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
Tax Bill Frequently Asked Questions Pages 3 - 6
Orange County Assists with Quaker Run Fire Pages 9 - 10
Victim Witness Presents New Awards Page 17
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Team Orange,
Last month I wrote about the “ end of an era ” as we bid farewell to departing members of the Board. This month we welcome the results of our election and prepare for new governance. Details of the vote are provided on pages 11 - 12. Staff are finalizing information for the orientation of new members which is scheduled for the week of November 27th. Department Directors and other member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) conducted an Environmental Scan and SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to help inform our new Board about the organization and community as they prepare for strategic planning work in the new year. We are excited to work with the new Board to craft a vision for the next several years. Additionally, SLT and other departmental representatives participated in performance management training to help us develop and refine organizational performance metrics that will help us better tell our story to the Board and the community. Look for more information about this work in the month ahead. As I finish this message, I have just returned from our annual service awards luncheon where we recognized employees at the 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 - year service intervals. These events help to celebrate important career milestones and remind us that it is our dedicated people that make us the great place to work and serve. I am grateful to be a part of the Orange County Team, and thankful for what each employee does to help our community, our neighbors and each other to lead safe, healthy, and productive lives.
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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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Veterans Day Thank you to our employees who have served our Country!
Michael Lacasse, USA
Airport
Public Works & Landfill
Logan Lohr, USA
Paul Weber, USMC
William Alley, USA
Bryan Mcfarlane, USN
Peyton Fincham, USN
Animal Shelter
Grace Mullinax, USMC
Louis Gipson, USAF
Jamie Bates, USA
Nicholas Newton, USA
Edward James, USAF
FiberLync
Adam Schienschang, USA
Tony Jessup, USA
Todd Amon, USN
Kage Smith, USA
John Jones, USAF
Jayne Walters, USA
Christopher Votaw, USAF
Clarence Lewis, USMC
Fire & EMS
Christopher Williams, USA
Raymond Offer, USA
Noah Madden, USMC
Social Services
Mark Salyers, USMC
Nathan Mort, USMC
Raymond Wareham, USA
Nimibia Derrick, USA
Victor Sotelo, USMC
Martin Williams, USMC
Nicole Fleschute, USA
Samir Stettler, USMC
Sheila Morrisseay, USA
Sheriff ’ s Office
Roger Wilson, USANG
Anthony Schienschang, USA
Mark Amos, USA
Library
Larry Griffith, USN
Michelle Pursel, USMC
USAF - United States Air Force
Shawn Helton, USMC
Office on Youth
USA - United States Army
Jayden Joseph, USA
USMC - United States Marine Corps
Jennifer Detwiler, USA
Robert Kelley, USAF
Page 2 | November 2023 USANG - United States National Guard
*Updated 11/17/23
USN - United States Navy
Tax Bills - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I pay my taxes? A: There are three payment options. Depending on the option, cash, check, debit/credit card, and money order are acceptable forms of payment. 1. Pay in person at the Treasurer ’ s Office, located in the Gordon Building, 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays. An after - hours drop box is available. Items left in the drop box after business hours on the due date (December 5) will be considered late.
2. Payments can be completed online at www.orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments. Payment options are available on this page for real estate and personal property bills. Additional fees will apply for online payments.
