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 l ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE
INSIGHT
Readiness Demonstrated During VOPEX Page 2
OOY Helps Students Get Ready for the Start of the School Year Pages 3 & 4 Major Milestones for FiberLync Page 9 COFEMS to Begin New Recruit School Page 19
August 2024
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Team Orange,
As you ’ re reading this, I am currently in Richmond attending the Virginia Association of Counties ’ County Officials Summit. I always look forward to these get togethers as an opportunity to share ideas and (shamelessly) brag about the
great things going on in Orange County. If you ’ ve been keeping up with the Orange County Insight, you know we ’ ve had no shortage of things to celebrate thanks to the many members of our team and the support of our amazing community. Right now, I ’ m probably sharing some of those achievements with my colleagues. For many, August is a time of transition and preparation. Vacations end, kids return to school, and summer begins to show signs of retreating into fall. We ’ re reminded that it ’ s time to prepare for what comes next. You ’ ll find elements of that in this issue. For example, our emergency personnel - even those that may not traditionally think of themselves as such - recently participated in the VOPEX drill. Our Office on Youth helped get kids ready to return to class with the items they ’ ll need. Tropical Storm Debby ’ s transit through Orange County reminded us that it ’ s important to be ready before the arrival of tough times. With preparation often comes opportunity, and there ’ s plenty of that featured this month as well! Our young folks can get more involved with local government by applying to be a member of the Youth Council, County of Orange Fire & EMS is preparing a new recruit school, and there are a wide range of activities and services being offered by departments like Parks & Recreation, the Public Library, and the Extension Office, among others. We hope you enjoy this issue, and don ’ t forget to subscribe for more great content every month!
Ted Voorhees,
Orange County Administrator
We ’ re Here For You
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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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Cover Photo: Student Sophia Bernard poses outside the Office on Youth with new school supplies provided during their annual distribution event.
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Biennial VOPEX Drill Tests, and Confirms, Orange County Emergency Preparedness
By: Orange County Communications Department
“ Drill, drill, drill. ” These words were repeated extensively in the Orange County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on July 16. With participants realistically rehearsing as if there were an actual emergency at North Anna Power Plant, the consistent reassurance that the events were imaginary was a significant calming factor in an otherwise serious, even stressful, environment. The Virginia Operations Plan Exercise, or VOPEX, is conducted for the North Anna Power Station, and surrounding localities, every other year. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that any states with nuclear power plants undergo a preparatory exercise biennially. This year, elements were added to increase the level of difficulty. For example, our personnel were not allowed to “ stage ” the EOC. Instead, we had to wait until receipt of an alert indicated that an event had transpired at the power station. Once received, staff hurried to assemble workstations and get ready to respond. However, the state - of - the - art nature of our Public Safety Building reduced the burden of set up, and responders were quickly in place. As the imaginary event escalated, all aspects of emergency response were tested, including in the field and beyond. VOPEX is not intended to examine the response Staff review a Lake Anna map during a drill practice.
of each locality in a vacuum, but rather the ability of localities, state agencies, and Dominion Energy to cooperate for the public wellbeing. Players throughout the Commonwealth participated simultaneously in real time as the events of the exercise unfolded.
During the drill, an inject (an intentional changeup thrown into the exercise by controllers to test adaptability) was given which posed the problem of an overturned log truck blocking the evacuation corridor. Participants quickly realized that although the road closure was intended to disrupt efforts in Orange County, the road was actually located in Spotsylvania County. Handling the situation required coordination between the EOCs of both counites, including their Emergency Managers, Sheriff ’ s Offices, Public Information Offices, and more. We are pleased to report that initial evaluations, made by exercise controllers for Orange County, were overwhelmingly positive. Perhaps the old adage, “ practice makes perfect ” rings true, as this was actually the fourth practice opening of the EOC just this year. While it is hoped that we won ’ t need to activate the EOC for a true disaster, residents should be assured that Orange County emergency personnel are ready to respond if the need arises. Evaluators and controllers observed the exercise across the region. Photo from VDEM Facebook page.
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Office on Youth School Supply Drive Sets Students Up for Success
By: Orange County Communications Department
For almost 20 years, the Orange County Office on Youth (OOY) has collected school supplies from generous community donors and distributed them to local students in need before the start of the school year. The program helps ease the burden of school supply expenses faced by Orange County families each summer. Many may be unaware that school supplies can actually be requested at any time throughout the school year, but it is not surprising that the summer distribution always receives the greatest turnout. The items given to each child vary, and are based on that child ’ s particular supply list as determined by their grade and school. Proof of need is necessary to receive supplies. In just the first week of this year ’ s summer giveaway, staff provided items to more than 270 children!
