Orange County Insight April 2021

Orange County Insight April 2021

VIBRANT ECONOMY l EFFECTIVE REFLECTIVE GOVERNMENT l SUSTAINABLE LAND USE

INSIGHT

LIFESAVERS Awarded Page 5 FiberLync Broadband CONNECTIONS Page 7 VACCINE Clinic Registration Page 3

APRIL 2021

Ted Talk

Budget Season

Spring has certainly arrived, but that ’ s not the only season of renewal that occurs this time of year. It ’ s also budget season! For many government employees working on the budget is viewed with dread. Adding up current expenses and forecasting future expenses can be tedious. Likewise estimating revenues and trying to project the changes that will happen more than a year into the future is no easy task, and it can be somewhat labor intensive when added on top of our regular responsibilities. I ’ d like to invite us to think about budgeting differently. I consider budget season as an opportunity to take stock of what has been done and to celebrate our accomplishments. It also becomes a chance to retool and realign priorities for making things better next year. This is the time to align our efforts - “ put our money where our mouth is ” – to make a positive impact on our community. When I consider what we did in FY2021, particularly during COVID - 19, I am amazed by how well we continued to serve citizens. I ’ m looking forward to adoption of the advertised FY2022 budget later this month. Among the initiatives the Board has included are a 5% raise for full - time employees, a reduction in family health insurance premiums, and significant raises for hourly part - time employees. We will also be initiating an employee “ well - being ” program that will focus on career development and personal/family welfare. Look for more information on this in the coming months as employees will be included in developing this effort.

Please accept my thanks for the good work each of you has done to move Orange County forward over the past 12 months.

- Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator

Photo credits: Cover, Stephanie Straub Above, Barboursville, courtesy of Lori Landes - Carter, Orange County Tourism

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COVID - 19 Vaccination Clinic Registration Available

As of April 1, Orange County Fire and EMS, Orange Family Physicians, Orange County Public Schools, Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office, and the Virginia Department of Health have partnered to provide fifteen (15) vaccination clinics and have vaccinated over 4,200 individuals in our community. If you are a resident or worker in Orange County and are interested in receiving a COVID - 19 vaccine, please call (540) 672 - 4403 to pre - register for an upcoming vaccination clinic. Participants do not need to be a patient of Orange Family Physicians. No walk - up appointments will be accepted under any circumstances. If you are an Orange County employer and are interested in mass vaccination signups please email [email protected] for more information. Clinics are held at Prospect Heights Middle School, located at 202 Dailey Drive, Orange, Virginia. Please arrive at your appointment time and wear a mask. The Rappahannock - Rapidan Health District is also providing vaccinations to all residents age 16 and older (Pfizer) and 18 and older (Moderna). If you are looking for a COVID - 19 vaccine, RRHD requires you to use vaccinefinder.org. RRHD will no longer use the vaccinate.virginia.gov pre - registration list. If you have signed up on the pre - registration list and have not received an appointment, please call 540 - 316 - 6302 or email [email protected]. A volunteer will assist you with making an appointment.

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First Responder ’ s Teamwork Saves Local Woman ’ s Life

Orange County ’ s first responders work tirelessly to provide services to County residents and visitors. On November 25, 2020, a call was received by the Orange County Emergency Communications Center for the sudden cardiac / respiratory arrest of Amy Sauro. Communications Officer Jeremy Brown calmly

provided T - CPR instructions to Ms. Sauro ’ s friend, Jayden Rodriguez, until first responders arrived.

Jeremy Brown with Amy Sauro

Jayden Rodriguez, Ms. Sauro, and Fire and EMS Chief, Nathan Mort

Lake of the Woods Firefighter/EMT Simon Gray was the first on scene and began administering CPR to

the patient while his Chief, Mike Cianci assisted with CPR, scribe duties, and incident command. County

of Orange Firefighter/EMT Chris Barrett and Firefighter/Medic Noah Madden arrived shortly thereafter,

and provided Advanced Life Support protocols and resuscitative measures. Duty Officer, Captain Mark

Sikora (not pictured), coordinated a Medevac helicopter to provide transport to a medical facility.

