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
COVID - 19 Vaccine Info Page 3 Digital Business Directory Launches Page 10
Time to SOIL Test Page 11
FEBRUARY 2021
Ted Talk
“ I am not throwing away my shot! ”
A refrain by the title character in the Broadway hit “ Hamilton ” is “ I am not Hamilton seeks to make history, command a revolutionary war unit, and influence how our young nation ’ s government is organized. He wants to make an impact. We all have the opportunity, and perhaps the responsibility, to make an impact on history and our nation, by getting vaccinated when it is our turn. throwing away my shot! ” To put this pandemic in the history books and get it off the front page of our daily lives, we need to strive for “ herd immunity. ” This means that roughly 80% of our population will need to be protected from the SARS - COV - 2 virus through developing a strong immune response by recovering from the disease itself or getting vaccinated. I plan to avoid getting sick so I will be fully vaccinated. I encourage Orange County employees and citizens to do the same. We will all have to remain patient while vaccine supply catches up to demand, but when the time comes, don ’ t throw away your shot!
- Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator
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Orange County Administration
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Physical Address 112 W. Main Street Orange, VA 22960 Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
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Page | February, 2021
Cover image: Old Courthouse by Stephanie Straub
Two Orange County Businesses Recognized with Cardinal Comeback Awards by Virginia Economic Developers Association The cardinal is more than just our mascot and official state bird of the Commonwealth. It represents hope. Health. Rejuvenation. ” - Virginia Economic Developers Association In the early onset of COVID - 19, Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) solicited economic developers from around the Commonwealth for stories of businesses in their respective communities persevering through the many challenges brought on by the pandemic. VEDA is using the power of story to help inject hope and health into the community by publicizing these stories and recognizing businesses across the State, with Cardinal Comeback Awards. Congratulations to Lohmann Corporation and Imani Works for being recognized!
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COVID - 19 Vaccines in Orange County Orange County, through theF ire and EMS Department, is partnering with Orange Family Physicians and Orange County Public Schools to operate vaccination clinics in Orange County. Thus far, the group has successfully held three clinics
vaccinating 650 persons. The size and frequency of these clinics will be driven by the availability of vaccine as distributed to us by the Virginia Department of Health. They hope to expand the number of days and possibly move the location to other parts of the community. Currently, only persons who meet the State's Phase 1 criteria are eligible for vaccination.
Important information from the Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District on how to sign up for vaccines if you are in category 1A or 1B can be accessed here.
The COVID - 19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID - 19. Two doses are needed. Depending on the specific vaccine you get, a second shot 3 - 4 weeks after your first shot is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease. Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated. It ’ s Safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two COVID - 19 vaccines which have been shown to be safe and highly effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. These data demonstrate that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming
infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19). Learn more about the different COVID - 19 vaccines.
Page 3 | February, 2021
COVID - 19 Vaccine Sign - up Update from RRHD
Click here to read directly from the RRHD website
RRHD has some exciting news that will improve our COVID - 19 scheduling and our community's experience with vaccine registration. As of February 5th, the Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District is transitioning to a new registration software called PrepMod. PrepMod has been tested and used in neighboring Health Districts. Please note that we will continue to prioritize essential workers who are not yet vaccinated as we move through this process. RRHD has sent an additional confirmation email to everyone who filled out the online survey prior to February 5, 2021. • If you did not receive this email, but filled out the survey prior to February 5th, please resubmit the survey and double check your contact information through our survey for individuals (Phase 1B and 1C) or our survey for employers (Phase 1A and 1B). • If you filled out the survey after February 5th, you should have received an automated confirmation from Google Forms.
If you have completed the survey, but have not been contacted to make your first vaccine appointment:
The RRHD or one our partners will contact you as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.
• If you filled out the survey and provided an email address, you will get an email with specific instructions when we reach your name on the waiting list. That email will tell you how to register on the PrepMod platform and set up your first vaccine appointment. Make sure to monitor your spam and junk folders, as well as your inbox. Please note: you will NOT receive an email with these instructions until we have reached your name on the waiting list. If you filled out a survey and did not provide an email address, a Rappahannock - Rapidan Health Department or partner representative will call you to set up your first vaccination appointment. If you do not answer the phone, they will leave a detailed voice message. Please return their call as soon as possible. If you do not answer and do not have voicemail setup, they will try to reach you three times before moving to the next name on the list.
- Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District
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Orange County Communications Department Releases First Public Service Video, “ Orange Talks … About COVID - 19 ”
Filming on Main Street
The Orange County Communications Department released its inaugural production of “ Orange Talks …” with a public service video focusing on the COVID - 19 pandemic in Orange County. The Communications Department partnered with local experts from the Orange County Department of Fire & EMS, the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office, the Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District, Orange Family Physicians, and Dogwood Village, to discuss COVID - 19, vaccines, and how to keep our community safe. Stephanie Straub, Public Information Officer and Assistant to the County Administrator said, “ Our goal was to create an informative clip explaining how COVID - 19 has impacted our community, what steps we can take to stay safe, and what we can expect from vaccines currently approved for use. We are grateful to the local professionals who participated and provided clarity to an often confusing subject. ” “ Orange County Talks … About COVID - 19 ” can be found on Orange County ’ s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yamDB06BR18&feature=youtu.be or the County ’ s website at http://orangecountyva.gov/863/COVID - 19.
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Update for County Employees from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Orange County employees with VRS deferred compensation accounts may visit https://www.varetirement.org/vrsaccountlogin/vrs - mobile - app.html to download the new VRS DCP mobile app. See the details in the graphic below.
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OC Restaurant Week 2021 February 19 - 28, 2021
Celebrating our local restaurants and the amazing culinary talent in Orange County.
Special menu options and pricing will be offered at participating restaurants. All OC restaurants are invited to participate! Visit the Orange County Chamber of Commerce ’ s webpage dedicated to all the details of the participating restaurants and specials they are offering:
https://www.orangevachamber.com/restaurant - week
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Orange County Awards $194,000 to Organizations in the Third Round of the “ Bounce Back Orange Small Business Grant Program ” Orange County Economic Development is pleased to announce the third Round of Bounce Back Orange Small Business Grant awards. Thirty - five Orange County small businesses and non - profit organizations were awarded a total of $194,000 from this round of funding. Round 3 of the Bounce Back Orange Small Business Grant program was funded by the County of Orange and administered by the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC). In total, the Bounce Back Orange Grant program has awarded approximately $688,000 to local organizations through ninety - nine individual grants. “ With the new COVID - 19 restrictions imposed upon businesses, and the increased interest in another round of business assistance, the Board saw the need for another round of crisis assistance within our community. We are pleased to be able to award funding to so many Orange County businesses and organizations and commend the Office of Economic Development on their efforts in directing the various rounds of funding. ” noted James “ Jim ” P. Crozier, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors.
If or organization missed out on this funding opportunity, please contact Economic your business Development to discuss other available funding sources. We encourage businesses to reference our COVID - 19 Resources for Local Businesses page, at https:// www.thinkorangeva.com/ covid19 - resources, to stay up to date on various business assistance programs.
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Orange County Economic Development Launches Digital Business Directory
Orange County Economic Development is pleased to announce the launch of a digital business directory. The new Orange County Business Directory is a FREE online platform for local businesses to promote their services and maximize exposure to new and existing customers. The user - friendly online directory is a helpful tool for those searching for business information or businesses looking to share updates with
customers. The directory can be easily searched by category, location, purchasing options, and contact details. The directory is also mobile friendly allowing the information to be accessed anytime and anywhere. We encourage businesses who wish to participate, to go to www.buyorangeva.com to create and update their profile information. Once subscribed, businesses can showcase their offerings by featuring services offered, menu items, hours of operation, website, social media links, promotions, photo galleries, and more. Users are encouraged to update their content regularly. Businesses with questions about the Orange County Business Directory should reach out to the Economic Development Office at (540) 672 - 1238.
Parks & Recreation Update
Parks & Recreation reports that the Barboursville playground renovation is on pace for spring reopening.
Page 10 | February, 2021
It ’ s Best to Soil Test in February!
By Kaci Daniel, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Unit Coordinator
When the first signs of spring arrive, many Orange residents will be raring to go with yard work and gardening. This often includes applications of lime and fertilizer, but before you go that route, it ’ s best to take a soil test so you know the nutrient contents of your soil. Taking a soil test is easy and inexpensive, and soil test kits
are available from any Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) location. We are l in the Sedwick Building, located at 146 North Madison Road, Suite 102, Orange, Virginia. Using a small trowel, dig four inches into the soil and place that scoop of soil in a bucket or other mixing container. Repeat three to five times around your lawn or garden, adding to the bucket each time. Mix the soil well to ensure a random sample, and then fill a VCE soil sample box with your soil. Label the sample with your name and an identifier like front, back, yard, garden, or whatever makes sense to you. Complete the accompanying VCE soil test form, and mail the box of soil and completed form with a check for $10 per sample to the soils lab at Virginia Tech.
