Local Roundup - page 11

On September 25, 2024, the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for Scratch Kitchen, located at 1575 Texas Avenue in Bridge City, next to the old Bridge City Cleaners,

The restaurant offers southern-style breakfast, brunch, and lunch and has a full catering menu. Its hours of operation are 7 AM—2 PM Tuesday – Sunday.

They offer their “Pay It Forward” Meal Wall. Their philosophy is, “Everyone deserves a meal, whether they can afford it or not. Please consider donating a meal to someone in need. Let’s return to caring for one another and lending a hand.” Please message them through Facebook about donating a meal.

Their breakfast and lunch menus are below.

For more info, visit their Facebook page.

The historic W.H. Stark House, an 1894 Queen Anne masterpiece, will once again open its doors for free guided tours beginning October 4, 2024. Visitors are invited to step back in time and explore the fully restored 14,000-square-foot home of Miriam Lutcher and William Henry Stark, a landmark that has preserved the legacy of one of Orange’s most influential families.

Tours will be available on Tuesdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays for small groups of up to eight guests. They offer an intimate experience of the 15 rooms and beautifully landscaped grounds of the Stark House. Each tour lasts approximately one hour and provides a unique insight into the life and times of the Stark family.

Tour Schedule and Details:

• Tuesdays: Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
• Fridays and Select Saturdays: 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.

Guests ages eight and older are welcome to join the guided tours. Families with younger children are encouraged to attend the Open House events in April, June, September, and December or participate in other year-round programs.

Group Tours: Larger groups of up to 16 guests can be accommodated on Tuesdays. To schedule a group tour, please contact Katherine Leister at kleister@starkmuseum.org or call (409) 883-0871.

Important Tour Information:

• Tours involve navigating 44 steps, but first-floor tours are available upon request.
• Walk-in visitors are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended to guarantee entry.
• All bags and personal items must be stored in complimentary lockers in the Carriage House during the tour.
• Photography is allowed (without flash), but selfie sticks, mono-pods, and tripods are not permitted.

The W.H. Stark House is a historical treasure, and this guided tour offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era. Come explore the grandeur of this iconic home and immerse yourself in the rich history of Orange.

Please make an online reservation for your tour here.

Orange County Emergency Services District (ESD) 4 Chief Kelley Moore urges residents to exercise extreme caution as Southeast Texas faces increasing risks of wildfires. After spending all of last Thursday fighting brush fires, Chief Moore and his team emphasize the growing threat posed by the region’s dry and windy conditions.

According to Chief Moore, the Southeast Texas area is on the brink of an extreme drought, creating the perfect environment for wildfires to spread rapidly. Although the area is not currently under a burn ban, Chief Moore warns that one may soon be implemented.

“Conditions are very favorable for sustaining a wildfire. Our crews have been extremely busy over the past few days. It puts a huge strain on the 911 response when one of these large fires breaks out,” said Chief Moore.

Chief Moore advises the public to be extra cautious when engaging in any outdoor burning activities, noting that the risk is simply too high under current weather patterns. Even though no official burn ban is in place, the potential for wildfires looms, and preventative measures are critical.

For more information or to report suspicious fires, please contact Orange County ESD 4 at (409) 745-4700 or visit their Facebook page.

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for Cowboy Church of Orange County’s new covered Arena on September 26, 2024. The church is located at 673 FM  1078 in Orange.

The outdoor arena will provide year-round public access to host Team Roping, Barrel Races, Play Days, Rough Stock events, Livestock Shows, Clinics, Rodeos, and Trade Days. Bleacher-style seating with wheelchair-accessible bleachers is available. Restrooms & concessions are located directly behind the bleachers. The church is led by Pastor Harland Strother and his wife Dee.

Cowboy Church of Orange County offers two services each Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Children’s Church is offered at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and Adult Bible Study is at 9 a.m. On Wednesday at 6:30 pm, there is a pastor-led Adult Bible Study and AWANA (PreK-5th) & Youth (6th-12th) at 6 p.m., dinner included.

For more information, contact the church office at 409-920-2271, visit their Facebook page, or check out their website. The church’s office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center invites families and nature enthusiasts to experience Up Close with Nature, a live animal program held on the last Saturday of each month through October. This family-friendly, free event runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and offers guests an up-close look at some of the fascinating creatures that call Shangri La Gardens home.

Led by Wildlife Curator Robert Morgan, the program features live animal demonstrations, where attendees will learn about local critters, their unique adaptations, diets, and the role they play in the ecosystem. This is a fun, educational event for all ages, and guests can come and go as they please-no reservations are required.

Event Details:
What: Up Close with Nature – Live Animal Programs
When: September 28, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
Cost: Free admission

This is an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, meet live animals, and learn more about the natural world in a fun, hands-on setting. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, Up Close with Nature is the perfect weekend activity for families, children, and wildlife lovers alike!

For more information, please visit their Facebook page.