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
Portrait Unveiled in Historic Courthouse Page 3 OCECC Celebrates Achievements Page 5 Start Your Business Workshop Page 11
JUNE 2021
Ted Talk
Engaging with You and Our Community
As I am writing this month ’ s Ted Talk, we have learned that Virginia ’ s State of Emergency will be lifted at the end of June. We ’ ve been waiting for this for quite a while, but it is finally here! With that great news, I ’ m pleased to announce that we will begin “ Breakfast with the Administrator ” this month so that I can have the opportunity to personally engage with County employees monthly in an informal setting. I ’ m looking forward to getting to know more about our team and the important work you do every day to help Orange County citizens thrive. Our employees are the ones who deliver service to the customer, and I want you to know that I understand and appreciate your service. My mission is to help you achieve your goals and move our team forward every day. I will also be communicating with each of you about what values we share across the organization. In these times of political and social division, shared values can anchor us to our work and to each other as we serve our community. If you are one of the lucky ones to receive the “ golden ticket ” to join me, I look forward to spending a little time together. Stay tuned as we will be adding other ways to engage with you and with Orange County residents! I invite you to do your part to stay informed by reading this publication. Several of your colleagues won prizes for doing so last month. Don ’ t miss out!
- Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator
Cover Photo credit: OC Tourism, Barboursville. Image above: Grelen
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Page | June, 2021
Welcome New Staff!
Animal Shelter
Library
Melanie Orzechowski, PT Animal Caretaker 5/18/21
Amy Brice, PT Library Aide 5/24/21
Melina Moates, PT Animal Caretaker 4/4/21
Brennan Tanner, PT Library Aide 1/25/21
Jujeidy Cabrera, PT Animal Caretaker 2/19/21
Office on Youth Childcare
Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office
Jackie Carpenter, PT Childcare Teacher Assistant 3/22/21
Rebekah Zummo, PT Deputy Clerk 2/21/21
Danielle Maynard, PT Childcare Teacher 1/25/21
Extension Office
Planning Services
Jill Wong, PT Administrative Assistant 4/4/21
Joshua Gillespie, Planning & Development Services Director 3/8/21
Emergency Communications Center
Rebecca Bruner, Records Specialist 4/4/21
Denise Campbell, Communications Officer 3/21/21
Mikalah Ludwig, Communications Officer 3/21/21
Public Works
Candice Pierson, PT Communications Officer 2/22/21
Ryan Daniels, Maintenance Worker 4/5/21
Finance
Registrar
Crystal Sisk Aylor, Accountant, 5/27/21
Kayla Conley, PT Assistant Registrar 5/17/21
Fire & EMS
Sheriff ’ s Office
Nicholas Brown, Firefighter EMT 2/8/21
Theangela Johnson, Deputy 4/11/21
Jessica Caudill, Firefighter EMT 2/8/21
Christian Amos, Deputy 2/21/21
Joshua Andrew, PT Firefighter Medic 5/12/21
Social Services
Human Resources
Sheila Morrisseay, Family Services Specialist II 5/17/21
Jennifer Carpenter, Human Resources Director 2/22/21
Katelyn Peters, Family Services Specialist II 5/2/21
Kristin Helmick, Self Sufficiency Specialist II 4/18/21
Information Technology
Walker Merryman, Help Desk Specialist 2/8/21
Treasurer ’ s Office
Kirsten King, Deputy Treasurer 2/1/21
Landfill
Gregory Young, PT Collection Center Attendant 4/18/21
Victim Witness
Raymond Wareham, PT Collection Center Attendant 2/7/21
Adrian Perry, Program Assistant 7/1/21
Page 2 | June, 2021
Captain Maples Portrait Unveiled in Historic Courthouse
By Michelle Williams
The 15 th day of May was a beautiful, sunny day, the perfect setting for the portrait unveiling of Captain Andrew Maples Jr. at the historic Courthouse. Family, friends, veterans, local officials, and members of the Orange County African American Historical Society were present as the portrait, painted by Gordonsville Artist, Becky Parrish, was added to the historic Courthouse ’ s walls.
