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
Corks & Caps
Page 6
Early Voting Deadline
Page 14
New COFEMS Arrive!
Page 18
Celebrating Our Volunteers
Page 25 - 26
2022 WINNER
April 2023
Page 1 | April, 2023
Ted ’ s Talk
Team Orange,
The Fiscal Year 2024 Budget was formally presented at the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 28th and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was presented on April 11th. A public hearing is set for April 18th, and adoption by the Board is scheduled for April 25th. The Board and its Budget Guidance Committee worked diligently to balance the needs of the community with the ability to pay for services. No increase in real estate taxes is proposed, while an increase in vehicle taxes to offset declining values is still on the table. Many taxpayers will see a flat or decreased vehicle tax bill. Cigarette tax increases and a few fee adjustments for building permits are also part of the budget package. For employees, the most notable news is a proposed pay increase of 5% to their salary range midpoint. Health care benefit costs are expected to remain the same. Cultural Initiative Projects that were outlines in pages two (2) and three (3) of the February 2023 edition of Orange County Insight are underway. If you aren ’ t familiar with this work, please go here Orange County Insight February 2023 (flippingbook.com) and take a look. A recent working group shared that they hadn ’ t been involved in some of the foundational work and questioned whether our efforts were too “ top - down ” or had enough “ buy - in ” across the organization. There is no doubt that the pandemic years made it difficult to work cross departmentally, and some may have not been able to participate. Accordingly, we are going to take the time to engage and communicate more about what has been done already and widen the circle of involvement. Moving our organizational culture forward is an “ all - hands - on - deck ” effort, so I welcome the feedback.
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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 1 | April, 2023
Orange County Welcomes Human Resources Specialist
By: Orange County Human Resources Department
In addition to our new hires, Orange County welcomes Hailee Perry as our new Human Resources (HR) Specialist. After spending 16 years at GEICO, Perry was ready for a new change.
R. Mark Johnson Chairman District One Supervisor For Perry, working in HR came by accident, but the opportunity sparked a passion that helped her drive her career forward in the human resources field. Perry ’ s day - to - day can be hectic but worthwhile. “ Being able to help people is the most exciting part of this position for me, ” Perry said. “ When people come to HR they are stressed out and we have to assure them that we will help solve their problem. ” In her free time, Perry is on a women ’ s flag football league in Fredericksburg and has an adorable bulldog. She also spends time with her son, who loves sports. Outside of family time, Perry enjoys watching comedy shows and trying new foods. A fun fact about Perry is she served as a volunteer EMT and is very involved with COFEMS staff and Emergency Communications Officers in Orange County. “ I chose Orange County because of the environment, ” Perry said. “ When I came in for my interview, I just clicked with Jenny and the team right away, and I felt like it was meant to be. ” Perry likes the rural atmosphere and welcoming staff of the organization.
If you have a benefits question or need assistance from human resources, contact Hailee Perry at hperry@orangecountyva.gov or (540) 661 - 5332.
The Orange County Human Resources Department administers a comprehensive human resources program consistent with Federal, State, and local statutes, meeting the needs of the governmental employer, as well as current / potential employees. Orange County is an equal opportunity employer.
Personnel Policies
Classification Scales
Employee Benefits
ESS
Page 2 | April, 2023
Orange County Economic Development Hosts Business and Industry Picnic
By: Orange County Economic Development
Celebrate Business and Industry Appreciation Week the third week of May!
Join the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Orange County, the Town of Orange, and the Town of Gordonsville in recognizing and celebrating our local business and industry employers. The jobs and investments created by local business and industry partners have contributed greatly to Orange County ’ s growth and recognition as one of Virginia ’ s most outstanding communities to work and live. Orange County strives to promote balanced growth and development by recognizing the importance of historic land and water resources along with the need to provide diverse local employment opportunities. To learn more about Business and Industry Appreciation Week, visit the Orange County Chamber of Commerce at https://www.orangevachamber.com/
To learn about businesses and industries in Orange County, visit thinkorangeva.com.
