Orange County's monthly source for in-depth information about activities, programs, events, and more.
VIBRANT ECONOMY l EFFECTIVE REFLECTIVE GOVERNMENT l SUSTAINABLE LAND USE
INSIGHT
Medals of Valor and Unit Citations Awarded Page 3
Animal Shelter Wins Humane Organization of the Year Award Page 7 Community Delivers on Day of Service Page 15
April 2024
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Team Orange:
volunteer, and events to keep pets healthy and our community clean.
All you have to do is look at the cover of this month ’ s Orange County Insight to get an idea of what excellence in public service looks like: • Medals of Valor and Unit Citations for saving lives and public safety teamwork • Another award - winning program (this time our Animal Shelter) • Selfless Community Service (OC Day of Service) • Advocacy for vulnerable children (Child Abuse Prevention Month) Read a little further and you ’ ll find out about our new Real Estate Assessment Department designed to be more responsive to citizens, more reflective of our dynamic real estate market, and to take advantage of the latest technology.
I ’ ll stop with the spoilers and let you read the rest yourself, but I just couldn ’ t be prouder of Team Orange and I wanted to say what I feel. Board Updates: The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold its Public Hearing on the proposed FY2025 Budget at 5pm on Tuesday, April 16th. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for the following Tuesday, April 23rd. Once this is accomplished, we will return attention to finalizing the Board ’ s Strategic Plan and schedule work sessions on several major projects under consideration. Condolences: With sadness we learned Friday morning of the death of Tom Lacheney, Orange County ’ s former County Attorney for over a decade. Our hearts go out to his family, his colleagues, and his friends.
You ’ ll see appreciation for long - serving Planning Commissioners, opportunities to
- Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator
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Physical Address 112 W. Main Street Orange, VA 22960 Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672 - 3313
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Fax: (540) 672 - 1679
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Cover Photo: Pinwheel Garden at Orange County Public Works and Parks & Recreation Office. Read more about Child Abuse Prevention Month on Page 13.
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Orange County Launches New Real Estate Assessment Department
By: Orange County Communications
Orange County is pleased to announce a new Real Estate Assessment Department! This new department will serve our residents by conducting annual assessments on real estate in Orange County.
This arrangement is new to Orange County, but those originally from other localities may be familiar with departments that serve this purpose. This departments is sometimes known as an Assessor ’ s Office, or a City (or County) Assessor. Previously, the County contracted assessment services, and assessments were conducted every four years. With the establishment of this department, it will no longer be necessary to have an outside company conduct these property evaluations. Having an in - house department devoted to this purpose benefits our residents in several ways.
1. Conducting annual assessments, rather than just one every four years, will better align assessed property values to the true market value. This prevents situations where a property is assessed at a high value during a market upswing, then remains at that value, even after the market corrects, until another assessment is conducted. 2. Those with questions about their assessments will be better served by a dedicated department providing direct customer service. As a permanent fixture of the County, the Real Estate Assessment Department will have a greater connection to our residents than a temporary contractor. 3. Bringing assessed values closer to true market values provides benefits in terms of state funding for the County and the school system, which are often distributed based on a localities ’ assessed values.
4. Adoption and constant review of improved technology will create more efficient assessments.
The new Director of the Real Estate Assessment Department, Mr. Charles Haney, was introduced to the Board of Supervisors at their April 9 meeting. He is excited about the “ prospect of starting a totally new department, and using modern techniques to bring assessed values in line with the market. ” With him, he brings over 30 years of experience in the field. Mr. Haney is very familiar with the area and the real estate landscape. He grew up in nearby Albemarle County, and previously served in Albemarle, Charlottesville, and Staunton. Stay tuned for more information about the activities of the Real Estate Assessment Department. Those with questions should contact Mr. Haney at chaney@orangecountyva.gov.
