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
Hazardous Waste Disposal and Recycling Recap Pages 10 - 12 Batting Cages Open at Booster Park Page 9 Holiday Help Abounds in Orange County Pages 5 - 7
November 2024
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Team Orange,
As I write this message, Orange County held our annual employee recognition event earlier this week. Employees who reached significant
service milestones were recognized with certificates and pins, and we celebrated their tenure with food and fellowship. The takeaway for me is the service commitment that these employees have demonstrated. When reading this issue of OC Insight, you ’ ll find some fun holiday - themed activities, but you ’ ll also find numerous examples of employee service. Whether its our military veterans, holiday meal or toy donations, or keeping our community clean, Orange County employees are committed to service. This is what makes public service a “ calling ” and not just a job. It ’ s because every day we have the chance to make our community a better place that we find meaning in our work. Along the bottom of OC Insight ’ s front page, you will see a growing number of awards. This speaks to how well we do what we do. I am proud of the many recognitions earned by Team Orange. But what I am most proud of is what we do. Together, we make a difference in people ’ s lives. Thank you for your service!
Ted Voorhees,
Orange County Administrator
We ’ re Here For You
Subscribe to the Orange County Insight
Orange County Administration
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
newsletter@orangecountyva.gov
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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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Veterans Day Thank you to our employees who have served our Country!
Robert Kelley, USAF
Airport
Library
Michael LaCasse, USA
Paul Weber, USMC
Michelle Pursel, USMC
Grace Mullinax, USMC
Animal Shelter
Office on Youth
Nicholas Newton, USA
Jamie Bates, USA
Jennifer Detwiler, USA
Millard Shum, USN
Commonwealth ’ s Attorney
Public Works & Landfill
Adam Schienschang, USA
Russel Henderson, USA
William Alley, USA
Kage Smith, USA
Peyton Fincham, USN
County Attorney
Christopher Votaw, USAF
Louis Gipson, USAF
Amy Wilson, USA
Christopher Williams, USA
Edward James, USAF
Development Services
Social Services
Tony Jessup, USA
Joseph Ryan, USA
Nimibia Derrick, USA
Clarence Lewis, USMC
FiberLync
Sheila Morrisseay, USA
Raymond Offer, USA
Todd Amon, USN
Mark Salyers, USMC
Abbreviations:
Jayne Walters, USA
USAF - United States Air Force
Martin Williams, USMC
Fire & EMS
USA - United States Army
Sheriff ’ s Office
USMC - United States Marine Corps
Noah Madden, USMC
James Bryant, USMC
USANG - United States National Guard
Nathan Mort, USMC
USN - United States Navy
Larry Griffith, USN
Victor Sotelo, USMC
Shawn Helton, USMC
Samir Stettler, USMC
Jayden Joseph, USA
Roger Wilson, USANG
Page 2 | November 2024
Don ’ t Forget, Tax Payments Due December 5
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 (112 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.
Payments can be made in person or by drop box at the Gordon Building, located at 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960.
Page 3 | November 2024
Virginia 211 to Receive Upgrade
Adapted from Council of Community Services Website Notice Dated October 25, 2024
Have you ever used 211? 211 Virginia is a free and confidential service connecting individuals with local resources across the Commonwealth. It is a contracted service of the Commonwealth, through a public/private partnership between the Virginia Department of Social Services and the Council of Community Services. In fact, many Orange County resources are listed on 211. Over the next few months, 211 Virginia will be transitioning to a brand - new website and an upgraded database platform, designed to provide a more modern, user - friendly experience. What To Expect: • User - Friendly Design: Easier navigation with a fresh, modern look. • Simplified Agency and Program Listing Management: Streamlined processes for agencies managing their listings. • One - Stop for Community and Agency Resources: Centralized access to resources and information.
• Enhanced Functionality and Accessibility Improvements: Ensuring the platform is more inclusive and accessible for all users.
Page 4 | November 2024
Sheriff ’ s Office Receives Grant to Support Orange County Children ’ s Toy Box
By: Orange County Communications Department
The Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office is pleased to be the recipient of a Walmart grant worth $2,000! According to Sheriff Smith, these funds will be used to “ purchase bicycles to donate to the Orange County Children ’ s Toy Box. Those are some of the bigger ticket items so we like to try and provide as many of those as we can. ” The Orange County Children's Toy Box is a local nonprofit organization that helps to provide Christmas gifts for all children in Orange County.
The Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) assists with the Toy Box program by accepting the applications for those
requesting gits.