You only need separate soil tests where your fertilizer application might change. One sample is sufficient for most home lawns in this area; you may wish to send a second sample for a vegetable garden or specific flowers and shrubs. The routine soil test measures soil pH, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Iron,
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Boron, and estimated Cation Exchange Capacity.
Soil test results are usually available within 7 - 14 days, and the lab gets much busier as springtime weather approaches. Results can be mailed or e - mailed to you and include directions for how much fertilizer and/or lime to apply based on what you intend to grow. Extension staff can also access those results and help you interpret them and devise a plan for increasing the overall quality of soil. While the fall is generally the best time to amend soils, springtime seems to be when most citizens are thinking about the soil beneath their lawns and gardens. Don ’ t waste time or money or send valuable nutrients as runoff into our waterways -- it ’ s always best to soil test! To view VCE publications about a variety of topics, visit resources.ext.vt.edu, or contact our local office at (540) 672 - 1361.
Page 12 | February, 2021
New Program Ideas Take Flight for Orange County Parks & Recreation
By Jayson Woods, Program and Facilities Supervisor, Orange County Parks & Recreation Department
Orange County Parks & Recreation (OCPR) is always looking for new program ideas, and loves to partner with local organizations to make them a reality. When an article in the Orange County Review revealed that Earthquest Inc., an organization that works with actual avian ambassadors to educate
the public about birds of prey, was opening a facility in Orange County, OCPR staff quickly reached out to find out if partner programs were possible. Earthquest invited Parks & Recreation staff, Tim Moubray and Jayson Woods to their Rapidan facility to see the birds. For both of them, it was one of the most interesting workdays ever. After witnessing actual flight demonstrations, learning about their resident non - releasable raptors, and getting a chance to hold Bubo, an Eurasian Eagle Owl, they felt that Parks & Recreation should set up programs as soon as possible. OCPR is currently offering two “ Walk with a Hawk ”
programs at Booster Park. In this program, participants will take a leisurely walk while a Harris ’ s Hawk flies along and an Earthquest educator teaches about birds of prey. OCPR has plans to offer more programs, such as an Introduction to Birdwatching. Keep an eye to the sky for more information.
Page 13 | February, 2021
Play Bingo at the Library and Get a Prize! The Orange County Public Libraries are offering an adult reading program during the month of February 2021. Anyone age 18 and up can play, and it is easy to participate from home. Each participant gets a bingo card with 16 activities including reading for 20 minutes, recommending a book, watching a movie based on a book, and more. If you get BINGO by completing any 4 in a row in any direction, you will receive a cool tote bag. Tote bags are provided while supplies last, but we have plenty on hand. Everyone who completes their bingo card can also enter to win one of ten Amazon gift cards ($40 each). The bingo card shown below can be printed from our website http://www.ocplva.org/wp - content/ uploads/sites/20/2021/01/ARP - 2021 - pdf - bingo.pdf
or completed as a survey on Survey Monkey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2WTRB29.
Printed bingo cards can be returned during curbside service, which is available Monday through Saturday, including 3 evenings. When you return your completed bingo card, we will give you your tote bag and enter you in the gift card drawing.
All entries must be received by Saturday, March 6th. The drawing will follow on Monday, March 8th.
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Heart - Healthy Recipes Need Not Taste Like Diet Food
By Kaci Daniel, Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, Unit Coordinator
February is American Heart Month, and the local Extension Office is here to confirm you can enjoy heart - healthy foods without feeling like you ’ re on a restrictive diet. A heart healthy diet limits saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and sugar. It includes a balance of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low - fat dairy, and healthy fats like those found in nuts and seeds. To avoid that “ diet ” feeling, add herbs and dried seasonings to increase food flavor. Serve foods in a fun way, like on a kabob stick, as shown in the accompanying recipe. Incorporate many colors of foods so meals appear vibrant and stimulating. Step outside of your comfort zone and try new fruits and vegetables. Experiment with cooking traditional recipes in a new way, such as broiling instead of frying, or using a pressure cooker instead of hours in the oven. In addition to eating healthy foods, the body ’ s heart also needs to be exercised in order to stay in shape. At least 30 minutes per day is recommended, so consider increasing activity during commonplace activities like talking on the phone or during a Zoom meeting. Squats, lunges, and walking in place can help keep your heart healthy. For additional heart - healthy recipes, visit Virginia Cooperative Extension at resources.ext.vt.edu or contact the Orange office at (540) 672 - 1361.
