Time: 1 hour 0 mins Ingredients: 1 c. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ground coriander 1 tsp. ground cardamom 1 tsp. ground turmeric 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 large eggs 2 1/4 c. stone-ground grits 6 chicken breast cutlets (about 1 1/2 pounds) 3/4 c. canola oil 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed 1/2 c. thinly sliced red onion 2 tsp. lemon zest, plus 3 tablespoons lemon juiceÂ 1/4 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 oz. feta, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)

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DIRECTIONS 1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup water in a separate bowl. Place grits in a third bowl. 2. Preheat oven to 250°F. Place a rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and place in oven. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Working in 3 batches, coat chicken in flour, then egg (letting excess drip off), and then grits (pressing gently to help adhere). Cook until golden brown and cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to prepared rack to keep warm. 3. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add green beans and cook, without stirring, until beans start to brown and blister, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and continue cooking, tossing occasionally, until beans are crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in onion, lemon zest and juice, parsley, and feta. Serve chicken alongside. 

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DR. AMY TOWNSEND OPENS MAGNOLIA DIRECT PRIMARY CARE By Dawn Burleigh Photos by Janna Fulbright

After two years of planning, Dr. Amy Townsend opened Magnolia Direct Primary Care just two weeks after COVID-19 Crisis began. “I trying to find the worse time to open,” Townsend said with a smile. She was watching a model of the Direct Primary Care (DPC) and was an advocacy for the type of healthcare it offers. The timing just happens to fall into the beginning of the coronavirus. With 14 years of experience, she became frustrated with the system and the quality of care she could provide within the system.

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“I moved to in patient medicine and acute care hospital medicine,” Townsend said. She held positions such as Medical Director of St. Mary’s and Administration with Christus. “I was in charge of the medical staff,” Townsend added. All providing her with the experience needed to run an office solo. Prior to making the change to DPC, she traveled back and forth from St. David in Austin, Texas. Direct primary care is a model for delivering primary care, and only primary care. The doctor charges each patient a monthly fee, generally ranging from $50 to $200, in return for timely, convenient access to him or her and a buffet-like menu of mostly basic primary care services. “Direct Primary Care eliminates the frustration,” Townsend said. “Before I could not provide the care for the patient I wanted to give. This eliminates the middleman intrusion. It provides more time and care for patients.” Intrusions such as insurance. “I don’t have to pay an entire staff, so it reduces overhead,” she added. It also allows Townsend to get back to the basic when primary care becomes not expensive. “I am able to tell my patients exactly how much something will cost so there are no hidden surprises,” Townsend said. Items such as lab work, or x-rays. Townsend added there is a limit to the number of patients she can accept because she schedules appointments to include 30 minutes to an hour for each patient. “I want that personal relationship with my patients,” Townsend said. “I want to know how they are doing. I will never see 30-40 patients a day like some offices.” Payment options are a set price a month, based on age, making it affordable for small businesses to offer their employees’ health care. Most plans are $50 a month. She does not see children under 13.

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In office tests like EKG, spirometry, urinalysis, and rapid strep tests Access to discounted laboratory and radiology testing Minor procedures like cryotherapy of warts, incision and drainage of abscesses, sutures, skin biopsies, splinting, and Pap smears

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Nebulizer treatments Hospital follow-ups Townsend received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University. She then went on to pursue her Medical Degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where she graduated with honors. She completed her residency training with Louisiana State University Family Medicine Program in Lake Charles, where she served as co-chief resident. Magnolia Primary Care is located at 2845 Texas Ave, Suite 100 in Bridge City and can be reached at 409-313-6277. “This is a need a need I saw within our community,” Townsend said. “Without insurance, people are avoiding the care they need early on to avoid a catastrophic health costs.” 