Those who would like to request assistance from the Children ’ s Toy Box should contact Social Services at (540) 672 - 6166. Don ’ t forget! DSS also directly hosts a Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance Programs. See next page for details.
Extension Office Collecting Toys for Children Impacted by Hurricane Helene
By: Orange County Communications Department and Orange County Extension Office
James Edward, a youth member of the Orange County 4 - H Dairy and Livestock Clubs, as well as the 4 - H Food Challenge Team, has organized a collection to gather new and gently used toys for families impacted by Hurricane Helene. James and his family have been volunteering with hurricane relief efforts and will deliver the collected toys to both Virginia and North Carolina next month. Toys can be brought to the Orange County Extension Office, located at 127 Belleview Avenue, Orange, VA 22960. Those wishing to contribute an item at the Extension Office should do so no later than December 4.
Other drop off locations include the Madison County Extension Office, Hale Family Dentistry in Orange, and 45 & Holding in Locust Grove. A later pickup date may be available at other locations. Please contact those locations for more information.
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Social Services Still Seeks Donors and Adopters for Holiday Assistance Programs! Want to Help? Have Questions? Call (540) 672 - 6166.
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Food Resources Available in Orange County
By: Orange County Communications Department and Orange County Department of Social Services
Do you or someone you know need food assistance? Don ’ t go hungry. Those experiencing a shortage of food should know there are several resources available in Orange County. For additional assistance, please contact Orange County Social Services at (540) 672 - 6166. Love Outreach Food Pantry Location : 252 Blue Ridge Drive, Orange, VA 22960 Hours: • Good Samaritan Inc. Location : 105 North Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960 Hours: •
Thursdays & Fridays, noon to 3:00 p.m., Other hours by appointment
Wednesdays (except 5th Wednesday) 9:00 a.m. to noon, Third Monday of the month, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Contact:
(540) 308 - 7741, info@goodsamaritaninc.org
Contact:
Notes: •
(540) 223 - 6674
Also distributes clothes to those in need
Notes: •
Also distributes clothes to those in need
Blue Ridge Mobile Food Pantry Location : Booster Park, 11177 Bloomsbury Road, Orange, VA 22960, This is a mobile food pantry. It is ONLY at this location on the scheduled dates.
LOW Lions Wilderness Food Pantry Location : 32361 Constitution Highway, Locust Grove, VA 22508 Hours: • Most Fridays, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Contact: (540) 518 - 2440, option 3 Notes: • Open air client ’ s choice format
Hours: •
Third Tuesday of the month, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Contact:
(540) 213 - 1319
Notes: •
Distribution is drive - thru based, participants line up and remain in their vehicles
Feed My Sheep Contact: (434) 249 - 6892 Notes: •
Feed My Sheep provides emergency food resources when other options are not available. It does not hold regular pickup hours or locations. Rather, those in need are advised to call or text the contact number.
*In addition to these pantry - style resources, many local churches and non - profits host regular meals.
Volunteers at the LOW Lions Wilderness Food Pantry prepare for a distribution day.
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OCECC Stands Out at Annual Conference
By: Michelle Williams, Senior Administrative Assistant, Orange County Emergency Communications Center
The Orange County Emergency Communications Center (OCECC) is proud to have sent three staff members to the 2024 VA APCO/ NENA and Interoperability Conference in Roanoke last month! Bayleigh Carpenter - Smith was the recipient of a Fall Conference Scholarship, giving her the
opportunity to attend her very first conference! Cassandra Singh (Keaton), who was not in attendance, was the winner of a RPL Scholarship which she ’ ll be able to complete in 2025. Jeremy Brown also was not in attendance but was the recipient of a Certificate of Distinction in Training.
Abbe Smithson taught her first class at a conference! Her class was regarding Marcus Alert, 988, Handling Mental Health Calls, and Mental Health Awareness. Kriste Farley was sworn in as the President of the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications (APCO) Professionals! In addition to winning scholarships and earning certificates, Bayleigh, Abbe, and Kriste took several interesting sessions and networked with peers and vendors throughout the conference.
