Orange County Insight November 2025

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

VIBRANT ECONOMY EFFECTIVE, REFLECTIVE GOVERNMENT SUSTAINABLE LAND USE ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE

INSIGHT

Senior Leadership Promotions Pages 3-4 Employee Service Awards Page 6 Parks & Rec. Receives VRPS Award Page 12 Celebrating Geography Week & GIS Day Page 23

November 2025

Administrator’s Minute

Dear Orange County Community,

As we move into the final weeks of the year, I am reminded daily of the dedication, compassion, and teamwork that define Orange County. This month’s edition of Insight highlights so many examples of those values—whether through the celebrations of our employees’ service milestones, the remarkable leadership promotions that will strengthen our organization, or the countless ways our departments continue to enrich the lives of our residents. I am especially proud of the staff recognized during our annual Employee Service Awards. Their years of commitment—spanning five years to thirty-five—speak not only to personal achievement but to a shared belief in public service and community stewardship. To our retirees, thank you for the legacy you leave behind. We also celebrated important moments across our organization, including Parks & Recreation receiving yet another VRPS award, the graduation of Fire & EMS Recruit Classes 3 and 4, and the outstanding efforts of volunteers and staff who supported our fall events and cleanup initiatives. These stories underscore the partnerships and creativity that make Orange County such a vibrant place to live and work. As we look ahead to the holiday season, I hope each of you finds time for rest, reflection, and connection. Thank you for everything you do to support our community, our organization, and one another. Serving as your County Administrator remains an honor and a privilege.

Warm regards,

Glenda Paul Orange County Administrator

We’re here for you... Orange County Administration

SUBSCRIBE to the INSIGHT

Physical Address 112 West Main Street,

Orange, VA 22960 Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960 Phone: (540) 672-3313 Fax: (540) 672-1679 Email the Editor newsletter@orangecountyva.gov www.orangecountyva.gov

Cover Photo: Sergeant Dickson and Lieutenant Colvin are honored with 15-year service awards!

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Table of Contents

Pages 3-4

Senior Leadership Promotions

Page 5

A Thank You to Orange County Veterans

Page 6

Employee Service Award Event

Pages 7-8

Preparedness Corner: Carbon Monoxide & Thanksgiving Safety

Parks & Recreation Holiday Activities - Spooky Recap & Upcoming Gingerbread Contest Details

Pages 9-11

Page 12

Parks & Recreation Receives VRPS Award for Booster Renovations

Page 13

Litter Control Thanks Event and Road Cleanup Volunteers

Page 14

Thankful for Books? Enjoy these Library Staff Picks

Pages 17-18

Remember: Tax Payments DUE DECEMBER 5

Page 19

Library Strategic Plan Survey

Page 20

Shop Local this Holiday Season

Pages 21-22

COFEMS Recruit Classes 3 & 4 Graduate

Page 23

Geography Week and GIS Day in Orange County

Page 24

Pictures with Santa at the Public Safety Building

Page 27

Unofficial November 4 Election Results

Page 28

Deck the Paws Animal Shelter Fundraiser

Orange County Announces Senior Leadership Promotions By: Orange County Communications Department

Orange County is excited to announce several senior leadership promotions to become effective on November 9, 2025. Current Assistant County Administrator Stephanie Straub will assume the role of Deputy County Administrator, current Human Resources Director Jenny Carpenter will now serve as Assistant County Administrator, and Management Analyst Ashley Jacobs will become Orange County’s new Human Resources Director.

Stephanie Straub joined Orange County as a Procurement and Grant Coordinator in December 2012 and has held the positions of Financial Management Specialist, Director of Management Services, Assistant to the County Administrator, Public Information Officer, and most recently, Assistant County Administrator for Operations. Mrs. Straub received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William and Mary. Additionally, she completed the Senior Executive Institute sponsored by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, and the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute, sponsored by Virginia Tech. During her tenure with Orange County, Mrs. Straub has been responsible for improvements to capital improvement planning, procurement, and communications. She has also helped implement several capital projects, including broadband, the state-of-the-art public safety communications system, park facilities, and a new set of hangars at the Orange County Airport.

Jenny Carpenter began her career with Orange County when she was hired as Human Resources Director in February 2021 following eight years of private sector human resources experience. She is an Orange County native and has worked diligently during her tenure to streamline, expand, and advance the department and organization — including overseeing improvements to personnel policies, revisions to employee benefits, updates to staff classification scales, launching the County’s holistic employee wellness program, and helping to guide the County’s culture initiative. Mrs. Carpenter holds an undergraduate degree in business administration from Old Dominion University and an MBA from Liberty University. Additionally, she is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service’s "LEAD" Leadership Development Program.

Ashley Jacobs has been serving in local government for more than 15 years. She began with Orange County in 2011 as Chief Deputy Clerk, and has extensive experience that spans departments and disciplines, including overseeing human resources as the Town Manager of Grottoes, Va. In Orange County, she has made significant positive impacts in the areas of strategic planning, program development, partnership building, grant writing, outreach, and more. In her current role as Management Analyst, she has been critically important to the development and implementation of program-based budgeting and revising departmental performance measures. Mrs. Jacobs earned a B.S. in Public Administration from James Madison University and is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service’s "LEAD" Leadership Development Program.

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How do these promotions impact organizational structure?

Board of Supervisors

County Administrator

Deputy County Administrator

Assistant County Administrator

Administration

Development Services

Airport

Communications

Economic Development

Animal Shelter

Finance & Budget

FiberLync

Emergency Communications

Human Resources

Social Services

Fire & EMS

Information Technology

Constitutional Officers & Voter Registrar ( Liaison )

General Services

Office on Youth

Landfill / Collections

Parks & Recreation

Real Estate Assessment

Please Note:

Library ( Liaison )

The offices of Constitutional Officers, like the Sheriff, Treasurer, Clerk of the Court, etc., report directly to their respective elected or appointed official. While they work hand-in-hand with the county departments listed above, they are distinct from this organizational structure.

Thank You! Orange County Employee Veterans

Service Abbreviations: USA - U.S. Army USANG - U.S. Army National Guard USAF - U.S. Air Force USAFNG - U.S. Air Force National Guard USMC - U.S. Marine Corps USN - U.S. Navy

Airport

Information Technology James Hall - USMC Landfill/Solid Waste William Alley - USA

Sheriff’s Office

Paul Weber - USMC

Nicholas Newton - USA Grace Mullinax - USMC Jayden Joseph - USA Michael LaCasse - USA Adam Schienschang - USA Kage Smith - USA Mark Amos - USAF Christopher Votaw - USAF Carmen Perue - USANG & USAFNG James Bryant - USMC

Animal Shelter

Jamie Bates - USA

Circuit Court Clerk

Raymond Offer - USA Louis Gipson - USAF Edward James - USAF Clarence Lewis - USMC Mark Salyers - USMC Martin Williams - USMC Peyton Fincham - USN

Amber Monroe - USMC Commonwealth’s Attorney Russel Henderson - USA County Attorney Amy Wilson - USA FiberLync Jayne Walters - USA Todd Amon - USN Finance Andrew Oliver - USA Scott Johnson - USANG Fire & EMS

Library

Michelle Pursel - USMC

Office on Youth

Jennifer Detwiler - USA

Larry Griffith - USN Millard Shum - USN

Development Services Joseph Ryan - USA General Services Tony Jessup - USA Michael Murray - USN

Social Services

Roger Wilson - USANG Noah Madden - USMC Victor Sotelo - USMC Jeffery Morris - USN

Sheila Morrisseay - USA Tiffany Wyatt - USAF

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On Wednesday, November 12, Orange County hosted its annual Employee Service Awards Event. This celebration recognizes significant milestones in the careers of our team members. This year, 50 of our staff received awards for service anniversaries ranging from 5 years... all the way to 35 years! Retirees were recognized as well! Employees Celebrated During Annual Service Awards Event By: Orange County Communications Department

Five Year Service Awards William Alley Valencia Bowman Lewis Coates Stephen Coyle Jennifer Detwiler Daniel Fake

Ten Year Service Awards Karen Aylor

Twenty Five Year Service Awards April Clark Peggy Helmick Becky Jones Kenneth Lickliter Eddie Seale Mark Sikora Thirty Year Service Awards Elizabeth Amos Thirty Five Year Service Awards Michael LaCasse Retirees Recognized

Michael Broyles Krystle Dickson

Leigh Gardner Sherry Martin Taylor Roby Amy White Michelle Williams Ryan Wilson Rosanna Zamudio Fifteen Year Service Awards

Vernitha Fearon Josh Frederick Christina Gibson Kayla Hutchinson Edward James Rachel Lacy Clarence Lewis Tyler Nolasco Dana Oldaker Beverly Robertson Ronald Sacre Cole Shifflett Chrystal Shifflett James Shifflett Ahston Wolfrey

Larry Clement James Colvin

Brad Darnell Lewis Davis Gail Lloyd

Shannon Dickson Peyton Fincham Robin Lloyd Randy Williams Twenty Year Service Awards

Thomas Curtin Kenneth Yount

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height. Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds. Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department. If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel. If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow. During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up. A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings. Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside. November is National Carbon Monoxide Safety Month Sourced from https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week

Watch this NFPA Video about CO Poisoning and Alarms

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Thanksgiving Safety Sourced from https://www.fema.gov/blog/5-tips-gobble-safe-thanksgiving Stay Safe While Cooking

The kitchen is the heart of your Thanksgiving, but it’s also a common place for accidents. From 2017-2019, the average number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day was more than double the average number of fires in residential buildings on all other days. Keep safety front and center and follow these guidelines when cooking: Never leave your pan unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Keep flammable items away from the stove. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so no one can bump them or pull them over. Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby so you can cover the pan if it catches on fire. For additional tips, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s Cooking Fire Safety webpage.

Prevent Food Poisoning

When preparing food for family and friends, it’s important to keep food fresh and safe to eat. By following food handling guidelines, you can prevent common causes of food poisoning. Keep produce separate from meat, poultry, seafood and eggs in your shopping cart and in your grocery bags. Store and serve food at the right temperature. Food should be stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and cooked to the proper internal temperature. Remember to refrigerate food within two hours of purchase and to always thaw food safely in the refrigerator, in a cold-water bath, or in the microwave. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing or serving food. Wash utensils, cutting boards and counters that have touched uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or flour before using them on anything that will be served raw.

Home Heating Safety

Heating fires remained the second leading cause of home fires in 2021with an estimated 32,200 home heating fires reported across the country. Make sure your home heating system is inspected by a professional to ensure it is in proper working order. Keep wood stoves, fireplaces, and space heaters at a safe distance from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Maintain your heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected prior to use each year.

Fall Festival and Office Costume Contest By: Orange County Communications Department

October was a frightfully good time for our Parks & Recreation Department! Beginning with a NEW “Spooktacular Lights Tour” (offered in a similar spirit to the upcoming Tacky Lights Tour), the department organized several fangtastic events for the community. Following the digital tour of decorated homes (hosted in partnership with Orange County GIS), the next event was the ever-popular Booooster Park Fall Festival. Each year, the festival features community tables with useful resources, fun concessions, a feature film shown on a giant inflatable screen! This year, staff also added a new photo booth, and offered a chance to enter a photo contest by sharing pictures taken at the event. However, we know the main attraction is

Spooktacular Lights Tour houses received a free mini-pumpkin as a thank you!

the show. This year’s film was the fantastic and musical Disney production, Coco . It was well-received by attendees, and staff look forward to next year’s event!

The final spooky season event was also the longest running. The Office Costume Contest began in 2014, and has become a tradition receiving strong participation each year. For those unfamiliar, the contest invites coworkers to band together and create a group costume. Entries are then judged through a combination of official scores, Facebook vote, and a participation element. This year, 11 groups entered the contest, showcasing a great range of creativity and craftsmanship. Check out the opposite page for all of the entries and to see the results of the contest! Look like fun? It’s never too early to start planning next year’s entry with your coworkers!

The photo booth was a popular new addition to this year’s Booooster Park Fall Festival!

The movie showing is the feature attraction of each Fall Festival. This year’s movie was Coco .

Booster Park’s Concession Stand hosted the 4-H Livestock Club, who sold snacks at the Fall Festival to benefit their organization.

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Orange County Gordon Building 2 Floor nd

Grymes Memorial School Lower School Teachers

The Hairitage Co.

Grymes Memorial School Specials Teachers

Grymes Memorial School Upper School Teachers

Orange County Operations Team

Dogwood Village Rehab Department

Grymes Memorial School Administration

Hale Family Dentistry

Orange County Animal Shelter

Virginia Maryland Tractor

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This award is the seventh VRPS Award earned by the Department since 2021. Even more impressive, it is the third consecutive year that Parks & Recreation has received a Best New Renovation/Addition award from VRPS. Previously, the category recognized the Booster Park playground renovation (2023), and the facility repairs and modifications to add pickleball at the Courts at Locust Grove (2024). Made possible by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding Grant, the award-winning renovations were undertaken to improve safety at the park and to open new doors to expanded use. Highlights included replacing baseball/softball field fencing - including the addition of new fence protectors along the top of the outfield fences, the installation of two high-quality batting cages, and concession stand improvements that included a new fire suppression system. These renovations will allow user groups to make the most of their seasons at Booster Park. Parks & Recreation Honored with VRPS Award for 2024 Booster Park Renovations We are pleased to announce that Orange County Parks & Recreation (OCPR) was recognized with a Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) Award at the organization’s recent annual conference in Roanoke, VA. VRPS awards recognize some of the Commonwealth’s best initiatives in the parks and recreation field. In the 25,001 – 50,000 population bracket, the department was honored with a win in the category of Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways, Trails) for the Booster Park ballfield and concession stand renovation efforts undertaken in 2024. By: Orange County Communications Department

Improvement Highlights:

Since OCPR assumed authority of Booster Park in 2016, the batting cage area contained only remnants of the old cage and served only as a storage location. Now, there are two new batting cages open for free public use!

