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
Lilly - K. Skinner
Moose - J. Burkholder
Hale Kids - C.Hale
IT In - Depth Page 3 - 4
Cleo - A. Simpson
Staff Pet Showcase Page 5 - 6 4 - H Fair Photos Page 27 - 28
JULY 2021
Ted Talk
Orange Living
This month we are all enjoying a little more normal summer than last year. But for me, things are very different as I have now moved my family to Orange County. My wife Michele joins me and will be teaching 4th grade at Locust Grove Elementary School. We are looking forward
to all that our community has to offer and look forward to things opening back up for everyone to enjoy. In keeping with this month ’ s theme of pets, here is Michele with our dog Styx!
Enjoy your summer!
Ted Voorhees,
Orange County Administrator
Photo credit: Orange County Communication Department
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Phone: (540) 672 - 3313
Fax: (540) 672 - 1679
newsletter@orangecountyva.gov
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Page | July, 2021
Public Safety Building Progress Report and Tour Video The Communication Department has prepared a video tour of the new Public Safety Building's construction progress. Please click here to view it on the County ’ s YouTube channel.
Breakfast with the Administrator As an Orange County employee, you may be randomly selected to have breakfast with the County Administrator! Each month, employees from different departments will enjoy breakfast with Ted while enjoying light - hearted conversation.
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Departments In Depth: Information Technology
By Ellen Coyne, Communications Department Intern
The Information Technology Department ’ s employees can be described as “… the custodians of your data to ensure that tax dollars spent on technology are being used effectively to deliver security to citizens. ” In fact, that is exactly how Larry Clement, IT Director, described his job when he was recently interviewed about his department. The IT department is composed of 4 functional areas: general government support, public safety support, GIS, and cyber security. Analysts, including Ryan “ Walker ” Merryman, Andrew Hackey, Cole Shifflett, Jim Whipp and Larry Clement, work behind the scenes to provide tech solutions for the residents in the County. The IT Department is directly assisting residents every day through their work on the County website and is currently working on an app, through the open data portal, that would locate polling locations around Orange.
Director Larry Clement has been with the department for 11 years. Clement ’ s start with technology began with one life - changing decision. “ My career in IT started with a scratch off lottery ticket in 1988. My parents had filled out a losing scratch off lottery ticket and mailed it in for a second chance drawing. They were selected to be on TV and spin a wheel for prize money. They won $25,000 and purchased my first computer, a commodore 64. This lightning fast computer had 64k of ram with no internal hard drive, it came with a 5 ¼ floppy drive with 720k of storage. The monitor was a 13” black and white television set. ” Not only does he run the department, but Clement oversees cybersecurity, a role which he takes very seriously. As a government employee for IT, Clement knows how the residents of Orange County trust his department with private information, and it is his
Larry
duty to keep the public ’ s trust and to keep their information safe. Although many directly see T ’ s work through online payments, signing up for classes, and the open data portal, without Clement ’ s service and hard work, Orange County ’ s government would not be able to run smoothly.
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Jim Whipp, an employee with the department for the past two years, provides overall support of the County and oversees the entire geographic information system for the County which supports 911, IT, Planning and Development Services, Commissioner of the Revenue, Administration, and Voter Registrar among others
Andrew Hackey has been with the department for seven years as the Network Administrator and his job consists of checking the county ’ s wifi, pulling network cabling within the various County buildings, and overseeing the County ’ s switches and firewalls.
Jim
Cole Shifflett has been with IT for seven months and leads the public safety division which supports the EMS and Fire radio systems. Currently Larry Clement is in charge of the construction and relocation of a new consolidated datacenter that will house the Public Safety Building, but Shifflett will be overseeing the datacenter upon completion. The final analyst is for GIS, which is in charge of the Broadband Authority, creating apps for tourism - based projects, and runs the County ’ s data repository.
Andrew
At the helm of the general government support for the IT department is the newest employee, Ryan “ Walker ” Merryman. Merryman ’ s main job is operating the “ Help Desk ” to maintain and manage overall operations for administrative functions. The “ Help Desk ” assists with administrative and tax functions, community development, and economic development.
Cole
Every day is different within the IT Department, and in an ever - changing, technological world, it is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. The department ’ s hard work with managing broadband during the COVID - 19 pandemic, the development of a consolidated datacenter, and creation of apps to make the lives of residents easier, demonstrates how Clement, Merryman, Hackey, Shifflett, and Whipp, all work hard for the Orange County government. They might be the ‘ men behind the curtain, ’ but their work should not be overlooked as they provide a secure system for the County and for tax payers.