Chris Barrett and Ms. Sauro

Simon Gray and Ms. Sauro

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Mike Cianci and Ms. Sauro

Noah Madden and Ms. Sauro

Lake of the Woods Firefighter Thomas Lillie worked with Lake of the Woods Firefighter/EMT Simon Gray to provide support at the landing zone in conjunction with Lake of the Woods Security Officer Tabitha

Hensley and Chief Scott Walker (neither pictured).

While this may have been “ just another day on the job ” for these individuals, their quick service, training,

and heroic actions directly resulted in saving Ms. Sauro ’ s life. The responders were congratulated and

presented with Lifesaving Awards by Fire and EMS Chief Nathan Mort during the March 9, 2021, Board

of Supervisors ’ Meeting.

For more information about the County of Orange Fire & EMS Department visit http://

orangecountyva.gov/487/Fire - EMS. For information

about Orange County volunteer fire and rescue agencies visit http://orangecountyva.gov/490/Fire - Service. For information about how to join our team visit our Job Opportunities website at

http://orangecountyva.gov/jobs.aspx

Thomas Lillie and Ms. Sauro

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FiberLync Signs Up First Customers

On April 26, 2016, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution authorizing the creation of the Orange County Broadband Authority. Its Board of Directors are appointed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The Orange County Broadband Authority ’ s operating entity is FiberLync. FiberLync is managed and operated by the Broadband Authority to serve residents and businesses in the unserved and underserved areas of Orange County, Virginia. FiberLync ’ s mission is to bring affordable broadband service to our community while enhancing overall quality of life and fostering economic development. Chairman of the Orange County Broadband Authority, Jim White, noted, “ Since 2016 we ’ ve worked to build the network and capabilities needed to provide broadband services in Orange County. Thanks to the support of our residents, business community, staff, and partners we are now connecting homes and businesses to affordable highspeed internet. ”

Making fiber available involves three stages:

Stage 3: Gearing Up! This phase encompasses the design, permitting, and construction aspects of the fiber network deployment. 1,000 addresses are currently in this phase with estimated connection availability dates beginning in autumn 2021. Stage 2: Get Ready! Make ready locations that have fiber installed along VDOT and private roadways that are waiting on splicing and electronic equipment installation. Approximately 500 addresses are in Stage 2 with an estimated availability during the summer of 2021.

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Stage 1: Sign Me Up! Service is available currently to approximately 900 addresses, with the list growing daily. Current roads (address blocks) that are ready to be connected include:

Old Gordonsville Road (13018 - 14531) Old Plank Road Parker Road

Black Walnut Court Briar Patch Drive Colonial Lane Constitution Highway (32301 - 34178) Cox Mill Road (16335 - 16599) Enchanted Way Flat Run Court Flat Run Road (2533 - 3393) Governor Almond Road (3426 - 4288) Gold Dale Road Grasty Gold Mine Road Hope Lane Indiantown Road (33295 - 34427) Keifers Ridge Road Little Egypt Road Lover ’ s Lane (19168 - 19416) Mine Run Road

Paynes Farm Drive Rapidan Hills Drive

Ridge View Drive Russel Run Road Saint Just Road Spotswood Drive (state route in Locust Grove only) Spotswood Glade Drive Strawberry Hill Road Thumper Lane Walkers Hollow Way Walnut Road Wilderness Farms Road Williams Flank Court Zoar Road

Mountain Track Road Mountain View Court

For more information on availability and pricing, visit www.fiberlync.net, call (540) 360 - 0585, or e - mail [email protected].