This event is made possible thanks to generous community support. The Office on Youth would like to express our gratitude to all of the donors who contributed supplies, our friends in other county offices that helped collect, and the following businesses who gathered supplies at their locations: Blue Ridge Bank, Dollar General (multiple locations), Country Cookin' Depot, Clearwater Fire - Grill, Family Dollar, Faye's Office Supply, The Licata Group, Mama ’ s Pizza, Orange County Chamber of Commerce, and Orange Pharmacy. Still want to help? Donations of school supplies are accepted year - round at the OOY's location at 146 North Madison Road, Suite 102, Orange, VA 22960.
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Orange County School Age Child Care (OCSACC) Fall Enrollment Open
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FiberLync Celebrates 5,000th Subscribed Household, Looks to Expand Connections through VATI Grant
By: Orange County Communications Department
A celebration was in order on Friday, August 2 at FiberLync ’ s office on North Madison Road. Just a few days earlier, they had connected their 5,000th household to the service. The Murphys were very excited to be connected, noting that before FiberLync they were making do with two hotspots to provide internet. While staff members enjoyed pizza and snacks, Mr. James White, the Executive Director for FiberLync and former District Three
FiberLync staff take a moment to enjoy a pizza party in celebration of recent successes!
Supervisor, highlighted exactly how far the broadband provider had come. Recalling the early days of the Orange County Broadband Authority (when more than 40% of Orange County address had no access to high - speed internet) and how efforts to draw potential commercial providers to the area were met with little to no response, Mr. White emphasized how the efforts of so many had met and then substantially exceeded the initial goal of 1,000 subscribers. Indeed, Orange County ’ s efforts to close the digital divide
through the Broadband Authority and FiberLync was recently recognized as one of the primary reasons for the receipt of our third Digital Counties Survey Award. Impressive as it was, this milestone was not the only reason to celebrate at FiberLync. At nearly the same time, they received news that a Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grant had been awarded to Orange County! While more than 93% of Orange County will soon have access to high - speed internet thanks to completed and ongoing projects, the $2.1 million from this grant will allow FiberLync to redouble efforts to reach those in the hardest - to - connect locations of Orange County. “ The Orange County Broadband Authority is committed to expanding access to reliable, affordable high - speed internet in Orange County, ” said R. Mark
FiberLync connects its 5,000th household. Pictured L to R: Robert Murphy, Hedi Murphy, Jim White (FiberLync Executive Director), Nick Hamner (FiberLync General Manager), and AJ Amon (FiberLync Installation Technician)
Johnson, Chairman of the OCBA. “ The receipt of this VATI grant will allow us to connect even more addresses to a service that is increasingly important for both business and everyday life, ” he added. Orange County residents interested in receiving FiberLync service should call (540) 360 - 0585 or visit join.fiberlync.net, to check current availability at their address.
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Orange County Litter Control Committee Offers Fundraising Opportunity for Groups Interested in Roadside Cleanup
By: Orange County Communications Department
Did you know the Orange County Litter Control Committee (OCLCC) offers a program for local civic groups that allows them to earn some green while keeping Orange green? The Volunteer Trash Pickup Program does just that! In fact, up to $500 can be earned by the participating volunteer group if all conditions of the program are met.
Interested groups should begin by visiting www.orangecountyva.gov/1060/ Volunteer - Trash - Pickup - Program to submit an application. A copy of the organization ’ s W - 9 form will be required. If the application is approved, the group will be assigned a section of road which has been reported as littered. The road to be cleaned up must be
assigned by the OCLCC Coordinator; it is not chosen by the group. A minimum of five volunteers must participate in the cleanup, and at least two miles of road must be completed. The total number of bags collected during the cleanup must be reported to the OCLCC Coordinator. Supplies can be provided to the group using the OCLCC ’ s Challenger Trash Pick Up Kit. These kits contain bags, safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, and more. Kits are available for any Orange County - based group that would like to clean up a road. It does not have to be connected with the fundraising program. The purpose of the kits is to remove
obstacles, like the expense of supplies, that might hinder those interested in removing litter. They originated as an idea from an Orange Elementary School Destination Imagination team, and have been in use for almost five years! Those with questions are encouraged to contact the OCLCC Coordinator, Karen Gibson, at (540) 661 - 5403. For a list of program guidelines and restrictions, please visit the website listed above.