Walker
Photos top to bottom: Jim Whipp, Andrew Hackey, Cole Shifflett, Walker Merryman - by Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer
Page 4 | July, 2021
In Honor of All American Pet Photo Day, We Present: The Staff Pet Showcase!
Charlie - L. Clement
Hershey - K. Downin
Mini & Rain - D. Herndon
Deuce - K. Daniel
Bailey - R. Pope
Coco Bean - S. Turner
Sunny D - L. Kennedy
Gizmo & Benji - A. Amos
Ruger - J. Carpenter
Elvis - M. Daniels
Daisy - V. Bowman
Carly & Tom - D. Herndon
Betsy - L. Clement
Bruce Wayne - S Straub
Perdi - J. Carpenter
Rose - D. Herndon
Bailey - K. Gibson
Ophelia - M. Daniels
Leo - V. Bowman
Izzy - G. Bradley
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Zack & Zoe - M. Daniels
Wesson - A. Simpson
Jasper - G. Bradley
We all know that rescuing a pet from a shelter gives them a great life, but did you know the benefits go both ways? Pets in our lives decrease stress, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and loneliness. They increase exercise and outdoor activity and socialization. In honor of your beloved pets, please share the link to this month ’ s newsletter on your social media feed and let all your friends know that you love your pets and hope that they will join you by adopting from the Orange County Animal Shelter.
Goat Family– L. Clement
Mr. Bingley– G. Bradley
Taj - R. James
Remy - V. Bowman
Gary - A. Wilson
Laila - J. Cooper
Oliver - K. Conley
Shadow - R. Deal
Walnut - C. Neidigh
Baxter - M. Daniels
Hank Williams - M.&C. Williams
Wishbone - K. Aylor
Kiki– L. Clement i i - . l t
Cocoa–J. Cooper Cocoa - J. Cooper
Coco Chanel - G. Bradley
Chayse - A. Clark
Willow - J. Cooper
Daisy - L. Clement
Meeko - N. Hale
Captain Jack Sparrow - J. Cooper
Page 6 | July, 2021
Sophie - G. Bradley
Mango - J. Cooper
Axel - D. Herndon
Page 7 | July, 2021
Important Upcoming Changes to Payroll Processing
Courtesy of the Finance Department
The County will be shifting to a 24 - pay deduction cycle for employee benefits from the current 26 - pay deduction cycle. This change pertains to benefits
only. Employees will continue to receive a paycheck every other Friday. Months with three paydays will no longer have deductions withheld from the third paycheck of the month. This change will align the County with the “ industry norm ” on how deductions are processed. Most employers only take deductions from the first two payrolls of each month to match the provider invoices. By deducting from all 26 payrolls, an administrative burden is placed on staff to manually reconcile each employee every payroll.
What does this mean for you?
If your current benefits have an employee deduction totaling $3,000 a year, you currently pay $3,000 / 26 = $115.38 a paycheck for these benefits. With this change, you will pay $3,000 / 24 = $125.00 a paycheck for 24 pays and receive 2 pays a year without any deductions taken from them in months that have three payrolls instead of two. The next month with three payrolls is October 2021. For the pay on October 29, you will not see a deduction for your employee benefits.
When does this begin?
These changes will happen in stages. Beginning July 9, 2021, VRS Retirement (including Hybrid voluntary contributions) and Deferred compensation plan contributions, will convert to the 24 - pay deduction cycle. On October 1, 2021, Medical, Dental, Vision, Optional Life, Voluntary Insurances, legal services, HSA, and FSA contributions will all covert. Items not impacted by this change that will remain on a 26 - pay deduction cycle include Federal and state withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes, garnishments, child support orders, tax liens, and imputed group life.
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Celebrating Interns for National Intern Appreciation Day
They are the ones that take on the mundane tasks, soak up information like sponges, and are the future
leaders of our world: interns. Internships set students up for success and can be a useful tool in creating a
dynamic workplace. This past year has pushed our youth to their limits, and while the economy is growing
back, internships have been few and far between. Remote work and limited in - person interaction have
suppressed the effectiveness of internship programs, but colleges around the country are still trying to arm
students with every opportunity.
An example of how universities are trying to assist students is the University of Virginia ’ s Hoos Internship
Accelerated Program. The University of Virginia, through partnerships with organizations like the Orange
County Communications Department, are giving students paid internships and the opportunity to pursue job
experience in their preferred field. In 2019, about 500,000 Americans were working as unpaid interns in the
United States. Although any internship would be coveted by students, unpaid internships can be a financial
hardship. The University of Virginia ’ s partnership with the Orange County Communications Department has
given one intern the opportunity to be awarded through a stipend and practical knowledge for a future
career in government.