Page 3 | April, 2023
Orange County Is Open For Business By: Orange County Economic Development
Local businesses are the heart of Orange County, and your support makes a difference! Visit www.buyorangeva.com and start planning your shopping, dining, and recreational activities! Are you a local business owner? Visit www.buyorangeva.com to create a FREE profile. Once subscribed, businesses can showcase their offerings by listing services offered, menu items, hours of operation, website, social media links, promotions, photo galleries, and more. For more information, please contact the Office of Economic Development at (540) 672 - 1238.
Event Calendar
4/29
4/15
An Evening With Morels
Market at Grelen Houseplant
At Barboursville
Free Mini - Class
4/22
5/6 & 5/7
Montpelier Garden
Orange Uncorked
Tour
Wine Festival
4/22
5/7
The Unsuitables At
Mo ’ s Charcuterie Workshop!
Woodbrook Farm
At Chateau Merrillanne
Learn more about these and other events at: www.visitorangevirginia.com
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Orange County Welcomes Second Annual Corks and Caps
By: Orange County Economic Development
The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism is pleased to launch the second annual Corks and Caps marketing program and summer contest. Corks and Caps is a passport - style marketing initiative featuring Orange County ’ s many award - winning wineries and breweries. It was designed to encourage visitors to create their own beverage trail and sample the County ’ s burgeoning craft beverage offerings. Corks and Caps plans to leverage interest in Virginia ’ s growing agriculture and viticulture to extend stays and increase visitation at our local attractions. This year, the program includes local transportation partners to encourage safe travel, and a social media contest where participants can use the #corksandcapsva to win an Orange County Experience Package! Corks and Caps invites guests to collect a stamp from (5) of the (16) participating businesses and mail in their completed passport to the Office of Economic Development and Tourism to receive a FREE 2023 Corks and Caps T - shirt (while supplies last). One hundred percent (100%) of Orange County ’ s nine (9) wineries, and three (3) breweries are participating in this summer ’ s program, and are excited to open their doors and pour another round for Orange County visitors. The 2023 Corks and Caps contest will run Memorial Day through Labor Day 2023. Passports may be downloaded at www.corksandcapsva.com, or picked up from the Gordonsville and Orange Visitor ’ s Centers, or at any of the following participating business:
Barn at 678
Well Hung Tasting Room and Restaurant
Barboursville Vineyards
Woodbrook Farms Vineyard
Chateau MerrillAnne Vineyard
Iron Pipe Alewerks
Honah Lee Vineyard
Patch Brewing Company
Horton Vineyards
Unionville Brewing Company
Market at Grelen
Central VA Wine Tours
Reynard Florence Vineyard
C ’ ville Hop on Tours
Sweet Vines Farm Winery
Sweet Vines Farm Winery Tours
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Orange County Rolls Out New Badges and Employee Discount Cards
By: Orange County Department of Human Resources
The new Orange County badging process has officially begun! Over the next few weeks, Jenny Carpenter and Michelle Williams will be making their way to each department scheduling time for staff to have their photos taken. Following the collection of all employee photos, badges will be printed and distributed. For increased security measures, County employees will be expected to wear badges during working hours. Along with the new badges, we are excited to announce that County government employees will also receive an Employee Appreciation Discount Card! This card, presented alongside a County badge, will allow employees to receive a special discount at certain Orange County businesses. This discount is just a small token of our appreciation for your dedicated service to the community. Thank YOU for your service! Orange County would like to extend a sincere thank you to the 19 businesses who graciously offered discounts at their establishments for this inaugural program. We couldn ’ t have done this without your support! For more information on County badges and the Employee Appreciation Discount Card, please contact Jenny Carpenter, Human Resources Director, at jcarpenter@orangecountyva.gov or (540) 672 - 3313.
