Orange County Insight 11/2020

Orange County's monthly source for in-depth information about activities, programs, events, and more.

VIBRANT ECONOMY l EFFECTIVE REFLECTIVE GOVERNMENT l SUSTAINABLE LAND

INSIGHT

Honoring our VETERANS Page 2

Updating Holiday TRADITIONS Page 13 Halloween Contest WINNERS Page 3

NOVEMBER 2020

Ted Talk I am thankful for …

Remember when your elementary school teacher asked what you were thankful for as we learned about American Thanksgiving traditions, complete with those construction paper pilgrim hats? The same tradition continues at many dinner tables across our land as we take time to pause and reflect on our many blessings at this time of year. November is our month of thanksgiving and our month to render appreciation to our veterans, many of whom are listed on the adjoining page. I thank all veterans for their sacrifices and service to our Nation. In this election month, I am tempted to say that I am just thankful that the election is over since most people are tired of the ads and the divisive rhetoric, but what I am most thankful for is that Americans continue to be a beacon of democracy for the world. Winston Churchill said in the House of Commons in 1947, “ Many forms of government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all - wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. ” I am thankful that we have a voice in who governs our community, our Commonwealth, and our Nation. I think James Madison would be proud of how we have carried forward his vision and evolved to become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of our people. Finally, I am thankful for each County employee who continues to support our community during one of the most challenging periods I have witnessed in my three decades of public service. Political division, social unrest, global pandemic, economic disruption, and numerous other descriptors could all be assigned to 2020. Yet, we continue to move forward.

Please accept my thanks to each of you, and please let me know how I may continue to serve you.

Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator

We ’ re Here For You

Orange County Administration

Click here to Subscribe to “ Orange County Insight ” and receive it monthly by email

Physical Address 112 W. Main Street Orange, VA 22960 Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960

Click here to go to Orange County ’ s

Click here to subscribe to County Updates and Calendars

Phone: (540) 672 - 3313

Fax: (540) 672 - 1679

newsletter@orangecountyva.gov

SUGGESTION BOX

orangecountyva.gov

Click here to leave a suggestion for the Editor

Page | November 2020

Veterans Day

Honoring All Who Served

Nov. 11

Office on Youth Jennifer Detwiler USA

Airport Robert Gruitt USA Eric Smith U.S. Coast Guard

Emergency Communications Center Jimmie Tate USA

Board of Supervisors Lee Frame USN

Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office Sheriff Mark Amos USAF Deputy Chris Votaw USAF Robert Kelly (Civilian employee) USAF Sargent John Berry USN

Fire & EMS Mike Stewart USAF Roger Wilson USA NG Noah Madden USMC Nathan Mort USMC Public Works William Alley Jr USA Edward Baker USMC Aaron Caine USMC Randy Clatterbuck USA Peyton Fincham USN Louis Gibson USAF Eddie James USAF Raymond Offer USA James Shifflett USA Marty Williams USMC

Sargent Mike Garrison USN Deputy Bryan McFarland USN Investigator Abe Lasco USMC Deputy Jesse McPeek USMC Deputy Jack Bryant USMC Deputy Shawn Hilton USMC (Currently serving in Marine Reserve) Major Mike LaCasse USA Lieutenant Bart Sigler USA Deputy Chris Williams USA Deputy Adam Schienschang USA (Currently serving in Army Reserve)

Library Michelle Pursel USMC

Page 2 | November 2020 Page 2 | Nove ber 2020

By Jayson Woods, Programs & Facilities Supervisor, Orange County Parks & Recreation