Crews laying fiber - optic cable

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Your Government at Work: Orange County Landfill By Clarence Lewis, Communications Department Intern

The Orange County Landfill plays a significant role in keeping Orange County clean and healthy. Orange County provides a well designed and operated facility to manage the waste of County residents. The Landfill accepts municipal waste, everyday household and construction debris, tires, appliances, metal, brush, and concrete from within the County. No outside waste is accepted. The Landfill is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Landfill takes in approximately 85 tons of trash daily. This amount is regulated by the Virginia Department of

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Environmental Quality. Orange County holds two permits: one for the closed landfill and one for the active landfill. Residents may use ten (10) waste collection sites in the county: Barboursville, Lake of the Woods, Locust Grove, Unionville, Porter Road, Lahore, Montpelier, and Mountain Track collection sites, Route 15 Recycling Site, and the landfill. Collection and recycling sites accept plastics, metals, plastics, cardboard, and paper. All recyclables are deposited into comingled collection bins. Virginia code requires each locality to provide solid waste collection. While some localities hire vendors to haul trash to private landfills, Orange County maintains its own facility. The Orange County Landfill is free to residents bringing loads of up to 200 lbs. All commercial waste is subject to tipping fees based on weight and contents. The Landfill is closed on holidays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. Unlike the Landfill, the collection sites are open on Sundays. The busiest day for the Landfill is Saturday. The least busy day is Monday. The Landfill was designed to be built in sections and is currently being expanded with a second cell which should be operational by the end of this year. For more information, visit https://orangecountyva.gov/350/Landfill.

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Put Trash in its Place

By Michelle Williams, Deputy Clerk / Senior Administrative Assistant

Adopt a Highway Program

The Virginia Department of Transportation ’ s (VDOT) Adopt - a - Highway (AAH) is a volunteer program that requires participants to pick up litter at least two times a year, for three years over a two - mile stretch of highway. In return, the VDOT provides trash bags, vests, safety information, and after two pickups have been documented, highway signs that recognize your group. Currently, there are only 17 active AAH groups.

The VDOT website states that “ each year, more than 23,000 Adopt - a - Highway volunteers collect more than 44,000 bags of waste along Virginia ’ s highways. ” For more information about the Adopt - a - Highway program, contact the local AAH Coordinator, Monica Mallory, at (540) 967 - 3723 or go to the How to Adopt page on the Virginia Department of Transportation website. An Adopt a Highway application can be found here.

Adopt a Highway (AAH) Participant

Thirteen - year - old Faith Wilson and her mom, Annie Wilson, began the Adopt a Highway (AAH) program in May 2019. Faith was inspired to pick up trash when “ my mom asked me for help because there was so much trash. ” The Wilson ’ s attempt to pick up roadside litter twice a month during the winter and weekly during the summer. On their latest pickup in March, Faith and Annie worked for 6 hours over the course of 2 days and picked up 11 bags of trash on a mile of their road. When asked what her hope for the County ’ s future for litter control was, Faith simply stated, “ that people will stop littering and know that it ’ s bad. ”

Litter Control Committee

The Orange County Litter Control Committee manages the litter control initiatives on behalf of the Orange County Department of Public Works. The committee is funded through a non - competitive grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. For citizens who are interested in litter collection but lack the proper supplies, Trash Pick - Up Kits are available for checkout at the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department, located at 146 N. Madison Road, Suite 205,

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Orange, Virginia. These kits include grabbers, safety vests and information, bags, gloves, logbook, and contact information. The Litter Control Committee is seeking citizens who are interested in volunteering their time on a Litter Response Team. The Litter Response Team would assemble when additional help is needed to pick up litter along County roads. An online registration form is coming soon for citizens who are interested in volunteering! If you are unable to participate in roadside cleanup but wish to report an Orange County road, complete an online Road Cleanup Request form. For more information, contact the Litter Control Committee Coordinator, Jayson Woods, at (540) 672 - 5435 or at [email protected].

Orange County ’ s Initiatives

Before the COVID - 19 pandemic, the Central Virginia Regional Jail (CVRJ) Workforce (made up of inmates) was responsible for a large portion of the litter control initiative in Orange County. CVRJ provides the County Administrator ’ s Office with a schedule for the year, and they assign tasks, which also includes assisting in other County projects. While the CVRJ Workforce crew is a huge asset in litter control, there are simply too many roads with too much litter for them to keep up. The Orange County Board of Supervisors and the Litter Control Committee continue to work on initiatives to involve and educate businesses and citizens.