3. Mail your payment to Orange County Treasurer, P.O. Box 469, Orange, Virginia 22960. Include your bill stub with any mailed payments. It is recommended to mail early. Be sure it is postmarked by December 5, 2023 . Q: Do you accept postmark for on - time payments? A: Yes, we must legally accept the postmark the Post Office stamps on the bill. To help ensure the envelope is postmarked by the due date, please mail early. If you mail within a few days of the due date, please hand deliver the envelope to the post office and request a post mark at the counter . Q: What is the “ Vehicle License Fee ” listed on my personal property bill? A: Any automobile or motorcycle that has current plates on it as of January 1 is assessed the license fee. Cars and Trucks are assessed $35.00, and motorcycles are $21.00. Q: What should I do if I haven ’ t received my bill? A: Call the Treasurer's Office at (540) 672 - 2656 for assistance. Bills were mailed at the end of October. Please be aware that bills can also be viewed online at www.orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments. Q: Can I make a payment agreement? A: Yes, we will make payment agreements. Agreements do not eliminate the penalty or interest on the balance that is owed after the due date. It does, however, eliminate some collections actions such as tax liens and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) stops. It will not eliminate the withholding of the state refund. Q: Why does the top of my bill have one address and the bottom have another? A: Bills are processed through the National Change of Address system with the United States Post Office. If a new address is on file, the top portion of the bill is changed and mailed to that address. The bottom portion reflects the address in the County ’ s system. To update your address, please fill out the back of the stub and return it with payment. The Treasurer ’ s Office will forward the change to the Commissioner of the Revenue ’ s Office or you can contact the Commissioner directly at (540) 672 - 4441.
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SAMPLE PERSONAL PROPERTY BILL
For questions or concerns with items circled in green, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 4441.
yellow For questions or concerns with items circled in yellow, contact the Treasurer ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 2656.
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Tax Bills - Frequently Asked Questions Continued
Q: I sold (or disposed of) an item listed on my personal property bill. How do I remove it from my tax bill? A: Orange County assesses what is registered with the DMV on January 1 of the calendar year. If you owned the vehicle on January 1, then you would pay taxes for the whole year. Orange County does not pro - rate. If you purchased a vehicle after January 1, then you would not be taxed on that item until the next billing cycle. If you did have a vehicle as of January 1 and it is not listed, or if there is an item listed on your bill that you disposed of it before January 1 of this calendar year, call the Commissioner of Revenue ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 4441 to discuss. Q: Can I write one check for multiple bills? A: Yes, but please enclose all stubs with the check to ensure that the payment is properly applied. Q: What are improvements? I didn ’ t add anything to my property. A: Improvements are anything on the property other than the land, such as well, septic, buildings, and/or the house. Q: Why don ’ t I have a Mortgage Code in the box on my real estate bill? A: Some mortgage companies do not request tax bill(s) but still pay them by the payment file or by finding the parcels online. If your mortgage company is supposed to pay the bill, it is always good to double check with them. You can always check online at www.orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments or call the Treasurer's Office at (540) 672 - 2656 to verify if we have received payment. Most mortgage companies and/or tax services send payments about a week prior to the due date, if not sooner. Q: Can I prepay my taxes? A: You may prepay as much as you would like. Send the payment stating it is a prepayment for either personal property or real estate taxes.
When prepaying personal property, please indicate the “ PPID ” from your prior year ’ s bill. Be aware that the Treasurer ’ s Office may not be able to provide the exact amount of a bill before its cycle.
Q: My tax bill has amounts highlighted in yellow. What does that mean? How do I pay those amounts? A: If your tax bill has delinquencies highlighted in yellow, that amount has been turned over to a collections agency. The current amount due cannot be paid until delinquent amounts are handled.
To pay delinquencies, please call Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C. at (804) 545 - 2500 to make a payment agreement, or pay in full, before we can accept the current amount due.
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SAMPLE REAL ESTATE BILL
For questions or concerns with items circled in green, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 4441.
yellow For questions or concerns with items circled in yellow, contact the Treasurer ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 2656.
