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 l ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE
INSIGHT
Social Services Seeks Donors for Holiday Assistance Programs Pages 3 - 4 Eventful Happenings at Booster Park Page 2 Parks & Recreation Earns Two Awards Pages 16 Tax Reminders Pages 19 - 20
October 2024
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Team Orange,
This month we feature fun fall activities as we transition from the lazy, hazy (and rainy!) last days of summer into the cool, crisp days of fall. Central Virginia is truly a beautiful place to be during this time of year. But while we enjoy autumn, we are
called to reflect on the recent weather - related tragedies that are impacting our neighbors in Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. Back to back hurricanes will make this holiday season a real struggle for thousands of people in the wake of these storms. Please consider helping through a responsible charity as discussed on page 6, or check the Emergency Management websites of the state you are interested in helping. Be careful of scammers, but know that help is needed. You can find more information about reputable charities here: Hurricane Helene | Charity Navigator We also share some opportunities to help our local neighbors during the upcoming holidays with our Thanksgiving Assistance Program and Elderly/Disabled Adult Christmas Assistance Program. Our Orange County Department of Social Services team puts heart and soul into bringing holiday joy to those who benefit from community generosity. You can read about helping on pages 3 & 4. There ’ s lots more in this information packed edition of OC Insight, including calendar deadlines for voting (vote early or on November 5th), for taxes and appeals, the office costume contest, award winners, history, and our first “ career retirement ” from County of Orange Fire and EMS (COFEMS).
Enjoy the fall, y ’ all!
Ted Voorhees,
Orange County Administrator
We ’ re Here For You
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Physical Address 112 W. Main Street Orange, VA 22960 Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672 - 3313
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Fax: (540) 672 - 1679
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Cover Photo: A young attendee enjoys the petting zoo at the Orange County Library's Fall Fun Fest on October 11
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Rain Doesn ’ t Dampen Spirits at OCPS Career Fair Hosted at Orange County Airport and Booster Park
By: Orange County Communications Department
As it did for much of late last month and early this month, rain prevailed on September 24. However, that did not prevent Orange County sixth grade students from visiting the Orange County Airport and Booster Park for their Career Fair event. At more than 30 booths, students were able to explore a variety of career opportunities. Along with hosting the event, many Orange County departments showcased some of their career opportunities. Participating Orange County departments included Fire & EMS, the Emergency Communications Center, and the Sheriff ’ s Office.
Library Hosts Fall Fun Fest!
By: Orange County Communications Department
On Friday, October 11, the Orange County Library hosted their Fall Fun Fest at Booster Park. This event was originally scheduled as the Summer Menagerie, but extremely hot weather forced a postponement. It was worth the wait. Thanks to a student holiday for Orange County Public Schools, many young folks were able to come out and visit. At the event, they were able to enjoy a variety of crafts, an obstacle course, treats from Rita ’ s Italian Ice, critters from the Happy Meadow petting zoo, a touch - a - truck with Orange Volunteer Fire Company, and much more!
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Social Services Seeking Donors to Support Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance Programs
By: Orange County Communications Department
The holidays are approaching and the Orange County Department of Social Services (OCDSS) is partnering with local non - profits, organizations, faith groups, businesses, and private donors to help our neighbors in need fully experience the joy of the season. Through their Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance programs, those interested can support others by donating funds, providing a meal, or by purchasing and delivering a gift for an elderly/disabled adult. Regardless of program, those wishing to provide support should begin by completing a Holiday Program Assistance Program Form to help OCDSS plan appropriately. For Thanksgiving, interested groups, families, or individuals can either donate funds or purchase a full meal. A $35 donation allows Orange County Social Services to purchase a meal for a family in need. Donations should be made by cash or check (made to “ Orange County Department of Social Services ”) and delivered to the office at 146 North Madison Road, Suite 201, Orange, VA. If mailing the donation, please mail to the attention of Tabatha Rhoades. Do not mail cash. Those wishing to purchase the individual items necessary for a meal should plan for a family of four to six people and include at least the following:
1 - frozen turkey or ham 1 - 5lb bag of potatoes 4 - small or 2 large cans of green beans
1 - large container chicken stock 1 - package of rolls 1 - packet of gravy mix 2 - large boxes of mac and cheese 1 - pie/cake
1 - set of salt and pepper 1 - box/bag stuffing mix
Completed meals should be delivered to Orange Assembly of God Church at 12386 James Madison Highway Orange, VA, on November 22, between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. The Christmas Assistance Program connects interested gift donors with elderly or disabled adults in need. After signing up, OCDSS will provide donors with a “ wish list ” containing desired items provided by the adopted individual. That ’ s where the fun begins!
