i Table of contents 33

Orange County Insight July 2026

Orange County's monthly source for in-depth information about activities, programs, events, and more.

Administrator’s Minute		2
We’re here for you...		2
SUBSCRIBE to the INSIGHT		2
Orange County Administration		2
Physical Address 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960		2
Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960		2
Phone: (540) 672-3313 Fax: (540) 672-1679		2
Email the Editor newsletter@orangecountyva.gov www.orangecountyva.gov		2
SIGN UP for COUNTY NEWS & ALERTS		2
OCI July 2026		2
Table of Contents		3
Orange County Celebrates Five Years of Digital Excellence		5
Orange County is excited to be recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Center for Digital Government for the fifth year in a row with a Digital Counties Survey Award. This comprehensive survey evaluates the many ways that a locality provides services (or supports other services) in the digital realm.		5
In recognition of our continuing efforts to improve digital services and capabilities, we earned the ninth spot among counties of up to 150,000 residents. Highlights from Orange County’s survey included advancements in technology-based crime-scene documentation, expanding use of GIS capabilities, and the launch of the Interactive Opioid Response Viewer.		5
Our team is excited to continue exploring new ways to utilize technology to serve our residents.		5
Orange County, Towns, and RSA Encourage Residents to Help Conserve Water During Ongoing Drought		6
Orange County, in cooperation with the Rapidan Service Authority, the Town of Orange, and the Town of Gordonsville, is encouraging residents to take steps to help conserve water while our area continues to face drought conditions.		6
Check your home for any leaks. A slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water each day. If you locate a leak, turn off the water supply and make repairs or contact a plumber for assistance.		6
Reducing your shower length by a minute or two can save up to 150 gallons per month.		6
Always run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines with a full load to save water, energy, and detergents.		6
Small changes to personal routines can save a lot of water. Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, etc. to save up to 25 gallons a month.		6
When washing cars, use a bucket of soapy water and only run the hose to rinse. Using a commercial carwash that recycles water is even better.		6
Many more ways to conserve water can be found at www.rapidan.org/water-conservation-tips.		6
According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Orange County has been under a drought warning for an extended period. Currently, there are no required restrictions in place. With our partners, we will continue to evaluate the situation and provide further information and guidance as it develops.		6
While public systems are regularly monitored, residents on private wells should be especially mindful of water conservation at this time. Wells rely on groundwater supplies that can be more vulnerable to periods of limited rainfall. Many of the same water conservation tips are just as beneficial, if not more, for well users.		6
We appreciate our residents’ assistance with water conservation efforts. Residents on public water systems can contact their provider for additional information.		6
OCI July 2026		6
Branching Out - Another Leaf, Another Life Saved		7
The “Tree of Life” mural, housed in Orange County’s Emergency Communications Center (ECC), recognizes dispatchers for their lifesaving measures. Like leaves on a tree, communications officers provide a critical canopy of protection and assistance in the chain of emergency response.		7
It is fitting, then, that each leaf placed on the Tree indicates a life saved thanks to the actions of one of our Emergency Communications Officers. Now featuring many leaves, the Tree continues to serve as a focal point in the ECC. It helps “root” the connection between everyday ECC activities and the lifesaving impacts they make in the community.		7
On the evening of June 17, Communications Officer Katarina Barnette took a 911 call from a female stating her husband was unresponsive. Quickly reacting to her first CPR call, she followed protocol and guided the caller through active hands-on CPR. As a result of her action, the medics were able to transport the patient to the hospital for further treatment. On July 8, Katarina added a leaf to the Tree of Life for her first CPR save. Great work, Katarina!		7
Is Your Child’s Car Seat Installed Correctly?		7
We can help! Schedule a car seat safety inspection with a Certified Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). The Orange County Office on Youth and Sheriff’s Office have trained CPSTs on staff! Call to make an appointment.		7
Office on Youth: (540) 672-5484		7
Sheriff’s Office: (540) 672-1200		7
OCI July 2026		8
By: Orange County Communications Department		9
OCI July 2026		12
Orange County Treasurer’s Office Recognized for Accreditation		13