UVA Student Joins Orange County ’ s Communications Department
Ellen Coyne, a senior/ “ fourth year ” at the University of Virginia, joins the Orange County Communications Department as the Summer 2021 intern. Coyne is from Winchester, Virginia and has been studying at the University of Virginia since 2018. As a Government major and a passionate public relations student, Coyne is excited to be joining a local government in their communications department. The University of Virginia ’ s career center has partnered with Orange County in the “ Hoos Accelerated Internship ” program to give students real - world working experiences.
Page 9 | July, 2021
Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District Now Offering COVID - 19 Vaccine Walk - Ins Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District is offering walk - in COVID - 19 vaccines in each County ’ s local health department. Residents may walk - in (no appointment necessary) to receive COVID - 19 vaccines on the following dates:
Culpeper Health Department 2 nd and 4 th Friday of each month 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 650 Laurel Street Culpeper, Virginia 22701 Fauquier Health Department 1 st and 3 rd Friday of each month 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 330 Hospital Drive Warrenton, Virginia 20186 Madison Health Department Every Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 1480 N. Madison Street, Suite A Madison, Virginia 22727
Orange Health Department Every Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
450 N. Madison Road Orange, Virginia 22960
Rappahannock Health Department 1 st and 3 rd Friday of each month 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 338A Gay Street Washington, Virginia 22747
For more information, please visit the Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ rappahannock - rapidan/.
Page 10 | July, 2021
The 46 th Annual Orange Street Festival will be held on Saturday, September 11 th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Orange Street Festival theme is “ Honor Our Heroes ”. The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is asking community residents to submit heroic stories of hope, courage, sacrifice, and strength. Please submit your short stories, pictures, and or videos to occcexec@gmail.com. Our hometown heroes will be honored the day of the Orange Street Festival and the stories will be placed on the Chamber website's Wall of Heroes.
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Contributed by the Orange County Economic Development Office Return to Earn Program
Earlier this month, the Governor ’ s office announced the the Return to Earn program. Through this program, the state will provide up to $500 matching funds as a hiring bonus for small businesses.
Full details and the program application can be found on VCW - Piedmont ’ s website at https:// vcwpiedmont.com/. Key points are:
• Business must have fewer than 100 employees
• Reimbursable grant; matches up to $500 company offers as hiring bonus
• Applies to employees hired after May 31, 2021 making $15/hour
• Childcare businesses may be exempt from providing matching bonus
• Businesses must be located in Virginia
If you have any questions, please email Dave Kilgore , Operations Manager, VCW - Piedmont Region at dkilgore@vcwpiedmont.com or 434 - 979 - 5610 x105.
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Local Entrepreneurship Supported by Orange County Economic Development
Contributed by the Orange County Economic Development Office
Are you a home - based business? Interested in marketing & selling your product at the Montpelier Hunt Races on November 6th? Then this is the sign you've been waiting for! The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism is pleased to host the first Locally Made Market. To support and encourage local entrepreneurship, we are extending an opportunity for three home - based businesses to compete for a FREE shared vendor tent to market and sell their product(s) at the 2021 Montpelier Hunt Races. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3wRnLhP
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2021 - 2025 Economic Development Strategic Plan Released
Contributed by the Orange County Economic Development Office
The Orange County Economic Development Authority is pleased to release and publish the 2021 - 2025 Economic Development Strategic Plan. This document will guide economic development efforts throughout the County for the next five years. To refine the focus within this strategic plan, Orange County Economic Development hired Platinum PR, an economic development and tourism marketing firm, to engage the community. In Fall 2020, Platinum PR conducted a series of interviews and meetings to build excitement for Orange County Economic Development ’ s trajectory. This planning process called upon residents, business owners, staff, community organizations, key industries, educators, municipal leaders, partners, and other stakeholders to shape the vision for Orange County. Thirty - three organizations, four members of the Board of Supervisors, and seven Economic Development Authority members were interviewed on a 1:1 basis. When interviews were complete, Platinum PR followed up with targeted surveys. The following four focus area were developed throughout this process: • Attraction and Retention • Workforce Development • Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship • Quality of Life
We invite you to review the full Strategic Plan at https://www.thinkorangeva.com/why - orange/ strategic - plan.