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Recognizing Valor and Service
By: Orange County Fire & EMS and Orange County Communications
At the March 26 Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting we had the great honor of recognizing several first responders for displays of duty, dedication, and heroism in the line of duty. Medals of Valor were presented to Firefighter/Paramedic B. Savage (pictured top right) of County of Orange Fire & EMS and Lieutenant B. Kidwell of Mine Run VFC (pictured middle right). Unit Citations were presented to Lieutenant J. Franklin of County of Orange Fire & EMS (bottom left), as well as Deputy J. Joseph, Corporal A. Schienschang, and Deputy T. Nolasco of the Orange County Sheriff's Office (pictured at bottom of this page, in that order left to right). These recognitions stemmed from a response made on the morning of Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the Rhoadesville area with possible trapped victims inside. Medic 21 responded to the structure fire and was met by Lieutenant Brandon Kidwell (MRVFC) already on scene. With extreme fire conditions present and without a piece of suppression equipment on the scene, Firefighter/Paramedic Savage and Lieutenant Kidwell, while "confronted with imminent personal risk," entered the structure searching for the occupants and ultimately removed a resident from the structure. After the extraction of the patient, Lieutenant Franklin saw to the care of the individual while aided by the Sheriff's Office Deputies who were recognized with the Unit Citations. We are truly moved by the cooperation, professionalism, and bravery displayed by everyone who answered and responded to this call.
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Thank You, Mr. Brooks and Mr. Yancey!
By: Orange County Communications
At the April 9, 2024, Board of Supervisors Meeting, were honored to recognize two long - serving members of the Orange County Planning Commission, Donald Brooks (pictured top right) and George Yancey (pictured bottom right). Mr. Brooks was recognized for Planning Commission service which began in January 2008. Furthermore, he served as Chairman for half of his time on the Commission and was noted for his outside - the - box thinking. Mr. Yancey was recognized for his service which began in 2012. During his tenure, he served as Chairman for three years. He was further recognized for his commitment to serving on the Germanna - Wilderness Area Plan Steering Committee. Both gentlemen were recognized for giving willfully of their time to serve our community, for faithful attendance at Planning Commission meetings which regularly involved late hours, and for staying apprised of important information related to land use.
For more information about Planning Commission meetings, agendas, and minutes, residents are encouraged to visit the Agendas and Minutes section of the Orange County website. Orange County Economic Development & Tourism Attend OCHS Job Café
By: Orange County Economic Development & Tourism
On Friday, March 22, staff from the Economic Development and Tourism Office had the pleasure of participating in the Orange County High School Job Café. Students had the opportunity to experience a real - world mock interview process, create resumes, dress professionally, and ask questions about the hiring process. Students were very impressive and interview ready.
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Help Guide Orange County ’ s Visitors as a Volunteer Travel Counselor
By Orange County Economic Development and Tourism
The Orange County Visitor Center, located in the historic Orange County Train Depot at 122 West Main Street, Orange, is the first stop for many travelers to our area. Here, they are able to find information about our storied history, decadent dining options, award - winning wineries, thriving craft breweries, unique shops, exciting outdoor recreation opportunities, and so much more! Staffed primarily by volunteers, this Visitor Center is a classic example of hometown hospitality. Our volunteer travel counselors have the opportunity to meet interesting folks from all over the country and even overseas! By helping others, they learn so much more about Orange County than they would otherwise. These volunteers also enjoy complimentary trips and appreciation events to help broaden their horizons and spark ideas about how to better serve Orange County ’ s visitors! In the past, these events have taken our dedicated group of travel counselors on familiarization tours of Orange County, and even more distant attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg and Mount Vernon.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Volunteering at the Visitors Center is made to fit your schedule. Volunteers can serve as little as one four - hour shift a month, or can help out several times a week! A volunteer can be scheduled on a recuring day (such as every third Wednesday), or can fill in open slots left in the calendar. For more information about volunteering, contact Shannah Mort, Tourism Counselor, at (540) 672 - 1653 or smort@orangecountyva.gov.
Volunteers and Tourism Staff enjoy an appreciation trip to James Madison ’ s Montpelier.
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Animal Shelter Honored with Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Humane Organization of the Year Award
By: Orange County Communications
The Orange County Animal Shelter (OCAS) has been honored with the Humane Organization of the Year Award from the Virginia Federation of Human Societies. This award is presented to an animal organization which has made an extraordinary difference for the community by saving, preserving, or improving the lives of pets and their owners. The Orange County Animal Shelter was recognized due to their outstanding efforts to find homes for animals, animal lifesaving efforts, creative programs and partnerships, and the desire to constantly improve.