The Orange County Treasurer’s office is excited to announce that it has once again received its accreditation from the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia (TAV).		13
The Office Accreditation program is a voluntary professional certificate program that requires annual renewal and is overseen by the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia. Seventy-seven treasurer’s offices received accreditation this year. While it is not required for any treasurer’s office to be accredited, receiving accreditation acknowledges that the office meets the statewide best practices for performance in treasury management.		13
As part of the accreditation process, offices must successfully pass an outside audit with no findings of material weakness. The rigorous accreditation process also requires proof of continuing education such as completion of an ethics course by the treasurer (or a principal officer) and educational requirements for all staff. Accredited offices are required to have written policies in place addressing areas such as personnel, customer service, and delinquent collections.		13
“All of these offices represent the high standards of excellence and integrity that our Association is dedicated to maintaining,” states Bonnie Dickson, President of the Treasurers’ Association. “We are honored to recognize the commitment and hard work of the 77 offices that have attained accreditation this year, as they exemplify the quality and professionalism that we strive for in our field.”		13
The Treasurers’ Association of Virginia has 180 active members across Virginia’s cities, counties, and towns. Their goal is to raise professionalism and fiscal leadership in Virginia’s Treasurers through education and networking.		13
Delinquent Tax Notices Mailed		13
For 2nd Half 2025 Real Estate Taxes		13
Avoid Add’l Fees, Call the Office to Establish a Payment Plan		13
(540) 672-2656		13
Orange County Office on Youth Enters Third Year of Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Tobacco Cessation Grant		14
The Orange County Office on Youth is excited to be entering the third year of a Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) Youth Tobacco Use Prevention Grant. This grant has supported a variety of initiatives to reduce the impacts of tobacco and nicotine use in Orange County, particularly among local youth. Examples include tobacco litter cleanups, youth-driven prevention campaigns such as Take Down Tobacco, parent education such as the Hidden in Plain Sight events, and local implementation of evidence-based cessation programs such as the Truth Initiative’s This is Quitting and EX programs. In fact, the Youth-Driven Smoke Makes You Broke Campaign, created in partnership with the Orange County Youth Council, was recognized with a Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) Achievement Award last year.		14
Together, these efforts reflect Orange County's ongoing commitment to reducing youth tobacco and nicotine use, protecting the environment, and ensuring free cessation resources remain available to those who want to quit. Throughout this grant year, the Office on Youth intends to continue and expand upon youth tobacco prevention programming efforts.		14
OCI July 2026		14
Notify Me		15
Sign Up Today		15
Registration System		15
Easy to use!		15
Optimized for mobile devices!		15
Try it out!		15
orangecountyva.gov/rec		15
OCI July 2026		16
Both group sessions and private appointments are available at no cost. Community organizations, workplaces, and civic groups interested in hosting a session are also encouraged to reach out. To learn more or schedule a session, please contact: lmahan@orangecountyva.gov		17
REVIVE! Naloxone (Narcan) Training:		17
Supply Giveaway Information:		18
Donation Information:		18
SCHOOL SUPPLIES		19
COLLECTION & GIVEAWAY		19
HELP US COLLECT SUPPLIES!		19
SUPPLY GIVEAWAY DETAILS		19
More info, including donation locations, suggested supplies, and Amazon Wish List link, available at:		19
www.orangecountyva.gov/schoolsupplies		19
Questions? Call (540) 672-5484		19
OCI July 2026		20
Parks & Recreation		21
July is Month		21
Free!		21
Free!		21
Free!		21
Free!		21
Free!		21
Celebrate with any (or all) of these fun activities!		21
OCI May 2026		21
Cost Share for Septic System Repairs Open to All Residential Properties in Orange County		22
Attention homeowners! Do you have your own septic system? When was the last time you had it pumped out or inspected? Do you know how well it functions? As a homeowner, it is in your best interest and beneficial for local streams and groundwater to maintain your system and the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) is here to help!		22
The CSWCD has recently received additional funding for its residential septic cost share program which allows the District to expand its eligible area to include all of Orange County! Previously, it was limited to just the Rapidan and Upper York watershed areas. Now, the entire county can benefit.		22
Cost Share Payment Amounts		22
Pump Out		22
50% of cost or $225 max (up to $360 low income)		22
Pump Out & Inspection		22
50% of cost or $3,250 max (up to $5,200 low income)		22
