Local Roundup - page 2

After 13 successful years, Chalkboards Coffee and Café in Bridge City has closed its doors. However, fans of the beloved café have reason to celebrate, as a new establishment is set to open in Little Cypress.

The new café, Sketch Café and Bakery, will take over the former Orange Grove/Jumping Bean location on Highway 87, directly across from LCM High School. According to owner Alex Bickham, the opening is anticipated around mid-June.

In a heartfelt post on the cafe’s Facebook page, Bickham expressed gratitude to the loyal customers of Bridge City, Orangefield, and the surrounding areas. “Well, it’s been an AMAZING 13 years!” Bickham wrote. “A HUGE thank you to everyone in Bridge City, Orangefield, and surrounding areas for unwavering support and allowing us to serve you on a daily basis as well as those most special of occasions! It’s not necessarily goodbye, but it is time for a change. We hope to open in our new location in Little Cypress in mid-June, and we hope everyone comes over for a visit!”

Bickham assures patrons that the menu at Sketch Café and Bakery will be very similar to what was offered at Chalkboards, promising a continuity of the flavors and dishes that customers have come to love.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded Orange County ESD #2/Bridge City Fire & Rescue a $22,043.80 grant to purchase an Autopulse External Defibrillator, addressing a critical departmental need. The grant will provide crucial equipment to enhance the safety of both first responders and the community.

“On behalf of the department and its members, I want to thank the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Port Arthur for recognizing our needs and awarding funding to provide this equipment,” said Fire Chief Richard Bodin. “Providing first responders with the right tools is crucial for them to successfully do their jobs.”

The Autopulse External Defibrillator will enable first responders to deliver high-quality CPR to patients without interruption, significantly increasing the chances of survival. Proper equipment is essential for first responders to perform their duties effectively and save lives.

For the past 18 years, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has been instrumental in supporting first responders and public safety organizations across the nation through donations. To learn more about the Foundation or to make a direct donation, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

Since 2014, Mayor Larry Spears Jr. has served the community as Council Member At-Large Place 6 and two terms as mayor before running unopposed for his third mayoral term.

On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, during the City Council meeting, a swearing-in ceremony was held for newly re-elected Mayor Larry Spears Jr.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Judge Jim Sharon Bearden Jr. administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Spears with friends and family present. The mayor was then presented with a Certificate of Election. Council Member Paul Burch was appointed Mayor Pro Tem by the City Council.

The United Way of Orange County will be sponsoring a Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 4-6 PM at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center, 11475 FM 1442 in Orange.

Participants are encourage to attend to learn about the many local resources available in the areas of social services, healthcare, youth and senior programs, mental health and much more.  Local organizations will be onsite to discuss a wide range of free and low-cost services.

Participating agencies include:

• Boys Haven of America, Inc.
• Buckner Children and Family Services
• Buckner FAYS Program
• CASA of the Sabine Neches Region
• Community Health Choice
• Gadolin Research
• Goodwill Industries of SETX and SWLA
• Lifeshare Blood Center Beaumont, TX
• Maximus STAR Medicaid
• Orange Christian Services
• Orange County Environmental Health and Code Compliance
• Orange County Hope House
• Rape & Suicide Crisis Southeast Texas, Inc.
• Recovery Council of Southeast Texas
• RISE Center for Independent Living
• Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas
• Southeast Texas Food Bank
• Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission
• Spindletop Center
• Stable-Spirit
• TAN Healthcare
• Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
• The Salvation Army
• United Christian Care Center of Vidor, Inc.
• Wellpoint
• Workforce Solutions
• YMCA of Southeast Texas

For more info, visit their Facebook page.

The Housing Authority of the City of Orange Texas is teaming up with TAN and Stars of Gate City #57 to host a Health Fair on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 10 AM – 3 PM at 516 Burton Avenue in Orange.

The event will offer FREE health services including blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, nutrition assessment, adult and child health screenings, and much more.