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Last Call for Corks & Caps Program!
By: Orange County Economic Development & Tourism Department
Orange County Economic Development and Tourism is hosting the Corks & Caps Passport Program for the third year, but time is running out! Now through Labor Day , visit seven of Orange County ’ s 17 craft beverage locations (nine wineries, three breweries, and a distillery). Transportation businesses are back and getting involved in 2024 to promote responsible drinking and to give visitors a chance to leave the driving to the professionals. Don ’ t miss this opportunity to sip and savor award - winning craft beverages in beautiful Orange County, Virginia, and be rewarded for doing so! Simply, take along a program passport and collect a stamp at each location. Return the passport to Economic Development and receive a free t - shirt! This program is only for those 21 years of age or older. Please enjoy responsibly.
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Voter Registration & Elections Reminds Residents about Deadlines for the Upcoming Election
By: Orange County Communications Department
The Orange County Office of Voter Registration and Elections would like to remind residents about upcoming dates and deadlines for the November 5 general election. Early voting for this election will begin Friday, September 20, at the Office of Voter Registrations and Elections. This department recently relocated to 130 North Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960, which utilizes the same parking lot as the Sedwick Building. Any registered voter in Orange County is eligible to vote early. Office hours for early voting will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday. Additionally, early voting will be available on two Saturdays, October 26 and November 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November 2 is the LAST DAY to vote early for the upcoming election. The final day to request a mailed ballot will be Friday, October 25. Want to participate in the election process? Poll workers are critical to the conduction of a fair and efficient election. Those able are asked to consider applying to be an Officer of Election. Only registered voters in Virginia are eligible to serve in the Commonwealth. Officers of Election are compensated for their
service and Virginia law requires employers to allow anyone who serves as an Officer of Election to take leave on Election Day without using vacation time or being subject to disciplinary action. For more information or to apply, visit www.elections.virginia.gov/officer - of - elections. Sample ballots will be available in mid - September. Voters will be voting for President/Vice - President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and a Constitutional Amendment. Voters in the Towns of Orange and Gordonsville will also be voting to elect Town Council members. If you are not registered or need to make changes to your registration, please note the deadline to do so is Tuesday, October 15. Please call (540) 672 - 5262 with any registration or election - related questions.
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Orange HCAT Promotes Healthy Summer Eating Habits at OCSACC Sites
By: Robyn Chapman, Grant Program Manager, Orange County Office on Youth
The Orange Healthy Community Action Team (HCAT) partnered with Mrs. Claudia Samson during the summer months to teach the Orange County School Age Child Care (OCSACC) kids about good eating habits. Mrs. Claudia started each class reminding the students to start each day with a full eight - ounce glass of water, to choose foods with less sugar content, and to first eat their veggies and greens, then proteins and fat, followed lastly by starches and sugars. Participating youth enjoyed preparing orecchiette, sushi, plantain balls and potato boats. The end of year party included a strawberry shortcake made with fresh strawberries, cake, and dream whip. This exploration of both healthy and delicious foods helped connect the dots between a variety of fun HCAT programs held throughout the summer! We appreciate Mrs. Claudia volunteering her time for this important initiative!
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Office on Youth Accepting Youth Council Applications
By: Orange County Communications Department
The Orange County Office on Youth (OOY) is now accepting Youth Council applications for the 2024 - 2025 school year. The Orange County Youth Council is comprised of youth in grades six through 12. They are appointed to represent the youth population and advise the Orange County Youth Commission and the OOY regarding the needs and interests of young people in Orange County. Additionally, the Youth Council undertakes projects to support our community. Past projects have included tobacco litter clean - ups, lobbying to state and local legislators, helping with tobacco prevention efforts locally, and more.
Youth Council Requirements
• Applicants must be a resident of Orange County or attend Orange County Public Schools.
• Applicants must be in grades six through 11 with at least a 2.25 GPA. Members of the Council who are transitioning from 11th to 12th grade may return if all membership requirements were met during their 11th grade year.
• Membership terms shall be for one year.
• Members of the Youth Council must conduct themselves in a positive, friendly, and law - abiding manner at all times. • Applicants must be willing to attend at least one meeting per month. Any member that misses three or more consecutive scheduled meetings or events will be subject to dismissal from the Council.