Cooperative Extension Office in Orange set the table for a good performance with a USDA “ My Plate ” theme, stepping up from bronze last year to take silver. They share the podium with the Orange County Gordon Building 2nd Floor ’ s hilarious “80’ s Workout ” entry featuring Orange County Administrator Ted Voorhees as a Richard Simmons stand in! The judges awarded each of these runner - up entries additional attention in the form of superlative awards. The Extension Office was recognized as the “ Cutest ” entry for their clever incorporation of protective face coverings into their costumes. Unsurprisingly, the Gordon Building up- stairs crew were deemed the “ Funniest. ” Grymes Memorial School annually contributes several great entries to the contest. This year their Administration team was awarded the “ Scariest ” superlative award with their all - too - appropriate “ Plague Doctors ” themed costumes. This contest is an annual event sponsored by Faye ’ s Office Supply. This year saw an incredible array of quality entries, with 11 groups participating. Winners were select- ed on Nov. 6, 2020, using a combination of a Facebook vote, official judges scoring, and participation consideration. Top finishers will receive a trophy and a Faye ’ s Office Supply gift card. Get your coworkers together and join us for next year ’ s contest!

1 st

The Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office won first place with a scarily good entry in Orange County Parks & Recreation ’ s latest Office Costume Contest, held at the end of October. Perpetually a strong contender, their office ’ s Beetlejuice themed entry enjoyed top marks on Facebook and from 75% of the judges. This is fitting, as the Treasurer ’ s Office was the initial inspiration for this event when OCPR staff saw how much fun they had costumed as a group in 2013. We decided to spread this fun and creative spirit throughout Orange County businesses the following year and have been at it ever since. 2020 has been a unique year, and this carried over into our contest. There was a tie for 2nd place for only the second time in contest history; the first was in 2015. Interestingly, the Treasurer ’ s Office took first place that year also. The Virginia

Page 3 | November 2020

Page 3 | November 2020

2 nd

2 nd

Virginia Cooperative Extension: “ My Plate ”

Gordon Building 2nd Floor: “80’ s Workout ”

Commissioner of the Revenue: “ Disney Princesses ”

Virginia Tractor: “ Life on the Farm ”

Grymes Memorial School Administration: “ Plague Doctors ”

Orange Chiropractic & Family Fitness: “ Skeleton Crew ”

Hale Family Dentistry: “ Out of this World ”

Landfill: “ Nightmare Before Christmas ”

Grymes Upper School Teachers: “ Shark Week ”

Grymes Lower School Teachers: “ Witches ”

Page 4 | November 2020

Page 4 | November 2020

1. Never provide your account or credit/bank card information over the phone to unknown callers. Scammers pretending to be a company (Amazon, DirectTV, etc.) call saying that your account has been compromised and ask to verify your account. If you receive a call asking for any private information, end the call without providing information and call that company ’ s main number to check for yourself. 2. Scammers pretending to be people in need of money is a prevalent social media scam. Be cautious! If a caller says that your relative is in jail and needs bail money without telling the rest of the family, hang up and call your family to verify. 3. Requests for payment by prepaid credit cards or gift cards are probably scams. 4. Scammers may call claiming to be government officials and stating you owe money. They demand immediate payment, or they will send the police. Tell them you will call the government entity yourself to ask about your ‘ debt. ’ Sheriff ’ s deputies will never call you to collect a debt owed to the court system or the county government. 5. Scammers ‘ spoof ’ local phone numbers to make themselves look legitimate. Recently, scammers pretending to be from Amazon contacted an Orange County government staff member using a number that appeared to be a local business in Orange, not Amazon ’ s. The scammer did not fool the staff member. Holiday Safety Tips from the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office By Major Michael R. LaCasse & Captain Jason Smith 5 Scams to Avoid

Page 5 | November 2020

Page 5 | November 2020

11 Shopping Safety Tips

1. Only park and shop in well - lit areas. 2. Always lock car doors, even in your driveway.

3. When shopping, cover valuables or place them in the trunk. Many vehicles without trunks have ‘ shades ’ that cover cargo spaces. Blankets on floorboards will work as well. 4. Never leave your car running at the curb while you run in to grab something quickly. Don ’ t leave children in vehicles. 5. Carry only necessary cash and credit cards in an RFID “ radio - frequency identification ” blocker in your front pocket, especially if walking through a crowded store or mall. Inexpensive RFID blockers prevent thieves from remotely stealing your credit card information as you walk in public. 6. Never leave your purse in an unattended shopping cart. 7. Do not allow someone to “ shoulder surf ” to see your pin number. 8. Be wary of strangers approaching you for any reason. 9. Don ’ t overburden yourself with multiple bags that limit your mobility and distract you. 10. Stay alert in parking lots. Avoid being distracted by your phone. Have your keys ready in hand. 11. Do not leave valuables or packages in your car at home. ‘ Car Shoppers ’ will walk around the neighborhood testing car door handles to find an unlocked car to search for valuables such as GPS ’ s, money, guns, and gifts.

