Orange County Insight March 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

NEXT Generation 9 - 1 - 1 Page 8 Interim Supervisor APPOINTED Page 2 Local WINERIES Awarded Page 9

MARCH 2021

Ted Talk

A Spring to Forget - A Spring to Remember

Last year at this same time, America, and the world, came to a screeching halt. March Madness basketball was cancelled, restaurants and schools shut down, and hospitals strained to deal with a new threat to our civilization. Vacations and weddings were postponed, and sadly, many funerals allowed no mourners. We had no idea what to expect, and no idea how long things would be so different. It was a spring we would all prefer to forget. A year has now passed under this cloud of uncertainty, and I wondered when I arrived last April what we could possibly get done under such circumstances. But we kept moving forward. We kept working to make our community better and embraced the adversity by adapting and implementing changes to improve our processes, building for the future, and implementing programs to help our community respond. As I write this message it is 72 degrees and sunny, nearly 20% of Virginians have been vaccinated against COVID - 19 with at least one dose, and new financial assistance from Washington is being finalized to help Americans recover from the pandemic. Governor Northam has eased some limitations on the size of crowds at sporting events that will permit the return of minor league baseball to our region and allow more parents and family to attend youth athletic events. We still need to wear our masks and distance from others who have not been vaccinated, but I see that winding down over the next 90 days. This may not be the end of the pandemic, but perhaps it is the beginning of the end. That would be a spring to remember.

- Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator

Cover and inside cover images credit: Orange County Tourism. Photographed at Oakland Heights Farm

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Page | March, 2021

Board of Supervisors Appoints Interim Member

At the February 9, 2021 Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting, the Board unanimously appointed Keith F. Marshall to fill a vacancy as the Interim District Three Supervisor.

Mr. Marshall is an Orange County native. He and his wife, Deanne, have three children: Kyle, Kassidy, and Kaleb. Mr. Marshall attended Orange County Public Schools and graduated from Mary Washington College with a degree in Economics. He has run his family ’ s dairy farm and been an active member of the business community since 1978. Over the years the business has incorporated organic farming, robotic milking and improved facilities for animal welfare. Mr. Marshall credits his business ’ success to the great team of loyal individuals who have helped the business grow. Mr. Marshall ’ s interest in serving as the interim District Three Supervisor stems from his interest in self - governance and desire to contribute to the process. “ I feel we have a strong Board of Supervisors that have worked well together for many years. I believe this interim position is a great opportunity to continue the legacy of S. Teel Goodwin. and his many years of service. ” stated Mr. Marshall.

Lee H. Frame (District 5), R. Mark Johnson (District 1), James "Jim" Crozier (District 4), Keith F. Marshall (District 3), James "Jim" White (District 2)

Page 2 | March, 2021

Orange County Welcomes Two New Department Directors

Orange County is pleased to announce the employment of two new directors, Jenny Carpenter, as Human Resources Director effective February 22, 2021. and Josh Gillespie, AICP as Director of Planning and Development Services effective March 8, 2021.

Jenny Carpenter, an Orange County native, holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Liberty University and brings over eight (8) years of human resource experience including payroll, benefits

administration, recruitment, employee relations, and employee development. She earned her undergraduate degree at Old Dominion University and obtained her Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resources Management. As Director of Human Resources for Teachstone Training, Carpenter not only ran the human resources department but also lead the company ’ s move to a digital platform for payroll, benefits, and human resources administration. “ Orange County is excited to have Mrs. Carpenter join our team, ” Theodore L. Voorhees, County Administrator, noted. “ She brings many

years of progressive human resources leadership to our organization along with a vibrant commitment to employee development and community service. ” Carpenter said she is privileged to have the opportunity to serve Orange County and to continue her commitment to helping make Orange County a great place to work and live.

