Local Roundup - page 3

The Stark Museum of Art invites you to experience the magic of the holiday season with “Reindeer Trail,” a whimsical winter wonderland exhibition open from November 20 through December 21, 2024. “Reindeer Trail” 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 artwork 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 holiday experience at the Stark Museum of Art offers families, art enthusiasts, and holiday lovers alike a chance to explore the connections between art and nature while celebrating the festive spirit of the season. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy ‘Reindeer Trail’ and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind holiday exhibition,” said Jennifer Dickinson, executive director at the Stark Museum of Art.

Other activities coinciding with “Reindeer Trail” at the museum include:

• Spirit of Bethlehem: The Boehm Porcelain Nativity, November 13-January 1 – Enjoy viewing this work of art, including 16 porcelain figures depicting the Christmas story.
• Lunch & Look: Audubon’s Animals, Friday, November 22, 12-1 p.m. – Join us for a slide-talk by Curator Sarah Boehme on Audubon’s “The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America.”
• Reindeer Trail Open House, Saturday, December 7, 2-7 p.m. – Enjoy story time with Buddy the Elf, hot chocolate on the portico and fun crafts in the lobby during Christmas Downtown festivities.
• Reindeer Games Day, Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Sensory Hour 9-10 a.m.) – Visit Santa’s traveling stable to see live reindeer outside the museum, enjoy festive holiday crafts throughout the education center and embark on a delightful reindeer scavenger hunt.

For more information about “Reindeer Trail” 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 is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free of charge.

During the November 19, 2024, meeting with Orange County Commissioners, Golden Triangle Polymers Company (GTPC) reported significant progress on its $8.5 billion facility currently under construction on Hwy. 87 South across from the Orange County Airport. Heather Betancourth, representing GTPC, presented the third-quarter report, revealing that the project has injected over $355 million into the local economy through goods and services since its announcement.

Nearly 4,500 workers are active on the plant site, with over 1,800 hailing from the Golden Triangle area. GTPC’s commitment to the local workforce is further emphasized through its Local First Initiative, developed in collaboration with Orange County, to support hiring locally qualified candidates. In the third quarter alone, 273 job seekers registered via the Local First website, leading to 107 referrals for employment and 27 referrals for workforce development programs.

Additionally, the third-quarter financial activity of GTPC and its primary contractors included $17 million spent on contracted work and $1.3 million allocated for small purchases, predominantly from local food businesses.

GTPC is a joint venture indirectly owned by Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (51%) and QatarEnergy U.S. Investments LLC (49%). The project, expected to begin operations in 2026, represents a substantial investment in the region’s economy and workforce.

“Through our local partnerships and spending initiatives, we remain deeply committed to driving economic growth and creating job opportunities in Orange County and the surrounding areas,” said Heather Betancourth.

As construction progresses, GTPC is steadfast in its focus on fostering local engagement and building a sustainable workforce pipeline to ensure long-term regional benefits.

For more information on job opportunities and the Local First Initiative, visit LocalFirstGTPC.com.

The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its annual call for nominations for three distinguished awards:

• Non-Profit Community Service of the Year
• Community Service – Business of the Year
• Citizen of the Year

These honors recognize outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to improving the Greater Orange area. The Chamber encourages the community to nominate those who go above and beyond in their service to others, making a lasting impact on the lives of residents.

Winners will be celebrated at the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, a cherished event highlighting the spirit of community, to be held on January 7, 2025. This evening will also include the presentation of additional awards, all aimed at honoring excellence in service and leadership.

The deadline for nominations is November 29, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Don’t miss the chance to recognize the incredible efforts of individuals and groups that uplift our community.

For more information on how to submit nominations or for event details, please contact the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce by visiting this Facebook post.

Join us in celebrating the best of Orange and showing appreciation for those who make our community shine!

The Salvation Army of Orange, TX, invites the community to help make a child’s Christmas special through its Angel Tree program. Christmas trees adorned with Angel Tags are now up at Walmart locations in Orange and Bridge City, with additional trees set to go up in Vidor soon.

Each Angel Tag represents a local child aged 0-12 who has shared their wish list of clothing and gifts for the holiday season. This year, over 400 children—fondly referred to as Angels—have been registered for the program. The Salvation Army is calling on the community to “adopt” an Angel by picking up a tag, purchasing the listed items, and returning the gifts to The Salvation Army at 1950 MLK Drive by December 13, 2024.

“We have witnessed Orange’s generosity time and again, and we hope you will continue to help us make Christmas magical for these children,” said Captain Tiffany Salgado of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army’s office hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Those interested can also reach out via Facebook message or email Captain Tiffany Salgado at Tiffany.Salgado@uss.salvationarmy.org with any questions.

The Salvation Army thanks the community for their continued support and encourages everyone to adopt an Angel today. Together, we can ensure that every child in our community experiences the joy of Christmas.

The City of Orange Fire Department is proud to announce the return of its 9th annual “Fill the Fire Truck Campaign”, aimed at spreading holiday cheer to families in need within the Orange community. The toy drive will begin on November 19, 2024, and run through December 12, 2024, offering community members a chance to make a positive impact during the holiday season.

Fill the Fire Truck invites residents to donate new and unwrapped toys, which will be collected at three participating fire stations across the city. The City of Orange Fire Department will work in coordination with local charities to ensure the gifts reach families who need them most, brightening the holidays for children throughout the area.

Drop-Off Locations & Hours:

• Central Fire Station – 501 N. 7th St.
• Fire Station #2 – 1901 Allie Payne Rd.
• Fire Station #3 – 1717 MLK Dr.
• Donation Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

“This campaign is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, and organizations to make a difference in someone’s life during the holiday season,” said Fire Chief John Bilbo. “Every gift, big or small, will help bring joy to a child in our community.”

Residents are also encouraged to schedule a fire station tour when dropping off donations, making it a special and educational experience for families and groups. To arrange a tour, please contact the Fire Department in advance.

“This is the perfect time to give back and show the spirit of the season,” said Fire Department Secretary Mary Low. “We encourage everyone to contribute—whether it’s one toy or a dozen. Every donation helps fill the gap and makes a difference.”

For more information about the Fill the Fire Truck Campaign or to schedule a visit to one of the fire stations, please contact   Fire Chief John Bilbo or Fire Department Secretary Mary Low at 409-883-1050.