• All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, or disability.
Applications can be found online at orangecountyva.gov/130/Youth - Council and must be returned or postmarked by Friday, September 6 . For further information, please contact Alisha Vines, Office on Youth Director, at (540) 672 - 5484, extension 4, or avines@orangecountyva.gov.
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County of Orange Fire & EMS to Offer New Recruit Academy
By: Orange County Communications Department
County of Orange Fire & EMS (COFEMS), an award - winning organization that is community - focused, innovative, and growth - oriented, is currently seeking applicants for Firefighter/EMT roles. Their community focus means that employees learn to perform both fire service and emergency medical roles. Positive relationships with other public safety departments and volunteer fire crews work for the benefit of our residents and staff members. Regular outreach and public education efforts create strong connections with our community. It is the community - mindedness of the organization which had led to a habit of innovation. COFEMS employees are provided with state - of - the - art equipment that promotes positive patient outcomes and a better work environment. In fact, the department works diligently to lead the Commonwealth in prehospital emergency care. Examples include whole blood availability for trauma victims, prehospital ultrasound, transport ventilators, rapid sequence intubation, and more! COFEMS will begin a new Recruit Academy this fall. Through this program, interested individuals with no prior experience in the field are welcome to apply (successful completion of an agility test is required). All training will be provided during the fall academy. Offers are planned to be made in November. Those with existing qualifications are eligible to participate in an accelerated academy. Upon employment, new team members will enjoy competitive pay and benefits as well as access to a comprehensive wellness program with peer mentorship and support. A public safety retention incentive is available to encourage development within the organization. Career ladder progressions, coupled with high - fidelity training simulations and continuing education opportunities (such as paid paramedic training) provide regular opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ready to suit up for success with COFEMS? Begin your journey by applying for an open position listed at www.orangecountyva.gov/cofemsrecruit.
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Good Times Ahead! Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Community Events!
Town of Orange Music in the Park: Thurs., August 22, 2024
Join the Town of Orange on the fourth Thursday of the Month for Music in the Park, a Family Friendly Celebration of Music and the Town of Orange!
Orange Farmer ’ s Market: Every Saturday through Oct. 26, 2024
Come visit the new Orange Farmer ’ s Market to buy local produce and other items. Bringing back the concept of farm to table. Providing our community with local foods and goods. The Orange Farmer ’ s Market will be held every Saturday May 4 through October 26, except September 14 and 21.
BLM Rodeo at Oakland Heights Farm: Sat. September 14, 2024
BLM Bull & Rodeo Company is the producer of some of Virginia ’ s finest Professional Bull Riding events and were voted Producer of the Year in 2009 by SEBRA. Rodeos will be held every second Saturday, May - September.
Patchtoberfest: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Calling all craft beer lovers to join us for a day of music, fun and games, and celebration of community at Patch Brewing Company in Gordonsville!
Orangetoberfest: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Don ’ t miss this year ’ s Orangetoberfest with 20+ beer and cider vendors, 5 food trucks, and 2 great bands. The event will be held on September 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Learn more about other events at: www.visitorangevirginia.com
*Events listed on this page are not necessarily hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by Orange County.
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2024 Orange County Holiday Schedule
New Year ’ s Day - Monday, January 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 15 George Washington Day - Monday, February 19 James Madison ’ s Birthdate (Observed) - Friday, March 15 Memorial Day - Monday, May 27 Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19 Independence Day - Thursday, July 4 Labor Day - Monday, September 2 Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day - Monday, October 14 Election Day - Tuesday, November 5 Veterans Day - Monday, November 11 Noon Closure for Thanksgiving - Wednesday, November 27 Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28 Day After Thanksgiving* - Friday, November 29 *Landfill & Collection Sites Open Christmas Eve* - Tuesday, December 24 *Landfill & Collection Sites Open Until Noon Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25 This holiday schedule is subject to change and applies only to those County Government offices under the purview of the Orange County Personnel Policy Manual. Some offices may follow alternate schedules, such as the Landfill and Collection Sites. Public safety departments (Sheriff ’ s Office, COFEMS, E911) remain available 24/7. The Board of Supervisors may grant additional holidays, under special circumstances, throughout the year. County employees will be notified of additional holidays after they are officially granted.