Josh Gillespie, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, brings over twenty - five (25) years of progressive planning and land use experience to Orange County. He received his undergraduate education from Furman University and completed courses towards a Masters of Historic Preservation from the University of Georgia. Gillespie has worked for the public and in private practice. Most recently, in his position of Planning and Special Projects Manager for Chesterfield County, Gillespie managed planning and zoning projects, worked on residential and conditional use proposals, policy amendments, strategic planning, and led inter - agency reviews of large mixed - use projects. “ Orange County is pleased to welcome Mr. Gillespie to our team, ” Theodore L. Voorhees, County

Administrator, noted. “ He brings with him many years of planning experience and has a passion for implementing focused development that values community character. ” Gillespie said he is privileged to have the opportunity to serve Orange County and looks forward to working with staff, Boards, and Commissions on planning and development projects.

Page 3 | March, 2021

Interns Gain Real World Experience While Assisting County Departments

Orange County Economic Development and Communications Departments are excited to announce the addition of two University of Virginia seniors as interns for the spring 2021 semester. The students will work on projects ranging from video production and website refreshes to creating program development initiatives. “ We are thrilled to work with these outstanding students and help foster an understanding of how local governments function, ” said Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer. The program runs from February to May and offers students a unique opportunity to experience real - world situations and contribute to the success of campaigns, events, and business development in our community. Students will be able to utilize strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem - solving capabilities while witnessing public service in action. For more information, please contact Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer at sstraub@orangecountyva.gov, or Rose Deal, Director of Economic Development at rdeal@orangecountyva.gov.

To pre - register for your COVID - 19 vaccination please go to vaccinate.virginia.gov

Page 4 | March, 2021

By Amanda Amos, Procurement Coordinator

The Commonwealth of Virginia has proclaimed the month of March as Governmental Purchasing Month. In 1958, the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing (VAGP) was established and quickly became the largest chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). The group is comprised of professional public purchasing members employed by nearly 350 public entities in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including cities, counties, towns, state agencies, colleges, universities, public schools, hospitals, political subdivisions, authorities, and community service boards. At Orange County, staff work diligently seeking best purchasing practices that benefit the County as a whole. We encourage all vendors to sign up on the County ’ s bidders list to stay informed of opportunities with the County. Vendors can sign up or update their information on the Bidder ’ s List at http://orangecountyva.gov/FormCenter/Finance - 10/Bidder - Application - 55. Bidder ’ s List additions and updates are automatically sent to the Procurement Coordinator. Orange County procurement information can be found at http://orangecountyva.gov/243/Procurement.

If you have any questions or concerns about procurement with Orange County, reach out to Amanda Amos, Procurement Coordinator at aamos@orangecountyva.gov or (540) 661 - 5378, or Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer, at (540) 661 - 5407.

Additional information about the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing may be found at https://www.nigp.org/. Information about the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing may be found at https://www.vagp.org/chapters/nigp - vagp/legislative_information.cfm.

Page 5 | March, 2021

The Orange County Procurement Team is also responsible for surplus disposition of County property. When assets are no longer needed or functional for service, they undergo an evaluation to determine if they can be utilized by a different division. If an asset is deemed surplus, it is disposed of via online auction as outlined in the Procurement Policy and the Virginia Public Procurement Act. Surplus County Assets Available for Purchase on Govdeals.com The online auctions are available to the public and the revenue derived from sales returns to the County ’ s general fund. Orange County has partnered with GovDeals for over ten (10) years to assist with the sale of surplus assets such as furniture, vehicles, equipment, and other items. Online auctioning is convenient and helps staff obtain the best value for surplus items. Items are available for inspection prior to bid closings. Contact Amanda Amos, Procurement Coordinator at aamos@orangecountyva.gov or visit https://www.govdeals.com/ for additional information.