The nomination highlighted the shelter ’ s well - known, dedicated efforts to rehabilitate and find a home for Maggie, a pitbull discovered, barely alive, in the road near Barboursville. Thanks to a concerned citizen, she arrived at the shelter on July 29, 2022, weighing just 27 pounds. She was riddled with internal and external parasites, Demodectic mange, and was experiencing both dehydration and malnourishment. Her level of need would likely have exceeded the resources of many shelters, which
could have led to euthanization elsewhere. Caring for her was a touch - and - go, uphill battle, but the OCAS provided the extensive care she needed with the help of their emergency veterinary fund (EVF) and a coordinated fundraising effort specifically for Maggie that met and exceed its $5,000 goal in just one day. Today Maggie has a home, is doing extremely well, and causes great joy whenever she visits her shelter family. While Maggie ’ s case was special, it is also representative of the great care taken by our shelter staff and volunteers. Also noted in the nomination were the recent renovations and expansions at the shelter to foster an atmosphere which encourages adoptions, effective outside - the - box fundraising efforts like the “ Deck the Paws ” campaign, creative socialization efforts and partnerships like the obedience training program conducted by inmates at Coffeewood Correctional Facility, and various efforts to remove obstacles to adoption while still maintaining a great level of care to ensure the pets find safe and enduring homes.
Maggie at intake (above) and enjoying the snow in December 2023 (below).
Congratulations, Orange County Animal Shelter!
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Triad Hosts Chief Gene Saunders, Founder of Project Lifesaver
By: Orange County Communications
Have you heard of Project Lifesaver? Project Lifesaver is a program available through the Triad Division of the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office. It makes use of reliable radio transmitters and receivers to save lives and reduce the risk of injury for persons with dementia, Alzheimer ’ s, Autism, and other characteristics that might make them more likely to becoming lost through wandering.
Upon enrollment, the person is equipped with a small radio transmitter band worn like a bracelet on the arm or ankle. Should that person become lost, their family can call 911 for help. Our Emergency Communications team will know what to do A Project Lifesaver Radio Receiver
upon determining the lost individual wears a Project Lifesaver band. Trained responders and volunteers will be dispatched who are able to quickly and effectively locate the individual by tracking the band ’ s signal.
At the end of last month, Orange County Triad invited the founder of Project Lifesaver, Chief Gene Saunders, to speak to a collection of over 50 first responders from the area. Representatives from Albemarle, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Madison, and more joined Orange County to learn about the history of the program, its growth, and ways that it can help save the lives of their residents. According to Chief Saunders, Project Lifesaver has been adopted by more than 1,800 agencies in the United States and beyond, and there have been at least 4,000 successful searches! Amazingly, the average search time involved finding a person enrolled in Project Lifesaver is just 30 minutes. Chief Saunders explained that he has been involved with this program from the beginning, and it remains his passion. “[ They] couldn ’ t get me out of this program with dynamite, ” he said. It ’ s roots come from within the Commonwealth, in the form of a pilot program funded by a hospital grant while he was serving in the Police Department of Chesapeake, VA. Shortly after the pilot ’ s launch, the first transmitter was placed on an individual in Virginia Beach in April 1999. He described the reasons that locating individuals with conditions like dementia presented unique challenges, noting the lost individual would often actively avoid being found. They might hide or lock themselves in a location to avoid responders, potentially leading to tragic results. A solution was inspired by the radio - direction finding procedures and equipment already in use by wildlife agencies. The rugged equipment had been proven both reliable and effective. Adapting it for this purpose met some resistance at first, but the results spoke for themselves. Chief Saunders recalls the early days of Project Lifesaver in front of a crowd of first responders in the Orange County Public Safety Building.
