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
Governor ’ s Cup Awards
Page 3
What is Procurement & Why Do We Need It?
Page 6
Emergency Management Week
Page 8
Personnel Policy Updates
Page 19
2022 WINNER
MARCH 2023
Page | March, 2023
Ted ’ s Talk
As part of America ’ s history and foundation, it is with great enthusiasm that on March 16th we celebrate the holiday of the man who helped build Orange County and the United States of America. This year is the first year Orange County government offices are closed to celebrate James Madison ’ s birthday. In the coming month, Montpelier will host several events to commemorate this special day including educating the public about The Constitution, learning about the Bill of Rights, and the legacy that both documents leave on our Democracy. At Orange County we strive every day to demonstrate to our residents what an effective and reflective government can do. Regardless of politics at the national level, it remains important to inform the public about their local government, and the departments that work for their well - being, and how we are all good stewards of their tax dollars. The Constitution starts with “ We The People ” and We The People have the power to do extraordinary things. Here are just a few things that we are working on in the next few months: • Construction just started at SkyDog Dog Park at Booster Park • Resurfacing on tennis and pickleball courts at Locust Grove Elementary School • New playground equipment at Unionville Park • Access road and parking for new disc golf course off Mountain Track Road • Hangers and fuel island repairs at Orange County Airport • Staffing of an additional paramedic ambulance • Social Services Town Hall Events As spring is fast approaching, we are looking forward to seeing more of the community out and about with warmer months ahead.
We ’ re Here For You
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Orange County Administration
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
newsletter@orangecountyva.gov
orangecountyva.gov
Page | March, 2023
Orange County Welcomes Communications Specialist
By: Orange County Communications Department
Late last month, Orange County welcomed its newest Communications Specialist, Lorena Best. As a recent JMU graduate in the communications field, Lorena holds multiple years of experience in the media and public relations sphere including broadcast news and working at multiple public relations firms.
R. Mark Johnson Chairman District One Supervisor Lorena is also a very proud JMU Duke and credits all her success to the student - run public relations firm, Bluestone Communications. “ Without JMU, I wouldn ’ t be where I am today, ” Lorena said. “ I ’ m so grateful each day for my education, the people I met at JMU, the amazing professors, and the skills I learned in student organizations. ” As a Charlottesville native, Lorena is glad to be working close to home in a community that resembles friendliness and is looking forward to having a large impact on every project that comes across her desk. Lorena took interest in Orange County because of the small - town feel. Outside of work, Lorena takes interest in nature and travel photography, especially during the warmer months. She can be found sporting the latest fashions, trying a new vineyard in the spring and summer, or going on a country drive. “ I ’ m convinced there ’ s no place like Central Virginia to call home because of all it has to offer. ”
As the weather gets warmer, Lorena is looking forward to exploring more of Orange County and meeting new folks in the community.
Lorena at lbest@orangecountyva.gov or by calling (540) 661 - 5346. To sign up for press releases, news flash alerts, and other publications visit orangecountyva.gov. can be contacted The Orange County Communications Department provides a reliable communication link between County government and the residents of Orange County. The Department disseminates information to the media, external groups, and internal departments about programs and services.
Page 2 | March, 2023
Three Orange County Wineries Place in 2023 Virginia Wineries Association Governor ’ s
Cup® Awards By: Orange County Economic Development
Fifteen (15) wines from Barboursville Vineyards, Honah Lee Vineyard, and Reynard Florence Vineyard have placed in the coveted, annual Virginia Governor ’ s Cup® Awards announced on February 23, at a celebration event in Richmond, VA. The Virginia Wine Board describes the Governor ’ s Cup® as “ one of the most stringent competitions in the U.S. ” Each year, world - class judges gather to sample hundreds of the best Virginia wines. The highest 12 - ranking red and white wines will become the Governor's Cup® Case, with one (1) bottle taking home the coveted Governor's Cup®. In addition to the 15 medal winners, Orange County is proud to have one (1) wine selected as a Case Winner – 1 of the top 12 in all of Virginia – Barboursville Vineyards 2021 Vermentino Reserve. In 2023, judges participated in a blind - tasting to sample 617 of the best wines from all over the Commonwealth. 2023 Medal Winners include: Case Winner : Barboursville Vineyards 2021 Vermentino Reserve; Gold Winners: Barboursville Vineyards 2021 Fiano, Barboursville Vineyards 2021 Savignon Blanc Reserve, and Barboursville Vineyards 2021 Vermentino Reserve; Silver Winners: Barboursville Vineyards 2017 Octagon, Barboursville Vineyards 2019 Nebbiolo Reserve, Barboursville Vineyards 2019 Octagon, Barboursville Vineyards 2021 Allegrante Rose, Honah Lee Vineyard 2018 Malbec, Honah Lee Vineyard 2019 Petit Verdot, Honah Lee Vineyard 2019 Tannat, Honah Lee Vineyard 2021 De la Merce, Honah Lee Vineyard 2021 Viognier, and Reynard Florence Vineyard 2021 Petit Manseng; Bronze Winners : Honah Lee Vineyard 2019 Captain, and Reynard Florence 2019 Petit Verdot.