To learn more about how you can help, visit the Litter Control website.

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The Orange County Economic Development Authority and Love Orange Virginia (formerly Orange Downtown Alliance, Inc.) have partnered with Downtown Strategies for a Strategic Visioning Workshop as it relates to the Downtown Orange Designated Commercial District. We invite you to participate in the Community Input Survey, as your responses are crucial in planning for the district's future. The survey deadline is May 3, 2021. To participate in the survey click here. Please Note: We are using the term "Designated Commercial District" to describe the area of the designated Main Street program from Spicer's Mill Road (N) through town to Berry Hill Road (S) and from Byrd Street (E) to Caroline Street (W). Public Invited to Participate in Community Input Survey By Rose Deal, Director of Economic Development

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Workforce Training Funds Available for Orange County Residents Orange County residents may receive up to $5,500 in workforce training funds for tuition, books, fees, and travel through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. The WIOA program is designed to prepare Orange County jobseekers for a position earning a competitive wage in high - demand industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and business. To qualify for the program you must either be recently unemployed, earning below the income threshold, a young adult aged 16 - 24, or present another applicable barrier to employment. “ Last year, 117 individuals in our region received training through the Virginia Career Works Piedmont workforce program. Many graduated with short - term credentials including: Commercial Driver ’ s License (CDL), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomy, Security+, and Information Technology certificates. In addition to the credentialed training, we also provide support for soft skills development, resume writing, interview skills, and local job searches, ” stated Marty Bywaters - Baldwin, Director of Workforce Services at the Orange Workforce Center. For more information about the WIOA programs, the Orange Career Center, and Virginia Career Works, contact the Orange Workforce Center at (540) 322 - 8850, visit the Orange County Workforce Center, located at 127 Belleview Ave, Orange, Virginia or visit online at https:// vcwpiedmont.com/about/wioa/.

Are you a business in Orange County? We need your feedback, please! The Orange County Office of Economic Development & Tourism is seeking to understand how the COVID - 19 pandemic has impacted our business community, and learn what resources would best assist Orange County - based businesses moving forward. We ask that you take a few minutes to share your experiences and thoughts to assist us in future programming and funding opportunities. Thank you in advance for your time.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VG9YWNT

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Have you been told you are pre - diabetic? Are you looking to improve your health? Take the steps to prevent Type 2 diabetes with the Diabetes Prevention Program from Virginia Cooperative Extension! We are currently offering an online program starting in April. And bonus—it ’ s FREE!

Participants will get support making healthy lifestyle changes to achieve their goals. To receive more information, complete this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/.../SV_aYsWn21IgddhU5D.

For more information, contact Clare Lillard, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, at (540) 672 - 1361 or [email protected].

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Outdoor Activities - The Best Medicine

By Carla Neidigh, Communication Department Consultant

Finally, the long, dark, wet, lonely winter is retreating. Signs of spring are all around. Birds are chattering, and early blooms are emerging. That might have been the sun recently spotted! Many of us have spent recent months hibernating in front of computers to the detriment of our physical and emotional health. We may have become accustomed to the solitude. We could feel trepidation at the thought of returning to a more normal life. Outdoor activities restore us in myriad ways. Scientists have found that we improve our creativity, lessen stress, and even sleep better when we spend time outdoors. Natural light is beneficial to our health. We absorb more vitamin D, which helps prevent heart disease, dementia, autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, and cancer. Getting a couple of hours per day of natural light can help protect your vision from Computer Vision Syndrome and nearsightedness.

Moderate exercise such as walking or hiking reduces blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and lessens the risk of heart attacks and cancer. Have you heard of Shinrin Yoku ’ (forest bathing)? This Japanese practice of leisurely taking in the forest by walking and observing details while leaving cell phone and stressful thoughts behind has been proven to produce calming neuro - psychological effects, reduce the stress hormone cortisol and energize the immune system.

