Local Roundup

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is pleased to announce the acceptance of a $50,000 donation from Golden Triangle Polymers to fund new nature play elements for the Children’s Garden. This generous gift helps support Shangri La’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational programs for the community’s youth and promote environmental awareness.

“Nature play touches on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development, problem-solving, creativity, and environmental awareness. The gift will help us bring these valuable skills to life in the garden and build on our educational offerings, benefitting the most important local residents, the children,” said Angie Mason, executive director at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

Golden Triangle Polymers has invested in community programs throughout the Orange County region since its announcement in late 2022 that it would build an $8.5 billion petrochemical facility at a site on State Highway 87. In 2023, the company donated $1.7 million to area schools and non-profit organizations and is investing an additional $500,000 this year.

“We value Shangri La’s commitment to being an environmental steward and believe this donation is an investment in an important community asset. We’re excited to provide them the necessary funding to grow the interactive elements of the Children’s Garden, which not only supports natural resources but also nurtures the young minds who learn from it,” said Chad Jennings, plant manager for Golden Triangle Polymers.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a 250-plus-acre outdoor oasis in Orange, Texas, located along the waterways of Adams Bayou that combines botanical gardens and an educational nature center in a unique way. Visitors are encouraged to stroll along garden paths surrounded by fragrant flowers and watch and take in the beauty of the grounds. At 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, visitors can take a naturalist-led excursion along Adams Bayou to see the wonders of nature, learn about the environment and its care, discover animals in their natural habitats, and spend time with friends and family. Visitors can expect to gain a new sense of environmental stewardship in one of Texas’ most environmentally friendly gardens.

Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange. Admission is free of charge. For more information, please visit shangrilagardens.org.

Meals on Wheels Orange Texas proudly recognizes the outstanding generosity of Rodney Townsend, a dedicated board member and local attorney, for his impactful $5,000 donation to support the program’s mission. Townsend’s contribution exemplifies the commitment and passion that board members bring to ensuring the program thrives and continues to serve the local senior community.

The OCAA Meals on Wheels initiative is dedicated to providing wholesome, nutritious meals to seniors in the community while fostering meaningful connections and offering much-needed reassurance to those who may feel isolated or vulnerable. With the steadfast support of board members like Townsend, Meals on Wheels Orange Texas is able to meet the growing demand for its services and expand its reach.

Visit Meals on Wheels Orange Texas’s Facebook page or website for more information about its mission and how you can support it.

The Stark Museum of Art invites the community to experience live reindeer and other holiday activities at Reindeer Games Day on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A special sensory-friendly hour will be offered from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. to ensure everyone can enjoy this festive celebration. Admission to Reindeer Games is free of charge.

Reindeer Games Day brings the holiday spirit to life with an array of holiday activities for all ages:

• Live reindeer at Santa’s Traveling Stable: See Santa’s majestic reindeer and take a moment to capture unforgettable holiday memories.
• Holiday crafts in the Education Center: Spark creativity as you and your family create festive crafts to take home.
• Reindeer scavenger hunt: Follow the “Reindeer Trail” throughout Gallery Five and explore the wonders of our special holiday exhibition.
• Spirit of Bethlehem: View the Christmas story with the Boehm Porcelain Nativity on display in the museum.

While at Reindeer Games Day, guests are invited to view “Reindeer Trail,” a whimsical winter wonderland exhibition which showcases 30 original reindeer created by talented local artists. The exhibition, which draws inspiration from the museum’s rich collection of Western and Native American art, can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. In addition to the creative, artist-designed reindeer, “Reindeer Trail” highlights the cultural and historical significance of reindeer and their relatives through artworks located around the museum. Guests can view historical depictions of these animals throughout the galleries, where reindeer and other wildlife are represented in various styles and media, celebrating the beauty of the natural world.

This event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joy of creativity and the magic of the holiday season. Whether you’re discovering hidden treasures in the exhibitions or crafting your own holiday keepsakes, Reindeer Games Day promises something for everyone.

Admission is free, and we encourage visitors to dress in their most festive attire for fun photo opportunities throughout the “Reindeer Trail” exhibition.

For more information about Reindeer Games, “Reindeer Trail” exhibition or the Stark Museum of Art, please visit starkmuseum.org. The Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue in downtown Orange, Texas and open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free of charge.

The Lutcher Theater welcomes the critically acclaimed Broadway tour of “Dear Evan Hansen” for two performances on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, and Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by “The Washington Post,” “Dear Evan Hansen” has captivated audiences worldwide with its deeply moving exploration of our interconnected, social media-driven lives. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, this groundbreaking production resonates with audiences of all ages by offering a raw, heartfelt perspective on themes of belonging and connection, seen through the eyes of both parents and young people.

With a Grammy Award-winning score featuring unforgettable songs like “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found,” “Dear Evan Hansen” delivers an emotional and profound experience that has left audiences across the globe inspired and in awe.

“We are thrilled to bring this transformative production to our community,” said Lynae Sanford, executive director of the Lutcher Theater. “‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is more than a musical – it’s a cultural phenomenon that fosters meaningful conversations about mental health, relationships, and the power of community.”

The Broadway production focuses on Evan Hansen, a high school student who always feels like he’s on the outside looking in. Evan finally gets what so many of us are searching for – the chance to finally fit in. What follows is a poignant, funny, and powerful musical about how, even though it can be hard, we can find each other – and ourselves – along the way.

As part of a holiday promotion by the Lutcher Theater, students can now enjoy “Dear Evan Hansen” for half the cost. Premium section seats are available to students for $45. When purchasing, select at least one blue seat on the map and choose the student ticket option. Do this for each student ticket you are purchasing.

Tickets for “Dear Evan Hansen” range from $45 to $90 and can be purchased at lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Theater Box Office at 409.886.5535.

The Lutcher Theater is located at 707 Main Avenue in Orange, Texas.

The holiday season is upon us, and the Orange Public Library is excited to invite the community to a special day of festive fun! On Tuesday, December 10, 2024,, the Library will host a FREE Christmas Movie Marathon, featuring family-friendly films that are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Showtimes:

• 10:00 AM – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
  Join your favorite Disney characters as they share heartwarming holiday tales filled with magic and joy.
• 2:00 PM – It Happened on 5th Avenue
  A quirky millionaire’s mansion becomes an unlikely Christmas refuge in this charming holiday classic.
• 5:15 PM – Family Switch
  Laugh along with this hilarious body-swap comedy adventure packed with family holiday chaos and heart.

This festive event is open to the public, so gather your family and friends for a day of cozy Christmas cheer. Complimentary holiday movie snacks will be provided to enhance the viewing experience.

Mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with laughter, holiday spirit, and cherished memories. For more information, contact the Orange Public Library at (409) 883-1086