Page 6 | November 2020

Page 6 | November 2020

Have you fallen off the COVID precaution bandwagon? If you have, it ’ s understandable. Infection rates have been low in Orange County compared to other areas of the Commonwealth. Healthy habits can be challenging to maintain. We all want our “ old lives ” back, and reportedly a vaccine will be available in a few months. The CDC urges us to continue precautions such as hand wash- ing, social distancing, and most important, mask use. With the holidays just days away, the potential for super - spreader events is high. The Health Department advises that we celebrate Thanksgiving with only the members of our households to avoid spreading the virus. Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID - 19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Neighboring counties are experiencing significant infection rate increases. The inconveniences that we endure now might save the life of another member of our community, or even our own. Coronavirus Information : Remain vigilant at holiday gatherings

From the CDC website:

Hosting a Thanksgiving Gathering

 If having guests to your home, be sure that everyone follows the steps to make Thanksgiving safer. Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating to- gether.

 Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.

Limit the number of guests.

 Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.

 If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.

 Limit the number of people in food preparation areas. Don ’ t let others wander in.

 Have guests bring their own food and drink.

 If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single - use options, like plastic utensils.

Page 7 | November 2020

Tax payment collection rate up despite COVID - 19 pandemic During the COVID - 19 pandemic, some taxpayers have had their work hours cut, have experienced layoffs, or even lost their jobs in company closures. These challenges have not stopped citizens from making timely payments. Orange County Treasurer Dawn Herndon states, “ We have a collection rate of 96%, up 2% from this time last year. This is a testament to the taxpayers of Orange County who, even in difficult times, meet their obligation to fund essential county services. “ The Treasurer ’ s Office understands county taxpayers ’ pandemic - related financial challenges. To help taxpayers stay current, they sent an additional delinquent notice in July, giving citizens another opportunity to pay in full or to make arrangements to pay the Treasurer ’ s Office directly by September. The office has always offered payment plans to taxpayers and allows prepay- ments. Their helpful service has not gone unnoticed. One staff member recently received flowers from a taxpayer in apprecia- tion of the caring assistance she received. The Treasurer ’ s Office has been working with IT staff and Management Services to implement touchless credit card pay- ments at the Treasurer ’ s Office and to start accepting credit card payments at other county departments. Customers will be able to swipe their credit cards without handing them to the staff members taking the payments. Ms. Herndon believes that this safer system will soon be implemented.

Local COVID - 19 testing sites

COVID - 19 Drive - in Screening and Testing

111 Short St. Orange VA 22960

Phone: (540) 672 - 9000

Orange Family Physicians

13198 James Madison Highway Orange VA 22960

Phone: (540) 672 - 3010

UVA Primary Care Locust Grove

4376 Germanna Hwy Locust Grove VA 22508

Phone: (540) 972 - 7798

Information Links

CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019 - nCoV/index.html Virginia Department of Health - https:// www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ Coronavirus Self Checker - https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019 - ncov/ symptoms - testing/coronavirus - self - checker.html What to do if you are potentially exposed - https:// www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ local - exposure/ Mayo Clinic ’ s Coronavirus State Tracking Map –Compare Orange to neighboring counties - https:// www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus - covid - 19/map/virginia