Orange County Triad Recognized at State Conference
By: Ron Kesner, Deputy & Triad Coordinator, Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office
Every year, the Virginia Attorney General ’ s Office holds a conference for the purpose of bringing together Triads, law enforcement, and senior citizen groups from across the state to discuss and implement programs focused on preventing crime against seniors. Guest speakers are invited to share knowledge and educate attendees. One of the guest speakers this year was Dr. Daniel Hornick, Superintendent of Orange County ’ s
Public School System. He spoke regarding the importance of seniors staying involved in the lives of young people and how each group can learn from the other. This year several Triad Volunteers, local Senior Care Program persons and citizens from Orange County attended the conference, including Loretta Henandez, Dianna DiPasquale, Dawn Yuppa Kay, Alex Verouxis, Tanya Thomas, and Orange Senior Center Director Pamilla Prill. During the event, Attorney General Jason Miyares presented six awards to Triad programs in the State of Virginia. We are pleased to announce that one of those awards, the Distinguished Triad Leader Award, was presented to Deputy Ron Kesner of the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office Triad Program. This award recognizes our innovative programs, community initiatives, and dedicated volunteers setting the bar for service to and protection of seniors as well as sharing those ideas with other Triads throughout the State of Virginia. The Triad Volunteers, Deputy Kesner under the supervision of Sheriff Jason Smith, and a highly dedicated staff of administrators and patrol officers continue to provide a high standard of service to the senior citizen community
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Play Ball! Batting Cages Open at Booster Park
By: Joe Falin, Programs & Facilities Manager, Orange County Parks & Recreation Department
Earlier this month, the new batting cages at Booster Park opened for public use. They are located on the upper part of the park beyond Field 2. Parks & Recreation is excited to offer this new amenity but reminds users of the following rules to help promote safety and the longevity of the equipment. Use of the batting cages is on a first - come, first - serve basis. If people are waiting to use the batting cages, use is limited to 20 minutes. All users of the batting cages understand they use the facility at their own risk. Orange County is not liable for any personal injury or equipment damage sustained in or around the batting cages. Absolutely NO CLEATS are allowed in the batting cages. Batters are required to wear closed - toed shoes while in the batting cages.
All batters are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet while in the batting cages.
Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Adults are responsible for the actions of the youths in the batting cages.
Only two people will be in a batting cage at one time: the batter and the pitcher.
All pitchers are strongly encouraged to use the “ L - Screen ” protective screen in the batting cage.
The “ L - Screen ” protective screens are not to be removed from the batting cages.
No private lessons are allowed in the batting cages.
No food or drink is allowed inside the batting cages.
All users are expected to keep the batting cages clean and free of litter at all times.
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Hazardous Waste Event Grows Again
By: Orange County Communications Department
Orange County hosted our annual Hazardous Waste Disposal Event at the Orange County Landfill on October. Much like the Electronics Recycling Event in June, this event drew a record - breaking number of participants. During the four hour event, 196 vehicles were served (an average of one every 1.2 minutes)!
This is especially impressive when considering that the discarded
hazardous materials must be sorted for transport and disposal, and containers like gasoline cans must be returned to the participant. Members of the FFA helped maintain this pace by directing traffic and assisting attendees with unloading regular household trash. Despite the success of the event, organizers listened to participant feedback and have plans to make improvements in the future. Even with the rapid pace of unloading, the high turnout caused a backup on Porter Road. To alleviate this issue, next year ’ s event is planned to make use of the internal landfill roads for waiting participants.
We appreciate everyone who used this opportunity to responsibly dispose of potentially harmful waste. Thank you for your patience at the event and we look forward to offering it again next year.
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Celebrate America Recycles Day by Exploring Orange County ’ s Many Opportunities for Responsible Disposal
By: Orange County Communications Department
America Recycles Day is held annually on November 15. According to Keep America Beautiful , “ it ’ s a time to learn, get inspired, and take action. ” Over the decades, we have come a long way; more action is taken every year to help reduce the unnecessary disposal of items that could be recycled. In fact, the national recycling rate has increased from less than seven percent in 1960 to the current rate of 32 percent. 1 However, there is clearly more work to be done.
Thankfully, Orange County provides a great deal of recycling opportunities through single - stream resources at several collection sites, special events for particular commodities (like electronics), and dedicated programs for difficult - to - recycle items. The efforts are led by our Landfill and Solid Waste staff members, with the support of our Litter Control Committee and several partner organizations. As we celebrate America Recycles Day in 2024, residents are encouraged to learn more about recycling opportunities in Orange County, and let that inspire them to take advantage of those resources.
Single Stream Recycling:
Did you know Orange County is mandated to recycle at least 25% of its solid waste generation? Single stream recycling makes it easy for residents to help us meet that goal. Sorting is not required (except separating recyclables from trash) for any of the listed items at any of five convenient locations.