Repair		22
50% of cost or $3,750 max (up to $6,000 low income) Alternative systems not eligible		22
Conventional System		22
50% of cost or $6,250 max (up to $10,000 low income)		22
Conventional System with Pump		22
50% of cost or $8,250 max (up to $13,200 low income)		22
Engineered / Alternative System		22
50% of cost or $15,750 max (up to $25,200 low income)		22
Connection to Public Sewer		22
50% of cost or $6,250 max (up to $10,000 low income)		22
Connection to Sewer with Pump		22
50% of cost or $10,250 max (up to $16,400 low income)		22
This program is focused on reducing any existing or potential impacts on local ground and surface water quality. E. Coli bacteria in some local streams has long been identified as being higher than expected by state water quality standards, although other pollutants can also be involved, particularly nutrients.		22
It is a win-win for both water quality and property value. If you have not had your septic system pumped out in the last five years, and you are a resident of Orange County, you are eligible! This program is available for residential properties only. The program offers 50 percent reimbursement for any occupied residential property, with up to 80 percent for low-income households. See the chart for reference.		22
Pump outs with an inspection extend the life of a system and prevent higher costs later on if the system fails. If further repairs are indicated by the pump out and inspection, the owner is still eligible for the additional repair payments. Applications are required and need to be approved prior to the work being done or funding can be declined. Free assistance with initial assessments of individual system needs is available from the District. Reimbursement payments are made promptly once the work has been completed.		22
Further information on the program is available from the District at (540) 948-7531 or (540) 825-8591. Funding for these projects has been secured by the CSWCD from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Commonwealth of Virginia.		22
OCI July 2026		22
Investing in Our People: Why Employee Wellness is a Leadership Priority		23
Our county's greatest asset is its dedicated workforce. From the teams keeping our infrastructure running to the educators shaping minds in our classrooms, our public servants give their best every day. This month, leadership is giving back. On July 22, the County is hosting an Employee Wellness Expo specifically for Orange County government and school employees. By gathering premier health resources, screenings, and stress-relief services in one central location, staff will be able to easily find wellbeing resources and take advantage of their services.		23
A robust employee wellness initiative does more than just provide a day of health resources; it serves as a critical pillar for organizational culture. When a county proactively invests in preventive health and mental health support, it directly strengthens workplace morale. Cultivating a supportive work environment naturally reduces burnout, reduces turnover, and helps retain the talented personnel who keep Orange County running smoothly.		23
Crucially, taking care of our employees directly translates to better care for our community. Public service demands empathy, energy, and resilience. When our county staff and school educators are healthy, supported, and energized, they are better equipped to deliver the high-quality, compassionate service that the citizens of Orange County depend on every single day. A healthier workforce creates a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.		23
Join Our Team: A Culture That Cares		23
We believe that a supportive workplace is a thriving workplace. By prioritizing health, offering excellent benefits, and fostering a strong sense of community, Orange County provides a culture where your career can truly flourish.		23
If you or someone you know wants to build a meaningful career in a supportive, employee-first environment, scan our latest employment opportunities online.		23
View all our current job openings and apply directly at www.orangecountyva.gov/jobs, or visit the Orange County Public Schools Careers Page at www.ocss-va.org/departments/human-resources		23
*Items listed on pages with orange footers primarily pertain to Orange County employees.		23
By: Orange County Communications Department		24
Town of Gordonsville Pool Movie Night		25
Eat Smart • Move More		26
Summer Vegetable Salsa		26
Ingredients		26
Directions		26
Directions		26
Follow us | Like us		26
Quick Tips		26
www.eatsmartmovemoreva.org		26
OCI July 2026		26
Eat Smart • Move More Chicken and Rice with Salsa		27
Prep Time: 10 minutes		27
Total Time: 45 minutes		27
Ingredients		27
Quick Tips		27
Nonstick cooking spray 2 cups instant brown rice 2 pounds boneless skinless		27
chicken thighs		27
1 1/2 cups water 1 cup salsa 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar		27
cheese, grated		27
Add black beans		27
for added fiber and protein.		27
If using canned		27
Serve with		27
guacamole for added vegetable intake.		27
Follow us | Like us		27
Directions Directions		27