Remembering the first person found using Project Lifesaver equipment, Chief Saunders recalled that he
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got the call while at dinner. Incredibly, despite the program ’ s infancy, the individual was found in just one and a half minutes of searching! They were locked in a closet in a nearby building complex, and while they were not particularly far from their last known location, it would have taken hours or days of searching to find them without the assistance of the radio transmitter. The outcome could have been bleak. Right here in Orange County, the program is making a similar positive impact. Following Chief Saunders ’ remarks, a powerful statement was made by a local mother whose son is a Project Lifesaver participant. Her son is Autistic, and she said Project Lifesaver gives her, “ peace of mind, knowing that if [my son] left, someone would be there within minutes of a 911 call. ” She also commended Chief Saunders and Orange County ’ s Triad Coordinator Ron Kesner for their dedication to helping others. Despite these successes, the program looks to continue to improve. Chief Saunders mentioned that the technology used is sometimes called “ outdated ” in today ’ s world of GPS. However, the radio - direction finding technology continues to prove its effectiveness compared to GPS when faced with obstructions like buildings, tree cover, and inclement weather. Battery life is another advantage to the current equipment, which can last for up to 60 days before requiring a replacement. With this in mind, current technological improvement plans are focused on marrying the tried and true radio technology with modern advances that will amplify (rather than replace) its impact. In the works are receiver attachment kits for readily available drones and Bluetooth - based smartphone connectivity that can alert family members of a participant leaving a specified area, or allow them to locate the program participant at close range without the need for radio receiver deployment. Those interested in enrolling a loved one in Orange County ’ s Project Lifesaver program should contact Deputy Ron Kesner, Triad Coordinator, at (540) 672 - 1536 to discuss eligibility. Visit Triad ’ s Programs and Services webpage for additional information about ways they can help.
Chief Saunders poses with Sheriff ’ s Office staff and volunteer Electronic Search Specialists. Pictured L to R: Deputy Ron Kesner; Sheriff Jason Smith; Chief Gene Saunders; Bob Gruitt; Larry Morris
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What ’ s with All the Pinwheels?
By: Orange County Communications
April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year, our Department of Social Services, along with partner departments like the Office on Youth, help spread awareness about child abuse and prevention efforts through the sale of pinwheel gardens. Local organizations, businesses, and individuals can purchase a pinwheel garden and plant it at their location. The whimsical spinning of the pinwheels helps attract attention, and a sign with a QR code provides more information about preventing child abuse and available resources. This year, 62 gardens have been purchased and planted around Orange County! The pinwheel was chosen as a symbol for this effort by Prevent Child Abuse America because It, “ represents the great childhoods all children deserve and the prevention efforts that help them happen. Today, it inspires all of us to play a role in providing the best possible environment for every child to flourish and thrive. “ If you suspect a child is in danger, don ’ t wait! Those who have concerns about a child being a victim of child abuse are encouraged to contact the Orange County Social Services Department at (540) 672 - 6166. The Virginia Department of Social Services also provides a 24 - hour hotline at (804) 786 - 8536.
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#OCDayofService Witnesses Groups and Individuals Serving Orange County
By: Orange County Communications
On Friday, March 29, Orange County Public Schools hosted an Orange County Day of Service alongside their Orange and Blue Day! This event encouraged students, residents, and local organizations to find a way to volunteer and help the community. By focusing the efforts on a single day, the impact of those efforts was magnified and felt across the area. Several classes and student organizations helped by writing cards, planting trees, cleaning up litter, repainting playground elements, and even washing some of community ’ s emergency vehicles! Inspired by the effort, several Orange County government departments participated as well. Members of our Public Works, Landfill, Sheriff ’ s Office, Parks & Recreation, and Communications teams helped clean up a section of Route 20 and a section of Porter Road. They collected 19 bags during the lunchtime cleanup! Our Office on Youth and Youth Council pulled double duty, cleaning up litter and tobacco waste in the Town of Orange, as well as helping prepare the Mustard Seed Garden for planting. These are far from the only examples of service from that day. Those who found a way to help the Orange County community are encouraged to continue sharing their efforts on social media with #OCDayofService!
Above Left and Middle: The Orange County Public Works Department, Landfill, Sheriff's Office, Communications, and Parks & Recreation picked up a total of 19 bags in under two hours.
Above Right: The Orange County Youth Council poses after a tobacco waste and litter cleanup in the Town of Orange.
Below: Orange County High School Students wash an Orange Volunteer Fire Company truck. Photo courtesy of Orange County Public Schools.