Participants shop for their adoptee according to the list, wrap the items, and deliver them directly to their adopted individual between December 9 and 14, 2024. For reference, adopters typically spend around $50 on gifts. These programs are only possible thanks to generous community members. Please note that this Christmas Assistance Program is for elderly/disabled adults only. For children ’ s gift donations, please contact the Orange County Children ’ s Toy Box at (540) 661 - 2263. Questions about OCDSS holiday assistance programs should be directed to Tabatha Rhoades at (540) 672 - 6166.
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Original COFEMS Team Member Retires After 25 Years of Service
By: Orange County Communications Department
Among many friends, family, decades - long coworkers, and members of the first responder community, Lieutenant James T. “ Tony ” Franklin of County of Orange Fire & EMS (COFEMS) celebrated his retirement in the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting room on Friday, September 27. Lt. Franklin holds the distinction of having been the longest - tenured COFEMS team member. He was a part of the team from the very beginning of the department. Since that time, Lt. Franklin has held multiple positions and served in a variety of roles within the department. Throughout his career he has provided a consistent example of powerful servant leadership. He has mentored, encouraged, and inspired dozens of Orange County ’ s first responders with his trademark blend of compassion, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Many COFEMS leaders today have fond memories of learning from Tony.
Lt. Franklin with his family at his retirement celebration.
It would be difficult to exaggerate the impact he has had upon the department. He ’ s been involved in everything from training to developing specifications for ambulance procurement. However, serving patients has always been his calling. Regular Insight readers may remember that Lt. Franklin was one of the responders honored with a Unit Citation last March for his efforts responding to a Rhoadesville - area structure fire. After a successful rescue was made, Lt. Franklin and Sheriff ’ s Office Deputies began to perform life saving measures on the rescued victim. While his partner continued to attempt additional search operations, Lt. Franklin saw to the care of the victim with the assistance of the OCSO Deputies. The leadership he demonstrated while guiding the deputies was instrumental in providing lifesaving care to his patient. This recent example is just one among a full career of life - saving. We wish him all the best in retirement, and thank him for his service!
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Sheriff ’ s Office Thanks Community for Support During Helene Relief ‘ Pack the Cruiser ’ Event
Adapted from Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office Facebook Page
There was an incredible turnout and an overwhelming amount of community support at the Pack the Cruiser event held October 6. The Sheriff ’ s Office is very thankful and proud of Orange County for the generous support and acts of kindness displayed towards those in need. Thanks to that support, we were able to fill three cruisers, two pickups, an SUV, and a dump bed trailer with supplies. In six hours, we estimate raising $25,000 to $35,000 in supplies.
The devastation is heartbreaking and many lives will be forever changed. It will take weeks, months, and years for those hard hit areas to recover. We are very fortunate that we were in an area that was not impacted.
Events like these remind all of us how we need to be prepared for emergencies, and how all of us are human and can come together to help others in their time of need. Thank you Orange County and thank you J.R. Bailey Hauling for coordinating and transporting the supplies to their destination. We ’ d also like to thank Walmart in Locust Grove for supporting us and our community! Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to make a difference.
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Mental Health Initiative Provides Support for Those Who Support Our Community
By: Orange County Communications and Human Resources Departments
To support the mental health and wellness of our critical responders, Orange County launched a new initiative earlier this year using the Mindbase platform. Focused on providing holistic resource access and confidential post - incident peer support, this effort has helped establish a more comprehensive approach to caring for those whose job is to care for others.