Page 3 | March, 2023
Orange County Is Open For Business By: Orange County Economic Development
Local businesses are the heart of Orange County, and your support makes a difference! Visit www.buyorangeva.com and start planning your shopping, dining, and recreational activities! Are you a local business owner? Visit www.buyorangeva.com to create a FREE profile. Once subscribed, businesses can showcase their offerings by listing services offered, menu items, hours of operation, website, social media links, promotions, photo galleries, and more. For more information, please contact the Office of Economic Development at (540) 672 - 1238.
Event Calendar
3/16
4/1
James Madison ’ s Birthday Commemoration
Spring Market
in Gordonsville
3/18
4/1
Orange Literary and
DIY Easter Hats at Paint It Orange
Arts Convention
3/25
4/5
Early Spring Woods Walk
We, The Kids Day at
at Montpelier
James Madison ’ s Montpelier
Learn more about these and other events at: www.visitorangevirginia.com
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What is Procurement & Why Do We Need It? By: Amanda Amos, Contract & Procurement Specialist What is Procurement? Where can I see Bids and RFPs?
On the County ’ s Procurement website, there is a link labeled Bids and RFPs that will take you to all Bids and RFPs that are either open, closed, awarded, or cancelled. The County also publishes Bids & RFPs on the Commonwealth of Virginia ’ s eVA website. Both sites will provide you with details of what is being procured. Interested in an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposals (RFP) opportunity, what should I do? Interested bidder ’ s must follow the instructions in the IFB document or RFP found on the County ’ s Procurement website and the Commonwealth of Virginia ’ s eVA website. IFBs will list details regarding the Scope of Work as RFPs list Specification of Work needed. Both will list important dates and how each package response should be delivered. It is important to remember, LATE BIDS/PROPOSALS ARE NOT ACCEPTED! For additional assistance with procurement related questions, please contact Amanda Amos, Contract & Procurement Specialist, at aamos@orangecountyva.gov or (540) 661 - 5378.
Procurement involves every activity involved in obtaining goods and services needed to support daily operations. This includes actions such as sourcing, negotiations, purchasing, receiving and inspecting goods, as well as records and contract management. Goods and services should be procured by procedures conducted in a fair and impartial manner with avoidance of any impropriety. All qualified vendors should have access to public businesses and competition should be sought to the maximum feasible degree.
How is Procurement regulated?
Procurement embraces a fundamental obligation to the general public ensuring purchasing is accomplished in accordance with the intent of the law. The Code of Virginia specifically lists the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA). The VPPA applies to every public body in the Commonwealth which includes “ any legislative, executive or judicial body, agency, office, department, authority, post, commission, committee, institution, board or political subdivision created by law to exercise some sovereign power, or to perform some governmental duty ”.
Employee Guidelines to Follow.
When purchasing, here are a couple questions to ask yourself:
How much am I spending?
•
• Does this purchase require a purchase order?
• Are there ridable contracts to piggyback?
• What if this is an emergency purchase?
The Procurement Policy is a helpful tool to guide you with purchasing.
I ’ m a vendor interested in doing business with
Orange County, what should I do?
Vendors are encouraged to sign up on the County ’ s bidders list. This link can be found on the County ’ s Procurement site, here. Once received by Procurement, you will receive email notifications pertaining to potential job opportunities.
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Highlighting Our Emergency Management Team
By: Orange County Communications Department
Emergency Management Week is March 12 - 18, 2023. Emergency management is an critical function that ensures when disaster strikes, we are ready! Orange County ’ s Fire & EMS Department (COFEMS) is comprised of dedicated professionals who are recognized across the Commonwealth for their award winning services. Emergency Management encompasses proactive planning and training to ensure that you have the proper tools and programs in place when disaster strikes. Working in conjunction with state, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), COFEMS plans and trains year round on various
disaster scenarios including weather and nuclear power plant emergencies.