Page 8 | November 2020 | October 20

Though a COVID - 19 Thanksgiving may look differ- ent, there are still a number of things families can do to make the celebration special. See how many ingredients you can source locally. Make this a family challenge, and help the local economy in the process. Late fall vegetables include sweet potatoes, butternut squash, acorn squash, greens such as mustard and kale, brussels sprouts, and beets, to name a few. Roasting vegetables gives a very different texture and flavor than steaming or boiling. Peel, cut into pieces, drizzle with olive oil, and experiment with various herbs. Rosemary and sage lend excellent flavor to butternut squash. Brussels sprouts are tasty with thyme, rosemary, and pomegranate seeds or cranberries added for color. Beets stand out with thyme, fresh orange juice, and kosher salt. Involve the family in preparing the meal. Kids are great at washing and peeling vegetables, mixing dressing, and setting the table. Modify preparation tools for their ages; knives can be nylon, plastic, or

Opportunities for New Thanksgiving Traditions By Kaci Daniel, Senior Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension - Orange Unit

Page 9 | November 2020

Get outside for a long walk in nature or a friendly game of flag football to burn off extra calories and spend time together. Return to traditional games like Red Rover, Capture the Flag, and Hide and Seek. Create a scavenger hunt for items found in your yard or neighborhood -- something fuzzy, something green, something larger than a playing card. Plan a “ cardboard parade ” with those who live near you. Stay out- side and socially distanced while sporting card- board decorations and costumes or miniature handmade floats. Kids and adults of all ages will be able to use their creativity and give new life to old household goods, cardboard, paint, string, duct tape, and whatever else they can find. Clearly, there ’ s more to Thanksgiving Day than just turkey, football, and online shopping. Try these ideas and let us know how they work for you. Maybe 2020 starts new traditions to enjoy for years to come!

metal, and assigned to kids depending on their maturity and dexterity.

Share your bounty and meal with others. Deliver a goody package to the door of an elderly neigh- bor who may not cook. Consider telling them about it ahead of time so they will feel secure knowing they have a meal coming. Gather the ingredients for your favorite side dish and present those and a recipe to a neighbor or friend who can share in your traditions. Include a handwritten note about why the dish is meaningful to you. Decorate the home with expressions of thanksgiv- ing. Gather greenery, ornamental grasses, and seed pods or nuts from your yard and create a table - scape. Mix pumpkins, gourds, fresh fruit, and colored leaves for seasonal displays. Invite family members to list things they are thankful for on pennant flags made from paper grocery bags, or use a paper runner or placemats on which members write their thankfulness.

Page 10 | November 2020

Orange County Economic Develop- ment has launched a new campaign, “ Orange County is Retai l Ready ” to support consumer - facing businesses this holiday season. During November and December, Orange County Economic Develop- ment will highlight retail, service, restau- rant, and other small businesses throughout the County. The campaign will occur mainly over social media and also includes informative blogs and video footage from local businesses. As a component of the “ Orange is Retail Ready Campaign, ” the Orange County Office of Economic Development ORANGE COUNTY ECO CAMPAIGN “ ORANGE C LOCAL SPENDING

Click here for full press release

Page 11 | November 2020

ONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHES NEW COUNTY IS RETAIL READY ” TO ENCOURAGE

encourages our community to shop locally by participating in the Orange County Small Business Passport Event. Shop at six local businesses of your choice, have them sign your passport and submit to be entered into a drawing to win one of ten $150 gift cards to a local business. For more information and to down- load your passport, please visit https://www.thinkorangeva.com/ living - here/orange - county - is - retail - ready. Follow the “ Orange County is Retai l Ready ” campaign on social media at @thinkorangeva.

Commercial Business Update - from the Economic Development Department

Aquaphalt, the newest tenant in the Thomas E. Lee Industrial Park, continues to make progress on the construction of their 40,000 square - foot plant. The plant is slated to open in January 2021 and will manufacture a high performance cold - mix repair material for asphalt and concrete. The company brings a 2.3 million investment to the County and six new jobs, with the potential for future growth.

Page 12 | November 2020

ITSM (or IT Service Management) is all activities involved in designing, creating, delivering, supporting and managing IT services. This includes things like tracking your computer and the software installed on it, helpdesk ticket resolution, technology contract management, and project manage- ment. The benefits of such a system are: County Government Information Technology Department launches its first IT Service Management (ITSM) system.