Sample page from the Govdeals website

Page 6 | March, 2021

Orange County Implements New Logo and Style

Orange County recently implemented a new Style Guide and branding logo. The Style Guide introduces all approved County of Orange logo versions and demonstrates the rules for both print and digital use for to properly present Orange County, Virginia ’ s visual identity. Use of the Style Guide improves communication by ensuring consistency within the organization and enforces best practices by guiding designs to a quickly recognizable professional outcome. The Style Guide is derived from two key elements: the color palette and the County logo. Together they provide a unifying theme and position the County with one unified voice. Consistent and correct use of the logo, seal, and information listed in the Style Guide make a positive impact on the County government and the community it serves by giving the County the tools to craft communications that are unique and adhere to the County ’ s identity. The Orange County Court on July 28, 1774, ordered the Sheriff to pay fifty shillings for a county seal. This seal according to W.W. Scott, an Orange County historian, consisted of “ an excellent cut of a lion, encircled by the name of the County. ” That same month, delegates from Virginia ’ s counties were preparing to elect the colony ’ s delegates to the First Continental Congress. The colors of the seal are those appertaining to the coat of arms of “ The Honorable Alexander Spotswood Esq., Her Majesty ’ s Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of Virginia, ” as his commission read. He was a principal figure in the early history of what became Orange County in 1734. The Orange County Bicentennial Commission engaged Miss Jean Love of Orange to design and execute a conjectural rendering of the seal in color, which is reproduced in the current seal. On March 11, 1975, the Orange County Board of Supervisors adopted the seal as the official seal, and the colors as the official colors, of Orange County, Virginia. The updated logo is a modern interpretation of the County seal. The rampant lion symbolizes defiance, while his posture, erect on hind legs and presenting a full face, is emblematic of prudence, or the ability to govern oneself by the use of reason. 1734, tactfully positioned at the lion ’ s feet, represents the County ’ s establishment and history. The text “ Orange County ” gives homage to the Blue Ridge mountains, the base of which is home to Orange County. The updated logo will be used for branding purposes, and the seal will continue to be used for official documents. The primary logo has a family of alternates to be used for specific purposes. With this family, Orange County can communicate consistently across different media and size requirements and address numerous audiences. The County anticipates the use of the new logo as well as the seal for the foreseeable future as it introduces the new logo onto vehicles, business cards, etc., as the budget allows.

Page 7 | March, 2021

Next Generation 9 - 1 - 1 Brings Lifesaving Advantages

By Chris Cord, E911 Director

The 9 - 1 - 1 system celebrated its 53rd anniversary on February 16th. In 1968 the first 9 - 1 - 1 call was placed in Haleyville, Alabama, between two Alabama politicians. Since that time, little has changed with 9 - 1 - 1 technology. In fact, Orange County Emergency Communications ’ recent transfer of 9 - 1 - 1 calls to another county is reminiscent of the 1983 movie War Games with the ‘ automated system ’ consisting of a phone tree requiring the typing of numbers and the # sign and an early text to speech system. The current 9 - 1 - 1 system is tethered to

voice - centric communications and relies on an analog network that places limitations on the reliable delivery of 9 - 1 - 1 service. Apps like Uber can locate callers with greater ease than traditional 9 - 1 - 1, which relies upon triangulation between towers for cell phone calls. Next Generation 9 - 1 - 1 (NG9 - 1 - 1) is an internet protocol - based 9 - 1 - 1 network. Instead of copper - based phone lines running to a selective router in a central office, 9 - 1 - 1 centers are connected via fiber to an Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network (ESInet). The ESInet is a network - of - networks much like the Internet. This network has greater redundancy and can transmit text, pictures, and video in addition to voice. The recent bombing of the AT&T building in Nashville highlighted the vulnerability of our decades - old system. A critical advantage of the new NG 9 - 1 - 1 network is that should one part of the network go down, the ESInet reroutes transmissions for continued operations. The NG9 - 1 - 1 system ’ s additional data capabilities allow responders to locate callers more quickly and send and receive text messages, pictures, and videos efficiently, a requirement in today ’ s ever - increasing mobile world. Orange County Emergency Communications ’ recent upgrade consisted of new call handling servers, an upgrade of VESTA software, and workstations for our communications officers. With this new equipment, Orange County Emergency Communications is ready for our scheduled connection to ESInet in June of 2021. Should you ever find yourself in Haleyville, stop in City Hall and see the red phone that started it all!