Capt. Maples was a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II. On June 26, 1944, Lt. Maples was leading a group of Thunderbolts from their base at Ramitelli Airfield in Italy on a bomber escort mission into Hungary. His fighter developed a mechanical problem over the Adriatic Sea. Lt. Maples radioed that he planned to bail out when the aircraft reached a safe altitude. A parachute was never spotted, and a search revealed no sign of Lt. Maples or his plane. He was listed as Missing in Action. While missing in action, Lieutenant Maples was promoted to Captain and awarded the Air Medal. One year later, June 1945, the Army declared him dead and posthumously awarded Captain Maples the Purple Heart. Following the unveiling, the Honorable Judge David Franzén read an order into the court record, stating “ in recognition of the exemplary conduct and sacrifices of native son Andrew Maples Jr., ” including President Truman ’ s remarks. “ It is hereby ordered, adjudged and decreed that the court has caused a portrait of Capt. Andrew Maples Jr. to be prominently displayed in its historic courtroom among other distinguished citizens of Orange County, reflecting the diversity of our community and demonstrating that we, the people, are strengthened by that diversity and of which, by celebrating, we can be justly proud. ” Capt. Maples ’ great - nephew, Robert Elliott III, and nephew, Andre Maples Sr., unveiling the portrait.
The Maples portrait is the first of eight new portraits to be added to the historic Courthouse since the 1970’ s.
For the full story, visit the Orange County Review ’ s website for the article, written by Jeff Poole.
Photos of the Orange County historic Courthouse and Judge Franzén speaking with Doris Maples Walker outside the historic Courthouse at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Page 3 | June, 2021
Photos from event by Jeff Poole. Historical marker and Courthouse photos by Michelle Williams.
Page 4 | June, 2021
OCECC Celebrates Achievements By Chris Cord, Emergency Communication Center Director
Orange County Emergency Communication Center (OCECC) has cause for celebration this month. Two employees completed leadership training, and the OCECC A Team received an award from The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO ) Virginia Chapter. Communications Supervisors, Holly Williams and Jessica Lohr, completed The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Registered Public - Safety Leader (RPL) program. This is a year - long program covering a variety of topics that leaders need. Developing the talent pool, fostering teamwork and collaboration, and managing change are just a few of the topics they learned over the course of the past year. In addition to their course work, they were required to complete a service program. For OCECC, that project was preparing for CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) accreditation. As part of this project, they revised and wrote several new policies and processes for OCECC. “ APCO ’ s RPL program is an excellent tool in developing leaders in the public safety communications industry and helps make us the great place we are to work. Holly and Jessica can put what they ’ ve learned to use in supervising their teams, and their work on CALEA accreditation puts us much further towards that goal, ” said Chris Cord, ECC Director. Holly had this to say about the experience, “ I am thankful for Orange County ECC being so involved in building our supervisors by way of training opportunities. RPL was an amazing class that has helped shape me over the past year into a better leader for my team. It was both challenging and rewarding to be able to complete RPL over the past year. I look forward to continuing to be the best leader I can for my team in the years to come! ” Jessica described it as “ the most intimidating, incredible experience I ’ ve had within Public Safety. The class goes beyond training, beyond learning, and genuinely made my brain approach supervising differently. The class is a year long, so it ’ s almost like learning a new language. I didn ’ t learn how to work, I learned how to grow. I learned how to lead and guide, to teach towards the future. I discovered better time management skills, project management, and interpersonal communication concepts that I haven ’ t encountered before. Fellow students became friends and resources. As APCO has just recently updated this program, it was all fresh and relevant and applicable to what I see daily. I enjoyed it so much that I reached out to APCO and was accepted as an RPL Course Facilitator, so I can take the extraordinary experience I had and pass it on to the upcoming leaders in public safety. I am very grateful for such a privilege to take this class and look forward to putting my new skills to work for Orange County. ” In addition to those personal accomplishments, OCECC ’ s A Team was selected by the Virginia Chapter of APCO for the Outstanding Team Performance in a Critical Incident Award. The team, Holly Williams, Xiushka Gibson, Alicia Herzog and Jeremy Brown, handled a call about a suicidal person on June 16, 2020. The caller, who was in Spotsylvania, refused to be transferred and Jeremy stayed on the phone until responders were on scene. The team performed flawlessly in locating the caller ’ s cell phone location, coordinating a response with Spotsylvania, and keeping the caller calm and talking. “ This is a prime example of the incredible work our Communications Officers do every single day, and to be recognized by the state chapter of APCO is an honor, ” said Chris Cord. “ It shows that we ’ re benefiting from programs like RPL. ”
The award winners will receive their awards at the Virginia APCO - NENA conference this October.
