WHY I LOVE ORANGE

By Stacey Brister

II 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! 

In the heart of downtown Crowley, on the second and third floors of the Dixie True Value Hardware building is the 1901 Opera House. 505 North Parkerson Avenue Crowley, La. 337-785-0440 http://www.thegrandoperahouse.org

26th Germanfest October 3, 2020 8 a.m. - October 4, 2020 8 p.m. Grounds of St. Leo Catholic Church Roberts Cove Rayne LA 70578 337-334-8354

The Historic Rice Theatre is home of Cajun Gospel and Country Music. Be entertained by local and International talents. Hours vary by season. Special events are also scheduled. Call for more information. E-mail: ricecity@bellsouth.net

amy@acadiatourism.org

Kelly’s Landing 1109 Robert’s Cove Road Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0546 Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building 425 North ParkersonAvenue Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0824 www.crowley-la.com