Speaking of mental health, outdoor activities also reduce mental fatigue and stress. Depression and anxiety can be avoided or improved by time in nature. Exercise produces endorphins, a brain chemical, which enhances mood. Work performance is also impacted by outdoor activities. We concentrate better, improve creativity and short - term memory, and become more alert when we get outside and move. The first step in obtaining these many benefits is investigating all the opportunities available right here in Orange. There are vineyards to explore, parks to play in, and historical sites to walk around and learn about. For those that enjoy the water, how about a paddle on the river, taking the family fishing, or just sitting by the shore enjoying the sun? For the most adventurous, skydiving is offered locally . Check out these websites for details and head outdoors to see what Orange County has to offer. Orange County Parks and Recreation lists activities here: https://orangecountyva.gov/310/Recreational - Activities. Orange County Tourism ’ s website compiles a rich list of local activities: https:// visitorangevirginia.com/. For more details on the health benefits above, visit https:// www.myopencountry.com/benefits - being - outside/.

Photo above: Annie duPont Garden, Orange County Tourism

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Photo left: Taylor Park in Orange County, Stephanie Straub

Renovated Barboursville Community Park Reopens

By Jayson Woods, OCPR Programs & Facilities Supervisor

Just as we were getting ready to “ spring forward ” into a new season, Orange County District 1 Supervisor, Mark Johnson, and Orange County Administrator, Ted Voorhees, participated in an inaugural “ swing forward ” to reopen the Barboursville Community Park playground on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. This moment of joy was a fitting cap to several months ’ worth of effort towards the goal, which began upon receipt of the approval to renovate the playground in Fiscal Year 2021 through the Orange County Capital Improvements Plan. After receiving approval to proceed, Parks and Recreation staff began seeking bids for the project, which would include the installation of new play equipment along with a modern playground border and playground certified wood carpet for the safety surfacing. Site Concepts/Miracle Recreation was

selected as the vendor due to their creative approach to maximize the use of the existing space with new elements (such as a spinning barrel rider) that had not been at the park before. With a plan in mind, the park was closed on October 19, 2020. A key element of the project was the removal of outdated fencing and equipment, the bulk of which took place during a single day in November 2020. Due in large measure to the support of the Central Virginia Regional Jail Workforce, Orange County Public Works staff, and the Orange County Landfill, Parks & Recreation was able to handle thousands of dollars ’ worth of demolition work without demolishing the project ‘ s budget. With the site prepared, Miracle Recreation and Cedar Creek Run Construction began the installation of new equipment and playground surfacing early in the new year. Throughout January and February, Parks & Recreation staff undertook renovations to the older equipment which remained at the playground, including pressure washing, repainting, resurfacing, planting grass seed, and more. A little TLC went a long way, and by mid - March, the playground was ready. We are proud of the result and look forward to this playground serving as a recreational resource in the community for years to come.

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Photos: 1 and 2 - OCPR Director Tim Moubray makes remarks, 3 - new equipment with balancing elements, 4 - OCPR ’ s Jayson Woods (l) and Department Director Tim Moubray (r), 5 - County Administrator Ted Voorhees (l) and Orange County District 1 Supervisor, Mark Johnson (r) take an inaugural swing, 6 – a sturdy game, 7 - swings, 8 - Mr. Voorhees and Mr. Johnson , 9 – Attendees listen to comments,10 - Members of Central Virginia Regional Jail Workforce.

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New Infield Dirt Lays Foundation for Tons of Fun this Season

By Jayson Woods, OCPR Programs & Facilities Supervisor

Mother nature is fickle. Spring comes and folks get ready to enjoy a new round of seasonal sports such as soccer, softball, and baseball. However, as the saying goes, May ’ s flowers are often preceded by

April ’ s showers, and these spring showers all too often put a hold on those very activities the season makes possible. Booster Park has been no exception; as league organizers, participants, and OCPR staff have been frequently frustrated by a late afternoon downpour quickly undoing a day ’ s worth of field preparation.