Page 5 | June, 2021
Jessica Lohr and Holly Williams
The A team: Xiushka Gibson, Jeremy Brown, Holly Williams, and Alicia Herzog
Page 6 | June, 2021
Orange County Fair Brings Wholesome Fun
By Kelly Carr, 4 - H Youth Educator, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Orange Unit
The Orange County Fair will take place June 23 - 26 at the Orange County Fairgrounds. The fair is the culminating experience for many of our 4 - H members as it's a chance to show off their project work. Whether archery members who demonstrate their skills on the targets or animal exhibitors who compete in the show ring, it's important for kids to have a chance to earn recognition for their efforts. The fair also provides a chance for members to share with the public what they've been learning over the past year, through tactile exhibits, educational posters at each animal stall, and personal visits to potential supporters of the 4 - H auction. There will also be a livestock auction. In addition to high quality, locally raised animals, the auction will also feature items such as home decor, gift baskets, and a catered dinner to benefit 4 - H club treasuries. Here are some photos from a previous fair to give a hint of the fun that attendees will experience. For more information on the many events and attractions at the fair, visit orangecountyfairva.com. Enjoy!
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Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. News reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas that they were free and the Civil War was over on June 19, 1865. This announcement meant that the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all enslaved people and issued a year and a half earlier on January 1, 1863, was now in effect in Texas, the last state to abolish slavery. The name Juneteenth is a combination of June and 19. Other names for this date are “ Emancipation Day, ” “ Freedom Day, ” and “ Juneteenth Independence Day. ” While the celebration originated in Texas, it has spread all over the country. Juneteenth is celebrated with remembrances, family gatherings, parties, parades, prayer, and education. Forty - five states have officially recognized the day. Virginia unanimously passed legislation in 2020 to make Juneteenth a permanent statewide holiday. Juneteenth will be observed in Orange with many educational and celebratory events. The Orange County African American Historical Society and Montpelier have teamed up to host a month of events, both live and virtual. Lectures, tours, live concerts, storytelling, exhibitions, a wreath - laying ceremony, and more are scheduled in June. There will be vendors, musicians, performers, historical interpreters, and artists at Montpelier to create a lively atmosphere of learning and celebration. In addition, the Arts Center in Orange will host presentations on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. focused on storytelling. These may be attended in person or watched live by computer. Orange County Offices, the Landfill, and Collection Sites will be closed on Friday, June 18, 2021, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The Landfill and Collection Sites will resume their normal operating hours on Saturday, June 19, 2021. County Offices will reopen on Monday, June 21, 2021, at their normal operating hours.
Find all the details and more information at these websites: Orange County African American Historical Society
Montpelier
The Arts Center in Orange
https://visitorangevirginia.com/a - glimpse - into - african - american - history - and - culture - in - orange - county/
Gilmore Cabin, the first example of a restored freedman ’ s residence open to the public, is located in Orange County.
Page 9 | June, 2021
FREE LinkedIn Learning licenses Looking to learn a new skill or two? Orange County residents are eligible for one of 1,000 FREE LinkedIn Learning licenses. The Virginia Career Works - Piedmont Region Orange Center will be holding weekly workshops every Wednesday to assist job - seekers in creating an account and exploring the more than 10,000 courses including work readiness, project management, and Microsoft Office. Contact the Center today: https://www.thinkorangeva.com/support/orange - workforce - center
Page 10 | June, 2021
The Orange County Economic Development Office, in collaboration with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC), is hosting two (2) FREE business development opportunities. A Starting Your Business Workshop and 1 - on - 1 counselingsessions will be offered on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC) toPresent Starting Your Business Workshop
The Starting Your Business workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and is targeted towards those interested in learning about the steps for starting a business, required registrations and regulations, and the components of sound business planning, including financial projections. In addition to the workshop being offered FREE and confidential, 1 - on - 1 business counseling sessions are available from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for those seeking feedback and advice from an experienced business advisor. Counseling sessions are available by appointment only . Please call the CVSBDC at (434) 295 - 8198 to schedule your appointment for July 6 th . These events are FREE to all local businesses. To reserve your seat at the workshop, register online at https:// bit.ly/33RK6z6. For more information, please contact Susan Turner, Economic Development & Tourism Assistant,at (540) 672 - 1238 or sturner@orangecountyva.gov.
Page 11 | June, 2021
Orange County Communications Department Launches New Facebook Page Visit County government ’ s new Facebook page. Please “ like ” the page and share to your friends. This page is a communication tool the County of Orange, Virginia uses to connect with our residents, businesses, and visitors.
June is Adopt - a - Cat Month June is the height of kitten season, which means a tremendous population explosion. Animal shelters will soon be overwhelmed with cats in need of a home. You can make a major difference this season by adopting a new feline friend and encouraging your friends and family to do the same. Cats make great companions! They clean themselves and do not require walks. They are self - sufficient while their human companions are at work. Cats require healthy food,
clean water, annual well visits at the vet, and lots of love. Cats enjoy playing with toys and may benefit from a cat companion, so adopt two if you can. Indoor cats live for an average of 10 - 15 years, some much longer. Outdoor cats average 2 - 5 years, so please be prepared to make a commitment for the lifetime of your cat. If you are unable to adopt, please consider a donation to the Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter or a rescue group of your choice. This will provide much needed funds for spay and neuter programs which are essential to decreasing the population of homeless cats.
Please visit Orange County ’ s page on Petfinder to view adoptable cats.
Page 12 | June, 2021
Orange County Classification & Compensation Study
By Jenny Carpenter, Director of Human Resources & Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer
Human Resources is excited to announce the launch of our organizational classification and compensation study. The study is a direct result of the Engagement Survey conducted last autumn and the feedback we received from staff across our organization. Staff overwhelming requested action around job roles, benefits, and compensation. Earlier this spring, the County contracted with Gallagher Human Resources and Compensation Consulting (https://www.ajg.com/us/services/human - resources - compensation - consulting/) to assist us in updating job classifications, job descriptions, and salary scales. Our overall goal is to be recognized as a more competitive and equitable organization where we can be better positioned to attract and retain top talent. A diverse project team consisting of participants from across the organization has been convened to participate in the project from start to finish. The project is projected to last approximately nine (9) months and will require input from all levels of the organization. By collecting and assessing internal and external data we will work towards formulating an achievable organizational compensation strategy that can be built on year over year. We will provide staff with periodic updates as we work towards our final product. If you have any questions or are interested in additional information, please contact Jenny Carpenter, Director of Human Resources at jcarpenter@orangecountyva.gov or at (540) 672 - 3313.
Page 13 | June, 2021
Proposed Littering Ordinance The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, to consider an amendment to Chapter 50 (Solid Waste) of the Orange County Code of ordinances to include the imposition of monetary fines for littering. All interested persons are invited to attend or submit written comments. Written comments may be submitted by mail to Attn: Alyson Simpson, P. O. Box 111, Orange, Virginia 22960 or by email to asimpson@orangecountyva.gov and must be received by 12:00 p.m. on June 22, 2021.
TRIAD SALT Award Presented
At the May 25, 2021 Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting, Supervisor Frame presented Investigator Johnny Thomas with a TRIAD SALT award for his outstanding efforts in reducing crimes against older citizens. On January 4, 2021, the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office received information that a mentally incapacitated elder in the community was being financially exploited by a male that had befriended him. Investigator Thomas was instrumental in recovering more than $60,000 in property belonging to the elder by serving search warrants, working with other agencies, and medical professionals. Investigations ’ Lieutenant Becky Jones stated, “ None of this would have moved forward without the persistence of Inv. Thomas going above and beyond on the investigation of this case. ” TRIAD is an integral part of community policing, with a focus on reducing unwarranted fear of crime and on improving the qual ity of life for seniors. The program ’ s primary goals are reducing the criminal victimization of older citizens, enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to that population, and provide opportunities for exchange of information between law enforcement and senior citizens. TRIAD also offers presentations regarding a multitude of scams aimed at the elderly. For more information about the TRIAD program, contact TRIAD Coordinator, Deputy Ron Kesner, at (540) 672 - 1536 or the TRIAD website.
Page 14 | June, 2021
FY22 Budget Includes Initiatives for Employees
By Glenda Bradley, Assistant County Administrator for Management Services
Orange County seeks to maintain a competitive compensation program to attract, retain, and motivate qualified employees. The recently adopted FY22 budget includes funds for several initiatives that will benefit employees. For example, funds were included to provide five (5) percent increases to all full - time, non - grant - restricted positions, effective July 1, 2021. By extending this level of increase to all full - time employees, the County was able to fully leverage the funding provided by the state for local state - supported positions (including constitutional officers, teachers, and social workers). To address the new minimum wage requirements of Virginia Code §40.1 - 28.10, all part - time positions currently being paid at rates under $10/hour will be raised to $11/hour as of July 1, 2021. Other part - time non - grant - restricted employees making between $10/hour and $20/hour will receive a $1/hour increase as of July 1, 2021. Part - time non - grant - restricted employees making over $20/hour will receive a 5% increase effective July 1, 2021. Additional adjustments will be required in future years according to the table below. If at any time, the federal rate is greater than the rates below, that will take precedence.
Requirements of Va Code 40.1-28-10
Virginia Minimum Wage/Hour
Increase Date
5/1/2021 1/1/2022 1/1/2023 1/1/2025 1/1/2026
$9.50
$11.00 $12.00 $13.50 $15.00
During FY21, Human Resources Director, Jenny Carpenter, was hired to focus on enhancing the County ’ s ability to serve its employees and create a desirable workplace environment. Improving employee awareness of the resources and benefits package available to them is one key element in this plan. In addition, for FY22, a new Organizational Development Specialist position will be shared between the County and Schools to promote all areas of employee well - being (physical, emotional, financial) and to coordinate professional development opportunities at all levels of the organization. These opportunities will include tools for building supervisory skills and developing leadership at all levels. By funding this initiative, the County hopes to increase employee satisfaction and engagement, improve employee total wellness, reduce absenteeism, and improve employee retention. Other personnel changes for FY22 include several targeted position reclassifications, funds for a classification and compensation study (to ensure the County is competitive for each position classification within the region), funds for employee engagement surveys (opportunities for employees to offer and receive feedback regarding the County as a workplace), and funds for additional organizational development activities. With our shared self - funded health insurance program, costs remain significant for both General Government and School employees. Despite a year of higher than usual claims during the pandemic, rates are currently being developed for the upcoming plan year (October 1, 2021) that include adjustments to plan design and potential reductions in family/dependent coverage tiers to make health insurance more affordable for all employees. In summary, the upcoming fiscal year (FY22) promises to be an exciting time to work for Orange County as we work together to create a more engaged, dynamic, and fulfilling workplace!
Page 15 | June, 2021
Newsletter Reader ’ s Drawing Winners Announced The five lucky winners of $20 gas cards for spotting the secret phrase in the May issue of Orange County Insight are: Sara Keeler, Rita Fleming, Rose Deal, Alyson Simpson, and Christina Taylor. The winning word was “ frog. ” Congratulations to these sharp - eyed readers!
This month ’ s search: Find the story about the County Fair and send the last word in the story in the subject line of an email to newsletter@orangecountyva.gov to be entered to win one of three $20 gas cards in the June drawing. Happy reading!
VDOT Pavement Project Status Updates Available Orange County citizens can now view the status of each pavement project scheduled on roads maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) by visiting the 2021 Resurfacing Schedule and route status on VDOT ’ s website by visiting: http://www.virginiaroads.org/ (Select "Web Maps" and “ Statewide Paving Status ”).
Orange County Employee Secret Pal Sign Up
After a year of uncertainty and isolation, a group of Orange County employees found enjoyment by secretly giving to one another. In September 2020, a Secret Pal group was created and County employees were offered the opportunity to participate. There have now been two rounds of giving and we want to grow the group! County employees who are interested in participating should contact Michelle Williams at extension 5405 for a questionnaire and information sheet. Additionally, information will be distributed to each department. To participate, submit your questionnaire by Friday, June 25, 2021 . Secret Pals will be drawn on Monday, June 28 th .
Page 16 | June, 2021
Orange County Biennial North Anna Drill On May 4 th and 5 th , Orange County staff worked with regional, state, and federal partners to complete the biennial North Anna Power Plant drill designed to test local, regional, and state responses to the nuclear facility during an emergency. Caroline, Hanover, Louisa, Orange, and Spotsylvania Counties along with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), Virginia Agricultural Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were tested on their individual and regional responses to a simulated emergency at the Dominion Energy facility. The Orange County response was coordinated by Assistant Fire & EMS Chief Roger Wilson and Chief Nathan Mort. Participants included staff from Fire & EMS, the Sheriff ’ s Office, Board of Supervisors, Communications Department, Extension Office, Department of Social Services, and the Orange County Public Schools. VDEM and FEMA personnel were present to create various real - time and realistic scenarios to which staff had to react according to their specific response plans while coordinating internally and externally with multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Simulated scenarios included everything from radiological disbursement and contamination to agricultural and livestock impacts, school closures and dismissals, and road blockages. Overall, Orange County received high marks without any infractions by FEMA. Citizens are reminded to be familiar with their home and workplace ’ s proximity to the North Anna Power Plant. Additional information regarding Dominion Energy ’ s North Anna Safety and Preparedness Guide, Evacuation Zones, Routes, and Assembly Centers can be found at https://www.dominionenergy.com/ projects - and - facilities/nuclear - facilities/north - anna - power - station. Citizens are encouraged to subscribe to the County ’ s official means of communications through the website at orangecountyva.gov, follow the County ’ s Facebook , and use a battery - operated radio to tune into local radio stations including station WJMA 103.1 or WFLS 93.3 during emergencies. For more information about Orange County ’ s Radiological Emergency Response Plan, please contact Assistant Chief Roger Wilson at rwilson@orangecountyva.gov.
Photos from left to right: Nathan Mort, Chief of Fire & EMS Jason Smith, OCSO Captain Billie Beveridge, Fire & EMS Lieutenant and Donnie Letner, Firefighter & EMT with FEMA Official OCVA Team
Page 17 | June, 2021
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Locally Made Market at the Montpelier Hunt Races The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism is pleased to host the first Locally Made Market at the Montpelier Hunt Races. To support and encourage local entrepreneurship, the Orange County Economic Development Department would like to extend to three (3) home - based businesses, the opportunity to compete for a FREE shared vendor tent to market and sell their product(s) at the 2021 Montpelier Hunt Races.