Page 8 | March, 2021 Page 8 | October 20

Orange County Wineries Top Awards List

Story courtesy of Orange County Economic Development and Orange County Tourism

The Governor announced the 2021 Virginia Wineries Association ’ s Governor ’ s Cup® award winner as Barboursville Vineyards for their 2015 Paxxito dessert wine. Several other Orange County wineries also placed in the competition.

photo credit: Barboursville Vineyards

Gold Cup Winners

Barboursville Vineyards (bbvwine.com)

Horton Vineyards (hortonwine.com)

Honah Lee Vineyard (honahleevineyard.com)

Silver Cup Winners

Bronze Cup Winners

Honah Lee Vineyard

Barboursville Vineyards

Horton Vineyard

Horton Vineyards

Reynard Florence Vineyard (reynardflorence.com)

Reynard Florence Vineyards

Orange County, Virginia continues to lead the way in the Commonwealth ’ s internationally recognized wine industry. To read about all of this year ’ s winners visit: https://www.virginiawine.org/governors - cup/awards .

Page 9 | March, 2021

Orange County and LOVEOrangeVirginia Partner for Downtown Strategic Assessment

Story courtesy of Orange County Economic Development

In a joint partnership between the Orange County Economic Development Authority and LOVEOrangeVirginia (formerly Orange Downtown Alliance, Inc.) a downtown Orange strategic assessment will be conducted by Downtown Strategies.

“ Orange County is pleased to be bringing Downtown Strategies into the Town of Orange, ” said Rose Deal, Director of Economic Development. “ Orange looks forward to the continuation of economic development and growth through this new partnership. ”

"LOVEOrangeVirginia, in its growing partnership with Orange County, is delighted to be working with Downtown Strategies on this effort to strengthen the economic vitality of the Town of Orange, ” said Charlotte Cole, LOVEOrangeVirginia Executive Director. As an accredited Main Street program, our focus is to support small independent businesses, cultivate an entrepreneurial environment, and work with all stakeholders. Thanks to the generous support of one of our donors, LOVEOrangeVirginia is able to contribute to the funding for this project and help create a roadmap to guide our future work." The Downtown Strategies team will facilitate an in - market workshop with business owners, merchants, community leaders, and elected officials to solicit feedback and encourage dialogue. The result will be a customized strategic plan with specific strategies focused on policy, design, tourism, and economic catalyst opportunities for the downtown area.

For more information, please contact Rose Deal at the Orange County Economic Development Office at (540) 672 - 1238 or rdeal@orangecountyva.gov or Charlotte Cole at LOVEOrangeVirginia at (540) 672 - 2540 or odaexecd@gmail.com.

Page 10 | March, 2021

Getting Started in the Vegetable Garden

By Ashley Appling Virginia Cooperative Extension – Culpeper County Horticulture Extension Agent

Location, location, location is just as important in vegetable gardens as it is in the world of real estate. The amount of sunlight that reaches your plants throughout the day is one of the leading factors contributing to success. Lettuce and other leafy greens require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to develop properly. Fruiting vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, squash, and tomatoes need eight to ten hours of direct sunlight to produce high - quality fruit. The accompanying photos show tomatoes growing in a sunny location. The first photo was taken in early June and the second photo was taken in late August. Drainage is another important consideration in regards to location. The vegetable garden should not have standing water and should drain quickly after rainstorms. An easy way to check soil drainage is by digging a one - foot - by - one - foot hole. Fill that hole to the top with water and let it drain overnight. The next day fill the hole with water a second time and keep track of how long it takes to drain. Well - draining soil will drain within 30 minutes. Marginally drained soil will take about an hour. Poorly draining soil might take several hours. Incorporating organic matter into your soil or building raised beds can alleviate poor draining soils. Soil samples should be taken a few months before preparing a landscape bed, lawn, or vegetable garden. This allows for sufficient time for the fertilizer and/or lime applied to make the necessary adjustments to the soil profile. Samples can be collected at any time of the year, but fall is one of the better times because it allows time for soil adjustments, and it avoids the busy spring season when most samples are sent into the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory. There is charge of $10 per sample. For more information and for a soil sampling box, contact the Orange Extension Office by phone (540) 672 - 1361, or by email at ashappling@vt.edu.

Photo credits Ashley Appling

Page 11 | March, 2021

Carrot Bread Box Sign Ups Are Live!!

Story courtesy of Kelly K. Carr 4 - H Youth Educator, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Orange Unit

Orange County families may sign up for a FREE carrot bread baking activity kit to be completed at home.

To sign up go to https://forms.gle/2Bgq4SrnPy6An11j9 . Sign ups close on Wednesday, March 24.