It is, of course, well known that public safety personnel such as those in our Sheriff ’ s Office, Fire & EMS Department, Emergency Communications Department, and Volunteer Fire Companies routinely respond to traumatic situations in the course of their duties. They will never know exactly what they will face day to day, and the impacts of
those responses can be lingering. As professionals, they will continue to bravely serve, all the while carrying the unseen personal impacts long after the traumatic event, or events, transpired.
It is perhaps less well known that many situations require a comprehensive response which can include personnel serving in Social Services, the Animal Shelter, and Information Technology. With that in mind, the Orange County has made the Mindbase platform available to those team members as well.
Mindbase improves Orange County ’ s ability to proactively support our public safety staff by recognizing potentially traumatic responses (including trends of incident responses that might cumulatively become impactful), identifying responders at increased risk of experiencing mental health impacts, and ensuring that those personnel are presented with the opportunity to connect with trained volunteer Peer Mentors within the organization, or utilize outside professional supports. Trauma, and an individual ’ s response to it, are intensely personal. Respecting that, enrollment in the program is voluntary for our personnel. To further promote convenience and confidentiality whenever a responder may have a need, the program takes the form of a mobile device application. It is making a difference. Since launch, resources within the app have been accessed nearly 200 times. So far, some of the primary uses have been to connect to peer support, find local resources, and seek personalized care. It ’ s important to remember that the application, and the Orange County wellness program as a whole, encourage holistic wellness. With that in mind, not all uses of the application are connected to a traumatic event. Some users have enjoyed the program ’ s everyday wellness features such as Mindbase Fitness. Sheriff Jason Smith is excited about the promise of the program. “ Emergency responders are exposed to traumatic events on a routine basis, ” he said. “ There are many calls for service that we respond to and see members of our community in some of their worst moments in life. Our responders and dispatchers handle these situations, and then are tasked to continue handling all other calls that come in. Seeing what we see takes a toll on us, mentally and physically. In the past, only when someone showed signs would we have resources reach out to them. Now, we have a system in place that makes proper notifications when traumatic incidents occur, so we can do our part to support emergency responders in Orange County. We must take care of our people, so in turn we can provide the best service possible to our citizens, ” he added.
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4 - H Bit & Bridle Club Performs Well at State Championship Horse & Pony Show
By: Erin Berkery, 4 - H Youth Educator, Orange County Extension Office
September 4 - 7 marked the 63rd running of the VA 4 - H State Championship Horse & Pony Show. Members of the Orange County Bit N Bridle club spent four days in Lexington, VA at the Virginia Horse Center partaking in multiple under saddle classes, as well as knowledge contests for Hippology, Horse Judging, and Horse Bowl. Lila Assur and Savannah Barkley (pictured with trainer and club leader Lauren Vaughn) had a wonderful showing, bringing home many placings in classes of up to 23 riders! Individually, Lila Assur was sixth in the Small/Medium Pony Equitation Over Fences, seventh in the Small/Medium Hunter Pony, ninth in the Limit Hunter, and tenth in the Hunter Pleasure Pony.
Savannah Barkley was first in Ranch Trail, third in Western Trail, fourth in Western Horsemanship, fourth in Western Pleasure first & second Go, fourth in Working Western, fifth in Ranch Rail, seventh in Ranch Horsemanship, seventh in Ranch Riding, seventh in Art Contest, eighth in Western Horsemanship, eighth in Ranch Ground Handling.
On Sunday, the event culminates with the Classics classes - the Championship Classes of the show - Savannah was sixth in the Western Pleasure Classic Pattern, and eight in the Ranch Rail Classic. We are so proud of their achievements in the big environment of the State Horse Show and look forward to the new 4 - H year! For those interested in joining 4 - H, there is no cost for membership, and a list of clubs can be found at ocva4h.org.
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4 - H Holds Annual Achievement Night and Encourages New Membership for 2025
By: Kaci Daniel, Extension Agent, 4 - H Youth Development, Unit Coordinator, Orange County Extension Office
Orange County 4 - H held its annual Achievement Night on Sunday, September 22. Zachary Clary of the 4 - H Archery Club won the Harry T. Peters, Jr. Award, which recognizes work ethic and leadership. The Gold Award, presented to a young person who excels behind the scenes and provides support to peers and adult volunteers, was awarded to Levi Call of the 4 - H Dairy and Livestock Clubs. Mya Jones, 4 - H camp counselor from Lake of the Woods, earned a $500 scholarship to further her studies at Germanna Community College.