Recyclable Items:
Single Stream Locations:
Metal food cans
• Barboursville Collection Site, 4328 Spotswood Trail, Barboursville, VA 22923 • Lake of the Woods Collection Site, 100 Shoosmith Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508 • Locust Grove Collection Site, 7240 Gold Dale Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508 • Porter Road Collection Site (located with Landfill), 11530 Porter Road, Orange, VA 22960 • Route 15 Collection Site, 12435 James Madison Highway, Orange, VA 22960
•
Aluminum foil
•
Paper goods
•
Flattened cardboard
•
Glass bottles
•
Plastics 1 - 7 (no lids)
•
While single stream makes it easy to recycle without much sorting, it is still important to avoid contamination by non - recyclable items. Some examples of items that can ’ t be accepted in single stream containers include plastic bags, diapers, Styrofoam, plastic caps/lids, organic waste, tires, household trash, scrap metal, and hazardous waste. For some of these items, such as plastic bags and tires, we have alternate recycling opportunities. Keep reading to learn more.
Special Recycling Events
Each year, several special events are held to accept items that cannot normally be recycled. They are offered in partnership with the Orange County Litter Control Committee and often involve the assistance of
1 US EPA, OLEM. 2015. “ America Recycles Day. ” https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/america - recycles - day (November 6, 2024).
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local volunteer groups.
Free Tire Disposal Events - Held in the fall and spring
This program allows Orange County residents and property owners to dispose of up to eight passenger vehicle - sized tires without paying the usual tipping fee. Collected tires are recycled into products such as sound wall material, road surface material, horse arena footing, tire derived fuel, and others. Those wishing to participate must first obtain a voucher (usually available at the Orange County Public Works office) during the voucher period, then later, visit the Orange County Landfill with their voucher and tires. Each voucher covers the cost of up to four tires.
Electronics Recycling Events - Held in the spring
Our popular electronics recycling events provide the opportunity for residents to responsibly discard unwanted items like computers, radios, and (as of the most recent event) televisions. Recycled items are broken down, with personal information destroyed, to collect viable recyclable materials.
These events are typically held in the spring for four hours at the Orange County Landfill with unloading assistance available.
Hazardous Waste Disposal - Held in the fall
While items collected at this event are not recycled, it still provides a responsible alternative for difficult - to - discard items. Some of the most commonly - accepted items include paint, gasoline, fluorescent light bulbs, antifreeze, and others. See page ten for a recap of the most recent event.
Dedicated Ongoing Recycling Programs
Plastic Film Recycling with NexTrex
Plastic Film Recycling Locations
This award - winning program allows the disposal of plastic bags and film, which are notoriously difficult to recycle and are often noted as some of the most pervasive and harmful pieces of litter worldwide. Participants can bring plastic items like grocery bags, bubble wrap, produce bags, Ziploc and other resealable bags, case overwrap, and more to any of six convenient locations. Collected plastic is recycled by Trex and made into composite furniture and decking. For every 1,000 pounds (the equivalent of approximately 90,000+ bags) Orange County delivers, we receive a high - quality composite bench for use at a public facility.
• Gordonsville Library, 319 North Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22960 • Gordon Building, 122 West Main Street, Orange. VA 22960 • Landfill Office, 11530 Porter Road, Orange, VA 22960 • Public Works Office, 11350 Porter Road, Orange, VA 22960 • Sedwick Building, 146 North Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960 • Wilderness Library, 6421 Flat Run Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508
Ink Cartridge Recycling with Konica Minolta
Bring toner cartridges (inkjet, laser, fax, etc.), toner bottles, fusers, and drums to the Gordon Building and deposit them in the cardboard bin located across from the Treasurer ’ s Office.
Fire Extinguisher Recycling
Please bring empty and expired fire extinguishers to the Fire & EMS Department at the Public Safety Building at 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA 22960.
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Locally Made Market at Hunt Races
By: Regan McKay, Economic Development & Tourism Assistant, Orange County Economic Development & Tourism
The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism was pleased to host the return of the 4th Annual Locally Made Market at the 89th running of the Montpelier Hunt Races on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024. Five local entrepreneurs were able to set up and promote their home - based, small business in a shared vendor tent in the Vendor Village. The five businesses selected were Inseparability Designs, Original Designs by Maria Pace, Bound2Please Books, Metal Maiden Jewelry, and Samurai Creatives. This year they had the opportunity to advertise and sell their products in front of an estimated 18,000 attendees, allowing them to gain valuable exposure to a new, larger customer base.