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Office on Youth Announces Take Down Tobacco Day Contest Winners
By: Robyn Chapman, Grant Program Manager, Orange County Office on Youth
This year, the Orange County Office on Youth celebrated National Take Down Tobacco Day in three ways. First, the Office coordinated a Youth Council tobacco and litter cleanup on March 29. This event removed harmful tobacco product waste from the environment. Second, the Office hosted their third annual National Take Down Tobacco Day Contest. Each year, this contest gives students the opportunity to create artwork for an advertisement against youth tobacco use.
The Office on Youth was excited to receive seven contest entries. After review by a committee, Candice Edmonds, a sixth - grader at Prospect Heights Middle School, and Jackson Hamilton, an Orange County High School senior, were selected as this year ’ s winners. Finally, the Office on Youth sent representatives to Locust Grove Middle School, Prospect Heights Middle School, and Orange County High School to allow students to sign a pledge to be Tobacco Free. This visit took place on Monday, April 8, since April 1 (National Take Down Tobacco Day) occurred during spring break. Well over 450 students pledged to be Tobacco Free during this visit!
Left: Jackson Hamilton ’ s “ Vape or Don ’ t Vape ” advertisement highlights the consequences of choosing to vape or to abstain. Below: Candice Edmonds ’ entry artistically reminds viewers to Take Down Tobacco rather than letting it “[ take] you down. ” The Office on Youth congratulates the winners and thanks all of those who entered.
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Your Input is Needed to Update the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan!
By: April Clark, Emergency Planner, Orange County Fire & EMS
Orange County, in partnership with the Rappahannock Rapidan Regional Commission and other local jurisdictions, is updating the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and developing a Regional Resilience Plan. Public input is a key component of this process. Please take a moment to share your perspectives on hazards that affect our community by completing a 5 - 10 minute survey. You may access the survey at https://arcg.is/00irjz1, or scan the QR code. A hardcopy version will also be available at RRRC Offices, 420 Southridge Parkway, Culpeper, VA. For additional information on this planning process, email planinfo@rrregion.org. In addition to the Hazard Mitigation Plan update, this effort will incorporate a new Regional Resilience Plan that will primarily address flooding, historically the region ’ s biggest hazard. The creation of a Regional Resilience Plan in tandem with the HMP update will provide for a unified effort and, once approved, will result in localities being eligible for expanded state grant funding to implement strategies and projects.
Use the QR Code to take this important survey.
Esta encuesta está disponible en español.
All Orange County residents, including those in the Towns of Gordonsville and Orange, are encouraged to participate! For any questions or additional information, please contact the project team at planinfo@rrregion.org or visit www.rrregion.org/hmp.
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Good Times Ahead! Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Community Events!
Historic Garden Week: Sat., April 20, 2024
Historic Garden Week 2024, the Orange County Tour hosted by the Dolley Madison Garden Club, takes place Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year ’ s tour features beautiful properties in Greene and Madison Counties – Orange County ’ s neighbors. Blue Ridge School, Highbrighton, Monte Vista Farm, Rosebrook Farm, and Windy Pines each offer different historic uses, land - rich properties, and conservation planning.
Formal Garden Tour at Montpelier: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Join Montpelier Horticulturist Robert Myers on a guided tour of the Annie duPont Formal Garden. Highlights will include the history of the 2.4 - acre garden, from the Madisons through the duPonts, and their enduring horticultural legacies. The many plant varieties displayed will be discussed, and questions will be welcome.
Orange Uncorked Wine Festival: Sat. & Sun., May 4 & 5, 2024
The 2024 Orange Uncorked Wine Festival will be held be held at 10325 Jacksontown Road, Somerset, VA 22972, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains! This breathtaking new venue will offer our festival goers a spectacular backdrop for partaking in the wine tastings!
A Devilish Entanglement: Sat. & Sun., May 4 & 5, 2024
Please join us at Wilderness Run Vineyards as we mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Wilderness, fought 160 years ago. Civil War Historical Impressions, Inc. and Friends of Wilderness Battlefield are joining forces to present this special event. This will be a fantastic weekend marked by an opportunity for the public to visit with living historians portraying famous participants in the battle to include General Grant, and many members of his command.