Pillars of Character awards were made in the form of Crocs shoes in colors matching each pillar. Winners included: Trustworthiness - Adam Southard, Respect - Sam Herndon,
Responsibility - Journey McDaniel, Fairness - Karma Bright, Caring - Jayden McDaniel, and Citizenship - Sadie Garth. Volunteer 4 - H club leaders were presented with locally grown mums in appreciation for their time and investment in Orange County youth. On the heels of this celebration came the opportunity for orange County youth to register for the new 2025 4 - H year! As of October
Pillars of Character award winners show off their Crocs clogs in the colors associated with each pillar.
1, those ages 5 - 19 were (and are) invited and encouraged to join a 4 - H club! The four H ’ s of 4 - H stand for head, heart, hands, and health. Taken together, these four values help 4 - H build leaders and encourages them to learn through action. There is something in 4 - H that will interest nearly everyone! Project areas range from animals to healthy living, and Orange County 4 - H clubs host a variety of field trips, contests, and service projects.
There is no cost for membership, and a list of clubs can be found at ocva4h.org.
Dairy Club members received a new milkshake machine this year! This new machine will help ‘ shake up ’ their fundraising and dairy promotion plans!
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Prepare for Frightfully Good Times at the Booooster Park Fall Festival
By: Orange County Communications Department
Orange County Parks & Recreation (OCPR) is excited for the upcoming Fall Festival scheduled for October 25 at Booster Park (11177 Bloomsbury Road, Orange, VA). Reviving the ‘ spirit ’ of the former Halloween Boovie Night events last held in 2019, this event will feature an outdoor showing of Hotel Transylvania, but that ’ s not all! This year ’ s celebration will host all new activities including a costume parade, as well as a community resource portion that will double as a trick - or - treat event. The costume parade is open to all ages, but costumes should be appropriate for a children ’ s event. Those who register will receive a free commemorative OCPR flashlight (while supplies last). Pre - registration is recommended. They will also be entered for a chance to win an OCPR picnic blanket. If interested, please complete the online entry form prior to the event. The form requests basic information which will allow staff to announce the participant and their costume during the parade. Another new addition will be the community resource portion of the event. By visiting the various booths, event participants will be able to learn more about the great agencies and organizations serving Orange County residents. Even sweeter, this will also serve as a trick - or - treat opportunity. Each booth will provide some small treat or goodie to young visitors. Of course, the main feature is the showing of Hotel Transylvania, which will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m., depending on light conditions. Hotel Transylvania is rated PG with a runtime of one hour and 31 minutes. Attendees should be prepared for an outdoor movie and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. A food truck, Fabulous Foods, will be onsite and concessions will be available. However, guests are welcome to bring their own food. The full event schedule is below.
• 5:30 p.m. : Event begins, concessions and food truck open, crafts and community resources available
• 6:00 p.m .: Check - in and onsite registration for costume parade!
• 6:15 p.m. : Costume parade begins
• 6:45 p.m. : Showing of Hotel Transylvania begins, event ends following movie
• 7:00 p.m .: Community resources/trick - or - treat closes
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Virginia Recreation and Park Society Honor Parks & Recreation Department with Two Awards
By: Orange County Communications Department
We are pleased to announce that Orange County Parks & Recreation was recognized with two Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) Awards at the organization ’ s recent annual conference in Norfolk, 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, our department was honored with wins in the categories of Most Creative Marketing Strategy and Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways, or Trails).
The Most Creative Marketing Strategy award recognized “ Our DogGone Fence ” at Skydog Orange Dog Park, which celebrates the memories of pets that have passed. By purchasing a memorial, patrons can honor their best friend with a permanent sign featuring the pet ’ s name, image, dates of life, and a heartfelt message. Funds raised help support Skydog Orange Dog Park. While recognized in the marketing category, it is much more than a marketing piece. It is an avenue for connection between past and future pets and patrons.