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28 years, Renee Pope, Commissioner of the Revenue
3 years, Larry Griffith, Sheriff ’ s Office
18 years, Peggy Helmick, Development Services
3 years, Cindy Hawkins, Public Works
24 years, Becky Jones, Sheriff ’ s Office
3 years, Ryan Merryman, FiberLync
21 years, Helen Scott, Landfill
2 years, Kayla Bennett, Office on Youth
18 years, Carol Faulk, Public Works
2 years, Hailey Brown, Fire & EMS
18 years, Susan Pruitt, Landfill
2 years, Joshua Cooper, Fire & EMS
18 years, Davis Smith, Public Works
2 years, Richard Holmes, Sheriffs Office
15 years, Christopher Locker, Sheriff ’ s Office
2 years, Lance Marks, Sheriff ’ s Office
14 years, James Colvin, Fire & EMS
2 years, Mikalah Martin, E - 911
11 years, Ray Elswick, Landfill
2 years, Tiffany Napier, FiberLync
11 years, Joseph Falin, Parks & Recreation
2 years, Lauren Stover, Library
11 years, Clarence Washington, Landfill
2 years, Justin Wallace, Sheriff ’ s Office
10 years, John Jeffries, Landfill
1 year, Sarah Adkins, Office on Youth
6 years, Charles Ellis, Public Works
1 year, Kristin Beasley, FiberLync
5 years, Michelle Goodwin, Office on Youth
1 year, Emily Calabrese, Social Services
4 years, Christina Gibson, Office on Youth
1 year, Cheyenne Hawkins, Animal Shelter
4 years, Rachael Lacy, Social Services
1 year, Jennifer Hayes, Victim Witness
4 years, Ronald Sacre, Landfill
1 year, Nicholas Newton, Sheriff ’ s Office
3 years, Nimibia Derrick, Social Services
1 year, Tierra Ross, Circuit Court Clerk
3 years, Robert Graves, Landfill
1 year, Chase Saunders, FiberLync
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Assistant General Registrar Children ’ s Services Act (CSA) Manager Code Enforcement, Erosion and Sediment (E&S) Program Manager Custodian Deputy Sheriff
Child Care Lead Teacher - GBES Child Care Lead Teacher - LGPS Child Care Teacher Assistant - GBES Child Care Teacher Assistant - LGPS Library Aide - Gordonsville Library
Director of Development Services Emergency Communications Officer
Firefighter/EMT Firefighter/Medic Grounds Maintenance Technician I Youth Services Librarian (Internal Applicants Only)
Page 32 | August 2024
Open Enrollment Currently Open for Orange County Employees
By: Orange County Human Resources Department
It ’ s that time of year! The open enrollment window for Orange County employees will be August 12 - 23. When you begin enrollment, please review your address and phone numbers. Ensure all information is spelled correctly and the phone numbers listed are assigned to the appropriate category. If there are any changes needed, please notify the Human Resources Department right away to make the corrections. If you are adding any dependents to any of your policies, you will need to have Social Security Numbers and Dates of Birth available. The system will not permit you to enroll without that information.
An email was sent earlier in August with additional enrollment details. If you did not receive that email or would like assistance enrolling in your benefits, please contact the Human Resources Department. You may also stop by the Public Safety Building on the following dates/times:
• Wednesday 08/14/2024 from 1:00pm– 5:00 PM in the Rotunda Conference Room
• Wednesday 08/21/2024 from 8:00am – 1:00pm, in the Board Room
• Friday 08/23/2024 from 8:00am – 5:00pm, in the Rotunda Conference Room
If you need further assistance, have additional questions, or have issues accessing your online account, please contact Jen Fox at jfox@orangecountyva.gov or Hailee Perry at hperry@orangecountyva.gov. The Orange County Human Resources Department can be reached by phone at (540) 672 - 3313.
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OC Olympics Brings ‘ Event - full ’ Fun
By: Tim Moubray, Director, Orange County Parks & Recreation Department
The torch has been extinguished and the County Cup OC Olympic Games have concluded. Following fierce competition in all four event, the results are as follows: Golf Ball Drop: A test of both skill and will, this event required participants to delicately roll a golf ball along two poles, choosing the right moment to drop the ball into a cup or bottle below. Jen Fox (Admin/HR) was the Gold Medal winner, successfully dropping the ball into all five cups and the first water bottle. Kenny Yount (Ops) and Dee Fleming (Library) both successfully dropped in all five cups, but missed the first water bottle. Each had six total misses (first tie - breaker). The OC Olympic Committee elected to award equal team points and flip a coin for the medals. Dee gets Silver and Kenny gets Bronze.