Before (notice standing water)

After addition of dirt

While we cannot entirely prevent such happenings, the Parks & Recreation took great steps this March to reduce the impact. With the help of the CVRJ workforce, our department took delivery of and spread over 139 tons (yes, tons) of new infield dirt on all four baseball/softball fields. We have already had a couple of heavy rains since this upgrade and have noticed a profound decrease in puddles. COVID - 19 rained on everybody ’ s parade in 2020. As everyone is looking to get back to normal youth athletics, we hope this year will have much fewer rainout days thanks to this improved surface.

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April is Stress Awareness Month

By Michelle Williams, Deputy Clerk / Senior Administrative Assistant

How Stress Affects Your Body

Stress Awareness Month was first created in 1992 for health care professionals to promote awareness about causes and cures for the stress epidemic that plagues our country. There are two types of stress: eustress - stress in daily life that has positive connotations such as marriage, promotion, baby, or winning money, and distress - stress in daily life that has negative connotations such as divorce, negative feelings, injury, or work difficulties. Both stresses can be experienced acutely or chronically. The American Institute of Stress (AIS) describes acute stress as fight or flight. “ The body prepares to defend itself. It takes about 90 minutes for the metabolism to return to normal when the response is over. ” Chronic stress is described as “ the cost of daily living: bills, kids, jobs. This is the stress we tend to ignore or push down. Left uncontrolled, this stress affects your health – your body and your immune system. ” The American Institute of Stress (AIS), www.stress.org, offers information, resources, and training for stress and stress management. In addition, AIS provides resources for active duty and retired military coping with Combat/ Operational Stress (COS) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In an article from AIS ’ s Daily Life Blog, Effective Ways to Manage and Relieve Your Stress , recommends relieving stress by: • Prioritizing movement and exercise for stress relief. • Creating boundaries and learning when to switch off work. • Staying hydrated. • Getting quality sleep. • Reassessing your to - do list and set goals. • Reaching out for social support.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) also offers helpful articles and fact sheets such as 5 Things You

Healthline infographic found on www.stress.org/stress - effects

Should Know About Stress , which reminds you:

Stress affects everyone. Not all stress is bad.

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Long - term stress can harm your health. There are ways to manage stress. If you ’ re overwhelmed by stress, ask for help from a health professional.

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Other great articles from NIMH: •

Feeling Stressed? Ways to Improve Your Well - Being. Manage Stress and Build Resilience I ’ m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet Feeling Stressed? Stress Relief Might Help Your Health

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Stress Catcher (great for kids!)

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Infographic found on www.nimh.nih.gov

Orange County is home to numerous businesses that offer relaxation and exercise. For a more complete list of local businesses, visit the Orange County Business Directory at www.buyorangeva.com. Orange County Parks & Recreation (OCPR) also provides a wide variety of organized leisure activities for all ages. Plan a relaxing game of disc golf and a nice picnic at the Orange County Disc Golf Course, located at 14111 Litchfield Drive, Orange.

Orange County ’ s Tourism Department ’ s website tagline “ Relaxation Rediscovered ” is the perfect definition of what you ’ ll find throughout the County. For relaxing destinations and activities visit Visitorangevirginia.com or for personalized assistance, call the Tourism Department at (540) 672 - 1653. The Orange County Human Resources Department offers Anthem EAP (Employee Assistance Program) to all part - time and full - time County employees as well as their eligible family members. Anthem EAP is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering face - to - face counseling or online visits via LiveHealth Online. In addition to emotional support, EAP also offers resources such as legal and financial services, and ID theft protection and recovery.

For more information, contact EAP at (800) 865 - 1044, www.anthemEAP.com, or the Orange County Human Resources Department at (540) 672 - 3313.