Bases Loaded Brew Fest at Patch Brewery: Sat., May 18, 2024
Join us for an afternoon celebrating Virginia Craft Beer in Gordonsville Virginia. Patch Brewing Company presents Bases Loaded Brew Fest in the baseball field behind the old VFW along Route 231. Sample over 50 craft beers, enjoy live music, shop from local artisans, challenge your crew to lawn games, snack on delicious eats from food vendors.
Learn more about other events at: www.visitorangevirginia.com
*Events listed on this page are not necessarily hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by Orange County.
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2024 Orange County Holiday Schedule
New Year ’ s Day - Monday, January 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 15 George Washington Day - Monday, February 19 James Madison ’ s Birthdate (Observed) - Friday, March 15 Memorial Day - Monday, May 27 Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19 Independence Day - Thursday, July 4 Labor Day - Monday, September 2 Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day - Monday, October 14 Election Day - Tuesday, November 5 Veterans Day - Monday, November 11 Noon Closure for Thanksgiving - Wednesday, November 27 Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28 Day After Thanksgiving* - Friday, November 29 *Landfill & Collection Sites Open Christmas Eve* - Tuesday, December 24 *Landfill & Collection Sites Open Until Noon Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25 This holiday schedule is subject to change and applies only to those County Government offices under the purview of the Orange County Personnel Policy Manual. Some offices may follow alternate schedules, such as the Landfill and Collection Sites. Public safety departments (Sheriff ’ s Office, COFEMS, E911) remain available 24/7. The Board of Supervisors may grant additional holidays, under special circumstances, throughout the year. County employees will be notified of additional holidays after they are officially granted.
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*Corrected 4/15/2024
20 years, Donald Hawkins, Sheriff ’ s Office
2 years, Laura Bretz, Social Services
8 years, Bridget Joyce, Registrar
2 years, Blake Griffith, Sheriff ’ s Office
7 years, Major Davis, Landfill
2 years, Karla Shifflett, FiberLync
7 years, Rosemary James, Social Services
2 years, Karen Stewart, Office on Youth
7 years, Raymond Offer, Landfill
2 years, Jayne Walters, FiberLync
6 years, Rebecca Sellers, Office on Youth
1 year, Kaitlin Lunsford, Fire & EMS
5 years, Sara Keeler, Finance
1 year, Josephina Rathke, Fire & EMS
5 years, Ronald Kesner, Sheriff ’ s Office
1 year, Virginia Savage, Fire & EMS
5 years, Anne Wilson, Social Services
1 year, Cory Sparks, Fire & EMS
4 years, Daniel Fake, Sheriff ’ s Office
1 year, Kayleigh Tellez, Social Services
4 years, Theodore Voorhees, County Administration
1 year, Camron Timmons, Airport
3 years, Melina Moates, Animal Shelter
1 year, Benjamin Ullman, Fire & EMS
3 years, Gregory Young, Landfill
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Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Community Paramedic Deputy Sheriff Emergency Communications Officer
Assistant Registrar Child Care Lead Teacher - LGPS Child Care Teacher Assistant - LGPS Child Care SUMMER ONLY Teacher & Teacher Assistant Positions - All Sites Collection Site Attendant FAPT Coordinator Library Aide - Main Library (Orange) Library Assistant for Children ’ s Programs
Firefighter/EMT Firefighter/Medic GIS Analyst GIS Manager Library Business Manager Master Technician Firefighter/Medic - Internal Applicants Only Planner Real Estate Appraiser
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March County Cup Bracketed By Madness!
By: Tim Moubray, Director, Orange County Parks & Recreation
March ’ s County Cup event was a bracket challenge! With UConn winning yet again this year, and with 41 out of 103 submitted brackets having them as Champs, the results of our entire Top 10 were decided on Monday night. After a rather impressive win by the Huskies, our County Cup Champion is Kayleigh Tellez, from Team DSS, with 85 points. Following Kayleigh, in a four - way tie for 2nd at 84, are Michelle Williams and Chris Cord (Team ECC), Brandon Bunce (Team Public Works), and Kerris Skinner (Team DSS). In the overall standings, Team Admin/HR is still holding on to the lead but big jumps were made by Team ECC and Team DSS. Our Champion, Kayleigh, will receive the much - coveted, framed certificate and a small art prize from Paint It Orange. For our April contest, we will be re - visiting a favorite, if messy, event from last year. That ’ s right ….. it ’ s the return of the Egg Toss. Each team can send two pairs of staff members to compete. Participants will toss an egg back and forth, moving back in increments of five feet with each successful catch. Should the egg break, that team is eliminated.