Page 8 | April, 2023
The Global Launchpad Takes Off in Charlottesville
By: Orange County Economic Development
The Virginia Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) at George Mason University and their partners will host the first Global Launchpad program on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Center of Developing Entrepreneurs (CODE) Building, located at 240 W. Main Street in Charlottesville. This half - day event from 12:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. will provide early - stage STEM companies with the tools to respond to global opportunities as they present themselves. Aaron Miller, Director of the International Business Development program (IBD) at the Virginia SBDC, said, “ in the early stage, innovators can capitalize on their significant international potential when equipped with a strong foundation of trade knowledge. ” The program will feature panels on Securing Intellectual Property Rights in Foreign Markets, Top Regulatory Compliance Issues for STEM Exporters, and Data Privacy and Security Responsibilities for Globalizing STEM Firms, as well as keynote conversation with Antwaun Griffin, Amazon ’ s Head of Socially Responsible Purchasing.
To register for the event, visit: https://cvsbdc.ticketbud.com/the - global - launchpad.
The Virginia SBDC International Business Development Program works with Virginia based firms to enhance their global success. Certified Global Business Professionals provide confidential counseling, training, help companies mitigate risks, prioritize markets, identify financing, and grow export sales.
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April Employee Anniversary Report
Thank you for your dedication to Orange County and it ’ s residents. Below you will find a list of employees who celebrate an employment anniversary in April. Each employee is listed with their years of service and what department they are housed in.
19 years, Donald Hawkins, Sheriff ’ s Office
9 years, Kenneth LickLiter, Sheriff ’ s Office
7 years, Bridget Joyce, Registrar
6 years, Raymond Offer, Landfill
6 years, Rosemary James, Social Services
6 years, Major Davis, Landfill
5 years, Rebecca Sellers, Office on Youth
4 years, Sara Keeler, Finance
4 years, Ronald Kesner, Sheriff ’ s Office
4 years, Anne Wilson, Social Services
3 years, Daniel Fake, Sheriff ’ s Office
3 years, Theodore Voorhees, County Administration
2 years, Melina Moates, Animal Shelter
2 years, Gregory Young, Landfill
1 year, Blake Griffith, Sheriff ’ s Office
1 year, Laura Bretz, Social Services
1 year, Melanie Orzechowski, Animal Shelter
1 year, Jakeia Bailey, Office on Youth
1 year, Amy Jeffries, Social Services
1 year, Karen Stewart, Office on Youth
Page 13 | April, 2023
Information Technology Tip
By: Orange County Information Technology Department
Every website seems to want your information nowadays by making users enter their email and a password. With so many accounts, and the potential for the same passwords to be used consecutively, it is important to have a password manager. At no cost, users can download a password manager app as a safe place to store your online account information. The process behind a password manager app is simple by allowing all your usernames and passwords to be protected by a master password. This ensures a secure storage space for your long and complex passwords so only you can have access and are not at risk of forgetting them.
There are a few beneficial features password managers offer such as password suggestions, making it harder for a hacker to unscramble your information and improve your online security.
Overall, using a password manager can help you improve your online security, save time, and reduce the risk of password - related issues.
Here are some password managers that Orange County IT recommends: Authpass, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Keepass, and KeepassXC.
For employees needing help installing these applications, or questions about them, or a current application you use, please feel free to email Helpdesk@orangecountyva.gov or put in a ticket through our new web portal Helpdesk.orangecountyva.gov.
Do you have team members that exemplify the J.U.I.C.E. mentality and are going above and beyond? Remember you can nominate them! Submissions are open and we will be doing a quarterly drawing to choose a winner for that
quarter. They will receive a fun jackpot prize! Visit the JUICE Employee Recognition Form, or simply use the QR code to recognize another employee.
Page 14 | April, 2023
Orange County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) Launches Police Priority Dispatch System ™
By: Orange County Emergency Communications Center
On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, the Orange County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) celebrated the launch of the Police Priority Dispatch System ™ PPDS ™ to better serve the residents of Orange County in emergency situations.
With PPDS ™, dispatchers will follow national standards and research - based protocols to help identify life - threatening situations, effectively prioritize calls for response, provide lifesaving, and/ or safety instructions to callers and patients. In 2022, the ECC received 80,000 calls for service resulting in around 45,000 calls for service being created for our responder agencies. “ For visitors and residents, this system standardizes the way we obtain information from callers across agencies including Fire and EMS, ” said Chris Cord, Emergency Communications Center Director. In
essence, the program helps make dispatchers provide clear and consistent levels of service. “ This system makes sure we are asking the correct questions in order to better serve our callers and public safety partners, ” said Abbe Smithson, a five - year veteran of the ECC.
