Local Roundup - page 6

The Lutcher Theater is thrilled to announce the celebrated holiday spectacle “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” will return to the Lutcher Theater for two performances on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. As the longest-running cirque holiday theatrical event, “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” wraps the wonder of the season in a Broadway-style production filled with breathtaking circus artistry, making it a can’t-miss show for the entire family.

“We are delighted to welcome ‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ back to the Lutcher Theater. This production brings an unparalleled blend of holiday cheer and circus magic that is perfect for families, friends, and guests of all ages,” said Lynae Sanford, executive director of the Lutcher Theater. “It’s the kind of spectacular, multi-generational event that captures the excitement of the holidays and fills our theater with joy and wonder.”

As a hallmark production for the holiday season, “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” has toured nationwide, garnering acclaim for its festive and unique take on classic holiday entertainment. Each performance combines beloved seasonal tunes, spellbinding acts, and beautiful staging to create an immersive experience that has enchanted audiences year after year.

“‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ will be teaching their production at the Lutcher. What this means is they will set up shop here 10 days prior to the show date and put together the entire performance – from lights, music, choreography and all of the technical elements in between. The national tour will kick-off right here at the Lutcher Theater, and we can’t wait to bring their performance art to our community,” said Sanford.

Audiences of all ages will be fascinated by “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” which brings together contemporary cirque performances, a stunning cast of acrobats and awe-inspiring choreography – all set to classic holiday music and dazzling costumes. This holiday experience promises to showcase extraordinary talents and heart-pounding feats that will leave everyone in the Christmas spirit .

Tickets for “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” range in price from $35 to $90 and are available for purchase by visiting 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 Orange Public Library invites families to join a fun-filled movie day on Thursday, November 14, 2024! Come enjoy the greatest turkey movie of all time, “Free Birds,” with two showings scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

“Free Birds” follows the comedic adventure of two turkeys who travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving. Their mission? To change the traditional holiday menu and save their kind from becoming the main course, served with a side of cranberry sauce!

This light-hearted animated film is perfect for families looking to enjoy a laugh together before the Thanksgiving holiday. The Orange Public Library welcomes children and adults alike for this special movie event.

Details at a Glance:

• Event: Family Movie Day at Orange Public Library
• Movie: “Free Birds”
• Showtimes: 10:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
• Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
• Location: Orange Public Library, 220 N. 5th St., Orange
• Admission: Free

For more information, please contact the Orange Public Library at (409) 883-1086. Bring your family, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a fun time at the library!

Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is setting a new record for enrollment, with 3,437 students in the Fall 2024 class, representing a 9% increase over the certified headcount for Fall 2023, according to Daniel McLemore, Director of Marketing. Current projections indicate total enrollment will surpass 3,600 students by the close of the second 8-week term, a potential 15% overall increase.

LSC Orange attributes the growth to several factors, including the college’s dedication to expanding academic opportunities and strengthening community partnerships. Since 2019, LSCO has introduced 17 new programs of study, including electromechanical technology, building construction technology, court reporting, and massage therapy. The college has also broadened its reach by opening satellite locations in Lumberton and Livingston, providing greater access to students across East and Southeast Texas.

A key aspect of LSCO’s growth is its commitment to student success, particularly for first-generation students, according to LSC Orange. Currently, 75% of LSCO’s student body is composed of first-generation college students. McLemore says it demonstrates the college’s critical role in providing life-changing educational opportunities. LSCO continues to partner with local businesses and organizations to equip students with the skills needed for in-demand careers, cultivating a stronger, more educated workforce in the region.

President Dr. Thomas Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the college’s record-breaking enrollment and the impact it will have on the community.

“Seeing more students than ever gaining the critical skills needed to make a better life for themselves and their families is truly exciting,” said Johnson. “This growth reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and the entire LSCO community to provide the resources and opportunities that help our students thrive. It’s about improving lives for generations to come.”

“The dedication of our faculty and staff has been instrumental in helping our students be successful,” Elmore said. “As we continue to grow, we remain focused on delivering a high-quality education that prepares students for the workforce and helps them achieve their goals.”

In addition to celebrating record enrollment, LSCO will host a grand opening ceremony for its new 55,000-square-foot Academic Center on November 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The state-of-the-art facility boasts modern labs and classroom spaces designed to enhance student learning. Later this year, LSCO will also open the new Student Success Center, a historic renovation of the former First Baptist Church of Orange. The center will serve as a one-stop shop for students seeking to enroll and access essential resources.

As LSCO looks ahead, the college remains committed to expanding educational access and providing the resources necessary for students to succeed. With continued growth, new program offerings, and an emphasis on community partnerships, LSCO is poised to continue building a stronger future for its students and the region.

There’s still time to enroll in Fall 2024 courses. For more information about enrollment and programs at LSCO, visit www.lsco.edu.

The Sunset Grove Country Club has officially closed its pool for good, transitioning from its traditional summer amenity to a reimagined space for community enjoyment. Last week, workers began filling in the pool with dirt, marking the start of a project that will see the space repurposed into a vibrant patio area.

Trey Smith, Manager of Sunset Grove Country Club, explained the decision: “It just wasn’t feasible with the repairs that needed to be made, plus the increase in insurance and liability. It’s not used as much, and we get calls at night when people jump the fence and get in the pool,” said Smith. The new patio, he added, will create a welcoming area for guests waiting to be seated at Tia Juanita’s Restaurant and provide a prime spot to enjoy live performances from the deck.

The revamped space promises to enhance the club’s community atmosphere, offering a casual and scenic setting for visitors to relax and socialize. “We will make it a nice area where people can sit and visit,” Smith added.

Meanwhile, the club’s historic golf course continues to thrive. Originally designed and built by the legendary Donald Ross in 1926, the course recently saw significant upgrades, with substantial investment poured into improving the greens this year. These efforts reaffirm the club’s commitment to preserving its legacy while adapting to the current needs of members and guests.

They also unveiled a new mural installed by Lauren Leigh of Lauren Leigh’s Murals last week.

Sunset Grove Country Club looks forward to unveiling this new patio space, which will reinforce its status as a central hub for dining, entertainment, and relaxation in the community.

The Stark Museum of Art invites art lovers, couples, and friends alike to mark their calendars for “Date Night at the Museum” on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This special after-hours event offers the perfect blend of art, music, and memorable moments to enjoy with a loved one or friend at 712 Green Ave. in Orange.

Kicking off the evening will be the exclusive opening of the 2024 College Juried Art Exhibition, where attendees can experience emerging talents up close and meet the featured artists. Alongside the stunning new art collection, guests will be treated to live musical performances by David Justin and Haley Barnes, adding a vibrant atmosphere throughout the galleries.

Date Night attendees will also have the chance to savor complimentary bites and beverages provided by Free State Cellars, thoughtfully curated to enhance the evening and inspired by the Stark Museum of Art’s renowned permanent collection. Engaging activities, including interactive gallery games led by skilled Teaching Artists, will offer visitors a fun and insightful way to connect with the artwork on display.

Admission to Date Night at the Museum is free, and guests of all experience levels are encouraged to join in an evening of creativity and connection. Be sure to reserve the date for a night of art, music, and shared inspiration at the Stark Museum of Art!

For more information on Date Night at the Museum, please visit their Facebook page.