Newsletter Reader ’ s Drawing Winners Announced!
The three winners of this month ’ s readers ’ prize drawing are: Teri Frick, Michelle Williams, and Amy Tew Congratulations to these informed and thorough readers for finding the special word and emailing it to newsletter staff! Enjoy your gas cards!
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Celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day Locally By Michelle Williams Deputy Clerk & FOIA Officer
July 25 th is National Wine and Cheese Day! Created in 2014 by freelance writer and wine lover Jace Shoemaker - Galloway, this day has a special place in the hearts of many. According to Holidays Calendar and their research, “ most historians agree that wine originated somewhere in ancient China approximately 7,000 B.C. It was also found in Persia 5,000 B.C., and in Sicily 4,000 B.C. Many of these early wines were fermented from rice or
from rice and grape juices combined. Cheese and cheese making began even before written history began. Many historians believe that cheese was first developed somewhere from 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, and it may even be older than that. According to popular belief, the first cheese was made when milk was stored in an animal ’ s stomach. As the milk soured, it mixed with the animal ’ s digestive juices, and rudimentary curds and whey developed. ” While none of them actively practice the art of cheese making, Orange County is home to five dairy farms, located in Gordonsville, Orange, Somerset, True Blue, and Unionville. Many of which have been around for generations and still run by the same families. Orange County is home to six vineyards and many tasting rooms. To celebrate this year ’ s National Wine and Cheese Day, learn what goes together, visit a local winery, or have a pairing party with a beautiful charcuterie board with items purchased at one of our local merchants. For a complete list of local wineries, visit the Orange County Business Directory at www.buyorangeva.com. Sparkling wines work well with creamy, soft cheeses. The wine has high carbonation and acidity, which acts as a palate - cleanser for the sticky and creamy cheese, like Cremont, Camembert, Muenster, and Brie. • Sweeter wines and funky cheeses go together perfectly. Sweeter wines like Late Harvest dessert wines and Moscato go well with the blue - veined cheeses. This is because the sweetness from the wine helps to balance out the ‘ funk ’ in the cheese. • Aged cheeses and bold red wines go well together. Look for cheeses that have aged for at least a year when serving a bold red wine. The cheese ’ s fat content will counteract the high tannins in the wine. Cheeses you can serve include Provolone, Gouda, Manchego, and Cheddar. • Pair cheeses and wines that have equal intensity. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon would overpower a Gruyère with the bold and big flavors of the wine. When planning your pairing party, use these helpful tips: • When in doubt, select a firm and nutty cheese. • Cheeses and wines that come from same place pair nicely. •
However you choose to celebrate, make sure to tag your social media posts with #NationalWineAndCheeseDay!
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Historical Moments in Wine and Cheese
Page 18 | July, 2021
Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Upper Pamunkey Branch – Lake Anna in Orange and Spotsylvania Counties Orange County, VA – The Virginia Department of Health is advising that the Upper Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna in Orange and Spotsylvania counties is experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB ). The public is advised to avoid contact with the lake in this area until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive map at www.SwimHealthyVA.com. On June 23, samples collected in the Upper Pamunkey Branch above the confluence of Terry ’ s Run indicated swimming advisories were necessary due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria concentrations. Three cyanotoxins were detected but were well below levels which would pose a health risk. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand - up - paddle - boarding as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water. Follow - up monitoring for this area and additional areas above Rt. 208 on the lake are planned (weather permitting) Thursday, July 8. The section of the lake currently under advisory: Pamunkey Branch • Upper – From the upper inundated waters of the Pamunkey arm of the lake downstream to just above the confluence with Terry ’ s Run (does not include Terry ’ s Run). Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless; however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or blueish - green because they are more likely to contain toxins. To prevent illness, people should: • Avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted, WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
• Do not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
• Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algae bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae scum or bloom water. • If you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom, seek medical/ veterinarian care. • To ensure fish fillets are safe to eat, properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cooking fish to the proper temperature. • If you suspect you experienced health - related effects following exposure to a bloom, contact the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1 - 888 - 238 - 6154. • To learn more about harmful algae blooms or to report an algae bloom or fish kill visit www.swimhealthyva.com/. The Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion Phytoplankton lab, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration. An advisory may be lifted or maintained at the discretion of the health department. For example, after one test an advisory may be lifted if results are within safe levels for swimming if other information indicates exposure or human health risk is low. A status report is updated to reflect the HAB advisory status of Lake Anna under routine monitoring online at “ Lake Anna Status Fact Sheet .” For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.