The Priority Dispatch System ™ (PDS ™) also includes a certification training course and continual quality improvement (QI) benchmarks. All dispatchers, who work on the new system, are certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (IAED ™) must recertify every two (2) years, complete 24 hours of continuing dispatch education (CDE), and pass all requirements for IAED ™ recertification.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our dynamic Emergency Communications Center, its services, or career opportunities, visit www.orangecountyva.gov.
Page 15 | April, 2023
COFEMS Grows It ’ s Ranks
By: Orange County Fire & EMS
Orange County welcomes five (5) employees this month who began orientation with Orange County Fire and EMS (COFEMS). The new COFEMS personnel will begin their tenure by spending three (3) weeks in a classroom setting learning about our equipment, policies, and advance medical protocols. While in the classroom, personnel will cover a variety of topics including Orange County history, driver safety, sexual harassment training, CPR, active shooter training, and behavioral health.
Some advanced concepts include training with ventilators, infusion pumps, ultrasounds, and whole blood administration (platelets, plasma, and red blood cells together), a rarity among most EMS systems in the County. The new COFEMS have also had the opportunity to meet other County partners like the Sheriff ’ s Office, Emergency Communications Center, and volunteer fire departments.
The new personnel come from all experience levels and will help fill a fifth staffed ambulance every day, increasing the number of first responders in the County to respond to the increasing number of daily incidents.
During the course of orientation, the new hires will complete a series of protocol and competency tests and then move out into the field under the supervision of a field training officer (FTO) for a three - month perception period.
Join us in welcoming these new providers to Orange County!
If you or someone you know is interested in joining our motivated staff, check out our current job opportunities at: https://orangecountyva.gov/Jobs.aspx.
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On the Trail in Orange County
By: Orange County Economic Development
It is the time of year where Orange County residents are out and about enjoying the sunshine, which means it is the perfect time to discover a new walking trail in Orange County! Here are our top five (5) trail picks for the spring season:
James Madison ’ s Montpelier
Enjoy Orange County ’ s most famous landmark through 8+ miles of trails meandering through pastures, meadows, and forests. Montpelier ’ s trails are perfect for hikers of all levels, offering an experience through historical land. The Montpelier Trails are open Thursday through Monday during business hours with the purchase of a tour or property pass. Trails may be accessed from the trailhead kiosk just below the parking lot at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center. To find more information on the trails, visit: https://www.montpelier.org/visit/trails.
Photo by Ethan Hickerson, Courtesy of The Montpelier Foundation
The Market at Grelen
Looking to explore more nature blooms nearby? The Market at Grelen is located just down the street from Montpelier and has trails that connect the two locations. The Market at Grelen is a European - style garden shop featuring a farm - to - table café and hiking trails making a perfect day in Orange County! The Grelen Trails include 6+ miles of walking trails through Grelen Nursery ’ s 1,000 acres of the VA Foothills. https:// www.themarketatgrelen.com/ for more information on their upcoming 10th anniversary. Visit
Courtesy of April Bennett
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Fort Germanna Visitor
Center Trails
To the eastern part of Orange County is a 170 - acre Siegen Forest featuring scenic views, range of historical sites, and water access to the Rapidan River. The forest includes trails from beginner to advanced. Trail information can be found at the Fort Germanna Visitor Center, located at 2062 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508. For more information, visit: https:// germanna.org/things - to - do/hike - siegen - forest/.
Courtesy of Germanna Visitor Center
Wilderness Battlefield Trails
One of the most well - known trails in Orange County is located on the Wilderness Battlefield. Maintained by the National Park Service, the Battlefield offers two (2) miles of American history with interpretive signs, maps, and photos along the easy to follow trail. Access to the Wilderness Battlefield is located at 35347 Constitution Highway, Locust Grove, VA 22508. For more information, visit: https://www.nps.gov/frsp/ planyourvisit/index.htm. Interested in more outdoor adventures? Visit https:// visitorangevirginia.com/play/outdoor - adventures/ to learn how you can enjoy the outdoors on the course, on the water, in the sky, on the farm, or at the park!