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Landfill & Litter Control Host Special Collections Events
By: Orange County Communications Department
The Orange County Landfill and Litter Control Committee are pleased to report that the Tire Amnesty Event and the Hazardous Waste Disposal Day each received a strong turnout. The Tire Amnesty Event allows Orange County residents to dispose of up to eight tires per household without paying the usual tipping fee of $2.50 per tire. Participants must first get a voucher during the voucher distribution period. This year, vouchers were distributed at the Public Works office on Porter Road from September 25 through the 29. Sixty - four vouchers were given out, allowing for disposal of up to 256 tires, fee - free, at the Landfill during the disposal period, which lasted almost the entire month of October. The Hazardous Waste Disposal Day took place on October 14, during the heaviest rain we ’ ve received this season. Despite the downpour, Landfill and Litter Control staff and volunteers, our vendor ’ s hazardous waste disposal employees, volunteers from Orange County High School ’ s FFA, and 166 participant vehicles were onsite to properly dispose of potentially dangerous materials. It was a very successful event. Missed one of these events? Look for information about future events in this newsletter and on the Litter Control website. Special disposal events are also advertised in the Orange County Review and on the Landfill ’ s Facebook page. Plastic Bag Recycling Program Reaches Important “ Bench ” mark
By: Orange County Communications Department
Plastic bags and film are some of the most notoriously difficult items to recycle. Generally speaking, they cannot be accepted in single - stream recycling since the bags can clog the machinery used to process and sort other recyclables. The lack of markets for the recycled bags contributes to the problem as well. Fortunately, Orange County has partnered with the NexTrex® Plastic Film Recycling Challenge to provide an avenue for responsible disposal of many troublesome plastic products. Participants in this program collect bags and plastic film, and turn it over to Trex® to be remade into outdoor living products. Once enough plastic has been collected, the participant receives a high - quality composite bench for free! The Orange County Litter Control Committee is pleased to report that thanks to your contributions, we have already collected more than 500 pounds (estimated as more than 40,500 bags according to Trex®) and received our first bench! This bench is located outside the Orange County Animal Shelter for visitor use.
But, we ’ re not done! Going forward, we are aiming to collect 1,000 pounds by next year to collect our next bench. You can do your part by bringing your bags to one of our six recycling bins, located at several Orange County offices. Find locations and learn more about acceptable plastics at www.orangecountyva.gov/1067/NexTrex - Plastic - Film - Recycling - Challenge.
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Orange County Lends Aid to Firefighting Efforts in Neighboring Madison County
By: Orange County Communications Department; Background Photo from Virginia Department of Forestry Facebook Page
In the evening hours of Tuesday, October 24, a wildfire began in Madison County near Quaker Run Road. Quick responses came from local firefighting agencies and the Virginia Department of Forestry as the blaze continued to grow steadily over the next couple of weeks. Exceedingly dry and windy conditions aided the fire, burning an area of nearly 4,000 acres (at the time of publication), which extended into Shenandoah National Park. As a result, Madison County declared
Drone images of the Quaker Run fire. This technology allows firefighters to more accurately visualize the spread of a fire.
a local state of emergency which was followed up by the Governor ’ s declaration on November 7. As support came from across the Commonwealth and beyond, Orange County was glad to be in a position to assist our neighbor in several ways.
County of Orange Fire & EMS (COFEMS) was quick to respond with drone support to help responders visualize and attack the blaze during its initial growth. COFEMS ’ drone program has proven itself extremely valuable since its beginnings in 2021.
Additional technological aid came in the form of our Information Technology Department ’ s mobile pods. These devices act like a large - scale version of the mobile hotspot feature on a cell phone, by harnessing satellite internet and providing it as Wi - Fi over a wide area. Deploying these pods provided critical communications infrastructure, in an area that often lacked viable cellular coverage, to support response efforts. A deployable mobile data pod provides critical internet and communication access.
The Orange County Airport provided support as well, as host for several wildfire - fighting aircraft, including an A Star B3E operated by Heliqwest Aviation and a K - Max operated by North American Helicopter, which flew in from Denver, CO, and St. Louis, MO, respectively. These aircraft provided aerial reconnaissance of the fire ’ s progression as well as direct suppression of the flames through the use of “ Bambi Buckets ” that could drop up to 660 gallons of water. The airport ’ s convenient location and high - quality facilities made it an ideal location from which these
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helicopters could operate.
Firefighters from our volunteer companies turned out in force, and traveled to the scene to directly aid in firefighting efforts. Orange County has five volunteer companies serving our residents: Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department, Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Company (VFC), Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, Mine Run VFC, and Orange VFC. These companies are built from a strong foundation of volunteer fire service in Orange County. To keep the tradition alive and help protect our community, more volunteers are needed. Visit www.joinocvafireems.org to learn more about serving as a volunteer firefighter.