Improves efficiency by saving time and effort by avoiding duplication of work. Creates transparent IT processes and services. Ensures adherence to various industries compli- ance. Engages in effective planning. Increases the county return on IT investment. This system will help usher in a fundamental change in how the county ’ s IT department services will be delivered to meet the current and future needs of coun- ty staff and citizens. Larry Clement, Director of Information Technology explained, “ The most interesting feature of the ITSM is

Example of an ITSM status update screen.

the ability to design and manage a data center. Using the design feature ,we were able to set up the new public safety building's data center to allow for the most effective use of the space to meet current and future needs. “

Parks & Recreation Project: refurbishing the Barboursville Community Park playground

The refurbishment of the Barboursville Community Park playground is well underway. Recently, the Parks & Recreation department tore down the old fencing and power washed the park ’ s concession building. In the next phase, they will repair or replace the play equipment and install certified playground mulch. P&R expects to complete the work in the spring of 2021. (Story corrected 11/17/20. The incorrect department was credited. We regret the error.)

Page 13 | November 2020

Page 14 | November 2020

The Effects of Cold Weather on Landscape Plants

By Ashley Appling, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Culpeper County, Horticulture Extension Agent

The frosty winter weather we will experience in the coming months will impact our homes and landscapes in many ways. We will complain about the cold mornings and gray afternoons, along with the slick roads and sidewalks. Our plant friends also experience the cold and may respond with brown leaves, dead branches and injured flower buds that will not be evident until spring. So, what is it about winter that bothers plants, and what protection measures can we put in place? In addition to heavy snowfalls breaking branches and uprooting Leyland cypress, rapid temperature changes may injury plant tissues. Warm 60˚F days followed by cold fronts lowering the temperatures below freezing can wreak havoc on plant tissues, from dead flower buds to branch and root death. Newly expanded leaves and buds exposed to freezing temperatures may appear wilted and turn black within hours or days after the event. The damage is caused by the formation of ice crystals, which rupture the walls of plant cells. Frozen soil in turn, can lead to desiccation of needled and broad - leafed evergreens. Windy, sunny days can lead to rapid tissue damage as leaves warmed by the sun begin to transpire. The water lost through transpiration cannot be replenished under these circumstances since the roots are frozen solid. This often leads to brown leaf margins or the loss of whole leaves as is commonly the case with camellias, hollies, and junipers. The damage is most evident on the windward side of the plant. Frost heaving (Figure 1) can damage plants as the soil alternates between freezing and thawing. This process can push shallow - rooted plants out of the ground, exposing the roots to wind damage. Trees and shrubs with smooth bark may also experience bark splitting (another name is southwest injury since the damage is usually seen on this side of the tree) because of sudden temperature changes. Sunlight can warm the bark on clear days, which may cause splitting as the temperature rapidly declines after sunset or during cloudy weather. This decline in temperature freezes the water within the tree trunk, causing it to split open. Trees such as cherries, maples, and young fruit trees are most susceptible. Help prevent the split by wrapping the trunk with burlap strips, painting white, or shading the trunk. Some preparations can be undertaken before the cold weather hits. The first step is to grow plants that are cold hardy in our USDA Plant Hardiness zones 6a, 6b, or 7a. Don ’ t fertilize in fall, or prune in late summer (which may lead to new growth that is damaged by frost). Be sure to water evergreen plants during dry fall weather and add a two to four - inch layer of mulch to slow moisture loss and prevent upheaval of newly planted plants. It is best to wait to spring to determine whether or not dead limbs will need to be pruned from trees and shrubs. The spring flush of growth should hide the damaged leaves of evergreens. Patience is the best practice because some damaged plants such as crape myrtles may not leaf out until June after severe winters. If patience is not your virtue, use a pocket knife to scrape back the outer layer of bark to check for green cambium tissue. Seeing green tissue is a good sign that the plant is not totally dead, even though it is not a guarantee. Also, keep an eye on winter - damaged plants if drought conditions are experienced the following summer. Winter damage plus summer drought could lead to the demise of your perennial, shrub, or tree.