Courtesy of National Park Service
Wilderness Crossing Trail
Down the road from Wilderness Battlefield Trails are the Wilderness Crossing Trail. This 1.4 mile trail is a nice casual stroll stretching from Ellwood Manor to the Wilderness Tavern site blending scenery with local history. For more information on the trail, visit https://www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/trails - brochures.htm.
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Courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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Orange County Celebrates Our Volunteers!
By: Orange County Communications
This month, Orange County is celebrating all volunteers who help our organization function. From the Visitor ’ s Center to the Animal Shelter, we are so grateful to the citizens who take time out of their day to help.
When people come to Orange County, their first stop is at the Visitor ’ s Center, where Ruth Pavlik kindly greets anyone who walks through the door. “ Everyone who comes here has a different interest or agenda or they don ’ t know anything about Orange County, ” Pavlik said. As an Orange County citizen for many years, Ruth has a story for every area of Orange County including where to eat and variety of historical locations including Montpelier and the Wilderness Battlefield. “ A lot of people that come in love history, and others come in to watch the trains go by, ” Pavlik said. Located in the old train station, the Visitor ’ s Center displays everything the County has to offer. In addition to our Visitor ’ s Center, the Animal Shelter captures the hearts of anyone who walks through the door.
Courtesy of Lorena Best
Gary Brown has been volunteering at the Animal Shelter for three (3) years after the passing of his 19 - year - old Jack Russel. He originally come to the Shelter just to be with dogs, but soon developed a bond with many dogs whom he takes on daily walks. Brown and a dog named Dodge have a special bond.
Courtesy of Visit Orange Virginia
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“ In the beginning, Dodge didn ’ t really like me that much, ” Brown said. “ He wasn ’ t really a fan of men. ”
Once Director Gina Jenkins entered into the same room, Dodge ’ s personality totally changed, like most of the animals after they enter the shelter. “ I see the difference the employees make on the animals, ” Brown said. “ Because they receive so much love, they are so happy and have a changed personality within days. ”
Seeing the animals just puts a smile on Gary ’ s face.
Aside from taking the dogs on walks three (3) times a week, Brown also helps run adoption events twice a month. Looking for a furry friend? For more information on how to adopt, visit https://orangecountyva.gov/158/ Animal - Shelter
For more information regarding tourism in Orange County, visit https://visitorangevirginia.com/
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What is 4 - H and What Does it Mean for Orange County?
By: Orange County Extension Office
4 - H is development organization engaging youth to reach their fullest potential. a youth It is a program available in many counties around the nation just like Orange. The four (4) H ’ s stand for head, heart, hands, and health. With these values, 4 - H teaches leadership, life and social skills, job readiness, and responsibility. 4 - H has a big impact in Orange County as a needs - based organization. As part of 4 - H, “ students have become more confident in their abilities and learn to give back, ” Kaci Daniel, 4 - H Extension Agent, said. The activities youth do as part of the program vary in delivery including year - round camps, volunteer clubs, overnight camps, and day camps.
Volunteer Sarah Gower, former soybean plant breeder, leads fifth graders to a soybean field at Brooke Farms in Locust Grove.
Courtesy of 4 - H Extension Office
In fact, most volunteers were children in the program. Some examples of concepts children learn are public speaking, trying new foods, and exposure to a variety of careers. There is a big need for life skills in Orange County such as empathy, social skills, teamwork, and responsibility. One program youth love doing is competing on a food challenge team, like the show Chopped . Youth are given an ingredient, prepare a dish and a presentation, and explain how it applies to the MyPlate model. This activity combines public speaking, teamwork, and food preparation. 4 - H camp registration is currently open! Have your youth apply today: om4hcamp.org .
4 - H camp teens work in groups to describe characteristics of a strong camp counselor during one of their monthly trainings.