“ Bambi Buckets ” allow aircraft to carry hundreds of gallons of water to use in fire suppression. They can refill at lakes. Some, like the one pictured, can refill in shallow water thanks to pumps located on the base of the bucket.
While wildfires can and do begin by natural causes, the Virginia Department of Forestry indicates that nine out of ten are caused by people. The fall fire season runs through the end of November. Please do your part to prevent the spread of additional wildfires this year. Learn more about the steps you can take to prevent wildfires by visiting the Virginia Department of Forestry wildfire prevention webpage.
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Unofficial November 7, 2023 Election Results
Information Sourced from Virginia Department of Elections, as of November 14, 2023
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Orange County Voter Turnout 13,227 / 28,825 (45.89%)
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Gingerbread Contest & Lights Tour Return for 2023
By: Joseph Falin, Programs & Facilities Supervisor, Orange County Parks & Recreation
During the month of December, Orange County Parks & Recreation will be providing some holiday cheer with our Gingerbread House Competition and Tacky Lights Tour. These events have become annual staples of Orange County Parks & Recreation, with this being the seventh year that both programs have been offered. The Gingerbread House Competition will be held in partnership with The Arts Center in Orange and is sponsored by Krecek Kakes. Entry is free and the deadline to register is November 30, 2023. All houses will need to be dropped off at the Arts Center in Orange on December 1, 2023, for them to be on display from
December 2, 2023, through December 16, 2023. Anyone that visits The Arts Center in Orange will be able to see the houses on display and vote for their favorites. Winners of the competition will be announced on or around December 21, 2023. If you are interested in entering the competition, you can do so by going to www.orangecountyva.gov/gingerbread and filling out the online form. The Orange County Tacky Lights Tour provides a way for homes and businesses to highlight their holiday light displays. Entry is free and the deadline to register is December 10, 2023. Houses and businesses that submit the online application will be featured in our Tacky Light Tour brochure, which will be released on December 11, 2023.
The brochure will provide suggested routes for the tour as well as interesting information about each light display. Participating households and businesses will also receive a 2023 Tacky Lights Tour ornament, while supplies last. If you are interested in entering your house or business, you can do so by going to www.orangecountyva.gov/oclights and the filling out the online application.
Please be on the lookout for additional programs offered through Orange County Parks & Recreation, and Happy Holidays!
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Office Costume Contest Winners
By: Orange County Communications Department
The tenth anniversary of the OCPR Office Costume Contest did not disappoint! Offices around the county donned the silliest, scariest, and most fantastic costumes they could find (or make), in a display fitting of an anniversary event. The Facebook vote reflected the significance of the event and the widespread interest it generates. The post with this year ’ s album reached an astonishing 14,500+ during the voting period, and the 15 entries received more than 1,600 total votes. In the end, those in cyberland favored the Treasurer ’ s Office ’ s KISS entry. However, the contest is structured so that Facebook following alone cannot carry the day. Several official judges are recruited each year to contribute scores towards determining the winners. Their scores, weighed with a participation bonus and combined with the Facebook vote (scored as equivalent to a judge) determine each year ’ s winners. This year, we are pleased to welcome a new champion to the podium. Orange County Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Economic Development & Tourism joined forces to play with the idea of a Toy Story theme. The rules allow for combination entries, but doing so has pros and cons. While a group may benefit from the added participation, it often becomes more difficult to coordinate high - quality costumes, sometimes actually leading to lower scores. This year, the risk paid off, and we know even Andy himself would have been proud of this group. In second place, the perennial contenders in the Extension Office came up with one of the most unique themes we ’ ve seen yet, a tribute to the deep catalog of the late Jimmy Buffet. Their costumes played with many of his famous lines, such as the “ lost shaker of salt, ” and the “ cheeseburger in paradise. ” Rounding out our winners were four - time champions, the Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office. Taking third this year, their KISS - themed costumes definitely rocked! They never fail to impress with their creativity.
With this year ’ s contest wrapped up, it ’ s time to start planning for next year. We can ’ t wait!