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Unofficial November 5, 2024 Election Results for Orange County, VA Information Sourced from Virginia Department of Elections, as of November 15, 2024
Local Elections
State & National Elections
PLEASE NOTE : Percentages and results displayed in graphs reflect Orange County, VA votes ONLY . For national and state elections, the overall winner of the election is marked with a star. For the Town Council elections of Orange & Gordonsville, winners are the two candidates listed at the top.
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Office Costume Contest
By: Orange County Communications Department
The eleventh year of our Office Costume Contest is in the books! This year, we enjoyed an increase in participant groups compared to last year. In terms of individual participants, more than 110 folks donned a costume for this event! We ’ re always amazed by the creativity displayed by the entrants. This year, themes ranged from classic bedsheet ghosts to donuts of the dunking (literally) variety. Since its creation, this contest has allowed the community to make their voice known by voting for their favorites on the Parks & Recreation Facebook page. Almost 1,400 took advantage of the opportunity by clicking the like button on their favorite entry ’ s photograph. Each year, the Facebook portion is
combined with a participation bonus and official judges ’ scores to determine the overall winners.
With that in mind, we are pleased to announce the overall winner of the contest is the Disney Villain entry from our Treasurer & Commission of the Revenue ’ s Office (perhaps a fitting tongue - in - cheek costume theme for tax season). Courtesy of the win, bragging rights return to the Treasurer ’ s Office. Perhaps this will “ make - up ” for last year ’ s KISS - themed entry falling short of the top spot. In second place for the second year in a row, the Extension Office made waves with their “ Under the Sea ” theme. Rounding out the podium, the Boys & Girls Club of Orange had both voters and judges “ feeling ” great about their Inside Out costumes. Check out all of the entries on this and the following page, then get with your coworkers and start planning for next year!
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Good Times Ahead! Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Community Events!
Fall Crafts Fair at Patch: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Craft Cville joins Patch with a Small Business Saturday pop up craft market. Shop local artisans for the perfect Christmas gift and support your local community brewery.
Gordonsville Memorial Tree Lighting: Sunday, December 1, 2024
The Gordonsville Memorial Tree Lighting is a holiday event that happens every year in Gordonsville, VA. The lights on the tree are lit in memory of loved ones who are no longer with us during the holiday season. Santa will be here this year to visit with the children after the tree lighting! Brushwood School of Dance and the Gordon Barbour Singing Bulldogs will be performing this year! Pancake Breakfast and Holiday Market at Orange Fairgrounds: Saturday, December 7, 2024 Orange County Fair Association invites you to our First Annual Christmas Holiday Market! There will be a variety of vendors setup for your shopping convenience right here in Orange. Additionally, Pancakes with Santa will happen from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., and live music will be playing from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Orange Holiday Village: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Enjoy a visit with Santa, baked goods, craft vendors, and artisans at the historic Orange Train Depot located at 122 East Main Street, Orange, VA 22960.
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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18 years, Bernice Washington, Social Services
3 years, Emily Welch, Extension Office
13 years, Hunter Hall, Fire & EMS
3 years, Kyra Davis, Development Services
13 years, Joyce Thomas, Social Services
2 years, Brian Wilson, Sheriff ’ s Office
9 years, Amy White, Fire & EMS
2 years, Donald Kennedy, FiberLync
7 years, Carl Joseph, Landfill
2 years, Christopher Paris, Sheriffs Office
5 years, Christopher Votaw, Sheriff ’ s Office
2 years, Paul Weber, Airport
4 years, Cole Shifflett, Information Technology
2 years, Grace Mullinax, Sheriff ’ s Office
4 years, Chrystal Shifflett, Social Services
2 years, Erin Berkery, Extension Office
3 years, Kage Smith, Sheriff ’ s Office
1 year, Cortney Davenport, Office on Youth
3 years, Luis Escalante, Sheriff ’ s Office
1 year, Alice Fields, Social Services
3 years, Sandra Lafond, Public Works
1 year, Jaime Cole, Office on Youth
3 years, Brian Singh, Sheriff ’ s Office
1 year, Travis Morris, FiberLync
3 years, Skylar Renaud, Social Services
1 year, Gabriel Gray, Sheriff ’ s Office
3 years, Rebecca Painter, Development Services
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Chief Deputy Clerk/Administration Office Manager Emergency Communications Officer Family Services Specialist I/II - In Home Practice Senior Assistant/Assistant County Attorney Victim Witness Program Assistant
Child Care Lead Teacher - GBES Child Care Lead Teacher - LGPS Child Care Teacher - GBES Child Care Teacher Assistance - GBES Child Care Teacher Assistant - OES Landfill Scale Operator
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TOWERing Skills Displayed During County Cup
By: Tim Moubray, Director, Orange County Parks & Recreation Department
Last month, Orange County Parks & Recreation visited 13 departments to allow 26 players to compete in ‘ Speed Jenga. ’ Many co - workers of the competitors gathered to watch the festivities and cheer on their player representatives. After all of the blocks were stacked, and some tumbled, our champion is Jennifer McGuire from Team Admin/HR. Jennifer had a two - round total of 31, as well as the high individual round of 17. Following Jennifer, in a three - way tie for second with 25, are Mary Anne Sparks (Extension), Alisha Vines (OOY), and Chris Votaw (Sheriff). While the top spots didn ’ t change much, Team Extension made a big jump in the overall leaderboard from seventh to fourth! Those paying attention will look out for Team Sheriff. They are making a late year charge. Thanks to all who played, coached, and cheered. The County Cup is an important part of our organization ’ s Cultural Initiative, which seeks to make Orange County an employer of choice, able to recruit and retain skilled employees. Look like fun? Visit www.orangecountyva.gov/jobs to see if an open position might be right for you!