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STITCHIN’ HEAVEN BRINGS DREAMS TO LIFE By Dawn Burleigh

Quitman, Texas may need to consider changing its name to Quiltman as it is the home of Stitchin’ Heaven. In 1996, Deb, with her son and now business partner, Clay Luttrell, broke ground on the quilt shop which has put their town of 1,800 on the map. The shop opened after Deb left her job in corporate America to spend a summer with her son, then in 5th grade. “I had two careers in corporate America,” Deb said in a phone interview. “I realized I had never spent a summer with my son. When the powers that be said no, I did the most logical thing. I quit.” Her husband worked from home at the time and the family initially decided to raise emus.

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“That did not happen,” she said with a laugh. No knowing what a fat quarter was or being a quilter herself, she knew she needed something to do. “We had 200 acres and no emus,” she said. From humble beginnings of a small storefront to now operating the largest quilt shop in Texas, Stitchin’ Heaven bolsters their small community and provides millions of quilters around the world with unique projects and fun activities. The doors were opened with 1000 square feet and 600 bolts of fabric. Now, 24 years later, it is over 30,000 square feet which includes the retreat center with cottages. The Bunkhouse is nestled in the beautiful Piney Woods of East Texas where quilters can unplug from every day and enjoy all the fresh air, oak and dogwood trees, deer, and even a creek in the back. All for just $25 plus a 6% state hotel tax, per person per night. There is a two night / eight person minimum. “You can rent as a group for retreats,” Deb said. “Bring your own equipment and projects. We can provide the food. It is a modern

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farmhouse design and offer lots of space.” The shop also offers teachers and has held classes at the retreat center as well as at the store front. As a bonus, Deb said she got to spend another summer with her son. “I had more control over my time,” Deb said. “I could hire someone to watch the store. I could pick him up from school. So, he was always exposed to the quilt shop.”

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“No one else was had a web page in 1998,” Deb said. Clay takes Deb’s wildest ideas and makes them tangible, developing Stitchin’ Heaven travel, bus trips, expansion of the shop and set to debut later this year: Stitchin’ Heaven’s brandnew Bunkhouse and Tiny House village. The duo were offering Quilting Cruises prior to COVID-19 Crisis. “We had 20 cruises a year, prior to COVID,” Deb said. Despite the changes one experiences with the pandemic, sewing remains an enjoyable hobby according to Deb. “Sewing is alive and well,” Deb said. “People are making masks while staying at home. They are dusting off their sewing machines or buying new ones. Some are learning a new hobby.” Deb and Clay continue to look for opportunities to grow. Deb Luttrell and Clay Luttrell were jointly been named the District 2020 Small Business Person of the Year

by the Dallas-Fort Worth Small Business Administration in March. Stitchin’ Heaven is open normal business hours Mon-Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. They are located at 321 Richards Street, Quitman, Texas, approximately 250 miles from Orange. 

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Dental, Orthodontics, and Oral Surgeon Office in Orange County Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM-5 PM • Sat: 9 AM- 2 PM Clay made his first quilt when he was in the 6th grade. He created a Log Cabin quilt as a Christmas gift for his father. Upon graduating high school, he attended Texas A&M where he got a degree in Finance. “He did not want to spend his life in a cubicle and then in 2008, the economy fell,” Deb said. Clay built the first web page the store had and at a time when other stores did not offer online shopping options.

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High Tides a ‘prime’ spot for food, folks, drinks and fun By Van Wade Courtesy photos

BRIDGE CITY - When you talk about some good old Orange County fun, kicking back and dining inside or outside with great food and splendid drinks and cocktails, then High Tides in Bridge City has proved to be a tremendous option. Bridge City developer Wesley Dishon and his wife Rhonda and Co. have really turned High Tides into a super destination. There are so many excellent items to choose off of their menu. They have amazing Po Boys. One of the best ones this reporter tasted was the Dreadnaught, which is tasty Gulf shrimp sautéed in a delicious spicy butter sauce. Of course, there is the Cow Bayou Classic that features savory roast beef topped with in-house gravy with three cheeses.