COFEMS Emergency Management team consists of Chief Nathan Mort, Assistant Chief Roger Wilson, Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Mike Throckmorton, and Emergency Planner April Clark. A key part of Emergency Management, besides training, is working in conjunction with community partners on a local, regional, state, and national level to ensure all players are engaged, trained, and equipped to assist in an emergency. When emergencies strike, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be opened and operated by not only COFEMS personnel but partners from all levels of government from social services to communications. COFEMS is lucky to have April Clark, Emergency Planner on our team. April has served Orange County for over twenty (20) years in an industry predominately staffed by males. As an Orange County native, Clark has always had an interest in Fire and EMS. She started working for the rescue squad in high school as a junior member, and then graduated from the FEMA basic academy.
We are proud of our Emergency Management team and grateful for their dedication to our community.
If you want to sign up to receive emergency alerts from Orange County, click here for information regarding RaveAlert.
Page 8 | March, 2023
March Employee Anniversary Report Thank you for your dedication to Orange County and it ’ s residents. Below you will find a list of employees who celebrate an employment anniversary in March. Each employee is listed with their years of service and what department they are housed in.
16 years, Kenneth Throckmorton, Fire & EMS
15 years, Jamee Darnell, Sheriff ’ s Office
10 years, Susan Turner, Finance
9 years, Andrew Hackey, IT
6 years, Mary Clatterbuck, Commissioner of the Revenue
5 years, Ashlee Middleton, Fire & EMS
5 years, Miranda Pitts, Sheriff ’ s Office
4 years, Travis Shular, Main Library
4 years, Dawn Hierholzer, Main Library
3 years, Amanda Sorrell, Animal Shelter
3 years, Christopher Cord, Emergency Communications Center
3 years, John Boheim, Landfill
2 years, Denise Campbell, Emergency Communications Center
1 year, Clarence Lewis, Landfill
1 years, Amanda Ramey, Social Services
Page 9 | March, 2023
Information Technology Tip
By: Orange County Information Technology Department
As many of you know, hacking is on the rise across the country and around the world. No information is fully protected from cybercriminals, but there are steps you can take to add layers of protection. One email feature that Orange County employees should consider is encrypting emails in Outlook. According to Andrew Hackey, Network Technician, “ encrypting an email will lower the chances of someone accessing the information other than the intended recipient. ”
Encryption is an authentication process that prevents messages from being read by an unintended or unauthorized individual. It scrambles the original sent message and converts it into an unreadable or undecipherable format. The encryption feature can be found under the Options tab when composing an email. You can either click the button to simply encrypt an email or select from a list of options in the dropdown menu. Encrypt - only is just like the encrypt button and will make it so only the recipient of the email can open it. The Do Not Forward option will not allow the recipient of the email to forward the email to others. Moving further down the list of options, users can select from Confidential and Confidential View Only. Confidential is meant for internal users and will not allow copying or printing. Confidential View Only will only allow users to view the information, not print, copy, or forward. Senders must have the correct address when sending an encrypted email, otherwise the system will not know the message has been delivered to the wrong email address.
Do you have team members that exemplify the J.U.I.C.E. mentality and are going above and beyond? Remember you can nominate them! Submissions are open and we will be doing a quarterly drawing to choose a winner for that
quarter. They will receive a fun jackpot prize! Visit the JUICE Employee Recognition Form, or simply use the QR code to recognize another employee.
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Entrepreneur Event in Central Virginia
By: Orange County Economic Development
The Orange County Economic Development Department wants to spread the word about the 2023 Tom Tom Foundation ’ s festival for entrepreneurs this April! On Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., The CODE Building will be hosting its 10th Annual Crowdfunded Pitch Night. This event will showcase 10 aspiring entrepreneurs to the Charlottesville community. Here ’ s how it works: entrepreneurs will start off by pitching to a live audience willing to pledge their funds to their favorite contestant. Each contestant gets a three - minute chance to share their vision with the community and inspire the crowd to action. Before pitch night, there will be a donation portal open to contribute toward a project, and at the pitch night, the audience can purchase votes to support the projects that most inspire them. ALL monies intended for a startup will go to that startup. In addition to the crowdfunded support, the Community Investment Collaborate (CIC) will sponsor a grand prize winner to receive a max of $5,000. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges. Additional prizes and support services from CIC and other local business owners may also be awarded.
Entrepreneurs may apply now until March 24.
Tom Tom is an event organization in Charlottesville, Virginia, whose programs focus on bringing together diverse communities to build a brighter tomorrow. For more information on Tom Tom, visit www.tomtomfoundation.org.