Kit includes all ingredients (except egg and water) as well as a loaf tin for one loaf of carrot bread.

Orange County Extension will host a LIVE program via Zoom for you to follow along at home on Friday, April 2 at 7:00pm. All instructions will be included if you want to complete the project on your own. Free kit pick up will take place at the Orange Extension Office from 8am - 5pm Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2, 2021.

Boxes are limited! Don't miss out. One box per household, please.

Page 12 | March, 2021

Citizens Ask...

By Michelle Williams

Q: Where can I get information regarding internet in the County? A: For questions or information, please contact FiberLync at (540) 360 - 0585.

Q: How can I rent the Train Depot, the Public Works Community Room on Warren Street, or the pavilion behind Orange Elementary School? A: Those properties are maintained by the Town of Orange. Contact the following people:

Train Depot – Wendy Chewning at (540) 672 - 5005 Community Room – Kim Strawser at (540) 672 - 4791 Pavilion – Town Municipal Office at (540) 672 - 1020

In addition, Ms. Strawser also handles the banner reservations for Main Street.

Join us in spreading cybersecurity awareness and encourage everyone to own their role in protecting internet - connected devices. “ Do Your Part.#BeCyberSmart. ” Visit cisa.gov/ncsam for more information. Cybersecurity Tips

Page 13 | March, 2021 Page 13 | March, 2021

PAYMENT OPTION INFORMATION

ORANGE COUNTY WORKS TOWARDS INCREASING CREDIT CARD PAYMENT OPTIONS

Orange County has begun implementing a strategic deployment of credit card processing equipment at various department locations throughout the organization.

The Treasurer and Information Technology Department are working with Planning and Development Services, Parks and Recreation, the Office on Youth, the Animal Shelter, the Landfill, and the Public Library Branches to implement credit card payment options for fees, services, and permits. Some departments will even be able to process online and in - person credit card payments. The deployment team is working towards completing all implementations by late Spring 2021.

The beauty of a recent ice storm

Gail Lloyd Site Manager Employment Start: 1994

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

Gail Lloyd is the Site Manager for the Orange Elementary Child Care Program, one of the four Orange County School Age Child Care (OCSACC) programs managed by the Orange County Office on Youth. Gail has accumulated the second most years of service with the Orange County Elementary Child Care Program of any staff member in the department. Gail was first hired in 1994 when only the Gordon - Barbour Elementary School site was open and was one of the first staff members to move to the Orange Elementary School site when it opened in 1994. She left employment with Orange County for a period during 1998 and 1999. She was re - hired as the Site Manager in February 2000 and has been with OCSACC since. Office on Youth Director, Alisha Vines, stated, “ Gail has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know, and she cares for the children she works with very deeply. Her compassion and dedication to the families she serves is unsurpassed. ”

Gail finds providing a safe, nurturing environment for the children to be the most rewarding aspect of her role. Gail ’ s favorite activities while caring for the children are playing games like Connect4 and Bingo, playing outdoors, and walking the Cheetah trail. In her off - hours, Gail enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading good books, watching comedies, working in the yard, and indulging in Starbucks ’ white chocolate mochas.

Page 14 | March, 2021

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

POSTAL CUSTOMER

MEET STITCH

**CURRENTLY ATTENDING A BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAM** PLEASE INQUIRE WITH SHELTER** Stitch is doing fabulously with his training and is learning a lot! Stitch is approximately one year old. He came to us after being seized from his former owner due to neglect. Stitch is a "DIAMOND IN THE RUFF." He needs a patient and loving family that is willing to put in the time, work and training he needs. He can get over stimulated and very “ mouthy. ” He must learn boundaries. He is love in motion and a happy soul, Stitch can be hit or miss with dog friends and they would need to be able to handle his energy level. We cannot recommend him for a home with young children. He was never given any structure or guidance. Absolutely NO CATS for Stitch!!! Stitch has been neutered, micro - chipped, and given de - wormer, and is up to date on vaccines and rabies. We have tested him for heartworms (negative) and started him on monthly heartworm , flea and tick preventatives.

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

Page 15 | March, 2021

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