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Speed Jenga
Season Total
Team
Admin/Human Resources
10
122.5
Emergency Communications Center
0
87
8
71
Treasurer ’ s Office
13
65
Extension Office
0
62
Libraries
0
6133
Public Works
0
57.5
Operations
12
50.5
Sheriff ’ s Office
0
50.16
Social Services
Information Technology
0
34.5
8
25
Office on Youth
Economic Development & Tourism
4
24
0
4.5
Fire & EMS
0
0
Finance
Commissioner of the Revenue ’ s
0
0
Development Services
0
0
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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: How can I stay updated about activities for my child?
A : Visit www.orangecountyva.gov/notifyme. Once there, input your email address and select which notifications you ’ d like to receive. For youth activities, select “ Youth Program Notifications ” under the “ Calendar ” heading. If you choose, you can input a phone number to receive text messages as well.
Q: When are Orange County ’ s tax payments due? A : Payments for personal property taxes and the second half of real estate taxes are due December 5, 2024. Bills were mailed in September. If you did not receive your bill or require assistance, please call the Treasurer ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 2656. Learn more on page 3 of this publication.
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Upcoming Orange County Meetings
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
• Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at 205 Lake of the Woods Parkway, Locust Grove, VA 22508 • RSA Town Hall to be held during this meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 21, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Economic Development Authority • Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960
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.
Michael Pearson
Get to know Orange County staff... The Personnel File:
Firefighter/Paramedic
Michael Pearson currently serves in County of Orange Fire & EMS as a Firefighter/Paramedic and as the Lead Instructor for the Orange County High School EMT Class. His middle name isn ’ t actually “ Action, ” but it probably should be. Michael says being in his current role has given him the chance to live out a dream for the second time in his life. What was the first? Being a stuntman. Yes, you read that correctly. “ All of the fun, none of the glory sounded wonderful, ” said Mr. Pearson, and he worked in live action amusement park shows for over eight years!
Juanesta Williams
Support Technician
His current role provides much of the same excitement along with the ability to help patients and serve the community. When asked about his favorite part of the job, he said, “ Every experience is a new one, whether its training or calls for service, there is nothing routine about anything we do. ” He takes pride in the training side of things. Michael has been an instructor for ten years, and enjoys seeing students be successful. Outside of his work for Orange County, Mr. Pearson serves as a volunteer firefighter for Salem Volunteer Fire Department, and has worked with the team there to purchase a second ambulance, as well as increase coverage and their response rate significantly. Aside from emergency service, he says he enjoys reading (especially Ender ’ s Game), and music. What type? “ Anything from the 90s. ” Grunge, hip - hop, rap, he says it “ doesn ’ t matter, the music in the 90s was amazing. ” No disagreement here, Michael. Keep up the great work!
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Orange County Communications Department 112 W. Main Street P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Meet JiJi Meet JiJi, a stunning medium - hair beauty. At two years of age this girl was surrendered to us by a citizen wanting the safest and best outcome for this darling girl. JiJi had been living as a stray on the property for a while. However, considerting her outgoing and friendly personality this girl deserves the pampered spoiled life of a well - loved companion!
JiJi is the life of the party she loves to talk and be the center of attention!
JiJi is current on all vaccines, spayed and microchipped. Given dewormer, flea/tick prevention and tested for FIV/FLV. 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
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