For information on the Community Investment Collaborate, visit www.cicville.org.
Page 13 | March, 2023
Spice is Nice
By: Orange County Library
The Orange County Library ’ s new “ Spice is Nice ” take home program invites you to explore new flavors and recipes. The Library provides a spice and a selection of recipes using that spice for customers to try. The bags will be available bi - monthly, with the next one, “ Caraway ” issuing on March 13. Recipes for this spice include Irish Soda Bread, Caraway Noodle Bake, DIY Turkey Breakfast Sausage, Colonial Caraway Bundt Cake, and Hungarian Goulash. Next up in May are edible rose petals. To learn more, please visit the Orange County Public Library online, or contact them at one of the three (3) branches.
Main Library 146A Madison Road Orange, VA 22960 (540) 672 - 3811 Gordonsville Branch 319 N. Main Street Gordonsville, VA 22942 (540) 832 - 0712
Wilderness Branch 6421 Flat Run Road Locust Grove, VA 22508 (540) 661 - 5434
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Orange County Recognizes the Contributions and Service of its Dedicated Female Staff
By: Orange County Communications Department
The United States first recognized the month of March as women ’ s history month in 1987. Orange County has a long history of employing women in government. Orange County ’ s staff profile alone demonstrates the important role of women in the functions of our local government. In fact, fifty - seven percent (57%) of our employees are female. They serve across the board in virtually every department, from Fire and EMS to Administration, from Planning Services to the Libraries. Women also hold several non - traditional roles in our organization in the fields of public safety, emergency management, emergency communications, solid waste management, economic development, administration, and public works. Beyond the simple staff ratio, women play an important part in guiding the direction of the County. A more in - depth look reveals that women make up well over half our Senior Leadership Team, at sixty - three percent (63%). The Senior Leadership Team represents our topmost collection of staff positions, comprised of department directors and upper administration. In terms of administrators, two (2) out of three (3) of our highest - level positions (Deputy County Administrator and Assistant County Administrator for Operations) are filled by women. Women are also well - represented in Orange County ’ s elected positions, including the Clerk of Court, Commissioner of the Revenue, Commonwealth ’ s Attorney, and Treasurer.
We are proud of the enduring leadership and service impacts made by the hard - working female members of the Orange County team!
If you are interested in learning more about our organization, please visit www.orangecountyva.gov.
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Get Ready, Get Set...GARDEN!
By: Orange County Library
The Orange County Public Library carries a variety of gardening books at our three (3) locations to assist you in planning, planting, and maintaining your garden. Whether you specialize in flowers, vegetables, herbs, or prefer a bit of everything, we can help. We also have regional books and books designed to solve problems like shade, predators, dryness, and more.
Companion Planting for Beginners
by Brian Lowell
Placing certain plants near each other can reduce problems from insects and help plants thrive. This book has photos and illustrations along with advice from a master gardener to help newbies plant things in the best spot. Gardening for Everyone by Julia Watkins
Gardening for Everyone helps to create, maintain, and harvest from your garden (or windowsill or porch). This book teaches how to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs as well as make recipes like herbal lemonade ice pops. In this book, gardeners have the opportunity to make their own crafts as well.
Mid - Atlantic Gardener ’ s Handbook: All You Need to know to Plan, Plant, and Maintain a Mid - Atlantic Garden
by Katie Elzer - Peters
A reliable source specific to our region has been updated in 2022. It covers planning, planting, and maintaining your garden.
No - Dig Gardening
by Bella Linde
This book covers using raised beds, layered gardening, container plants, and other no - till techniques. Also, it includes helpful information on composting and mulching for improved soil and overall gardening tips.
Page 19 | March, 2023
Child Care Teacher - LES Child Care Teacher - LGPS Child Care Teacher Assistant - OES
Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Child Care Lead Teacher - LGPS & LES Deputy Sheriff
Firefighter / EMT Firefighter / Medic
Page 20 | March, 2023
Personnel Policy Updates By: Orange County Communications Department
In late December 2022, staff, guided by Supervisor Frame, began work to revise the Orange County Personnel Policy Manual. The goal of this revision is to work through the Orange County Personnel Policy Manual in a systematic way that results in an updated manual of Board personnel policies while deleting outdated policies or policies that aren ’ t properly classified as personnel policies to the County Administrator. In June 2021, a resolution was adopted clarifying that personnel policies shall remain the purview of the Board, but that there are necessary administrative policies and procedures which are more appropriately devolved to the County Administrator.