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Victim Witness Recognizes Those Combating Domestic Violence in Orange County
By: Jennifer Hayes, Victim Witness Program Director, Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office
October is recognized nationwide as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It evolved from the "Day of Unity" in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. In 1989, Congress passed Public Law designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since.
Victim Witness personnel with award recipients, pictured L to R: Inv. Beale, Sgt. Neal, Mrs. Ramsey, Ms. Hayes, Deputy Gelbert, Ms. Rudisill
To help spread awareness and recognize those working to combat domestic violence locally, Orange County Victim Witness organized the first annual Community Partner and Purple Ribbon awards, and presented them to recipients at the October 24 Board of Supervisors Meeting. Four individuals were recognized during this meeting.
Purple Ribbon Awards:
Mollie Rudisill - Mollie is a Family Services Specialist IV and is assigned to the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) Permanency Unit. She is passionate about helping victims of domestic violence, and consistently connects them to services. She goes above and beyond and provides support after hours in the midst of a domestic violence episode. In many instances victims have returned to unsafe situations, but she continues to provide information, referrals, and supports. Investigator Adrienne Beale - Investigator Beale works very closely with child victims in the Town of Orange. Beale goes out of her way to follow up with all the victims of her cases and keep in touch with the children that she works closely with. Beale works tirelessly with the prosecutors and victim witness to ensure that the cases are taken to court and the victims get justice for the offenses. Sergeant Justin Neal - Sergeant Neal is committed to ensuring the safety of victims and other first responders. He always ensures that victims are cared for medically if needed and connected to services as soon as possible. Studies show that a victim will call law enforcement and even attempt to leave on average 7 times. Neal is not judgmental of a victim regardless of their decisions. Neal is patient and will routinely make calls for resources while on scene.
Community Partner Award:
Deputy Boyce Gilbert - Deputy Gilbert has been with Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office for just under 2 years. In that time he has been committed to asking questions and learning about domestic violence and how we can all work together to keep victims safe. Strangulation is unfortunately all too common in domestic violence cases. Gilbert takes notice, asks questions, documents evidence and doesn ’ t shy away from this charge which is highly important considering a study that showed women who were strangled and survived were nearly 7½ times more likely to later be a victim of homicide. He understands the importance of early intervention and the need for offender accountability. Domestic violence is easy to ignore if not visible. If you suspect or are a victim of domestic violence, contact the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 1200, Orange County Social Services at (540) 672 - 6166, or Orange County Victim Witness (540) 661 - 5327 for assistance.
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Locally Made Market Supports Local Home Businesses
By: Regan McKay, Economic Development & Tourism Assistant, Orange County Office of Economia Development & Tourism
The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism was pleased to host the Third Annual Locally Made Market at the 88 th running of the Montpelier Hunt Races on Saturday, November 4, 2023! Three local entrepreneurs were able to set up and promote their home - based, small businesses in a shared vendor tent in the Vendor Village. The three businesses selected were Honey Springs Bees, LLC, Inseparability Designs, and Van ’ s Woodshop, LLC. Honey Springs Bees, LLC is a unique local business featuring one of a kind, hand - made candles, soaps, lip balms and gift sets from their local honeybees. Inseparability Designs specializes in
hand - made wooden jewelry, decorum, and ornaments that are crafted to perfection. Van's Woodshop creates beautiful handcrafted wooden flags, plaques, and signs that are custom made and personalized to the customer.
This year they had the opportunity to advertise and sell their products in front of an estimated 18,000 attendees, allowing them to gain valuable exposure to a new, larger customer base.
Shop Local, en “ JOY ” Orange this Holiday Season
By: Orange County Office of Economic Development & Tourism
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism invites you to Shop Local this holiday season and enJOY all that Orange County has to offer! Joy the Elf left the North Pole for some quality time in Orange County! She visited a variety of area businesses to remind residents and visitors alike that shopping small is an important way to support the local economy. Sixty - seven cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays in the community! Small businesses are an integral part of what makes Orange County such a special place to live, work, and play! Find Joy the Elf stickers on area business windows this holiday; watch her video, pick up her gift guide or check out her blog and social media posts to catch a glimpse of Joy ’ s Holiday Adventures with some of the amazing small businesses in Orange County!