The lack of a fire suppression system kept the concession stand unusable since OCPR assumed responsibility for the park. This project made several improvements to the concession stand, including fixing the fire suppression issue.

Fencing and gates were breaking and becoming loose around all baseball/softball fields. This project replaced all ballfield fencing.

Each field’s fencing was completely removed and replaced. New orange fence safety caps were also added along the outfield fences of all four baseball/softball fields.

Litter Control Thanks Volunteers and Cleanup Crews By: Orange County Communications Department

As the season of giving approaches, the Orange County Litter Control Committee would like to pause and thank the many volunteers who help out with road cleanup and events.

On October 18, we hosted our annual Hazardous Waste Collection event. In four hours, we served 185 vehicles. It would not have been possible without the support of volunteers from the Orange County FFA. As we instituted a new event pattern to keep vehicles from lining up on Porter Road, their traffic control assistance was invaluable. Later last month, Mr. Ernst, a member of the Orange County Litter Control Committee (who helps out with nearly every event), helped the Coordinator distribute candy and coloring books during the Downtown Orange Trick-or-Treating event. With what seemed like a record-breaking turnout of young ghouls and goblins, they handed out hundreds of items during the two-hour event! Finally, the committee would like to thank groups that coordinated recent road cleanups, whether through the VDOT Adopt-a-Highway program or as a standalone effort. Orange County staff got in on the effort as well, hosting their fall adopted highway cleanup (of portions of Route 20 and Porter Road) on Friday, November 7. Want to get involved? There are many OC road sections available to adopt through VDOT. Don't want the long term commitment? No worries, our Litter Control Committee provides free supplies for those looking to host one-time cleanups.

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2026 Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District Tree Sale

5 $ 25 $ 30 $

Five seedlings of any one type of the following species:

Red Osier Dogwood Eastern White Pine Black Gum

Eastern Redbud Hazelnut Serviceberry

Twenty-five live stakes of either of the following species:

Silky Willow Silky Dogwood

Native wildflower meadow mix for pollinators, with cover crop. Cash or check only

Pick up for all plants is March 20 & 21, 2026.

Order form available at www.culpeperswcd.org Questions? Call Stephanie at (540) 825-8591

Orange County Advises Against Open Air Burning Due to Ongoing Dry Weather

Learn more in the official release at orangecountyva.gov.

OCI November 2025

The Orange County Treasurer’s Office is alerting residents and property owners that bills for the first half of 2025 real estate taxes, as well as bills for personal property taxes, have been mailed. First Half Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes Due December 5 By: Orange County Voter Registration & Elections Department and Orange County Communications Department Payment of these bills is due no later than Friday, December 5, 2025. Those who do not receive their bill(s) should contact the Treasurer’s Office at (540) 672-2656. In addition to the mailed copies, billing statements are available online at www.orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments.

There are several options for tax bill payment. Please note that fees will be added for credit card payments ( 3.75% fee, $2.50 minimum ) and e-check payments ( $0.95 fee ).

In-person payments can be made at the Orange County Treasurer’s Office at 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960. The Treasurer’s Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An after-hours drop box is also available at the entrance. Items left in the box will not be processed until the following business day and therefore may be determined to be late if deposited after business hours on the tax bill due date. Mailed payments may be sent to Orange County Treasurer, P.O. Box 469, Orange, VA 22960. To avoid the late payment penalty, it is encouraged to mail payments early and ensure they are postmarked on or before December 5 . If mailing within a few days of the due date, visit the post office in-person and request a postmark.

Payments can be completed online at www.orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments. Payment options are available on this page for Real Estate and Personal Property bills.

New! Call (540) 661-5307 to pay by automated phone system. Press 1 for personal property (be sure to have your personal property ID number) or press 2 for Real Estate (be sure to have the tax year and bill number ready).

Residents and taxpayers are reminded that this set of tax bills represents the first of the newly aligned tax cycle. However, not much has changed from a taxpayer’s perspective. With the new alignment, there is still a bill due in December and a bill due in June, as before. There is no “extra” tax bill. More information about the tax and fiscal year alignment is available at www.orangecountyva.gov/shorttaxyear. For more information about tax bill payment, please contact the Orange County Treasurer’s Office at (540) 672-2656. Those with questions about real estate assessments should contact the Real Estate Assessment Department at (540) 672-6173. For questions about personal property, such as vehicles, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at (540) 672-4441.

In person, and after-hours drop-box payments, can be made at the Treasurer’s Office, located in the Gordon Builidng at 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960. Treasurer’s Office hours are M-F 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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TAX REMINDERS:

Tax bills for the first half of real estate and personal property taxes were mailed in October. Payment is due December 5, 2025. If you did not receive your bill, or need to discuss payment options, please contact the Orange County Treasurer’s Office at (540) 672-2656.

DEC. 5 FRIDAY

In-person payments can be made the Treasurer’s Office, located at 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

If mailing your payment, it MUST be postmarked by

VIEW AND PAY BILLS ONLINE AT ORANGECOUNTYVA.GOV/TAXPAYMENTS

Dec. 5, 2025, to avoid a late fee!

Orange HCAT’s StoryWalk® Moves to Mountain Track Park for November By: Orange County Communications Department

Last month’s issue of the Orange County Insight highlighted the Orange HCAT’s efforts to combine early childhood literacy, family togetherness, and outdoor activity through a StoryWalk® at Veteran’s Park in the Town of Orange. For November, the StoryWalk® program will relocate to newly-opened Mountain Track Park. Mountain Track offers .75 miles of wooded walking trails, with mild elevation changes suitable for young hikers. The featured book is Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn by Kimberly and James Dean. The story signs can be found on the Orange Trail, which can be accessed from the main trail entrance at Mountain Track. It’s a loop trail which will return participants back to the entrance (near the playground). the StoryWalk® will be available through November! While there, see if your family can find the hidden geocache along the trail!

Please help us with our strategic plan. Ensure our priorities reflect YOUR priorities. Links to our surveys

MAIN LIBRARY SURVEY

WILDERNESS LIBRARY SURVEY

GORDONSVILLE LIBRARY SURVEY

OCI November 2025

Did you know Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 29? It’s a day to support small businesses and celebrate all they do for their individual communities! Orange County is fortunate to have a plethora of diverse, small businesses in its vibrant Main Streets in Orange and Gordonsville, as well as around the county from Barboursville to Locust Grove. During Small Business Saturday and the rest of the holiday shopping season (and beyond) our Department of Economic Development and Tourism invites you to Shop Local and enJOY all that Orange County has to offer! Shop Local, en“JOY” Orange this Holiday Season By: Orange County Economic Development and Tourism

This holiday season, discover the magic of Orange County, Virginia. Shop charming boutiques and enjoy local cuisine in the towns of Gordonsville and Orange to create your own Hallmark movie moment. Sip cocoa while taking in holiday markets and events or catch the beloved Christmas Parade lighting up the streets. Make it a full day with a visit to nearby tree farms — pick the perfect tree and bring home the spirit of the season. Support small businesses and plan your merry escape at VisitOrangeVirgina.com — where holiday memories begin

Share your holiday shopping favorites at #enJOYorange to get in on all the fun!

Recruit Classes 3 & 4: One Team, One Fight By: Susan Turner, Senior Administrative Assistant, County of Orange Fire & EMS

County of Orange Fire & EMS proudly recognizes the graduates of Recruit Classes 3 and 4, who completed their combined academy and officially graduated on November 13, 2025. Their journeys began at different times—RC3 entering training in January and RC4 starting in May—yet they ultimately came together as one class, united in purpose and determination. Throughout months of intensive Fire and EMS training, these recruits pushed themselves to master the essential skills of emergency response. From medical care to fireground operations, they demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a strong commitment to serving the Orange County community. Their class embraced the motto “One Team, One Fight,” a reflection of the unity and shared drive that carried them from their first day of training to graduation night. This motto became the spirit of their academy experience, guiding them through challenges and strengthening their bond as a team. The success of Recruit Classes 3 & 4 would not have been possible without the dedication of their instructors, County of Orange Fire & EMS staff, and the many volunteer fire companies who supported their development. The mentorship and encouragement provided throughout the academy helped prepare each recruit to step confidently into their role. As they begin their careers as Firefighter/EMS providers, the graduates of RC3 and RC4 carry forward the values of service, integrity, and leadership. We congratulate this outstanding class and look forward to the contributions they will make in protecting and caring for our community—One Team, One Fight.

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JOIN OUR TEAM!

We’re actively hiring for experienced Firefighter/Medics and multiple other roles.

orangecountyva.gov/ems

Mimimum Starting Salary: (commensurate with experience)

Role:

Medic

$71,070 +

EMT

$58,710 +

Recruit (no experience necessary)

APPLY TODAY!

$50,000

All roles are dual-trained in emergency medical service and firefighting . Positions include competitive benefits and access to an innovative employee wellness program.

At the October 18, 2025, Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board issued a proclamation to recognize November 19, 2025, as GIS Day in Orange County! GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, is the practice of attributing important data to specific points on the landscape, and using such information to tell better stories and inform policy decisions. As a field, it has grown increasingly important over recent decades. As a result, GIS is one of the four primary programs of our Information Technology Department. Celebrating GIS and Geography in Orange County! By: Orange County Communications Department

November 19 may be GIS day, but the whole week surrounding it is recognized as Geography Awareness Week. To celebrate, GIS staff have created a series of themed quizzes which challenge the participant to place a pin marking where a location can be found on a world map... using only one photograph! Ready to give it a try? Visit www.orangecountyva.gov/GISWeek to get started! To help inform the public about the value of GIS and what it does for Orange County, our team has hosted several informative workshops and talks recently, including public- focused seminars on topics like addressing. John Watermolen, our GIS Manager, also recently presented at the Virginia Mapping Land Information Systems Geocon2025 Conference (pictured right).

OCI November 2025

Buzz, Body, & Bites A newsletter for actively aging adults

November 2025 Newsletter Virginia Cooperative Extension Family &Consumer Sciences

Empowerment through Conversations: The Value of Making Wishes Known Withthe holidays just around the corner,you may find yourself spending more time with family and friends. While this time is typically about celebrating and festivities, it can also be an opportunity to talk to loved ones about “what if” situations. Advance Care Planning (ACP), a process that involves defining personal values and medical preferences, does not have to be daunting. Talking with those you love about your wishes should your health capacity change, is in many ways a huge gift. Creating an open dialogue with family and friends about your goals can ease your worries and the burden for others who find themselves navigating on your behalf. Here are four key points to keep in mind: Be Transparent When talking with loved ones about your preferences should your circumstances change, be open and honest. These conversations should be interactive to create deeper understanding of people who might need to be involved. Don’t Wait It is easy to put off the hard things. We tell ourselves another time, not today. However, prioritizing conversations about medical wishes, financial planning, and aging in general when there is not a crisis is truly the best time Know Your Options Speaking with an expert can help you navigate nuances and your peresonal situation. Your local Area Agency on Aging and elder law attorneys who specialize in estate planning are a great place to start. Put it in Writing The best way to ensure that your wishes are upheld is to document them. Conversations serve as a starting point to creating documents such as a written will and power of attorney. Contributors: Carlisle Shealy, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Director and Extension Specialist, Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech and Pamela B. Tester, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., NREMT, Professor and Director, Center for Gerontology

Buzz

Starting the Conversation While 82% of people say it’s important to put their wishes in writing, only 23% have done it. For help starting the conversation visit: https:// theconversationproject.org/ nhdd/ It’s Survey Time!!!! Please take a momentto fill out our survey to improve the newsletter content. Your opinion matters! We want to hear from you! https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_3W1C8z4vlytsgN8

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility. 25

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Bites

Mashed potatoes are a holiday favorite, and yet all too often they are not as tasty as they could be. The perfect mashed potato is rich and creamy, yet light and fluffy. Consistently good mashed potatoes comes down to proper potato selection, ideal cooking method, and the appropriate handling of mix-ins. Best Ever Mashed Potatoes

Body

Opposite ArmandLegRaise

1. Kneel on all fours, with your head and spine neutral. 2.Extend your leg off the floor behind you while reaching out in front of you with your right arm. 3.Keeping your hips and shoulders squared, try to bring that leg and arm parallel to the floor. 4.Hold, then return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise with your right leg and left arm. Repeat the exercise on both sides 10 times. To add extra strengthening to this workout, instead of returning to the start position, take your elbow to your knee for a crunch. Then, extend the arm and leg parallel to the floor, and repeat. https://www.health.harvard.edu/s taying-healthy/the-best-core- exercises-for-older-adults Resources Additional Resources Available: VirginiaCooperativeExtensionDiabetes Prevention Program Are you at risk fordiabetes? This CDC recognized program can turn that around. Scan the QR Code to request more information.

Key Steps: 1.Chose starchy, not waxy, potatoes. Russet and Yukon Gold are good choices. 2.Cut potatoes in equal sizes and start cooking in cold, salted water. Bring potatoes to a boil and reduce to simmer until cooked (about 30 minutes). Hard boiling potatoes will gelatinize the starch and make gluey potatoes. 3.Add potatoes back to the pot after draining and steam for a few minutes to get rid of excess water (don’t skip this step!). 4.Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or ricer. Add butter and heated milk or cream (or good quality olive oil for dairy-free potatoes). Continue mashing until light and fluffy. Don’t over mash as the potatoes get gummy. Simple mashed potato recipe ingredients: 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered 6-8 tablespoons butter ¾ cup milk, half and half, or cream Salt and pepper to taste Optional - chives

Mind Game

Thanksgivin g Word Search 1. autumn

2. cornucopia 3. feast 4. Native American 5. Pilgrim 6. thankful 7. wishbone

8. celebration 9. cranberries 10. harvest

11. parade 12. Plymouth 13. Thursday 14. yam 15. cook 16. family 17. Mayflower 18. pecan 19. stuffing 20. turkey

Editors: April Payne, MS; Carlin Rafie, PhD, RD; Kristen Gibson, MBA; Carlisle Shealy, PhD, MPH Peer reviewers: Elizabeth G-Mundoma MS; Naida Young, MS; Jessica Jones, BSW Subscribe at: buzzbodybites-g@vt.edu Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension: ext.vt.edu

Unofficial November 4, 2025 Election Results Information Sourced from Virginia Department of Elections, as of Nov. 15, 2025

Local Elections

57% Turnout

Gordonsville Town Council Special Election

Board of Supervisors District One

Board of Supervisors District Four District Four

J. Jason Capelle: 44.93% W. Chris Herndon: 33.39% Andrew G. Fossen: 21.26% Write-In: 0.42%

Crystal D. Hale: 59.04% Robert P. Rabe, II: 40.46% Write-In: 0.50%

Mary C. “Cyd” Black: 94.37% Write-In: 5.63%

School Board District One Rod C. Hawkins: 69.93% Sid L. Trimmer: 29.58% Write-In: 0.50%

School Board District Four District Four A. Tina Whittington: 56.17% O’Brian A. Martin: 43.19% Write-In: 0.64%

State Elections

Attorney General

Governor

Lt. Governor

O.C. Vote %

Statewide Vote %

O.C. Vote %

Statewide Vote %

O.C. Vote %

Statewide Vote %

Jay C. Jones

Abigail D. Spanberger Winsome Earle-Sears Write-In:

Ghazala F. Hashmi John J. Reid, II Write-In:

38.03 53.14

42.47 57.58

40.19 55.65

Jason S. Miyares Write-In:

61.54 46.46

57.34 42.22

59.56 44.09

0.43 0.40

0.19 0.20

0.26 0.25

House of Delegates (62 District) nd (62 District)

House of Delegates (63 District) rd (63 District)

O.C. Vote %

Statewide Vote %

Karen F. Hamilton Sara H. Ratcliffe Write-In:

Phillip A. “Phil” Scott Forrest J. Miller Write-In:

58.01 58.20

59.85 55.87

41.75 41.53

40.04 43.97

0.24 0.27

0.11 0.15

OCI November 2025

FUNDRAISER FUNDRAISER Deck the Paws

Donate food to the shelter. We’ve set a goal of 1,500 pounds! To help reduce upset tummies and vet needs, please give only the brands suggested (Hill’s Science Diet for dry food). During this season of giving, consider supporting the Orange County Animal Shelter in any of the ways listed below: Make a monetary donation and fill a pet’s stocking with goodies! Donations beyond that needed for stockings will support the emergency vet fund. Online or in-person gifts accepted. Purchase and donate an item from our wish list! Help fill our supply rooms with items from the Amazon Wish List curated by the Friends of the Orange County Animal Shelter (items like kitty litter, treats, toys, and soap). For more info, use the QR code or visit the web address listed below: orangecountyva.gov/deckthepaws

Eat Smart • Move More Crustless Pumpkin Pie Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes

Dair y

Fruits

Protein

Quick Tips

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray 4 eggs, cracked and shelled 15 ounces canned pumpkin 8 ounces evaporated milk 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt

} Pumpkin is a great source of Vitamins A and C, and are also fat, cholesterol, and sodium free. } Don’t toss out the pumpkins seeds from your jack-o-lantern. You can roast them for a tasty and healthy snack.

Directions Directions

• Heat oven to 400°F. Spray a pie pan with nonstick cooking spray. • Add the eggs to a mixing bowl and beat together. • Next, add the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth. • Pour into the pie pan and bake for 15 minutes. • Turn the oven down to 325°F and bake for another 30 minutes or until the pie is set. Pie is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

www.eatsmartmovemoreva.org

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer.

(Recipe adapted from: https://www.verybestbaking.com.)

www.eatsmartmovemoreva.org

OCI November 2025

Upcoming Community Events

...mark your calendar for good times!

Season Ending Bonfire at Chateau MerrillAnne November 29

Chateau MerrillAnne’s season-ending bonfire has become a holiday tradition for so many and we are happy to continue that tradition for 2025! As we always do, the bonfire will be on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The tasting room will open at 11:00 a,m., Zippy’s BBQ will be set up and serving at 3 p.m., and we light off the bonfire as soon as it gets dark.

Holiday Open House and Winter Market at Montpelier December 5

Join us for a festive day of history, fun, and community at Salubria, where the scenic grounds transform into a lively celebration of Virginia’s past and present.Enjoy historical re-enactors and living history demonstrations; join in Colonial Dancing; meet a Revolutionary Era Doctor; play colonial-era games on Salubria’s lawn; see blacksmithing, spinners, and weavers; and more!

Orange Holiday Village December 6

Santa will be available inside the decorated Train Depot for FREE pictures! Outside of the Train Depot artisan craft, and baked good vendors will be set up with holiday gifts available for purchase. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

Orange Rotary Christmas Parade December 6

Enjoy the holiday tradition of the Orange Christmas Parade! On Saturday, December 6, come on out and see some great floats and community organizations. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. and will include portions of Madison Road, Main Street, and Caroline Street.

Holiday Movie Night at the Market at Grelen December 12

Come on out for a festive movie night under the tent at The Market at Grelen! On Friday, December 12, they will be showing two all-time favorites, Polar Express and The Holiday . It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Tickets required.

Looking for more? Learn about other events at www.visitorangevirginia.com

30 Events listed on this page are not necessarily hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by Orange County.

ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 2025-2026 Calendar Approved: June 2, 2025

21-25 28-30

New Teacher Institute Teacher PD (AM); Work Hours (PM) Teacher Work Day Open House All Schools 1:00-6:00 PM

1-2 5

Student Early Dismissal &PM Parent/Teacher Conferences NoSchool for Students &AM Parent/Teacher Conferences Student Early Dismissal &PM Teacher PD No School - Holiday No School for Students – Teacher Work Day First Day of Second Semester No School – Holiday Student Early Dismissal & PM Teacher PD End of 3rd Nine Weeks No School for Students– Teacher Work Day No School for Students- Teacher PD Day

JULY 2025 T W

JANUARY 2026 M T W

Th 3 10 17 24 31

S 5

Th 1 8

1 8

4 11 18 25

2 9

3 10 17 24 31

12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

31 31

16 23 30

15 22 29

16 23 30

19 29

1, 4 5 6 28

Teacher PD Day Teacher Work Day First Day of School Student Early Dismissal & PM Teacher PD No School - Holiday

AUGUST 2025

FEBRUARY 2026 M T W F Th

M T W

1 8

2 9

1 8

2 9

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

16 23 30

15 22 29

15 22

16 23

1 18

NoSchool - Holiday Student Early Dismissal &PM Parent/Teacher Conferences NoSchool for Students &AM Parent/Teacher Conferences Student Early Dismissal &PM Teacher PD End of 1st Nine Weeks No School for Students- Teacher Work Day No School for Students- Teacher PD Day Student Early Dismissal & PM Teacher PD

10 13

MARCH 2026 M T W F Th

SEPTEMBER 2025

W 3 10 17 24

Th 4 11 18 25

F 5

S 6

M 1 8 15 22

T 2 9

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8

2 9

3 10 17 24 31

12 19 26

13 20 27

7 14 21 28

16 23

15 22 29

16 23 30

6-10

9 10

No School - Student and Staff Holiday

OCTOBER 2025 F 3 M T

APRIL 2026 T

W 1 8 15 22 29

Th 2 9 16 23 30

S 4

W 1 8 15 22 29

Th 2 9 16 23 30

F 3

S 4

10 17 24 31

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

11 18 25

10 17 24

11 18 25

13 16 20

Last Day for Seniors OCHS Graduation

No School for Students- Teacher PD Day No School - Student and Staff Holiday

NOVEMBER 2025 M T W F Th

MAY 2026 T W Th

1 8

2 9

Student Early Dismissal & End of School Year No School for Students- Teacher Work Day

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

2 9

3 10 17 24 31

15 22

16 23

26-28 No School - Holiday

16 23 30

22-31

No School - Holiday

School Closing Make-Up Plan - OCPS will not make up the first 10 inclement weather days - OCPS will utilize March 13th for inclement weather days 11-12 - OCPS will utilize May 21st for inclement weather days 13-14

Regular School Day New Teacher Institute Teacher PD Day Teacher Work Day Student Early Dismissal Parent/Teacher Conferences Student & Staff Holiday

DECEMBER 2025

M 1 8 15 22

W 3 10 17 24 31

Th 4 11 18 25

F 5

S 6

2 9

7 14 21 28

12 19 26

13 20 27

16 23

OCI November 2025

2025 Orange County Holiday Schedule

New Year's Day

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 20, 2025

George Washington Day

Monday, February 17, 2025

James Madison's Birthdate (observed)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Memorial Day

Monday, May 26, 2025

Juneteenth

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Independence Day

Friday, July 4, 2025

Labor Day

Monday, September 1, 2025

Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day

Monday, October 13, 2025

Election Day

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Veterans Day

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Noon Closure for Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Day After Thanksgiving* *Landfill & Collection Sites Open

Friday, November 28, 2025

Noon Closure for Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Christmas

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Day After Christmas* *Landfill & Collection Sites Open

Friday, December 26, 2025

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. Plus... 2026 Orange County Holiday Schedule Now Available!

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.

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orangecountyva.gov