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Click on the map to go to the Virginia Department of Health website to use this map interactively
Page 20 | July, 2021
Lewis Davis ’ Parking Lot Garden Amazes and Delights
By Crystal Hale, Director Orange County Dept. of Social Services
Lewis Davis is an Orange County Public Works employee who works in the Sedwick Building. In addition to consistently keeping that working environment safe and clean, Lewis quietly puts daily smiles on everyone's face by making morning coffee, greeting employees and clients, and spreading joy to all who cross his path. Each spring, Lewis plants a spectacular garden by utilizing the end caps in the parking lot. He grows watermelon, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and onions. Lewis tends to the garden with great care before and after work and shares all of his harvest with folks in that building and throughout. His garden always attracts a great deal of attention and feeds many hungry appetites, but it's the love and care that Lewis puts into this fresh and natural treasure that feeds the soul.
Page 21 | July, 2021
Let the Growing Begin! 2nd Annual Pumpkin Project Grow and Show Preparations are Underway.
By Kelly Carr, 4 - H Youth Educator, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Orange Unit
Over 40 youth and adults are participating in the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Project Grow and Show. It ’ s a Pumpkin Growing Contest! Starting July 1st, participants will grow Big Max pumpkins at their home with
guidance from their local Extension Office. Weigh - In will take place Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the Northern Piedmont Research Station. Individuals will compete for tallest, smallest, heaviest, and largest pumpkin as well as three of a kind. This experience is for the whole family and a great opportunity to see the growth from a seed to a pumpkin. Last year the heaviest pumpkin weighed in at 54.4 pounds! We hope to have another year of healthy and heavy pumpkins! We will be posting updates on our Facebook page (facebook.com/ orangecounty4h).
Summer Seasonal Recipe
Summer squash are vegetables that are easy to find this time of year. Neighbors or friends might be trying to give them away because they have so many! You can do a lot with squashes like roasting and frying or make different recipes like bread and cookies. Zucchini Boats are a great option for creating a new meal with zucchini.
To make Boats: Rinse then cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, creating a “ zucchini boat. ” Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Roast cut side down at 400 degrees until a fork inserts easily, about 30 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, cook in boiling water. Fill with your favorite stuffing, such as hot dish, taco meat or stuffing and bake at 350 F until heated through.
Page 22 | July, 2021
Michael ’ s Mile Color Powder Fun Run Proceeds with (literal) Flying Colors By Jayson Woods, Programs & Facilities Supervisor, Orange County Parks & Recreation June 5, 2021 marked both the return of the Michael ’ s Mile Color Powder Fun Run to Booster Park and the return of larger scale special events to our program offerings. Through COVID restrictions, Parks & Recreation had been able to continue to offer events like disc golf tournaments and even the Liberty Ride horseback trail ride (in a much - reduced fashion); but this was the first event to exceed 30 participants in over a year. In fact, it exceeded all prior years of this event, with nearly 100 participants joining in. This success was the result of the partnership between Orange County Parks & Recreation, the Orange County Office on Youth, and the new Orange Healthy Community Action Team (or HCAT). The HCAT took the event to a new level by assisting in planning, promotion, and volunteers, as well as including fun details like an inflatable start/finish line, commemorative sunglasses, and ice pops for after the run. The fun run dates back to 2014 but has changed significantly since then. Originally a school aged kids ’ timed run, it has evolved into an untimed, family - inclusive color powder fun run! The color powder idea came from a partnership with the LGMS Leo Club in 2017. Throughout, the goal of this event has been to support healthy lifestyle choices among our youth by contributing proceeds to the Michael ’ s Gift Youth Activities Scholarship program. This program is operated by the Office on Youth and allows families receiving assistance to apply for funds to offset the cost of activities like youth sports, camps, and other enrichment programs for their children. The scholarship and the run are both named in honor of Michael Ridgeway, a local child with a big heart who tragically passed away at the age of six. His family and friends believed the best way to keep his memory alive was to create a program to carry on his caring attitude for generations to come, and Michael ’ s Gift was born. The success of this event will help this goal go the extra mile.
The organizers would like to express deep gratitude to everyone who participated and volunteered to make this event the best yet. We look forward to outdoing ourselves in 2022!