By honoring pets no longer with us, Our DogGone Fence participants help support a bright future for a location where
future pets can make memories with their families.
The second award, in the category of Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways, or Trails), recognized the efforts to renovate the Courts at Locust Grove. Located at Locust Grove Middle School, the Courts now feature a resurfaced tennis court and four pickleball courts. Staff leveraged previously allocated resources for court maintenance in combination with a growing interest in pickleball. The result is a revitalized amenity that responded to resident interest and now receives much greater use than when it offered only tennis.
“ We are proud to have been recognized with these awards, ” said Tim Moubray, Orange County Parks & Recreation Director. “ Our dog park, pickleball courts, disc golf course, and other facilities have been created and renovated with our residents in mind to provide free, fun opportunities for their enjoyment, ” he added.
For more information, please visit www.orangecountyva.gov/parksandrecreation or call (540) 672 - 5435.
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Remember to Use the Sheriff ’ s Office Prescription Drug Drop Box for Expired Medications
By: Orange County Communications Department
Earlier this year, the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office launched a new program to allow year - round collection of prescription medications for Orange County residents. The Prescription Drug Drop Box is available at:
Main Lobby, Orange County Public Safety Building 11282 Government Center Drive Orange, VA 22960
The Public Safety Building is open for visitation Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Upon passing through the entryway into the lobby, those interested in depositing medications should look to their right. The drop box is available in a hallway between the Sheriff's Office and Fire & EMS department windows. Acceptable items include liquid medications, inhalers, pills, and unopened EpiPens. Needles, syringes, and personal care products cannot be taken.
Page 18 | October 2024
Tax Bill and Personal Property Assessment Reminders
By: Orange County Communications Department
Tax bills for the second half of real estate and personal property taxes were mailed on September 20. Payment for these tax bills is due Thursday, December 5, 2024. Payments can be made in person at the office (122 West Main Street, Orange, VA), by mail to Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office, P.O. Box 469, Orange, VA 22960, or online at www.orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments. Please be aware that service fees will apply for online payments. The online fee is 3.75% for credit cards and $0.95 for e - check payments. Mailed payments must be postmarked by December 5 to avoid a late fee. If mailing close to the due date, please request a postmark at the post office service window. Those who have not received their bill, or those that would like to discuss payment options, are advised to contact the Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 2656. Questions about assessment (valuation) or items on the bill should be directed to the Commissioner of the Revenue ’ s Office. For the most efficient and timely response, the office recommends sending questions to cor@orangecountyva.gov. Those that would like to appeal the assessed values on their personal property bill should first complete an Appeal of Personal Property Assessment Form. After completion, the form should be returned to the office by mail, in - person, or by email. For extra security, please DO NOT complete the social security number (SSN) field if planning to submit the form by email.
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Get started at: www.ocplva.org/learning
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Good Times Ahead! Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Community Events!
Orange Farmer ’ s Market: Every Saturday through Oct. 26, 2024
Come visit the new Orange Farmer ’ s Market to buy local produce and other items. Bringing back the concept of farm to table. Providing our community with local foods and goods. The Orange Farmer ’ s Market will be held every Saturday May 4 through October 26, except September 14 and 21.
Gordonsville Farmer ’ s Market: Every Saturday through November
The Gordonsville Farmer ’ s Market will be held on Main Street in the Town of Gordonsville every Saturday through November from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Montpelier Hunt Races: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Join us for a day full of sport and family fun at the former home of James Madison. There will be seven horse races, Jack Russell Terrier races, stick horse races kids, a sidesaddle exhibition, a Packard car parade, shopping, tours of the Mansion, tailgating and more.
Gordonsville Veterans Day Parade: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Every second Saturday of November, we honor veterans from throughout Central Virginia in the Gordonsville Annual Veteran's Parade. To participate, contact the Town of Gordonsville Police Department.
Orange Rotary Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 7, 2024
The Orange Christmas Parade has been entertaining residents and visitors for decades. This year ’ s event is seeking entrants!
Learn more about other events at: www.visitorangevirginia.com
*Events listed on this page are not necessarily hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by Orange County.