For more information contact the Orange Extension Office by phone (540) 672 - 1361 or by email ashappling@vt.edu.

Page 15 | November 2020

Figure 1. Frost Heaving. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE Publication 426 - 500)

Page 16 | November 2020

Citizens Ask...

Q: Do I need a business license to operate my business?

A: A business license is not required for the County of Orange. However, the Towns of Gordonsville or Orange may have different requirements. Please contact either the Town of Gordonsville or the Town of Orange for additional information, if the business you operate will be located within Town Limits.

Q: I would like to start a business. How do I start and who can help?

A: The Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC) is a member of the Virginia SBDC Network (Small Business Development Center), a statewide service network that provides business counseling. Their staff of business and technical advisors includes nine experienced professionals, and five additional technical experts that support their work in person and virtually. They serve Orange County and Central Virginia small businesses through the following services: confidential, one - on - one business guidance, access to capital education and preparedness, custom market and data analysis, and workshops and training.

Join us in spreading cybersecurity awareness and encourage everyone to own their role in protecting internet - connected devices. “ Do Your Part.#BeCyberSmart. ” Visit cisa.gov/ncsam for more information. Cybersecurity Tips

Page 17 | November 2020 Page 17 | November 2020

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

Personal Property & 2nd half Real Estate Taxes were mailed 10/1/20. Due on 12/7/20 penalty will be applied on 12/8/20.

How to pay:

• Mail to P.O. Box 469 Orange VA 22960 (payments postmarked by 12/07/20 will be accepted as on time)

• Dropbox located at 112 W Main Street Orange VA 22960

• Online go to Payments page of the Orange County website

For more information go to www.orangecountyva.gov/396/Treasurer

Dawn Herndon, Treasurer | (540) 672 - 2656 | dherndon@orangecountyva.gov

Lewis E. Davis Public Works Custodian Employment Date 7/22/2008

Get to know our staff... The Personnel File:

Lewis Davis has cared for the County ’ s Sedwick Building by himself for many years. He is responsible for all cleaning and custodial work, and even sprays for weeds and trims trees when needed. The Sedwick Building is one of the most occupied County buildings. The building houses the Main Library, Social Services, 4 - H, Registrar, Parks and Rec, and Office on Youth. When COVID 19 appeared, keeping buildings consistently clean and disinfected became a priority. Lewis is very dependable and rarely takes off except for his yearly vacation. Lewis makes the effort to go above and beyond his duties. An example is volunteer- ing to help other staff members carry items to their cars. He has even helped move the voting equipment for the Registrar when needed.

This year Lewis decided to grow mini vegetable gardens in the is- lands of the parking lot. He grew tomatoes and watermelons during the summer for associates to enjoy. He also grew pumpkins for Halloween to share with other departments. Currently, he has a winter salad garden growing. He certainly has a green thumb! Lewis is a very effective employee, a wonderful person, and is beloved by staff.

Page 18 | November 2020

Orange County Communications Department P.O. Box 111

112 W. Main Street, Orange, VA 22960

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Meet Midnight, a handsome male about two years old who came in when his owners moved and could not take him. Midnight is very confident and outgoing. He is very sweet, super lovable and look- ing for his new forever family! Midnight seems fine with the dogs he ’ s met and does not show much of a reaction in the cat room. Midnight has a sibling, Daisy, a fawn female about 3 years old They do not have to go together, but would be a great addition to a family with room for two. Midnight has been neutered, micro- chipped, dewormed, heartworm tested (negative), and started on monthly pre- ventatives for heartworm as well as flea/ tick meds! He is current on vaccines and rabies!

Visit us on Facebook See Adoptable Pets Here (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960

Page 19 | November 2020 Your new best friend is waiting at the The Orange County Animal Shelter

Page i Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19

orangecountyva.gov

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter