Orange County Insight August 2021

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

Heroes Receive Lifesaving Awards Page 13 Construction of Landfill Cells II Page 3 Dogwood Village In Depth Page 7

AUGUST 2021

Ted Talk

Time to Build Our Game Plan!

As summer winds down and kids head back to school, thoughts often turn to the start of a new football season. As a life - long fan of the Washington Football Team, I long for the glory days of Coach Gibbs before he became a legend in

NASCAR. He always had a game plan.

Successful teams start with good plans, and then they roll with it. As President Eisenhower once said, “ Plans are worthless, but planning is essential. ” What did he mean by such a paradoxical observation? The details of a plan designed in advance are often incorrect, but the planning process demands the thorough exploration of options and contingences. The knowledge gained during this work is crucial to the selection of appropriate actions as future events unfold.

Over the next couple of months, our Senior Leadership Team will be developing Orange County ’ s “ game plan ” for moving our organization forward. The graphic here illustrates the five focus areas for this effort. We will be integrating Strategic Planning into our work, considering the best Structural alignment, and will seek the most useful IT, HR, and Performance Measurement Systems to create accountability and alignment. Once the plan is drafted and shared with the Board of Supervisors, we will be looking to “ recruit ” players from across the team to execute on this playbook.

This is an exciting time for Orange County, and I look forward to coaching this team towards a winning season.

Ted Voorhees– Orange County Administrator

Cover photo by Michelle Williams

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Page | August, 2021

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Orange County The Virginia Department of Health is advising that the North Anna Upper and Middle Branches in addition to the Upper Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa, and Spotsylvania counties is experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with the lake in this area until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive map at www.SwimHealthyVA.com. On July 13, samples collected in the North Anna Upper and Middle Branches and in the Upper Pamunkey Branch below Rt. 522, indicated swimming advisories were necessary due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria densities. The sample collected at the Upper Pamunkey Branch at Simms Point/Harris Lane, indicated cyanobacteria densities were at acceptable levels. Two (2) samples with cyanobacteria densities and cyanotoxin concentrations collected at least 10 days apart are necessary to lift the advisory, therefore the advisory remains in place at this site. Cyanotoxins were detected at each of these sites, but were well below safe swimming levels. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand - up - paddle - boarding as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water. Follow - up monitoring above Rt. 208 on the lake are planned (weather permitting) for the first week of August. The sections of the lake currently under advisory: Pamunkey Branch (Rt. 522 site added, Branch remains under advisory) Upper – From the upper inundated waters of the Pamunkey arm of the lake downstream to just above the confluence with Terry ’ s Run (does not include Terry ’ s Run). North Anna Branch (advisories issued) Upper – From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm of the lake downstream to the Rt. 522 Bridge. Middle – From the Rt. 522 Bridge downstream to the Lumsden Flats/Rose Valley Cove. Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless, however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or blueish - green because they are more likely to contain toxins. To prevent illness, people should: Avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted, WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT! Do not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water. Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algae bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae scum or bloom water. If you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom, seek medical/veterinarian care. To ensure fish fillets are safe to eat, properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs, and cooking fish to the proper temperature. If you suspect you experienced health - related effects following exposure to a bloom, contact the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1 - 888 - 238 - 6154. To learn more about harmful algae blooms or to report an algae bloom or fish kill visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com. The Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion Phytoplankton lab, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration. An advisory may be lifted or maintained at the discretion of the health department. For example, after one test an advisory may be lifted if results are within safe levels for swimming if other information indicates exposure or human health risk is low. A status report is updated to reflect the HAB advisory status of Lake Anna under routine monitoring online at “ Lake Anna Status Fact Sheet. ” For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

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Orange County Sanitary Landfill Begins Cells II Construction

By: Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer

This summer, Orange County began work on the Cell II expansion project of the Orange County Sanitary Landfill. Cell II construction includes site grading, construction of a liner and leachate collection lines, gravel access roads, drainage features, and erosion and sediment control measures. Additionally, a disposal area with a concrete retaining wall will be adjacent to the new cell. Sargent Corporation won the bid for the project for $1,972,000 and has diligently executed task orders under the watchful eye of Draper Aden, the County ’ s contracted Landfill engineer, and Public Works Director, Aaron Caine. The expansion is slated to last approximately three months with an expected completion date of mid - August 2021.

Cell expansion projects are developed to allow for maximum use of space within strict environmental regulations. Based on Orange County ’ s volume of solid waste, cells are planned to be built at intervals to allow for thoughtful and continuous expansion of the landfill to avoid interruptions. Each cell is projected to last approximately 8 - 10 years but is entirely based off volume which can vary dramatically from year to year. Cells which are pyramid in shape, are built off of each other in a pattern to allow for access and the carefully monitored release of gas and leachate, until eventually one large mound will incorporate all cells into a large pyramid earthen structure. The Orange County Sanitary Landfill is projected to house eight (8) cells when completed.

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The cell will start use by only accepting residential waste to in order to create a solid base layer before construction debris can be disposed of in order to prevent damage to the cell liner. Cell I will remain in operation until it reaches its maximum height and capacity limits as outlined under the County ’ s operating permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The Orange County Sanitary Landfill is operated by three (3) dedicated staff and a additional contracted operators. The Landfill is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additional information about the services provided by the Landfill can be found at http://orangecountyva.gov/724/Landfill - Solid - Waste. Landfill Capital Projects can be found in the Orange County Capital Improvement Plan http://orangecountyva.gov/238/Capital - Improvements - Plan.

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Gravel being dumped on cell liner

Orange County Celebrates National Book Lover ’ s Day

By Ellen Coyne, Communications Department Intern

Books can be powerful and no one knows that power better than Orange County Library Director, Katie Hill. Over the past 23 years, Ms. Hill has seen libraries evolve to meet the needs of the people using them, specifically for the residents of Orange County. “ In the past few years, there have been trends towards using libraries as place to work or do online courses. Our libraries offer access to over 1 million items digitally and we have just added two new streaming video services, Just For Kids and Kanopy . As our world becomes more connected by technology, places of human connection become more of a need. ” Residents of Orange County can access the Library ’ s digital materials through their website, ocplva.org. By clicking on the “ E - Branch ” header, residents can access the many links to databases and digital collections. Students in Orange County can access Overdrive digital items through the Orange County

School System. The access through the school system allows students across Orange to borrow books from both their school and public library. Although libraries are changing to keep up with our society, reading has proved to be, as Ms. Hill has stated, “ A strong predictor for success. ” For Ms. Hill, reading can help society walk ‘ in other ’ s shoes ’ and gain empathy for circumstances and personal experiences. “ Reading is a great escape when life is difficult, and is also a path to self - education. If I want to learn a new hobby, recipe, language, or skill, I can get started using a book. ” In order to encourage a path to self - education for the younger generation, Ms. Hill and her 23 staff members have developed programs targeted at youth in order to encourage reading during the

summer. For example, Youth Services Librarian Michelle Pursel leads a program that combines story - telling with crafts for young children. Not only does Orange County Public Library hold reading contests with incentives for the youth in the community, but this past summer, the Library also participated in the “ Big Read ” with libraries all across the United States. With constant new programs at the Library, future generations can discover reading in an interactive and fun environment. The Government of Orange County not only contributes for the operational wellbeing of the library, but also provides administrative support to keep everything running smoothly. When it comes to supporting Orange County Public Library for the future, Ms. Hill says that “…. being responsive to evolutionary changes and their demands on the library ’ s resources is the best support. ” As Orange County Public Library has evolved, one thing that has never changed is engagement with the community and encouragement for the next generation to discover themselves through books. Residents of Orange County can celebrate the Library on August 9th, “ National Book Lovers Day, ” by getting a free library card. Please visit the Library ’ s website, ocplva.org, for more information.

Some of Ms. Hill ’ s all - time favorite books are The Eight by Katherine Neville, The Rook by Daniel O ’ Malley, and Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. Celebrate National Book Lover ’ s Day by going to Orange County Public Library and reading some of Ms. Hill ’ s favorite books!

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Dogwood Village In Depth By Ellen Coyne, Communications Department Intern

In 1965, a front porch conversation changed Orange County forever. Two Board of Supervisors ’ members, Lindsay Gordon and Monroe Waugh, were discussing how to assist the community and make Orange County accommodating to the growing elderly population. With the words, “ We need to build ourselves a nursing home, ” Dogwood Village was born. The Board of Supervisors approved the Orange County nursing home in 1967, and in 1970, the 51 - bed facility began operation. The original facility has expanded and has since established an assisted living facility. Supervisor Jim White describes Dogwood Village as “… a resource for the community which is made to serve the community. ” The Board of Supervisors, Health Center Commission, staff, and the community ’ s years of dedication to senior healthcare helped Dogwood Village to be named “ One of America ’ s Best Nursing Homes in 2021.” Dogwood Village is unique because it is a quasi - government owned organization. As a non - profit, Dogwood Village relies on community donations and funds from their separate foundation to enhance the facility. The foundation has supported projects including a healing garden, a facility bus, and assists staff through nursing scholarships for those interested in pursuing careers as LPNs and RNs.

Last year was quite a year for Dogwood Village. Not only was it their 50 - year celebration, but the COVID - 19 pandemic had vast impacts on nursing homes. Older populations were the most vulnerable—meaning the Health Center Commission had to rapidly reimagine how it would provide services to keep residents and staff safe. The Health Center Commission set a goal of remaining COVID free throughout the pandemic. Supervisor White acknowledged the incredible sacrifice the staff had to make in order to ensure the safety of Dogwood Village residents. Most of the residents and staff are vaccinated, and the facility has kept their goal of being COVID free. Supervisor White says that Dogwood Village is special because of the plethora of opportunities for citizens to get involved. “ In some cases, there are volunteers that come in and spend time with people that may not have visitors. Visitors can read, talk, and help individuals get interested in new subjects. Time is the biggest sacrifice that the community can give to the non - profit. ” Mr. White did state that if residents have less time, they can donate to the foundation. “ There are endless opportunities to help and the community can seek involvement in big or small tasks. ” If residents are interested in volunteering, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator, Brenda Hutchinson, through the Dogwood Village website at https:// www.dogwoodvillageocva.org/. Despite the challenges over the past year, Dogwood Village has remained the “ Best place to live, and the best place to work. ” Dogwood Village should be celebrated for its uniqueness and positive impact on Orange County and the surrounding communities.

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Photos by Michelle Williams

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FiberLync Holds Ribbon Cutting and Open House

By Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator & PIO

On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, FiberLync (Orange County Broadband Authority) and the Orange County Chamber of Commerce held an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to showcase FiberLync ’ s new offices located at 323 North Madison Road, Suite C., Orange, Virginia. Members of the Orange County Broadband Authority, Orange County Government, Orange County Public Schools, local businesses, and residents participated in the event. Jim White, Chairman of the Orange County Broadband Authority, informed attendees that FiberLync has successfully connected over 1,000 residents and businesses to high - speed broadband internet service since April 1, 2021. The Chairman thanked FiberLync staff, Orange County Government staff, local businesses, and the residents of Orange County for supporting their mission to bring reliable, affordable, high - speed internet to our community. FiberLync continues to expand their service areas daily and offers a variety of residential and business packages. Residential package options range from $49.99 - $79.99/month with speeds from 100Mbps/50Mbps to 1000Mbps/500Mbps. Business packages are offered in a similarly tiered program and can provide up to 1000Mbps/1000Mbps. For more information on how you can sign up for service, visit https://www.fiberlync.net/ or call (540) 360 - 0682 today.

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AROUND TOWN SCAVENGER HUNT

Courtesy of Orange County Economic Development & Tourism

The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism is pleased to host the First Annual Around Town Scavenger Hunt . The event will begin Friday, August 6, 2021, and conclude on Sunday, October 3, 2021. Players will follow photo clues from the event flyer to locate ten (10) architectural details around the downtown areas of Gordonsville and Orange. Six (6) lucky winners will be randomly drawn and awarded a $50 gift card. Grab a friend and your walking shoes and start scavenging!

“ We encourage our residents and visitors alike to get out and explore our Towns, and invite them to try a new restaurant, or visit a new shop while they are on the hunt, ” stated Susan Turner, Economic Development and Tourism Assistant. Event forms can be downloaded at https://www.thinkorangeva.com/living - here/orange - county - is - retail - ready or picked up at the Visitor Centers in the Town of Orange and Town of Gordonsville. Once each object has been located, write their location on the entry form, and submit your completed form by Monday, October 4, 2021, to sturner@orangecountyva.gov. For more information on the Around Town Scavenger Hunt , please contact Susan Turner, Economic Development and Tourism Assistant, at (540) 672 - 1238.

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Lifesaving Awards Presented for Fiery Heroism By Michelle Williams, Deputy Clerk / Senior Administrative Assistant

From left to right: M. Ratliff, C. Ratliff, Deputy McFarlane

At the July 27, 2021, Board of Supervisors ’ Regular Meeting, County Administrator, Theodore L. Voorhees, read a narrative recalling the events that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 15, 2021, when Deputy Bryan McFarlane came upon a two - car accident with one car overturned in a field and the other car further down the road. Deputy McFarlane stopped at the car in the field and helped the female driver out of the vehicle. While assisting her, bystanders were yelling to direct his attention to the vehicle further away. That vehicle had caught on fire with a female trapped inside. He quickly responded to the burning car, where he emptied his fire extinguisher, ran back to his Animal Control truck, grabbed a gallon of water, and poured that on the fire as well.

Virginia Department of Transportation employees, Monacoe Ratliff and Cleacoe Ratliff, also attempted to extinguish the fire by emptying extinguishers from their VDOT vehicles, but were unable to put out the fire either.

With the fire intensifying and running out of resources to fight the blaze, Deputy McFarlane went back to his truck, hooked a tow strap to the door of the crashed vehicle, and attempted to pull the door open. His first attempt was unsuccessful. However, he cut the strap and repositioned it, backed his vehicle up, and was able to get the door open long enough for Monacoe and Cleacoe to pull the victim to safety.

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Sheriff Amos stood to share an emotional recount of the events that he witnessed from Deputy McFarlane ’ s body camera footage. “ I ’ m going on my 35 th year at the Sheriff ’ s Office, and I have never seen a heroic act like I saw this, ” commented Sheriff Amos.

E. Alan Saunders, Louisa Resident Engineer for VDOT, was present and offered his praise to the recipients for “ putting themselves in harms way and being front line employees. ”

During the meeting, Chairman Crozier stated, “ I spent 30 years in fire and rescue service. It was very common to run calls all day long and night long and have all the information needed when you arrived at the scene. The incident you all rolled up on, no one gave you any information beforehand. It ’ s not easy to just roll up on something and keep your mind about yourself and do things in a very orderly, intelligent, and calm manner which all three of you did. ” Chairman Crozier then presented each gentleman with a Lifesaving Award.

Top: Chairman Crozier, Deputy McFarlane, M. Ratliff, C. Ratliff

Bottom: Sheriff Amos, Deputy McFarlane

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Playin ’ in the Park Returns with a Bang!

By Jayson Woods, Orange County Parks & Recreation Programs & Facilities Supervisor

COVID - 19 may have defused most public celebrations in 2020, but Orange County Parks and Recreation, with the support of the OCPR Foundation and many community partners, was ecstatic to reignite the patriotism and fun inherent to our annual Playin ’ in the Park event on Friday, July 2, 2021! This event soared back to its former glory, featuring live music courtesy of the Mo Jo Jam, an onsite broadcast from WJMA, skydivers, multiple food vendors, and a Touch - A - Truck for kids! The Touch - A - Truck included vehicles from the Virginia Department of Transportation, Orange Volunteer Fire Company, Orange County Fire & EMS, the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office, and the Town of Orange Public Work Department. OVFC provided additional support for the event in the form of vehicles and personnel providing fire watch during the fireworks show. The fireworks display, performed by Pyrotecnico, was our best and brightest (literally) yet, which was truly appropriate for the event ’ s return after a year hiatus! Orange County Parks and Recreation would like to thank the following sponsors and supporters for making the event possible: the County of Orange, The Town of Orange, the Town of Gordonsville, the American Woodmark Foundation, 103.1 WJMA, Somerset Sod Farms, Mason Insurance Agency, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Piedmont Power, Altman Tire & Auto Sales, Orange Tire Inc., and Mr. & Mrs. V. Rea Jones! We ’ re especially grateful that many of these supporters initially provided funding for last year ’ s event prior to the COVID - 19 pandemic ’ s effects, but graciously allowed us to retain the funds with the intent of supporting the event this year.

Orange County Parks and Recreation looks forward to next year ’ s event!

Photos courtesy of the “ Orange County Review ”

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Save the Date for the 2021 Quad County Business Summit & QuadTank Pitch Competition The Orange County Economic Development Office is pleased to announce it will co - host the 2021 Quad County Business Summit & QuadTank Pitch Competition along with the Economic Development Offices of Fluvanna County, Greene County, Louisa County, Madison County, and the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 6th Annual Quad County Business Summit will be held at The Pavilion on Lakeland Farm, in Orange County. The Summit will include a keynote speaker, local business owner panel discussion with Q&A, opportunities for networking, luncheon, and the QuadTank - a winner take all pitch competition. The event is free for Quad County business owners. More information and registration will be available in the coming weeks. Sponsorship opportunities are listed on the Summit website: www.qcbsummit.com. For more information, please contact Rose Deal, Director at (540) 672 - 1238.

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Photo courtesy of CDC.gov

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Hubert Compton Recognition Ceremony

By Michelle Williams, Deputy Clerk / Senior Administrative Assistant

Hubert Compton, a pilot with over 65 years of experience and strong ties to Orange County, was surrounded by family, friends, and County staff as he was honored at a recognition ceremony on August 5, 2021, for his contributions to the community and to the Orange County Airport. Jim Crozier, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; Russ Roberts; John Clemente; Sharon Matthews; and Ray Matthews were the evening ’ s speakers, reminiscing on how Mr. Compton influenced their lives through flight. As part of the ceremony, a bronze plaque was unveiled by Airport Manager, Buzz Jarrell. The plaque recognized the accomplishments and contributions Mr. Compton has made during his patronage to the Airport.

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Have you used our Interactive Polling Place Map ? Check it out and remember to register to vote by October 12, 2021. For more information visit:

http://orangecountyva.gov/359/Polling - Locations

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Click here to sign up!

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The 46 th Annual Orange Street Festival will be held on Saturday, September 11 th from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Orange Street Festival ’ s theme is “ Honor Our Heroes ”. The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is asking community residents to submit heroic stories of hope, courage, sacrifice, and strength. Please submit your short stories, pictures, and or videos to occcexec@gmail.com. Our hometown heroes will be honored the day of the Orange Street Festival and the stories will be placed on the Chamber website's Wall of Heroes.

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Cooking for Crowds – Food Safety Class for Non - Profit Organizations

By Clare Lillard, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences

It ’ s time to get ready for your fall food fundraising events! If you “ Cook for a Crowd ” with your church or youth group, rescue squad, fire department, band, or athletic boosters or other non - profit organization, then this class is for you! Learn how to reduce food safety risks when cooking large volumes of food for the public. Make sure that the food you prepare and serve is not only delicious, but safe! The class will be held on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Orange Volunteer Fire Company, located at 205 Caroline Street, Orange. The class fee is $10.00 per organization (for any number of participants). For more information or to register, call the Orange Extension Office at 672 - 1361, or contact Clare Lillard, Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences, at Lclare4@vt.edu. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and services are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. If you are a person with a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in this program, please call the Orange County Extension Office at (540)672 - 1361 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at least five days prior to this event. TDD number is (800) 828 - 1120.

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It ’ s Canning Season!

By Clare Lillard, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences

Gardens are growing and farmer ’ s markets are open! We all enjoy fresh produce while it is in season, but the season is so short. Imagine how wonderful it would be to open a jar of green beans or peaches this winter that you preserved yourself! If you have not tried it before, canning may seem a bit intimidating. There have been headline news stories of botulism outbreaks due to improper home canning as well as horror stories of pressure canners exploding. However, if you are using up to date, tested recipes and the proper equipment, canning is a safe and rewarding way to preserve the fresh, local foods you would like to enjoy all year long.

Here are a few tips:

Follow Up To Date Canning Instructions: Make sure your food preservation information is always current with scientifically tested guidelines. Don't use outdated publications, unverified recipes from the internet, or old cookbooks, even if they were handed down to you from trusted family cooks. Canning instructions and equipment have changed over the years. Following up - to - date canning instructions from a reliable source such as the USDA, The National Center for Home Food Preservation, or your local Extension Office is essential for food safety! Have the Proper Canner for the Food You Want to Preserve: Always use a properly sized pressure canner that meets USDA recommendations for pressure canning when canning low - acid vegetables (such as green beans, potatoes and corn), meat, seafood, and poultry. Pressure canning is the only recommended method for canning low - acid foods. It is recommended that you have your canner lid inspected and your pressure gage tested annually to ensure safe preservation. Contact the Orange Extension Office to take advantage of this free service. Water bath canners are safe for high acid foods such as apples, peaches, berries, jams and jellies, acidified tomatoes, pickles, etc. Don ’ t always rely on look, smell, or taste: If there is any doubt that approved home - canning methods were followed, throw the food out! Also, inspect canned food and discard if the container lid is leaking or bulging, the jar is cracked, or the food is moldy. Attend an online or in - person canning class: In a normal canning season multiple hands - on canning classes are held through your local Virginia Cooperative Extension Office. We hope that will change in the near future but until then consider the newly released Virginia Cooperative Extension Home Food Preservation Online Course. This course is only $15.00, self - paced, and includes training on the science behind food preservation and instruction on canning, freezing, dehydration, and fermentation! Visit https:// tinyurl.com/vcefoodpreservation to register. If you have specific canning questions or would like to schedule your pressure canner lid inspection, contact Clare Lillard, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Science, at the Orange Cooperative Extension office, (540) 672 - 1361 or lclare4@vt.edu.

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Orange County ’ s SLT Goes To the Ballpark!

By: Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer

On July 29, 2021; Orange County ’ s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) met at the Fredericksburg National ’ s Stadium to watch a great game (Go Nats!), partake in team building discussions, and lay the foundation for work surrounding a revised organizational gameplan. Staff reviewed five (5) distinct “ focus areas ” of work: strategy, structure, performance measurement, human resource systems, and technology. Working groups were formed around each area which will meet within thirty (30) days to craft the first phase of their work plan and how it may be implemented across the organization.

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Full - time Opportunities

Public Works Director Senior Maintenance Tech Senior Planner Deputy Sheriff – Patrol

Benefit Program Specialist I or II Building and Development Services Manager Business Systems Analyst Code Enforcement Officer Communications Officer Custodian Drug Court Coordinator Family Services Specialist I or II

Part - time Opportunities

Child Care Teacher – Orange Elementary Child Care Teacher Assistant – Gordon - Barbour Elementary Child Care Teacher Assistant – Lightfoot Elementary Child Care Teacher Assistant – Locust Grove Elementary Collection Attendant Lead Teacher – Locust Grove Primary School Wilderness Library Aide

Fire Fighter/ EMT Firefighter / MedicJ Jury Coordinator Maintenance Technician Planner Planning Services Manager

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2021 - 2022 Orange County School Age Child Care (OCSACC) Program

The Office on Youth currently operates the Orange County School Age Child Care (OCSACC) program. There are four childcare locations: Gordon - Barbour Elementary School (GBES), Lightfoot Elementary School (LES), Locust Grove Primary School (LGPS), and Orange Elementary School (OES). All four sites are licensed by the Department of Education and require numerous activities each day including: daily snack, gross motor skills activities, small motor skill activities (arts & crafts, board games, etc.), music, and time to complete homework. A quarter of the childcare time is required to involve gross motor skills activities. Three of the four (GBES, OES, and LES) are licensed to care for 50 children and the fourth (LGPS) is licensed for

up to 65 children. The LES site cares for the UES and LES children, as well as any age - appropriate middle school kids that live in that district. LGPS cares for children from LGPS, LGES, and age appropriate LGMS students. OES and GBES care for their students and any age - appropriate middle school students in that respective district. There are buses that can provide transportation and parents are encouraged to contact the bus garage to determine the appropriate bus number based on their individual needs. All staff is required to be certified in standard first aid and infant/child/adult CPR and are trained on signs of child abuse and neglect and how to recognize if a child is ill. Staff is required to complete at least 20 hours of related training each calendar year. Per licensing regulations, all staff undergo a fingerprint background check, Central Registry Check, and Sex Offender Registry check every 5 years. In addition to being on open Monday through Friday, childcare locations are open on teacher workdays and many days over the holiday breaks. Below is a list of facility hours by location:

Gordon Barbour Elementary School: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Orange Elementary School: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Lightfoot Elementary School: 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Locust Grove Primary School: 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

All four of our sites are currently enrolling. To obtain a registration packet, visit the School Age Child Care page. For more information, please call Joe Falin, OSACC Operations Manager at (540) 672 - 5484.

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Orange County Public Schools Calendar 2021 - 2022

Link to Calendar

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TAX INFORMATION

2021 FIRST HALF DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAX

Delinquent notices were mailed on July 21, 2021. Penalty was assessed on all unpaid balances as of July 23, 2021. Interest started on August 1st. Real estate parcels that are more than two years delinquent are assigned to Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C. (TACS) for collections and processing for the tax sale of property. Any collection administrative or legal costs incurred to collect the taxes owed will be charged to the taxpayer. Original billing statements were mailed directly to citizens on May 11, 2021, and amounts due will be available here.