The current Personnel Policy Manual contains several policies that could be better classified as administrative policies, financial procedures, or human resources procedures rather than personnel policies. An important aspect of this review identified by Supervisor Frame is to consider those matters that should form the Board ’ s high level policy regarding personnel and connect the Board ’ s governance to the legal framework of its oversight, as opposed to procedural and ministerial matters better addressed by the County Administrator. The final result of the work will provide employees with an easily understandable employee manual, that covers what is necessary to be successful but is not unreasonably large and limits usefulness and comprehension. Currently, the Personnel Policy Manual contains eight (8) sections. Rather than taking on all eight (8) sections at the same time, Staff is working through the sections sequentially during Board of Supervisors ’ Worksessions to keep the process more manageable and focused. Once the Board has reached consensus on all eight (8) sections, a resolution would be brought forward for the Board ’ s consideration that would enact all proposed changes. Going forward from there, any revisions to the Personnel Policy Manual would come to the Board as necessary. Administrative policy revisions will be circulated for employee review and input before being finalized. To date, staff, guided by Supervisor Frame, have completed a review of Sections 1 and 2 of the Personnel Policy Manual. Section 3 review is expected to take place during the March 14 Worksession. For answers to questions and to learn more about the process, please contact Jenny Carpenter, Human Resources Director, at jcarpenter@orangecountyva.gov or (540) 661 - 5440.
Page 21 | March, 2023
On March 20, 2023, applications will open for 350 small business grants of $5,000 to eligible businesses in the U.S. and territories. If you are awarded a $5,000 grant through this program, your business may be eligible to be considered for an additional $25,000 Enhancement Grant! Learn more and set up a reminder to save the date for the application period on the Main Street America website. Small Business Grant Alert By: Orange County Economic Development
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INSIGHT Please subscribe to our newsletter by clicking this link. You will receive each issue in your email every month.
Be sure to add newsletter@orangecountyva.gov to your contacts so it does not go to your junk folder.
Citizens Ask...
Q: Who do I contact for roadside cleanup? A: For roads within the County, you may contact the Orange County Administrator ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 3313 to put a road on the list for future cleanup. If a road is within the Town of Orange limits, please call the Town of Orange Public Works at (540) 832 - 0877. The County of Orange also greatly appreciates any resident who wishes to take time to pick up litter along the road where their property adjoins. Making this effort would greatly decrease the litter on Orange County roads.
Q: How can I find out who the electric provider is for a home?
A: Look at the meter affixed to the outside of the unit. If you are not at the location, visit the GIS page on the County ’ s website. Enter the address of the location and search. Next, click the layers icon below the search box, then the Orange County GIS dropdown, then Overlays dropdown, then check box besides Electric Service Districts. Each district will appear a different color with its name: orange is Rappahannock Electric Co - op, yellow is Dominion Virginia Power, blue is Central Virginia Electric Co - op, and green is Alleghany Power.
Page 27 | March, 2023
Orange County Public Hearings
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
• Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting Room Orange County Public Safety Building 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange
Public comment is at the second meeting of the month.
This information is for reference only. 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.
Darnell Elswick
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Administrative Assistant
Darnell Elswick, Administrative Assistant, has lived in Orange County for over 20 years. He works to ensure the Collection Sites run smoothly and safely and loves working with his peers. “ You will not find a work ethic anywhere like Orange, ” Elswick said. Elswick is proud of the Collection Site team and praises their dedication to safety and customer service. Proper disposal of solid waste is an essential health function and one our team takes seriously. One aspect of the solid waste collection that Elswick wishes people would know is that only household waste can be disposed of in the Collection Site green boxes. “ Knowing what trash to put in the boxes can be confusing, ” Elswick said. “ Just because it is at the Collection Site doesn ’ t mean you can throw anything in it. If in doubt, please give us a call at (540) 672 - 9315 or ask one of our attendants for assistance. ”
Juanesta Williams
Support Technician
Thank you for your service, Darnell!
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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Cosmo
Do you have the winter blues? Meet Cosmo!
This older guy is the full package. He likes easy to moderate walks, loves to be outside, loves car rides, is housebroken, loves to cuddle, and loves people! Cosmo has recently lived with a female dog and seems to do best with them.
Cosmo is 100% the best boy and has “ little ” puppy play.
If interested, please go to the Orange County website and fill out the preadoption application and submit it by email to the Director at gjenkins@orangecountyva.gov.
Page 29 | March, 2023 Find your new best friend at The Orange County Animal Shelter
Visit us on Facebook Find Adoptable Pets (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960
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