• Heat oven to 400°F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick		27
cooking spray.		27
• Spread uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. • Layer chicken on top of rice. • Combine water and salsa. Pour over chicken and rice. • Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes until chicken		27
reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice is tender.		27
• Remove the foil and sprinkle with cheese. Cover again with		27
foil and heat until cheese melts.		27
(Recipe adapted from: https://www.budgetbytes.com.)		27
www.eatsmartmovemoreva.org		27
www.eatsmartmovemoreva.org		27
beans, remember to drain and rinse to remove up to 40% of the sodium content.		27
This page originally formatted incorrectly, leading to errors. It was corrected July 21, 2026.		28
OCI July 2026		28
2026 Orange County Holiday Schedule		29
New Year's Day		29
Thursday, January 1, 2026		29
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day		29
Monday, January 19, 2026		29
George Washington Day		29
Monday, February 16, 2026		29
James Madison's Birthdate (observed)		29
Monday, March 16, 2026		29
Memorial Day		29
Monday, May 25, 2026		29
Juneteenth		29
Friday, June 19, 2026		29
Independence Day (observed)		29
Friday, July 3, 2026		29
Labor Day		29
Monday, September 7, 2026		29
Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day		29
Monday, October 12, 2026		29
Election Day		29
Tuesday, November 3, 2026		29
Veterans Day		29
Wednesday, November 11, 2026		29
Noon Closure for Thanksgiving		29
Wednesday, November 25, 2026		29
Thanksgiving		29
Thursday, November 26, 2026		29
Friday, November 27, 2026		29
Christmas Eve		29
Thursday, December 24, 2026		29
Christmas		29
Friday, December 25, 2026		29
This holiday schedule is subject to change and applies only to those County Government offices under the purview of the Orange County Personnel Policy Manual. Some offices may follow alternate schedules, such as the Landfill and Collection Sites. Public safety departments (Sheriff’s Office, COFEMS, E911) remain available 24/7.		29
The Board of Supervisors may grant additional holidays, under special circumstances, throughout the year. County employees will be notified of additional holidays after they are granted.		29
Virginia’s Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban Began JULY 1 for ALL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS		31
Background		31
Problems with EPS Foam		31
It takes at least 500 years for EPS to break down, and less than 1% is recycled.		31
It can blow out of trashcans and enter the environment as litter.		31
Wildlife can mistake it for food and can’t digest it.		31
It is made of styrene, a possible carcinogen. Chronic exposure to high levels of styrene can cause liver and nerve tissue damage.		31
Alternatives		31
Suggested alternatives include reusable containers and those made from recycled paper, bamboo, wheat straw, foil & metal, and recyclable plastic.		31
More Information: www.deq.virginia.gov/eps Contact: (804) 659-2663, VA-landr@deq.virginia.gov Scan the QR Code to View the Law		31
OCI April 2026		31
Accounting Technician		32
Animal Shelter Veterinarian		32
Solid Waste Equipment Operator I		32
Upcoming Orange County Meetings		33
Board of Supervisors		33
Tuesday, July 28, 2026; 5:00 p.m.		33
Tuesday, August 11 2026; 5:00 p.m.		33
Thursday, August 6, 2026; 6:00 p.m.		33
Planning Commission		33
Economic Development Authority		33
Wednesday, August 19, 2026; 5:30 p.m. at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960		33
Unless otherwise noted, listed meetings are held at:		33
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room Orange County Public Safety Building 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA 22960		33
Personnel File		33
MaryBeth Bowling, Administrative Assistant		33
For nearly three years, MaryBeth has been the friendly face helping keep the Office On Youth running smoothly as its administrative assistant superstar! She loves being part of a team that's dedicated to making a positive impact on Orange County's youth through outreach, education, and prevention programs.		33
Her favorite part of the job? "Getting my paycheck!" she jokes. But in all seriousness, she says being part of something that truly matters is what makes her work so rewarding. Some of her favorite work memories include spontaneous Taylor Swift dance parties with her office mate and traveling with the Youth Council to Washington, D.C., and Richmond to see government in action.		33
When she's off the clock, she's anything but idle. Between cheering on her three sports-loving boys, helping run her family's construction business, caring for a small farm, reading, running, gardening, and hunting for seashells in Hatteras (her happy place!), she's always on the go. If she could have one superpower, it would be never-ending energy—and with everything she does, she might already be halfway there!		33
Fun facts: She wanted to be a teacher when she was growing up, loves everything from country to hip hop, and is proudly both a dog and cat person.		33

orangecountyva.gov

Powered by