Anthem EAP Resources

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Emotional and mental health well -

Alcohol and drug abuse

Dependent adult care

being

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Relationship issues

Childcare needs

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Maintaining a healthy life style

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Legal concerns

Everyday concerns and resources

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Successful communication

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Financial concerns

Full - time County employees with Anthem benefits also enjoy resources such as Anthem ’ s Action Plans which kickstart health habit tracking, and Special Offers and Discounts on wellness trackers and devices, chiropractic, massage, and fitness clubs, eyewear, and more. For more information about Special Offers and Discounts and Anthem ’ s Action Plans, employees will be required to log into their Anthem portal.

Anthem ’ s Action Plans

Special Offers and Discounts with Anthem

Grant Funds Orange Healthy Community Action Team

By Ashley Jacobs Program Coordinator, Office on Youth

July 1, 2020, the Orange County Office on Youth began receiving funding from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth to target youth obesity prevention in Orange County. Out of that grant award, the Orange Healthy Community Action Team was born. The Orange Healthy Community Action Team (Orange HCAT) is a group of like - minded organizations, agencies, businesses, and individuals who share a goal to break barriers to healthy childhoods. The Orange HCAT consists of Darnell ’ s Garden Patch, Love Outreach Food Pantry, Orange County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension (4 - H), Orange County Office on Youth, Orange County Parks and Recreation, UVA Pediatrics at Orange, and community member, Robin Monaco. With a vision to break barriers to healthy childhoods by establishing a visible and impactful collaboration that works together to share messages for accessible healthy opportunities and a physically active community in Orange County, Virginia, HCAT members are ready to hit the ground running with action steps to start their much - needed work in the Orange community. The Orange Healthy Community Action Team has worked together to establish its vision and guidance documents and is now looking forward to offering programs to area youth that enhances access to healthy fresh produce options and affords more active recreational opportunities. Currently, an after - school dance fitness class is being held on Wednesday afternoons. A subsequent session of this program may be offered again pending enrollment requests. An Outdoor Skills Program is also being offered beginning mid - April. This six - session program will focus on awareness, wellness, and stewardship and is being offered for youth ages 8 – 12. The reinstatement of the Michael ’ s Mile Color Fun Run is being discussed, pending COVID - 19 restrictions and limitations allowing for the safe implementation of this event. Further, during prime growing season, fresh produce options will be increased at Love Outreach Food Pantry for distribution to families who utilize this service. Fresh produce will also be made available weekly to Orange County School Aged Childcare sites. An increase in these fresh produce opportunities for area youth is being planned for FY22 and FY23. The Orange County community will see the work of the HCAT expand in the future. Follow the organization ’ s social media pages, Facebook: @OrangeHCAT and Instagram: @OrangeHCAT to stay abreast of the efforts of Orange HCAT. For more information, please contact Ashley Jacobs, HCAT Coordinator, at (540) 672 - 5484 ext. 1 or via email at [email protected]. For more information about the work of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, please visit www.vfhy.org.

HCAT members working toward establishing their vision during a coalition building workshop facilitated by Kim Brown of TurnKey.

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Spring Into a Good Book at Your Local Library! Stop by one of our Orange County Public Library locations today! Our buildings are now open Monday through Saturday, and we are offering afternoon/evening curbside service as well. We have branches in Locust Grove and Gordonsville as well as our Main Library location in Orange. Please visit our website https://ocplva.org for current hours. Come by and check out our collections for adults, young adults, and children. We have the latest books, movies, and audiobooks for all ages to enjoy! We also have take home craft kits available for both adults and kids on a first come, first served basis several times per month. The Library is a 24/7 destination! Customers can search our online catalog at their convenience and place holds on items to pick up at the library later – either inside of the library or via our curbside service. We also have extensive e - book and e - audiobook collections available to download through Overdrive and movies to stream through Hoopla. We have fast Wi - Fi available at all of our locations that extends into the parking lots for use anytime. Each location also now has several Wi - Fi hotspots available to check out.

We ’ d love to see you soon!