Even taking it up a notch is the Skipper, which features roast beef and shrimp with in-house gravy. The High Tides Flagship sandwich features freshly sliced ham, turkey and roast beef with gravy and then there is the First Mate with freshly sliced ham served with three cheeses and the Stowaway, which is freshly sliced turkey served hot with three cheeses. The Boil House part of the menu offers tasty delights. Each one is served with corn and potato. Three of the big features includes The Fleet, which is a pound of snow crab, a pound of EZ peel shrimp along with sausage, corn and potato. The Treasure Chest (which is seasonal) features two pounds of crawfish, a half pound of EZ peel shrimp, one snow crab cluster with corn and potato.

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Then there is the Captain’s Platter (seasonal) which includes three pounds of crawfish, one pound of Dungeness crab, one pound of royal red shrimp with corn and potato. High Tides appetizers can certainly “wet” the taste buds with items such as a half pound of EZ peel shrimp, a half pound of royal red shrimp, along with Cheesy Bread. For those kids 12 and under that would like something different then the spicy seafood items there is a Kids meal menu that features pizza, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese and hot ham and cheese. High Tides is also a great place to kick back and have some excellent specialty cocktails to go along with meals. They have amazing margaritas with different flavors and perhaps this writer’s favorite is the “Swamp Juice” which consists of coconut rum, melon and banana liqueur with sweet and sour pineapple juice. If mixed drinks are not your “cup of tea” there is plenty of domestic and import beers to choose from along with an assorted amount of wine choices. High Tides is a great place for nightlife to relax after a long day of work, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. High Tides welcomes in a bunch of entertainers, many of them local, to perform an array of different kinds of music that can whet your whistle.

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It’s also a tremendous place to kick back and watch college and pro football on Saturdays and Sundays. And of course, High Tides has a terrific atmosphere for the entire family with tables close to the Cow Bayou, where boaters can pull up and dock and have a great meal and great times. There is also a nice area with swings for the kids and the adults that forever want to be kids. Overall, High Tides is a tremendous “young” venue that the Dishons can certainly be proud of and a tremendous place for Orange Countians and people from abroad to relax with great food, amazing drinks and super atmosphere. 

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COMMUNITY 3 Simple steps to help protect the environment

(StatePoint) Each American throws out about 4.5 pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By incorporating the “Three Rs” (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) into routines, you can help divert some of this waste away from landfills to help protect the environment. Here are a few ideas for changing your habits to be more eco-friendly: REDUCE Up to 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. is wasted, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. In addition to the unnecessary strain on water and land resources, the excess food that ends up in landfills produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. By carefully planning before going to the grocery store, you will be more likely to purchase only what you and your family will realistically eat. Even smart shoppers can reduce the amount of unavoidable food waste they produce by starting a composting bin at home. You can turn today’s fruit peels, eggshells and tea leaves into tomorrow’s fertile soil for your garden.

REUSE There are many ways you can incorporate the “reuse” concept into your food routines. At the grocery store, bring your own reusable tote bag to avoid single-use plastic at checkout. Take this concept a step further with refillable containers, which can be used to stock up on bulk foods. While bulk foods have been a feature of certain supermarkets for years, many stores are expanding their offerings and taking precautions to keep these systems safe and hygienic for customers, making it easier for the eco-conscious to shop sustainably.

fridge with a water filter pitcher and by bringing along a high-quality reusable water bottle with you on-the-go. RECYCLE Thanks to packaging innovations, there are now essential items you can recycle for the first time. For example, until recently, toothpaste tubes haven’t been recyclable because most are made of a mixed material that doesn’t have a second life. Now, you can recycle your toothpaste tube with a first-of-itskind recyclable tube from Tom’s of Maine. Several of the brand’s popular toothpastes are available in the new tube, with all full size Tom’s of Maine

toothpastes available in the recyclable tube by the end of 2020. To recycle the tube at home, check the back for the blue flag, which indicates that the toothpaste tube can be placed in your recycle bin with #2 plastics. If your town doesn’t accept #2 plastic, you can recycle your toothpaste tubes and other oral and personal care products, regardless of the brand, through the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Recycling Program with TerraCycle. To learn more, visit TomsOfMaine.com. By making simple, eco-conscious changes in your daily routine, you can take meaningful steps toward helping protect the environment. 