Courtesy of 4 - H Extension Office
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4 - H Recipe
By: Orange County Extension Office
Each month, the Orange County Extension Office or 4 - H organization provide a recipe to give insight on the life skills and knowledge children are learning in the County. To make a crustless spinach quiche, you ’ ll need the ingredients located on the right with the following directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a pie pan with cooking spray.
3. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, except spinach.
4. Stir in spinach and pour in pie pan.
5. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until slightly browned on top.
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Employee Gatherings!
By: Orange County Department of Human Resources
For St. Patrick ’ s Day, staff in the Gordon Building dressed up in green to celebrate the Irish in style! Participants even had cookie cake to commemorate the occasion. Last but not least, how could we forget Ted, our County Administrator, who wore a St. Patrick ’ s Day headband?
Some staff even took the time to decorate their offices for St. Patrick ’ s Day including the Treasurer ’ s Office and Commissioner of Revenue. Before Easter, our Operations Team took part in their annual Easter Hat Decorating Contest. Each contestant modeled his or her hat while strutting through the Public Works building. The Easter bunny even stopped by for a short visit to deliver some candy. Congratulations Karen Gibson for winning best hat!
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Learning How to Manage All Kinds of Stress
By: Orange County Department of Human Resources
We all know stress is a fact of life, but what you may not know is stress is unique and complex. The two (2) major types of stress are eustress (“ good ” or “ positive ”) and distress (“ bad ” or “ negative ”). You might be wondering, “ how can stress possibly be positive? ” In a situation, stress could motivate you to prepare, plan, and execute to maximize an outcome in your favor – a good thing, right? On the other hand, if that same situation caused you to not eat, lose sleep, procrastinate, and eventually fumble the entire thing – not so good or “ negative stress. ” Stress can also be acute or chronic. Acute stress is fleeting or momentary whereas chronic stress occurs over a period time. Stress can be any combination of good or bad while happening quickly or over time. Now, let ’ s break down distress into the two (2) degrees of tolerable or toxic. Tolerable distress is something you can generally manage and maintain your composure with – maybe a bad day at work or waiting in a long line at your favorite restaurant.
In contrast, and what you want to be on the lookout for, is toxic distress. This is the type of stress that takes the biggest toll on the mind and body – situations like witnessing a car accident or being continuously overloaded with responsibility. When you encounter toxic stress, management is key. Don ’ t fret, stress management can be learned and should be refined to accommodate for life changes. How do you get started? Stress management can be broken down into three (3) easy steps: identify, examine, and act. Here ’ s how: think of a situation that is stressing you. Then, do a little more investigating by asking yourself exactly about what the situation is bothering you. If you have a hard time with this, do not give up, it will come to you eventually if you give it enough time and space. It can be helpful to do this in a quiet environment where you can be still. Once you ’ ve identified what about the situation bothers you, dig even deeper and ask yourself if anything else may be contributing to the stress. As a follow - up, ask yourself if there was anything that you could have done differently that might have impacted the lead up or the outcome.
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Once you ’ ve done this, you can brainstorm ideas to head off the stress or handle it better in the future. In some cases, you might even find that the situation itself is not what stressed you, rather, it was something else entirely! Do you truly take enough time to reflect and build your awareness surrounding your stress? Do you recognize how stressed you truly are? Do you take time to recognize how some things in your life can be a positive stress? Or, as can sometimes happen, do you remain constantly distracted to the point that you ’ ve reached the edge of what you can handle and simply throw your hands up in defeat or erupt? It ’ s fair to say that most people want to avoid the last scenario as much as possible, so do yourself a favor and identify, examine, and act! Interested in learning more? Orange County employees can contact Jennifer McGuire, Wellness Coordinator, at jmcguire@orangecountyva.gov.