“ Everyone knows that shopping at the unique Vendor Village is a fun part of race day for the thousands of visitors who attend the Montpelier Hunt Races each year. We are hoping that this opportunity allows entrepreneurs to connect with those visitors and convert them to consumers that they otherwise would not necessarily get in front of, as a home - based business, ” noted Rose Deal, Economic Development Director. To be considered for one of the three (3) vendor spaces, businesses should submit a brief presentation (in Word or PowerPoint format) telling us about your business along with a fully completed application no later than Friday, July 30, 2021 . Should you need any assistance preparing your presentation, please contact the Economic Development Office at (540) 672 - 1238. Fully completed packets must be submitted via email to Rose Deal at rdeal@orangecountyva.gov or via mail to P.O. Box 111, Orange, VA 22960. Full program guidelines and application can be found at https://www.thinkorangeva.com/support.
For more information regarding this program, please contact the Economic Development Office at (540) 672 - 1238.
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‘ Tis the Season for Tomatoes By Ashley Appling, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Culpeper County Horticulture Extension Agent
The enthusiasm of vegetable gardening is in full swing and one of my favorite vegetables are tomatoes. Tomatoes should be planted in full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sunlight) in a well - drained soil. Plants should be spaced at least 18 to 36 inches apart. Tomato plants should also be mulched using either straw, hardwood chips, or leaves to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Your tomatoes should receive about 1 inch of water per week. Whether that comes through rain fall or irrigation. Tomatoes do require some form of staking so that the fruit is not touching the ground. Staking the plants will increase air circulation which in turn will decrease the incidence of disease. You can use anything from wooden stakes, bamboo stakes, wire cages, or basket weave techniques. Practicing crop rotation in your vegetable garden will also help decrease disease and insect pressure. An example would be to plant tomatoes and peppers in your garden the first year followed by green beans and/or squash in the second year. This type of crop rotation works well because tomatoes and peppers have a different set of disease and insect pests than do green beans and squash. Some common abiotic and biotic pests of tomatoes to look out for include blossom end - rot (which is a calcium deficiency), Septoria leaf spot, early blight, late blight, fusarium wilt, aphids, hornworms, and thrips.
Some really nice cherry type tomatoes to try are the cultivars ‘ Gold Nugget ’, ‘ Sungold ’, and ‘ Sweet 100’. Some wonderful slicer types include ‘ Big Beef ’, ‘ Celebrity ’, ‘ Brandywine ’, and ‘ Better Boy ’.
For more information about growing tomatoes or about tomato disease and insect pests contact the Orange Extension Office by phone (540) 672 - 1361 or by email ashappling@vt.edu.
Page 21 | June, 2021
Herb Gardens and Fresh Summer Salad Dressings For hundreds of years people have used herbs for many reasons: medicine, fragrances, and our favorite...food! How did you get that flavor? Often when you try a new dish and question a flavor, it ’ s a combination of herbs. A home kitchen herb garden is easy to prepare in a planter or bucket, giving you access to a dash of this or a pinch of that when preparing meals. Basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley perform well in container gardens and are common in recipes. To create a container garden, select a container with adequate drainage and fill with potting soil before adding the herb plants. Water consistently, harvest regularly, and fertilize occasionally. Spring is the season for lettuce varieties and greens, so consider an herb - based, quick, homemade dressing like the recipes below.
