Business

Garlyn Place celebrated a momentous occasion on February 28, 2025, with a groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Vidor Chamber of Commerce. This marked the beginning of a transformative project dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities. Community members, local leaders, and supporters gathered to witness this significant milestone and show their commitment to fostering inclusivity and opportunity.

Garlyn Place is designed to provide adults with developmental disabilities a sense of belonging by offering transition, independence, and vocational opportunities. Through this initiative, individuals will have access to meaningful connections, skills development, and supportive resources to help them thrive. It will be located at 905 Old Hwy 90 West in Vidor.

The project has been made possible through the generosity of The Houseman Companies, which donated 106 acres of land to bring this vision to life. The Vidor and Orange Chambers of Commerce and countless individuals, families, and businesses throughout Orange County have played a crucial role in making this dream a reality.

For more information, please visit their Facebook page. 

The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation announces the retirement of president and CEO Clyde “Tad” McKee after more than 33 years of dedicated service to the organization. McKee’s leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission of enriching the cultural and educational resources of Southeast Texas.

During his tenure, McKee oversaw significant enhancements to the Foundation’s institutions, including the Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, the Lutcher Theater and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. Under his leadership, these institutions flourished, increasing community engagement, educational outreach and program development, while preserving the rich heritage of the Stark family legacy.

McKee’s dedication to the Foundation is just one part of his remarkable commitment to serving Southeast Texas. His volunteer efforts span numerous organizations and causes, reflecting his deep commitment to the community. He has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 23, president of the Orange County Master Gardeners and chairman of Gateway Cities Pound. A dedicated member of the Orange Lions Club for over 30 years, he has chaired the Front Gate Admissions Booth for their carnival for over two decades.

His leadership extends to the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, where he had the honor of serving as chairman of the board in 2018. In addition, he served as the environmental representative to the Sabine River Flood Planning Group.

He serves as treasurer of the trustees at First Methodist Church in Orange and has been a board member of the Malloy Foundation for 31 years, including serving as immediate past chairman. He has directly supported St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the American Red Cross and First United Methodist Church through this role. His philanthropic endeavors include the Orange County Rotary Club, where he has been a member for eight years and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow for his financial contributions to Rotary Foundation’s Polio Eradication Campaign. His community involvement also includes the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation (TILF), where he has served on the board for over 15 years and helps oversee the disbursement of scholarship dollars to more than 500 students attending colleges and universities throughout Texas.

In recognition of his outstanding service, the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce recently named McKee Orange County Citizen of the Year.

“It has been an honor to serve the Stark Foundation and the community of Orange for more than three decades,” said McKee. “I am deeply grateful to have worked alongside a dedicated team passionate about arts, culture and education. The Foundation is in great hands, and I look forward to its continued success.”

The Foundation’s board of directors elected Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Staton to succeed McKee as the next president and CEO. Staton, who has been with the Foundation since 2011, was officially appointed during the Annual Foundation Board of Directors Meeting on February 20, 2025. With a strong background in financial management and strategic planning, Staton has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s programs and initiatives.

“Jennifer Staton’s deep understanding of the Foundation’s mission and her commitment to its future make her the ideal choice to lead us into our next chapter,” said Foundation Board Chair Deborah Hughes. “Her expertise and leadership will build upon the strong foundation that Tad McKee has maintained.”

Staton, an Orange County native and graduate of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting, as well as a Master of Science degree in finance. Staton, with more than 24 years as a certified public accountant, has worked in public accounting in Houston and Southeast Texas. She began as a senior accountant with the Stark Foundation, and since 2017, has served as CFO and treasurer, as well as a member of the board of directors. Staton was recently appointed to the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Staton expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to guide the Foundation into the future. “I am honored to step into this role and continue the remarkable legacy of the Stark Foundation,” said Staton. “Tad’s leadership has left an enduring impact, and I look forward to working with our team and the community to further our mission.”

McKee will officially retire at the end of March, allowing for a seamless leadership transition. He will continue his legacy at the Stark Foundation by serving on the board of directors.

The Foundation will host a private celebration to honor his legacy and contributions.

The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation is a private operating foundation established in 1961 to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas. The Stark Foundation seeks to continue the legacy of its founders through the programs of: The Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, as well as the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, a qualified scholarship program for public high school students in Orange County, Texas. Programming is designed to create, and build upon, an appreciation within the community for the fine arts, Stark family history, the performing arts, environmental stewardship and public speaking.

Salem United Methodist Church proudly celebrates 160 years of ministry and service in the Orange community! To honor this remarkable milestone, the church will host a 160th Anniversary Weekend on February 22–23, 2025, reflecting on its rich history while looking forward to the future.

160th Anniversary Celebration Events

Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Formal Banquet
6:00 PM
The Palms Event Center

The weekend kicks off with a formal banquet at The Palms Event Center, where guests will enjoy an evening of fellowship, a delicious meal, and reflections of gratitude for 160 years of faith and service. This is a ticketed event, and reservations are required.

Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Celebration Worship Service
3:00 PM
Salem United Methodist Church – John Avenue, Orange, TX

The celebration continues with a special 160th Anniversary Worship Service featuring Rev. Vester Thompson as the guest speaker. This joyful service of thanksgiving will honor the church’s past, present, and future with inspiring messages, music, and fellowship.

Join the Celebration!

For more information about the Celebration Worship Service, banquet tickets, or the anniversary souvenir booklet, please contact Salem United Methodist Church at:
Email: salemumcorangetx@gmail.com
Phone: (409) 883-2611
Facebook: Salem United Methodist Church – Orange, TX

Salem UMC has been a cornerstone of faith, service, and community for 160 years. Join us as we celebrate this historic milestone and continue the legacy of faith! fo

The City of Orange is excited to welcome Quality Shoe Repair (QSR) to its growing business community! Conveniently located at 1501 16th Street, Orange, TX 77630, across from Kroger, QSR brings decades of expertise in shoe and boot repair, leather restoration, and premium shoe care products to the region.

Expert Craftsmanship Since 1993

Since 1993, the skilled team at Quality Shoe Repair has been dedicated to restoring, repairing, and revitalizing footwear for customers across Southeast Texas. Whether it’s resoling boots, repairing leather goods, or providing top-tier shoe care products, QSR offers exceptional service and craftsmanship to keep your footwear in prime condition.

Visit Quality Shoe Repair

Location: 1501 16th Street, Orange, TX 77630
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: (409) 238-5008
Website: qualityshoerepairbeaumont.com
Facebook: Quality Shoe Repair

Please stop by and support this locally trusted business as it continues to serve the Orange community with outstanding shoe repair and restoration services.

The Vidor Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed Wags To Riches, Vidor’s only grooming, boarding, and daycare facility, to the local business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 11, 2025. The event was a paws-itively wonderful celebration, bringing together community members, business leaders, and pet lovers to mark this exciting addition to Vidor’s business landscape.

Wags To Riches offers top-notch grooming services by appointment, along with boarding and daycare options for pet owners looking for a trusted, professional facility to care for their furry friends.

Visit Wags To Riches:

Location: 1023 Church St, Vidor, TX 77662
Phone: (409) 937-5453
Facebook: Wags To Riches

Grooming services are by appointment only, so call ahead and book your pet’s pampering session today!