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The results are in! It was a successful March Madness for Orange County with the Office on Youth (OOY) and Department of Social Services (DSS) leading the way in the top ten (10). After many busted brackets and numerous top - ranked teams going home early in the opening rounds , it proved it is truly anyone ’ s game. With UConn ’ s championship win, Juanesta Williams with the (OOY) becomes the County Cup ’ s March Madness Champion! Juanesta will go home with a custom ceramic County Cup March Madness Champion Trophy, which also opens for storage for various office supplies. Congratulations are also in order for Susan Turner in the Finance Department. With UConn ’ s two (2) last wins, Susan jumped from 24 th to 2 nd , earning nine (9) points for team Finance. In the overall standings, Finance was able to maintain their lead with 34 points, but DSS is charging hard with 32.33 points in the County Cup overall. In the next issue of the Orange County Insight, you will find the results of The Egg Toss competition where participants will find out just how far they can toss an egg without breaking it. Each department is allowed two (2) pairs to compete and players will receive hots dogs and drinks. Winners will be the pair with the longest successful catch.
Good luck to all of our participants!
And who knows someone special to everybunny might stop by!
Stay tuned for more results coming your way!
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Orange County Youth Take on the Nation ’ s Capital
By: Orange County Office on Youth
The Orange County Office on Youth traveled to the nation ’ s capital this month to learn and engage with the democratic process at the federal level. As part of their tour, three locations were selected for the youth to tour including the National Archives, Holocaust Museum, and the Capitol building.
First Stop: The National Archives Museum
For those who don ’ t know, The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation ’ s record - keeper. Some of our nation ’ s most valuable documents are stored there in their original format including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Alisha Vines, Office on Youth Director, said she “ wanted youth to see history of the documents that helped found our country and learn about local government. ” One cool fact youth learned on the trip was the history on how the original documents are stored. Each document is displayed in a temperature - controlled chamber containing argon gas because oxygen causes deterioration. In addition to the argon gas, dim lighting also helps preserve the documents quality. The group also learned that the documents cannot be restored with anything other than original materials. If alternative materials are used, the documents are no longer considered original. In addition to seeing the documents, the group saw duplicates of old boxes that these documents would have been stored in prior to being placed in the National Archives.
Second Stop: The Holocaust Museum
As the youth made their way through the museum, they saw various representations of what life would have been like for victims during the Holocaust, including a large pile of shoes from a concentration camp. “ One of the girls came up to me afterward and asked ‘ which part of the museum got you? ” Vines said. “ The pile of shoes made people emotional and served as a representation of people during that time. ”
Vines ’ reason for visiting this museum was to empower youth to use their voices for those who can ’ t.
Third Stop: The Capitol
The youth ’ s next stop was The Capitol to meet with Representative Spanberger to learn about the bills that were being debated, the committees she serves on, and how a member is appointed to committees.
Courtesy of the National Archives Museum
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Spanberger said she serves on the Agricultural and Intelligence Committees because of her background in the CIA and because of her district being largely agricultural. She explained, in order to be on a committee, each representative makes a request and gives an explanation on why he or she would like to serve on a particular one.
After some quick photo - ops, the youth hopped on The Capitol tour and saw the rotunda area where the presidents lie in state, as well as the famous statues that line Statuary Hall. The youth then went up to the House and Senate galleries to hear bills that were being debated while Congress was in session. Vines said for some youth, it was their first trip to DC. “ Most of them have never been on the Metro so it was an experience for quite a few of them, ” Vines said. “ They were very engaged and asking questions throughout the day, I was very proud of them. ”
Youth pose on The Capitol stairs with Representative Spanberger
Courtesy of Alisha Vines
Courtesy of Alisha Vines
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Hop into Spring with Cozy Adult Mysteries!
By: Orange County Library
The Orange County Public Library is looking forward to celebrating spring with everybunny as these reads will keep you wanting more. What could be more entertaining than a chocolate bunny and a few bad eggs?
The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha
by JoAnna Carl
At TenHuis Chocolade. Lee and her Aunt Nettie need all the help they can get to make their famous chocolate bunnies. When a new worker, Bunny, brings mayhem, a body is discovered next door. Lee is convinced there is a bad egg in her midst and is now on the hunt to find out who it is...