5 Minute Fresh Herb Salad Dressings
Creamy Herb Dressing ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup chopped fresh herb leaves (combination of basil, parsley, dill, oregano) 1TB white wine vinegar 1 lemon juiced 1 garlic clove chopped ½ green onion mainly the white part some green NOTE: the green onion will add a tangy bite and may be excluded for a more mild flavor Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for 1 minute until the herbs are finely chopped. Store dressing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Herbed Honey Mustard Dressing ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup chopped fresh herb leaves (combination of basil, parsley, dill, thyme) ¼ cup white vinegar 1TB honey 1TB dijon mustard 1 tsp shallots chopped
Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for 1 minute until the herbs are finely chopped. Store dressing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Page 22 | June, 2021
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Full - time Opportunities Business Systems Analyst
Part - time Opportunities Child Care Teacher Child Care Teacher Assistant Collection Site Attendant Lead Teacher
Fire Fighter/ EMT Firefighter / Medic Senior Maintenance Tech Temporary, Emergency Custodian Deputy Sheriff – Patrol Maintenance Tech
Page 24 | June, 2021
Citizens Ask...
By Michelle Williams
Q: I just moved into the County and the address on my license has not been updated yet. How can I enter the Landfill or Collection Sites to dump my household trash? A: If you have a utility bill and your ID, you can present both to the Collection Attendant. You may also apply for a Permission to Dump form. This form may be submitted to the County Administrator ’ s Office.
For more information, contact the County Administrator ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 3313.
Q: How do I get a fireworks permit? A: You may apply for a fireworks permit by filling out the Orange County Application for Fireworks Display Permit Form and submitting it to the Administration Office via fax, email, U. S. Mail Service, or hand delivery. Applications for Fireworks Display Permit Forms must be submitted to the Administration Office not less than 30 days prior to the event. Please allow two (2) weeks for review and approval.
A Prize Drawing for Our Readers!
Read the newsletter carefully each month, and look for a message appearing somewhere in the newsletter to find out how to enter our monthly raffle. This month, any employee who emails us before June 20th at newsletter@orangecountyva.gov and includes the special word in the subject line will be entered into a drawing to win One of 3 $20 gas cards!
A Special Message from Your Newsletter Staff
Page 25 | June, 2021
TREASURER ’ S OFFICE
Passport Application Processing Offered
The Orange County Treasurer ’ s office is now accepting appointments for passport application processing on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for a passport Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office, located at 112 W. Main Street, Orange. The service is provided by appointment only . For more information or to make an appointment, please call the Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 2656. Application forms, information on required documentation, fees, and other passport and international travel information can be obtained by visiting the official website for passport information, https://travel.state.gov/.
The beauty of a recent ice storm
Sharon Sparks Senior Airport Operations Worker Employment Start: 2019
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Sharon Sparks came to work at the Airport nearly three years ago with enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Her title is Senior Airport Operations Worker, which to her means doing what needs to be done. Sharon ’ s daily task list ranges from accepting fuel delivery, assisting pilots fueling planes, MUNIS
invoicing and collecting rent payments, to making sure the conference room and lobby are ready for the next scheduled meeting. Her smiling face and positive attitude make Sharon an asset to the Airport team. Away from work, you will find Sharon gardening and spending time with her grandchildren (A visit to the Airport will reveal some of her gardening skills).
Page 26 | June, 2021
Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
. Meet Monrovia! Monrovia is around 8 months of age. She is a very charming and gentle cat. It is remarkable that her personality is so easy going despite the horrific conditions she endured. Monrovia came to Animal Control after it was brought to our attention that there was a colony of cats neglected by their owner. Many were sick and feral and lacking any veterinarian care. For her to be so trusting and affectionate is remarkable. Monrovia lived with other cats and was picked on by a few, but she enjoys people and does well with easy going cats. Monrovia is on the hunt for an amazing home to spoil her! Monrovia is now Spayed, Microchipped, dewormed current on all vaccines and Rabies. She has been tested for Fiv/Flv and is negative.
Visit us on Facebook See Adoptable Pets Here (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960
Page 27 | June, 2021 It ’ s National Adopt - a - Cat Month! Come meet your new friend at the The Orange County Animal Shelter
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