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ON THE

SCENE Community Prayer

J'Ana Courtier and Zaianna Franklin

6.11.20

Shari Mitchell, Stellashia Mitchell, Jossette McClelland and Terrell McClelland

Orange County Texas Community Prayer event on June 11, 2020 in the field between DJâ€™s and Blue Birds Fish Camp at 2200 Simmons in Orange.

Jozette Rubin and Deborah MItchell

Jason and Joy Courtier

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ON THE

SCENE

Pinnacle Christian Preschool

7.27.20 The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce was excited to take part in a RibbonCutting Ceremony for Pinnacle Christian Preschool and Motherâ€™s Day Out on July 27, 2020.Directors,David and Danielle Gonzales are pleased to announce the opening of Pinnacle Christian Preschool and Motherâ€™s Day Out. They also offer Classical Kindergarten. The purpose of our preschool is to provide happy group learning experiences where parents can be assured that their child is loved and well cared for by Christian teachers. We also provide this ministry as an outreach to the community. Pinnacle Christian Preschool is a joint ministry between the Gonzales family and the Good Shepard family. Pictured: from left to right: Pastor Paul Zoch, Mathis Gonzales, Ann Hall, Danielle Gonzales, Miles Gonzales, David Gonzales, Bridge City Ambassador Stephanie Roberts, Carl Owen, Charles Hall For more information, please call (409) 2413920, pinnaclechristianpreschool.com or you can reach them through Facebook.

Linn Cardener and David Derosier

Bridge City Employee of the Month

8.4.20

Photo courtesy of Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Stephanie Roberts, Jonie Trahan, Michelle Andrews, Candace Mulhollan and Eric Andrus. The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that Jonie Trahan at Brent Walters Allstate in Bridge City, has been named July Employee of the Month. Jonie was presented her award, sponsored by Energy Ford, by Chamber President Candace Mulhollan, Ambassadors Rani Dillow, Stephanie Roberts and Eric Andrus. Jonie has been in the insurance business for over 15 years. She has returned to Brent Walters Agency in Bridge City three months ago. Elyse Thibodeaux of Tiger Rock Martial Arts nominated Jonie as Employee of the Month after working with her on some of her own business. Jonie is not only knowledgeable about insurance but a true pleasure to work with. Jonie would like to thank Elyse for nominating her for the award. She appreciates being noticed for her dedication to helping her customers. We would like to Congratulate Jonie for being recognized as an invaluable member at Brent Walters Agency in Bridge City. David Covey and Scott Golemon

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ON THE

SCENE Birthday Parade

8.16.19

Gwen Boehme celebrates turning 100 years young on August 17, 2020. Family and friends held a special Birthday Parade to honor the momentous occasion.

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ON THE

SCENE

Opening Reception for Venue at Belle Oak

9.10.20 Photos by Janna Fulbright The Venue at Belle Oaks, a new event venue in Beaumont, celebrated its ribbon cutting on Friday, September 11. Sitting on 40 acres of what was formerly Port Arthur Country Club, Belle Oaks is surrounded by water and nestled among large, Legacy Oak trees. The venue features a grand ballroom, a small event space and an open-air pavilion. For more information: thevenueatbelleoaks.com

Grace Matthis and Rebecca Folse

Roy West and John Swift

Mike and Lisa Doguet, Pat Avery, Margaret and Roy Morell and Paige Snyder

Stephen and Carly Oubre

Laurianne Beggs, Lauren Bebeau, Hanna Breitenstein and Tracy Ramirez

Pastor J.D. Roberts, Dan Sims, Vanessa Hopper and Mary Saveat

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ON THE

SCENE

9.11.20

Ed Smith, Kathy Smith, Chloe Smith and Juanita Smith

Laura Clark, Trey Clark, Hayden Clark and Cooper Dorman

Shon Jones, Jocelyn Myrick, Georgia Jones and Christy Jones

Photos by Mark Pachuca Orangefield fans root for the Bobcats in Livingston.