Recipe: Beef Kabobs
Source: Texas AgriLife Extension
Serves: 5
Ingredients
1 lb extra lean beef steak
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp minced garlic
1 medium bell pepper cut into 20 squares
10 cherry tomatoes
10 small, fresh mushrooms
2 small, yellow squash cut into 10 slices
Non stick cooking spray
Instructions
Cut meat into 20 (1 - inch) cubes
Thread meat, bell pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms, and squash alternately onto five (12 - inch) skewers.
Sprinkle evenly with salt and garlic.
Coat grill rack with cooking spray; place on medium hot grill (350° to 400°F). These can also be done in the air fryer, or a conventional oven.
Place kabobs on rack and grill uncovered, turning once for 10 minutes or until beef reaches a minimum of 145 degrees F.
Recipe Notes: 140 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat, 3 g net carbs, 22 g protein
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Recipe: Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension Buzz Body and Bites Newsletter
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
3 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the sweet potatoes.
2. Place the sweet potatoes in a microwave - safe bowl with a little bit of water.
3. Cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave for 6 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check for doneness by inserting a fork.
4. Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise, and scoop out the filling into a mixing bowl.
5. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to mix.
6. Place in a nice serving bowl, and sprinkle with a little cinnamon to garnish.
Recipe Notes: Sweet potatoes promote a healthy heart, digestive tract, and vision!
Page 16 | February, 2021
Citizens Ask...
By Michelle Williams
Q: Where can I get a copy of my plat? A: Citizens who wish to obtain a copy of their plat may visit the Orange County Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office, located at 110 N. Madison Road, Orange, or contact the Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 4030. For more information on the Clerk ’ s Office, visit their website: http://orangecountyva.gov/194/Circuit - Court. Q: Where can I get a copy of my marriage license? A: Citizens who applied for a marriage license in the County of Orange may visit the Orange County Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office, located at 110 N. Madison Road, Orange, or contact the Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 4030. For more information on the Clerk ’ s Office, visit their website: http://orangecountyva.gov/194/Circuit - Court.
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
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IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
2021 FIRST HALF REAL ESTATE TAX The first half real estate tax is due on Monday, June 7, 2021 this year. (June 5 th falls on a weekend which makes the payment due date automatically defaults to the next business day.) Delinquent 2020 Personal Property and 2nd half 2020 Real Estate bills have been mailed. Delinquent amounts are due by Friday, February 19, 2021, to avoid further collection actions. Billing statements were mailed directly to citizens and amounts due are available here. The Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office accepts payments through the following methods:
• Via drop box located at 112. W. Main Street, Orange, Virginia 22960
• Online at Payments page of the Orange County website
• By mail to Orange County Treasurer, P.O. Box 469, Orange, Virginia 22960
The beauty of a recent ice storm
Kathy Cash Customer Service Coordinator Employment Date 10/16/18
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Kathy Cash started with Orange County ’ s Building & Development Services on October 16, 2018. In her role as Customer Service Coordinator, Kathy is responsible for all intake for Building, Zoning and Planning. She issues building, zoning, erosion and land disturbance permits. She is also responsible for maintaining street signs. Kathy is an excellent employee because she is always willing to go the extra mile to help a citizen. Her duties include responsibility for timesheets, training, and anything that may arise during her shift. Kathy has filled in for the Office Manager on a regular basis during the pandemic due to split shift hours. Barbara J. Crozier, Building & Development Services Office Manager, praised Kathy ’ s work ethic, “ Kathy never complains and does whatever is asked of her. She is an example of the type of employee Orange County needs. ”
Kathy is married to Travis Cash and is the proud mother of two sons, Jarrett and Trevor, and three pups, Daisy, Dexter, and Dakota. She is an excellent cook and often brings goodies into the office to share.
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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Reese -
Reese is a very pretty seven - year - old hound who came to the Shelter as a stray. She was a little underweight and in need of a good bath, but was otherwise healthy. Reese is a quiet girl who likes naps and is very sweet, but do not let that fool you! She is quite goofy and loves to play with stuffed toys in our play yards. She has done well with the dogs she has met and had little interest in the cats in our cat room! Reese has been spayed, microchipped, and is current on all vaccines including rabies. She has been given a dewormer and started on flea/tick prevention, heartworm tested (NEGATIVE), and given heartworm prevention.
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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