Aunt Dimity & the Widow ’ s Curse
by Nancy Atherton
It ’ s early April in the small English village of Finch and Lori Shepard ’ s husband and sons are gone for spring break. After a widow announces a quilting bee at an old schoolhouse, questions are raised about the “ widow ’ s curse ” as Lori discovers an astounding revelation.
Daisies For Innocence
by Bailey Cattrell
The Enchanted Garden behind Elliana Allbright's perfume shop draws people of all ages with its fragrant flowers and lush greenery . But when the magical serenity is interrupted, it's up to Ellie to sniff out a killer . She smells trouble when she learns that her assistant Josie is dating her ex. And before she can tell the young woman to beware of his charms, she finds Josie dead in the Enchanted Garden. Ellie must search for the real culprit in Josie's past - because it'll take a miracle to nip this problem in the bud...
Page 39 | April, 2023
Child Care Lead Teacher - OES Child Care Lead Teacher - LGPS & LES Child Care Teacher - LES Child Care Teacher - LGPS Child Care Teacher - OES Child Care Teacher Assistant - OES Library Assistant for Children ’ s Programs
Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Emergency Communications Officer Deputy Sheriff
Firefighter / EMT Firefighter / Medic
Page 40 | April, 2023
INSIGHT Please subscribe to our newsletter by clicking this link. You will receive each issue in your email every month.
Be sure to add newsletter@orangecountyva.gov to your contacts so it does not go to your junk folder.
Citizens Ask...
Q: How do I make an appointment with AARP for tax preparation?
A: Interested parties need to call (540) 661 - 5475 and must leave a message. Someone will call back and set up an appointment.
Q: When I submit a FOIA request for building permits for a home I ’ m interested in purchasing, why am I told that documents do not exist when it is disclosed that an addition was built?
A: Under Code of Virginia § 42.1 - 85, the Library of Virginia (LVA) has authority to issue regulations governing the retention and disposition of local public records. The LVA has developed records retention and disposition schedules outlining the disposition of public records.
For more information regarding retention schedules, please visit the Library of Virginia website.
Page 41 | April, 2023
Orange County Public Hearings
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
• Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting Room Orange County Public Safety Building 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange
Public comment is at the second meeting of the month.
This information is for reference only. Specific information about hearing topics and schedules will be available in that meeting ’ s agenda packet when published. Agendas can be accessed in the online Agenda Center. Please note that due to the monthly publication schedule of this newsletter, it is possible that some upcoming public hearings may not be listed. Pursuant to the applicable section of the Code of Virginia, notices for all public hearings will be posted in our newspaper of circulation (The Orange County Review) at least seven days prior to the hearing date, or as required by code.
Matthew Hottle
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Recreation Programmer
Matt Hottle, Recreation Programmer, came to Orange County to create new and improved recreation programs for all ages. He currently serves as the USA Pickleball Ambassador of Orange, a very competitive role only for a select few. As pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, the popularity for the sport has taken off. This is the first time pickleball and volleyball have been offered through Parks and Recreation to Orange County residents. As a result, the growth of these leagues are booming. Hottle said every league has grown by a dozen people each time it is offered, exciting the community, children, and parents on what leagues will come next. As the weather gets warmer, stay tuned for exciting Parks and Recreation news during the month of April. Have any questions about upcoming Parks and Recreation programs? Contact Matt at (540) 672 - 5435 or email him at mhottle@orangecountyva.gov.
Juanesta Williams
Support Technician
Page 42 | April, 2023
Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Hunter
Looking for a furry friend to be outdoors with this spring?
You ’ re in luck! Hunter loves to run and play outside and continues to stay active everyday. As a brown, black, and white tricolor, Hunter loves playing with other dogs and does have crate training as he likes to keep his kennel clean. With his friendly, affectionate, and loving personality, Hunter is sure to make a great furry friend for you! If interested, please go to the Orange County website and fill out the preadoption application and submit it by email to the Director at gjenkins@orangecountyva.gov.
Page 43 | April, 2023 Find your new best friend at The Orange County Animal Shelter
Visit us on Facebook Find Adoptable Pets (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960
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