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Full - time Opportunities
Part - time Opportunities
Fire Fighter/ EMT Firefighter / Medic Senior Maintenance Tech Temporary, Emergency Custodian Deputy Sheriff – Patrol
Child Care Teacher Collection Site Attendant Lead Teacher Temporary, Emergency Custodian
Page 25 | July, 2021
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County Fair Showcases 4 - H Efforts
By Kelly Carr, 4 - H Youth Educator, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Orange Unit
The Orange County Fair took place June 23 - 26 at the Orange County Fairgrounds. The weather was the best in years. There were so many stories of helpfulness, sportsmanship, and happiness being together. The fair is the culminating experience for many of Orange County ’ s 4 - H members as it's a chance to show off their project work. Whether archery members who demonstrate their skills on the targets, or animal exhibitors who compete in the show ring, it's important for youngsters to have a chance to earn recognition for their efforts. The fair also provides a chance for 4 - H members to share with the public what they've been learning over the past year, through tactile exhibits, educational posters at each animal stall, and personal visits to potential supporters of the 4 - H auction. The Orange County Extension Unit is thankful for such a supportive community and can't wait for next year's fair!
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Citizens Ask...
By Michelle Williams
Q: Can the County Attorney help me with my legal issue? A: The County Attorney represents the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and the various departments in the County government. As such, he cannot provide legal advice or opinions to citizens, or private individuals. If you need private representation, you may wish to consult your personal attorney, contact the Legal Aid Justice Center at (434) 977 - 0553, or the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 552 - 7977.
Q: Who are these people that are running cable along the roads? I ’ ve called Verizon and it ’ s not them. A: Most likely, it is FiberLync (Orange County Broadband Authority). For questions or information, please contact FiberLync at (540) 360 - 0585.
A Prize Drawing for Our Readers!
Read the newsletter carefully each month, and look for a special word appearing somewhere in the newsletter to enter our monthly raffle. This month, any employee who sends their name before July 20th to newsletter@orangecountyva.gov and includes the last word in this month ’ s IT story in the SUBJECT line will be entered into a drawing to win A $20 gas card!
A Special Message from Your Newsletter Staff
Page 29 | July, 2021 Page 13 | March, 2021
TAX INFORMATION
2020 DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES The Treasurer ’ s Office is currently issuing tax liens against wages and/or DMV stops for accounts delinquent on personal property taxes for 2020. If you are unsure if you are delinquent please contact the Treasurer ’ s Office. If you owe 2019 and prior, those accounts are turned over to a collections agency, Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C. (TACS). You must call (804) 545 - 2500 to pay or make arrangements to pay. The Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office accepts payments through the following methods: · Via drop box, located at 112. W. Main Street, Orange · Online: Payment Options page on the Orange County website · By mail to the Orange County Treasurer, P.O. Box 469, Orange, VA 22960
The beauty of a recent ice storm
G.W. Gray
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Building Official Employment Start: 1993
G.W. Gray, Orange County Building Official, loves working with fellow Orange County citizens. He is an Orange County native who grew up in a family of stonemasons. After finishing Orange County High School, his experience as a brick mason included rehabilitation of the historic University of Mary Washington library where he “ saw it all! ” G.W. began his career of public service in Orange on June 1, 1993. He remembers being employee #124! G.W. has seen several major changes to the regional, national, and state - wide building codes during his career. On the job, G.W. enjoys problem - solving with owners and designers to adapt existing buildings and to build new structures that meet changing standards of construction. You will find G.W. friendly, and quick to share his knowledge and joy for a job done well on projects large and small.
Off the job, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and growing vegetables to share with lucky family and friends. He is eager each year to grow a new batch of peppers for homemade salsas, in addition to the other produce of the garden plot he and his wife established in 1987. G.W. is proud of his two grown daughters, products of Orange County Public Schools, who also hold undergraduate and graduate degrees from Virginia universities including JMU, William & Mary, and the University of Richmond.
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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Harrison
Harrison was a traveling soul. For about a month, the residents of Locust Grove,VA reported sightings of a brindle animal running the roads and through the woods. This elusive "beast" was finally trapped and brought to the Shelter. He was thin, dirty, and suffering with many ticks. Harrison appears to be either hearing selective or mildly deaf. He is a loving and sweet Pit Bull Terrier, who is around 8 years of age. Harrison was often seen enjoying a buffet style meal with feral cats and during his travels he also encountered other dogs and livestock with no issues. Harrison has been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and is current on Rabies. We also have given him dewormer, monthly flea/tick prevention, and tested him for heartworm (negative). He is on a monthly heartworm prevention. To learn more about Harrison, please email the Shelter Director and fill out the Pre - Adoption and Hold Form.
Visit us on Facebook See Adoptable Pets Here (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960
Come find a friend at The Orange County Animal Shelter
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