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WHY I LOVE ORANGE

By Stacey Brister

I was fortune enough to be born in Orange, Texas in Orange Memorial Hospital where my mother worked for over 50 years, and I guess I had no choice but to start my love of Orange, Texas right there. I grew up in the small rural area of Deweyville, Texas, where people always referred to Orange as “town.” As in, let’s go to town. I chuckle about this as an adult but love the fact that “town” has always represented a family-centered area with friendly people that go above and beyond to help one another. Whether you’re searching for your missing dog, selling a fund-raiser product for the school club, or helping a neighbor remove a pine tree out of their home, Orange, Texas is a place where good people live, work and play. I choose to live in a small town, specifically Orange, Texas, for a variety of reasons. Orange offers outstanding school choice to our families. Students are presented the opportunity to attend college, secure an industry-based certification, or enter the workforce because of the educational advantages provided by our local schools and Lamar State College-Orange. Friday nights in Southeast Texas are filled with excitement as sports teams battle on the field and the bands, cheerleaders, and drill teams perform. You compete against the cross-town rival one night while attending church, shopping, or eating at a common restaurant the following day. Local students excel in academics, the arts and athletics, and pursue great things in the post-secondary world. Local businesses and industries partner with schools to provide occasions for students to visit their operations for a look at how those industries use the skills being taught in the classroom. Leaders of these organizations sit on school advisory boards, which helps provide insights into the skills needed to better prepare students for their lives, post-graduation. The Stark Cultural Venues offer a myriad of opportunities for students to experience art, theater and the world around them. The Stark Foundation also provides teacher training through the Lutcher Theater’s Kennedy Center Partners in Education, The Stark Museum of Art and Shangri La. Many Orange businesses and civic organizations provide scholarships to help students attend colleges and

trade schools for additional education in preparation for their fields of choice. Orange also offers great fun. With the Lutcher Theater, Stark Museum, and Shangri La available to our local families, some of the best fine arts programs occur in our town. Community events such as the Lions Club Carnival, Orange County Association of Retarded Citizens (OCARC) and Bass Master fishing tournaments, and Together Thursdays provide the ability to spend time with our families in a fun-filled atmosphere. Little League sports have been a part of growing up in Orange for as long as most of us can remember. I fondly remember the days of Twin County Little League with heated rivalries between Harmon Chevrolet and Johnson’s Butane. The Sabine River and other local bodies of water offer water sports, fishing and hunting for those who like to play as hard as they work. We are a community of people who give back to neighbors through activities like A Day of Caring. Organizations such as the United Way of Orange County, Salvation Army, Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis and many others are dedicated to providing services which make a difference in the lives of our citizens and promote good will among our neighbors.

Besides the recreational benefits of living in Orange, Texas, we are given many opportunities to worship in the manner we choose in our hometown. Local churches offer refuge from the storms of life—a place to gather with our friends, to share one another’s burdens, and engage with our community. These churches are foundational to the fabric of our town and are a vital part of everyday life for many of our families, including mine. I believe small towns like Orange are the backbone of our nation. People work hard in our local businesses and refineries to provide for their families. Because of the many opportunities available, citizens are able to bond from the time they begin little league and dance classes through their school careers and into the workforce. This provides a connectedness that is not always present in larger towns. It also serves us well in times of hardship or crisis; including weather-related emergencies such as the ones the County has experienced through the last several years. As I reflect on my many years of living in the Orange area and my reasons for being here, I’m proud to be part of the small-town charm with the world class culture that Orange, Texas has to offer! 

30 | October 2020 m

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