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2024 Orange County Holiday Schedule
New Year ’ s Day - Monday, January 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 15 George Washington Day - Monday, February 19 James Madison ’ s Birthdate (Observed) - Friday, March 15 Memorial Day - Monday, May 27 Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19 Independence Day - Thursday, July 4 Labor Day - Monday, September 2 Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day - Monday, October 14 Election Day - Tuesday, November 5 Veterans Day - Monday, November 11 Noon Closure for Thanksgiving - Wednesday, November 27 Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28 Day After Thanksgiving* - Friday, November 29 *Landfill & Collection Sites Open Christmas Eve* - Tuesday, December 24 *Landfill & Collection Sites Open Until Noon Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25 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. 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 officially granted.
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27 years, Kathryn Hill, Library
4 years, Shawn Helton, Sheriff ’ s Office
24 years, Mark Sikora, Fire & EMS
3 years, James Booker, Landfill
21 years, Roger Wilson, Fire & EMS
3 years, Davanna Ford, Office on Youth
16 years, Noah Madden, Fire & EMS
3 years, Tabatha Rhoades, Social Services
14 years, Peyton Fincham, Landfill
2 years, Andrew Horn, Airport
14 years, Randy Williams, Fire & EMS
2 years, Robyn Chapman, Office on Youth
12 years, Eric Mackison, Fire & EMS
2 years, Cassandra Keaton, E - 911
12 years, David McMaster, Sheriff ’ s Office
2 years, Courtney Robinson, Office on Youth
11 years, Linda Kennedy, Social Services
2 years, Edward Hamner, FiberLync
11 years, Michelle Pursel, Library
2 years, Mia Haggart, Social Services
10 years, Xiushka Gibson, Sheriff ’ s Office
2 years, Mollie Rudisill, Social Services
9 years, Michelle Williams, E - 911
1 years, Laurel Roberts, Circuit Court Clerk
5 years, Robin Breckenridge, Social Services
1 years, Carlee Verling, Circuit Court Clerk
4 years, Tyler Nolasco, Sheriff ’ s Office
1 years, Terrance Davis, Sheriff ’ s Office
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Benefit Program Specialist I/II Custodian Director of Development Services Director of Social Services Deputy Sheriff Emergency Communications Officer Paralegal Senior Assistant/Assistant County Attorney
Child Care Lead Teacher - GBES Child Care Teacher Assistant - OES
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Clearly, Some County Staff ARE Ready for Some Football!
By: Tim Moubray, Director, Orange County Parks & Recreation Department; Photo Credit: Jennifer McGuire, Wellness Program Manager, Orange County Human Resources
The October County Cup featured three days of football! For this game, participants tried to slingshot foam footballs at targets on the Booster Park stage. Some chose finesse and touch passes, others tried the missile approach. When the final horn sounded, the Sheriff ’ s Office team of Christopher Votaw, Sarah Altman, and Xiushka Gibson prevailed with a team score of 650, boosted by Sarah ’ s high individual round of 430. Finishing second was Team Treasurer (Drema Rogers, Dawn Herndon, Chandler Renaud) with 600, and 3rd was Team Admin/HR (Ted Voorhes, Alyson Simpson, Jen Fox) with 545. In the team standings, not much changed with the top two, but Team Treasurer jumped up two spots from 5th to 3rd and Ops Team jumped two spots from 8th to 6th.
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Operations Staff Enjoy Team Building Exercises
By: Orange County Communications
Many members of the Operations Team enjoyed an outing to Graves Mountain Lodge on September 4 for guided teambuilding exercises. The purpose of this function was to recognize different approaches to problem solving and to improve our ability to leverage diverse skillsets in pursuit of a common goal.
Example activities included team jump - roping, copying an unseen picture using only the verbal instructions of a teammate, and building a complex tinkertoy structure according to telephone game - style directions passed through several individuals. Following the exercises, many staff were able to enjoy some fellowship and participate in horseback riding.
Despite the fun, team members will be able to apply the lessons in communication and cooperation everyday at the workplace.