Share your holiday shopping favorites at #enJOYorange to get in on all the fun!
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Support Orange County on Small Business Saturday
By: Orange County Office of Economia Development & Tourism
Saturday, November 25 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses around the country and all they do for their individual communities! Orange County is lucky to have a plethora of diverse, small businesses in its vibrant Main Streets in Orange and Gordonsville, as well as around the county from Barboursville to Locust Grove. The Small Business Administration says “ This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Please join SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses ’ busiest shopping season. Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17.9 billion according to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express. ” The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism has a limited number of official Small Business Saturday marketing materials. Social Media graphics can be downloaded from American Express. Interested business owners should stop by the Economic Development & Tourism Office at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960, to pick up materials and learn how to be a part of this important program, or email Regan McKay at rmckay@orangecountyva.gov for more information.
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Stay Tuned for Deck the Paws Campaign
By: Orange County Communications Department
Beginning on Giving Tuesday, November 28, the Orange County Animal Shelter and Orange County Communications will launch this year ’ s “ Deck the Paws ” campaign. This campaign will give you the opportunity to help support the animals at the shelter in several ways. Monetary donations will be accepted towards filling a stocking with goodies for the dog or cat named on the stocking. Additionally, donations of pet food, treats, and other supplies will help make sure the shelter is well - stocked into the new year.
Your support is greatly appreciated, but don ’ t forget that you can give an animal the greatest gift as the holidays approach, a home. The Orange County Animal Shelter offers many adoptable animals, which have all been vetted, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and tested for diseases. They are ready to find a furever family to call their own.
Learn more about pet adoption at www.orangecountyvag.gov/adoptapet. Not ready to adopt but still want to help, consider becoming a foster home for a pet or volunteering at the shelter.
Four County Players: A Christmas Carol Weekends November 17 - December 17
160th Anniversary Mine Run Program November 25
Orange Rotary Christmas Parade December 2
Winter at Salubria December 9
Inn at Willow Grove Murder Mystery Dinner December 16
Find more fun events at: www.visitorangevirginia.com
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Social Services Seeks Adopters for Adult Christmas Assistance Program
By: Orange County Communications Department
The holiday season is upon us, and while it brings many of us great joy as we prepare to celebrate with loved ones, many in our community are in need of additional support. One way to help is to
adopt an elderly or disabled adult for Christmas! Orange County Social Services coordinates this program, and has received more than 100 requests for aid this year.
Those interested in helping should visit the Christmas Assistance Program webpage, complete the Holiday Assistance Program form, and turn it in to Social Services. Alternatively, prospective adopters may call the office at (540) 672 - 6166 to begin the process of adopting an individual. Once an individual has been assigned, adopters will receive a wish list from the individual which details items they need or want to receive as gifts. That ’ s where the fun begins! It is recommended to spend approximately $50 on an adopted adult ’ s gifts, but adopters are encouraged to be creative and make it a part of their holiday joy. They may spend more if desired. The gifts should be delivered on December 9, which gives gifters the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact they make by participating in this program! Don ’ t delay! The need is very great this year. To help Social Services assist the most folks, interested adopters should commit no later than November 30. Those with questions about these programs or other ways to help those in need should call (540) 672 - 6166. Please note that this is a separate program form the Orange County Children ’ s Toy Box. Those interested in requesting gift support for kids, or donating gifts for children, should visit the Orange County Children's Toy Box website or call (540) 661 - 2263.
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Prevent Foodborne Illness During the Holidays
By: Clare Lillard, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Feasting with family is part of many holiday celebrations. Follow these tips provided by the CDC to help prevent food poisoning, or foodborne illness, during the upcoming holidays.