Orange County Public Library Locations:

Main Library 146 A Madison Road Orange, VA 22960 (540) 672 - 3811

Wilderness Branch Library 6421 Flat Run Road Locust Grove, VA 22508 (540) 854 - 5310 Gordonsville Branch Library 319 N. Main Street Gordonsville, VA 22942 (540) 832 - 0712

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

This month, the Orange County Office on Youth and Orange County Department of Social Services are partnering to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Office on Youth will plant their annual pinwheel garden on Prospect Hill near the Orange County School Board offices. Thank you to the residents and businesses who purchased pinwheel gardens in 2020. Staff will deliver the 2020 pinwheels this month, as they were unable to do so last year due to the COVID - 19 pandemic. Stay tuned to WJMA throughout the month of April to hear information regarding Child Abuse Prevention from the Office on Youth and Orange County Department of Social Services. To learn more, visit www.orangecountyva.gov or call the Office on Youth at (540) 672 - 5484 or the Department of Social Services at (540) 672 - 1155.

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Citizens Ask...

By Michelle Williams

Q: Where can I get a copy of my plat? A: Citizens who wish to obtain a copy of their plat may visit the Orange County Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office, located at 110 N. Madison Road, Orange or contact the Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 4030. For more information on the Clerk ’ s Office, visit their website: http://orangecountyva.gov/194/Circuit - Court. Q: I requested documents from the County. Why do I have to wait five (5) working days to receive them? A: Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the County is allowed five (5) working days to process your request and respond. If the request is large in volume of records, the County is permitted to request an additional seven (7) working days to process the request.

For more information regarding FOIA laws, visit the Virginia Legislative Information System (LIS) website to view the Code of Virginia.

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

Signs that your computer is under a malware cyber attack:

 Your browser keeps redirecting sites

 Computer processing is excessively slow

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IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

2021 FIRST HALF REAL ESTATE TAX Is due on Monday, June 7, 2021 (June 5 th falls on a weekend so the payment due date automatically defaults to the next business day.)

Tax Rate will be set at the April 27, 2021 Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting.

Billing statements will be mailed directly to citizens the first part of May and amounts due will be available here. The Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office accepts payments through the following methods:

• Via drop box, located at 112. W. Main Street, Orange • Online at Payments page of the Orange County website

• By mail to Orange County Treasurer, P.O. Box 469, Orange, VA 22960 For more information, visit www.orangecountyva.gov/396/Treasurer Dawn Herndon, Treasurer | (540) 672 - 2656 | [email protected]

The beauty of a recent ice storm

Doris Pierce Scale and Office Assistant Employment Start: 6/29/2020

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

Doris Pierce was hired for her office experience, professionalism, and her personality. Doris has been employed at the Orange County Landfill for nine (9) months and has skillfully performed her duties. Doris is neat, courteous, and provides excellent customer service. She always greets the public with a smile. Doris stepped up and assumed most of the office and full - time scale person duties when her coworker suffered a sudden medical emergency leaving them unable to work for several months. Doris enjoys camping, campfires, and cookouts with family and friends. She likes to spend time bowling and playing horseshoes. Doris loves nature and says, “ The mountains are my beach. ” She likes the simple things in life and believes in paying it forward.

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

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Meet Muriel!

Sweet Muriel is a laid - back older beagle. She loves walks, cuddling, and FOOD!!! Muriel originally came to us as a stray with a serious eye issue. She was treated and has some scarring on the eyes. She also has a bit of dry eye, so would most likely need artificial tears to keep lubricated. She was adopted for over a year and just returned as her owners are moving. Muriel is a sweet girl that does well with the dogs she meets at the shelter and did very well in our cat room. Muriel has been spayed, microchipped, is up to date on all necessary vaccines. She has been dewormed, heartworm tested (negative) and has been put on monthly heartworm preventative as well as flea/tick preventative.

Visit us on Facebook See Adoptable Pets Here (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960

Come find a friend at The Orange County Animal Shelter

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