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INSIGHT Please subscribe to our newsletter and receive this insightful newsletter delivered to your electronic mailbox every month. In its current format, the newsletter has been published every month since October 2020! Be sure to add newsletter@orangecountyva.gov to your contacts so the newsletter is not delivered to your spam or junk folder.
Citizens Ask...
Q: Where can I find more information about upcoming events or attractions in the area?
A : You can visit the Orange County Tourism website at www.visitorangevirginia.com for details. For in - person resources, consider stopping at the Visitor Center located in the Orange Train Depot at 122 East Main Street, Orange, VA, 22960, or the Gordonsville Visitor Center next to Town Hall at 200 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942. Q: How do I find the zoning classification for a piece of property? A : The best method for checking the zoning information for a piece of property is to use the County's Geographic Information System (GIS). A link, labeled "GIS Map", can also be found on the homepage of the Orange County website. The zoning layer can be found under the "Orange County GIS" layer group in the "Overlays" subgroup. GIS should only be used for general information and is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. The zoning listed under parcel details for a property IS NOT the official record of zoning.
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Upcoming Orange County Meetings
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
• Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m. .
• Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Economic Development Authority • Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960
•
Public Comment during this Meeting
• Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 5:00 p.m. at 205 Lake of the Woods Parkway, Locust Grove, VA 22508
Unless otherwise noted, listed meetings are held at: Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting Room Orange County Public Safety Building 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA 22960
This information is for reference only and subject to change. Specific information about hearing topics and schedules will be available in that meeting ’ s agenda packet when published. Agendas can be accessed in the online Agenda Center. Please note that due to the monthly publication schedule of this newsletter, it is possible that some upcoming public hearings may not be listed. Pursuant to the applicable section of the Code of Virginia, notices for all public hearings will be posted in our newspaper of circulation (The Orange County Review) at least seven days prior to the hearing date, or as required by code.
Michelle Goodwin
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
CSA Manager
Though a five - year veteran of the Orange County Office on Youth, Michelle Goodwin has recently stepped into a new role as the department ’ s CSA Manager. CSA, or Children ’ s Service Act, is a state - mandated service for at - risk families and youth which works in conjunction with Orange County Public Schools, Social Services, and the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice to assist children and families with mental health and other services. Even though she is new to the role, Michelle is familiar with the program from her years in the Office on Youth. “ Many people don ’ t know that such services exist or how they can help families, ” said Michelle. She is excited to use this new role as an opportunity to help “ serve the community and help others. ”
Juanesta Williams
Support Technician
In her free time, Michelle is a motorcycle enthusiast. “ When the weather is nice, we will be out riding, ” she says. “ I have travelled now twice across the country on motorcycle and am currently in the planning stages of traveling to Alaska. ” If given the opportunity to travel anywhere, her response was straightforward, “ everywhere. ” “ If money wasn ’ t an issue, I would always be travelling. I love meeting new people, stopping in small towns and going to the local hangouts, ” she said. When the weather doesn ’ t cooperate with her love of riding and travelling, she enjoys spending time with her grandkids, crocheting, and a variety of craft projects.
Thank you, Michelle!
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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet Marty Are you looking for a four - legged companion who will shower you with love and endless cuddles? Look no further, because Marty is here to melt your heart! This little guy weighs 30lbs and is a perfect balance between active and cuddly. Despite his stray background, Marty is a people - pleaser and loves nothing more than snuggling up next to you. He may be a bit shy at first, but once he warms up to you, he will charm you with his affectionate and curious personality. Marty is a playful and quirky boy who loves to explore his surroundings and play with toys. He gets along well with other dogs but can be a bit picky with who he chooses as his furry friends. We believe a patient and loving home would be an ideal fit for Marty, where he can feel safe and loved as he adjusts to his new surroundings. Marty will be neutered and microchipped, he is updated all vaccines including rabies. He has been given a dewormer and started on flea/tick prevention, heartworm tested (NEGATIVE) and given heartworm prevention. If interested, please visit www.orangecountyva.gov/adoptapet, and complete the online - based Pet Pre - Adoption Application.
Find your new best friend at the
Visit us on Facebook Find Adoptable Pets (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960
Orange County Animal Shelter
Page 37 | October 2024
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