Keep foods separated. Keep meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the grocery store and in the refrigerator. Prevent juices from meat, chicken, turkey, and seafood from dripping or leaking onto other foods by keeping them in containers or sealed plastic bags. Store eggs in their original carton in the main compartment of the refrigerator. Cook food thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs have been cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill germs. Roasts, chops, steaks, and fresh ham should rest for 3 minutes after you remove them from the oven or grill. Keep food out of the “ danger zone. ” Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “ danger zone ” between 40°F and 140°F. After food is prepared, keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Refrigerate or freeze perishable food like meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, eggs, cut fruit, cooked rice, and leftovers within 2 hours (1 hour if food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, such as in a hot car). The temperature in your refrigerator should be set at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F or below. Use pasteurized eggs for dishes containing raw eggs. Salmonella and other harmful germs can live on both the outside and inside of normal - looking eggs. Many holiday favorites contain raw eggs, including eggnog, tiramisu, hollandaise sauce, and Caesar dressing. Always use pasteurized eggs when making these and other foods made with raw eggs. Do not eat raw dough or batter. Dough and batter made with flour or eggs can contain harmful germs, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Do not taste or eat raw dough or batter that is meant to be baked or cooked. This includes dough or batter for cookies, cakes, pies, biscuits, pancakes, tortillas, pizza, or crafts. Do not let children taste raw dough or batter or play with dough at home or in restaurants. Some companies and stores offer edible cookie dough that uses heat - treated flour and pasteurized eggs or no eggs. Read the label carefully to make sure the dough is meant to be eaten without baking or cooking. Thaw your turkey safely. Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Do not thaw turkey or other foods on the counter. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature to prevent harmful germs from growing rapidly.
Wash your hands with soap and water during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
• Before, during, and after preparing food • Before eating food • After handling pet food, or pet treats, or touching pets • After using the toilet • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet • After touching garbage • Before and after caring for someone who is sick • Before and after treating a cut or wound • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Page 28 | November 2023 The Orange County Extension Office sends best wishes for a wonderful and safe holiday season. For more food safety information contact Clare Lillard, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences at lclare4@vt.edu or (540)672 - 1361.
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26 Years, Donnie Shifflett, Landfill
2 Years, Sandra Lafond, Public Works
12 Years, Hunter Hall, Fire & EMS
2 Years, Rebecca Painter, Development Services
11 Years, Heather Joyce, Treasurer's Office
2 Years, Skylar Renaud, Social Services
8 Years, Amy White, Fire & EMS
2 Years, Brian Singh, Sheriff's Office
8 Years, Ryan Wilson, Fire & EMS
2 Years, Kage Smith, Sheriff's Office
7 Years, Tristan Lugo, Fire & EMS
2 Years, Emily Waugh, Library
6 Years, Carl Joseph, Landfill
2 Years, Emily Welch, Extension Office
5 Years, James Whipp, Information Technology
1 Years, Danny Barb, Animal Shelter
4 Years, Christopher Votaw, Sheriff's Office
1 Years, Erin Berkery, Extension Office
3 Years, Nicole Fleschute, Social Services
1 Years, Darlene Fleming, Library
3 Years, Cole Shifflett, Information Technology
1 Years, Donald Kennedy, Fiberlync
3 Years, Chrystal Shifflett, Social Services
1 Years, Grace Mullinax, Sheriff's Office
2 Years, Kyra Davis, Development Services
1 Years, Christopher Paris, Sheriff's Office
2 Years, Luis Escalante, Sheriff's Office
1 Years, Paul Weber, Airport
2 Years, Cean Ganoe - Washington, Development Services
1 Years, Brian Wilson, Sheriff's Office
Page 31 | November 2023
Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Community Paramedic County Assessor Deputy Sheriff
Child Care Lead Teacher - LGPS Child Care Teacher - LGPS Child Care Teacher Assistant - LGPS FAPT Coordinator Library Aide - Main Library
Emergency Communications Officer Family Services Protection Supervisor Fiber Technician Fire & EMS Captain (Internal Applicants Only)
Firefighter/EMT Firefighter/Medic Grounds Maintenance Technician I Recreation Programmer Sanitation Collection Driver
Page 32 | November 2023
Holiday & End of Year Reminders for Orange County Staff
By: Jenna Wedding, Payroll Accountant, Orange County Finance Department
As the holidays and the end of the year approach, it ’ s a good time for Orange County employees to make sure they don ’ t have any loose ends that still need tying. Please see the reminders below and contact the Finance Department if you need assistance.