Simon: The classic electronic game of Simon was our second event. Participants repeated the randomized pattern of the Simon board. Brandon Bunce (Public Works) is our Gold Medal winner with a three - round total of 45, and an amazing single round total of 28!! Jen Fox (Admin/HR), becoming accustomed to the podium, wins the Silver with a total of 34 and Chris Cord (ECC) gets Bronze with 26. Money Machine Grab: In this event, participants sought to grab as many flying flowers as possible from the inflatable money machine. Krystle Dickson (Treasurer) is our Gold Medal winner with a total of 1759. Jennifer McGuire (Admin/HR) wins Silver with 1445 and Michelle Williams (ECC) wins Bronze with 1245. Jennifer was the only person to successfully grab the rose, a specialty target worth additional points. Darts: This version of darts awarded the top spot to the individual with the fewest points after twelve throws. After each successful hit, the score they earned was subtracted from 300. Joey Freeze (Public Works) is our Gold Medal winner with a total of 115 remaining. Robin Coppa (Library ) wins Silver with 136 remaining, and Emily Calabrese (DSS) wins Bronze with 142 remaining. Team points were awarded 10 - 1 for all four events. Admin/HR and Library both won big with 28 points. Public Works was next with 27. Team Admin/HR regains the lead in this roller coaster affair, up by a single point over the ECC. There were many shakeups in the standing below them. But remember …. it ’ s still anyone ’ s game. The County Cup is an important part of our organization ’ s Cultural Initiative, which seeks to make Orange County an employer of choice, able to recruit and retain skilled employees. Look like fun? Visit www.orangecountyva.gov/jobs to see if an open position might be right for you!
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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: How do I dispose of items like paint or fluorescent lightbubs? A : Mark your calendar for our upcoming Hazardous Collection Event on Saturday, October 12. This event will be held at the Landfill from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Learn more on page 12.
Q: I have a business in Orange County. Are there ways the County can help get the word out about our goods/services? A : One great way is to sign up to be featured as the Business Spotlight at a Board of Supervisors meeting. Learn more on page 14. You can also contact the Economic Development and Tourism Department regarding a variety of business resources.
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Upcoming Orange County Meetings
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
• Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 5:00 p.m. .
• Thursday, August 15, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Economic Development Authority • Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960
•
Public Comment during this Meeting
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 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 and subject to change. 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.
Ashley Jacobs
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Management Analyst
Though currently serving in a relatively new role as our Management Analyst, Ashley Jacobs is no stranger to the world of local government. She has served for more than a decade in roles within our Administration and Office on Youth departments. Prior to that, she was notably the Town Manager of Grottoes in the Shenandoah Valley. In fact, it was during her tenure as Town Manager that Grottoes assumed ownership and operation of Grand Caverns, a National Natural Landmark. Helping
Juanesta Williams
Support Technician facilitate that transfer for the public benefit is still one of her proudest accomplishments and Ashley is quick to point out that the caverns are, “ the oldest continually operating show cave in the United States. ” She reflects that the varied scope of local government means a public servant can never fully anticipate what they ’ ll learn or do. “ I didn ’ t expect to become versed on how White Nose Syndrome in bats can impact cave systems and the local economy, but I had to, ” she said with a laugh. Ashley ’ s experience handling special projects outside of normal operations helped guide her to her current role, and she appreciates how “ real change can happen at the local level. ” As Management Analyst, she ’ s already helped guide Orange County Senior Leadership through a recent SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. She ’ s witnessed significant cultural change within the organization since she began in 2011, and is excited about the good that can come from it. Even when not required to visit caves or national landmarks, it ’ s still one of her favorite things to do. “ I love being a mom... it ’ s my favorite title, and traveling to explore National Parks and new states with my family is my favorite pastime. My dream is to visit all 63 National Parks within the United States, as well as those in the Alberta Province of Canada, ” she said. Keep up the good work, Ashley!
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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Alex Alex is an outgoing and playful three - and - a - half month old brown tabby boy. He came to us along with several "siblings" that were very sick and in need of some tender loving care. With that in mind, Alex and his siblings went into foster care for hands on socialization and extra care.
Now healthy and happy, this little boy is ready to find his forever home!
Alex has been neutered, microchipped is current on all age appropriate Vaccinations, given a dewormer along with Flea/Tick prevention. We have tested his FLV/FIV.
If interested, please visit www.orangecountyva.gov/adoptapet,
and complete the 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
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