Next month ’ s event will be an egg toss!
Eggs can be dropped as long as they don ’ t break, but a successful catch must be made to move to the next line. The County Cup is an important part of our organization ’ s Cultural Initiative, which seeks to make Orange County an employer of choice, able to recruit and retain skilled employees. Look like fun? Visit www.orangecountyva.gov/jobs to see if an open position might be right for you!
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INSIGHT Please subscribe to our newsletter and receive this insightful newsletter delivered to your electronic mailbox every month. In its current format, the newsletter has been published every month since October 2020! Be sure to add newsletter@orangecountyva.gov to your contacts so the newsletter is not delivered to your spam or junk folder.
Citizens Ask...
A : Yes, but you must complete a “ Permission to Dump ” form. It must be approved before you use the Landfill. The form is available on our website. Q: I own property in Orange County but do not live there, can I still use the Orange County Landfill?
Q: Where can I find a list of events coming up in Orange County?
A : One of the best resources is the Orange County Visitor website: www.visitorangevirginia.com. This website is curated by our Tourism Department and maintains a listing of many special events and activities.
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Upcoming Orange County Meetings
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
• Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 2, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Economic Development Authority • Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960
•
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Public Hearing
• Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
• •
Worksession begins at 4:00 p.m. Public Comment during this Meeting
• Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Unless otherwise noted, listed meetings are held at: Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting Room Orange County Public Safety Building 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA 22960
This information is for reference only and subject to change. Specific information about hearing topics and schedules will be available in that meeting ’ s agenda packet when published. Agendas can be accessed in the online Agenda Center. Please note that due to the monthly publication schedule of this newsletter, it is possible that some upcoming public hearings may not be listed. Pursuant to the applicable section of the Code of Virginia, notices for all public hearings will be posted in our newspaper of circulation (The Orange County Review) at least seven days prior to the hearing date, or as required by code.
Jen Fox
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Human Resource Generalist
Jen Fox is our Human Resource Generalist, which means she has a wide range of responsibilities for personnel across the organization. In fact, she said one of her favorite parts of the job is “ being mobile. ” She is not tied to any particular desk everyday, but rather is able to move from department to department providing assistance. In fact, she often seems like she ’ s in multiple places at once, prompting questions about whether she has superpowers. Jen jokingly replied her only superpower is “ sarcasm. ” We appreciate the wit, but so far we ’ ve only seen a caring and dedicated supporter for our staff.
Juanesta Williams
Support Technician
In her time here, she is most proud of the effort she and the Human Resources team put into our January Employee Wellness Expo. This event brought more than 100 staff members out to learn about the various benefits, resources, etc., available through Orange County. Jen is no stranger to big projects, in a prior position, she was most proud of moving an entire company from a once - a - month payroll system to a twice - monthly system. No small task! We think she ’ s a great fit for the job, despite the fact that as a child she dreamed of growing up to be a lawyer (after the princess phase wore off, according to Jen). Maybe that ’ s why some of her favorite television programs are from the Law & Order series. Regardless, we ’ re glad to have you here, Jen!
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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Peter Peter is a little beagle boy around four years of age! He came to us as a stray. This little nugget was dirty, stinky and underweight! Peter has had a much - needed spa day and with the help of several meals, and lots of treats, he is putting on the weight he desperately needed. Peter was already neutered. He tested positive for heartworm disease but has now completed his treatment. As a former stray, he will need a little extra TLC and patience when it comes to settling into a house and learning the potty routine! He has done well with other dogs and really has no interest in the cat room! Peter has been neutered, microchipped, and updated all vaccines including rabies. He has been given a dewormer and started on flea/tick prevention. If interested, please visit www.orangecountyva.gov/ adoptapet, and complete the online - based Pet Pre - Adoption Application.
Find your new best friend at the
Visit us on Facebook Find Adoptable Pets (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960
Orange County Animal Shelter
Page 39 | April 2024
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