• Request Annual leave for the Holiday season in advance to receive approval from your Supervisor.
• Review your leave accruals to ensure you don ’ t exceed the maximum limit.
• Use your one day of Personal Leave by December 31 if you haven ’ t already! It is “ use it or lose it ” each calendar year as defined in Personnel Policy 5.1.
• Be mindful of Payroll and Accounts Payable due dates.
• Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, pay day will be Wednesday, November 22 instead of that Friday.
• Due to the Christmas holiday, pay day will be Thursday, December 21 instead of that Friday.
• Verify your mailing address in Employee Self Service (ESS) to ensure receipt of your W - 2.
• Think about any withholding changes you may want for tax year 2024. W - 4 updates can be made electronically using ESS.
Page 33 | November 2023
Page 34 | November 2023
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...
Q: Where can I find a list of holidays for Orange County offices? A : The holiday schedule is listed at www.orangecountyva.gov/264/Holiday - Schedule. Orange County observes holidays in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia ’ s holiday schedule. Please note that the Landfill & Collection Sites may follow alternate schedules to better serve residents and to adjust to their regular business hours. These details will be posted as a News Flash on the County website homepage. Q: How do I pay my taxes? A : Visit www.orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments for a list of payment options or to pay online. Be sure to read pages three through six of this newsletter for an in - depth list of tax payment frequently asked questions and answers.
Page 35 | November 2023
Upcoming Orange County Meetings
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
• Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, 6:00 p.m. at 205 Lake of the Woods Parkway, Locust Grove, VA 22508
• Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Economic Development Authority • Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, 5:30 p.m. at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960
•
Public Comment during this Meeting
• Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, 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. 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.
Michelle Pursel
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Youth Services Coordinator
Michelle Pursel, our Youth Services Coordinator for the Orange County Library, just celebrated her tenth year with Orange County last month! She provides our monthly “ Library for Kids ” section (see page 23), and is very enthusiastic about the job. “[ I ’ m] especially [passionate about] the area of early literacy as it lays the foundation for language skills, cognitive development, and academic success, ” says Michelle. She encourages folks to come to “ library story time [because it] teaches kids to love books, promotes lifelong learning, encourages critical thinking, and it ’ s FUN! ” We ’ re sure you ’ re wondering … her favorite book is Uprooted by Naomi Novik.
Juanesta Williams
Support Technician
Michelle is a veteran of the Marine Corps. During her service, she designed the official squadron logo for MALS - 13 (approved by the Secretary of the Navy) and competed in the Far East Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition as a “ tyro ” (beginner) and finished as a double expert! In her free time, she loves outdoor activities like traveling, camping, geocaching, and more, but also loves puzzles, board games, and virtual reality gaming. This very month, Michelle demonstrated her puzzling skills by solving a riddle posed by our Parks & Recreation Director during our County Cup competition. Solving the riddle (the only staff member to do so, in fact) allowed her to guess the exact number of candies in a container! Keep up the good work, Michelle!
Page 36 | November 2023
Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Ariel Ariel is a 6 - year - old beauty with an independent attitude. She ’ s recently back with us after things didn ’ t work out with a previous adoption. Ariel is a quiet girl looking for a life of solace. She lives life and takes people and affection on her own terms. That being said, once she gets into a settled environment and starts to trust she may have a different outlook on socializing! She would love a quiet and laid back home that enjoys just hanging out and enjoying a leisurely pace!
Ariel has a history of flea allergies, so monthly preventatives are a must!
Ariel was previously spayed, will be microchipped, and is current on all vaccinations.
She has been given a dewormer, and tested for FIV/FLV.
If interested, please visit www.orangecountyva.gov/adoptapet, and complete the new 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 37 | November 2023
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