2020 DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES

If you are delinquent on personal property taxes for 2020, we are currently issuing tax liens against wages and/or DMV stops. On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, all unpaid 2020 taxes will be handed over to TACS for further collections. If you are unsure if you are delinquent, please contact the Treasurer ’ s office. If you owe 2019 and prior, those accounts have been turned over to a collections agency, TACS. To pay or to make payment arrangements, call (804) 545 - 2500.

The Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office accepts payments through the following methods:

· Via drop box, located at 112. W. Main Street, Orange.

· Online: Payment Options page on the Orange County website.

· By mail to the Orange County Treasurer, P.O. Box 469, Orange, VA 22960.

For more information, visit www.orangecountyva.gov/396/Treasurer

Dawn Herndon, Treasurer | (540) 672 - 2656 |dherndon@orangecountyva.gov

Upcoming Reminders: 2021 Personal Property and 2 nd half 2021 Real Estate Taxes will be due on Monday, December 6, 2021 (December 5 th falls on a weekend, therefore, the due date defaults to the next business day). If your address has changed since 2020 billing, please contact the Commissioner of the Revenue ’ s Office, at (540) 672 - 4441 to update your address before Friday, September 10, 2021, to ensure your address is updated on the 2021 tax bills. We normally mail them late September.

Short - Term Rental (Transient Occupancy Tax) - 3 rd quarter filings are due by Sunday, October 31, 2021. More information can be found here http://www.orangecountyva.gov/408/Transient - Occupancy - Tax - Short - Term - Rental.

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Citizens Ask...

By Michelle Williams

Q: I just got a new dog. Where can I purchase a County Dog tag? A: You can purchase lifetime dog licenses at the Animal Shelter or at the Treasurer ’ s Office. Be sure to bring a copy of your pet ’ s current rabies vaccination certificate with you as we will need to verify the expiration date. The cost is $10 per animal. The Animal Shelter is located at 11362 Porter Road, Orange, and the Treasurer ’ s Office is located at 112 W. Main Street, Orange. Q: How can I sign up to speak during the Public Comment Period of a Board of Supervisors ’ meeting? A: Public Comment Period will be offered at the second meeting of each month. Anyone wishing to address the Board during the public comment period must sign up outside the Board of Supervisors ’ meeting room at the start of the meeting, up until the conclusion of Public Comment Period at which time the Chairman closes Public Comment Period.

Billie Beveridge Captain, Orange County Fire & EMS Employment Start: December 13, 2011

Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:

Billie Beveridge, newly promoted Captain, has worked for Orange County Fire & EMS since December of 2011.

“ I love my job! I help the department in difficult times by volunteering for overtime to help cover shifts. I also care about passing on the knowledge that I ’ ve learned from others and experience by teaching others who have an interest in this profession, " said Beveridge.

Chief of Fire & EMS, Nathan Mort, stated, “ We are excited for Billie ’ s next step in the progression of her career as shift Captain. We feel that she will excel in her new position and provide leadership and mentoring to her staff. ”

Not only is Billie a very engaged employee, but she is also a Nationally Registered Paramedic, EMT instructor, Fire Officer, and RSI provider for the County. In addition to her personal certifications and accomplishments, she also boasts an impressive pass rate for EMT classes she has taught for the County and the Orange County High School EMT class.

Away from work, Billie ’ s hobbies include reading crossword puzzles, cooking, hiking, camping, and fishing. She loves the mountains!

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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Meet Lizzy!

This sweet girl was found as a stray in someone ’ s garage, all alone and filthy. She was hesitant to trust when she first came to the Orange County Animal Shelter as she feared humans. Lizzy has come a long way since she arrived, but still needs a patient owner to help her and guide her. She has been great with all the cats and kittens she has roomed with and met since being at the Shelter. She will do fine with older children that don't move very suddenly and won't be grabby with her. Lizzy will need a family to allow her space to decompress and to slowly get used to living in a home with a loving family.

Lizzy is spayed and litter box trained.

To learn more about Lizzy, please email the Shelter Director and fill out the Pre - Adoption and Hold Form.

Visit us on Facebook See Adoptable Pets Here (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960

Come find a friend at The Orange County Animal Shelter

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