Orange County Insight March 2022

Orange County Insight March 2022

VIBRANT ECONOMY l EFFECTIVE REFLECTIVE GOVERNMENT l SUSTAINABLE LAND USE

INSIGHT

Fire & EMS Drone Operations take Flight Page 5 Youth Council Visits General Assembly Page 4

Redistricting: What to Expect Pages 7 - 8

Parks & Rec. and Public Works Relocate Offices Page 12

Page | March, 2022 MARCH 2022

Team Orange,

This month we celebrate Women ’ s History and International Women ’ s Day. We are also called to advocate for the protection of our children from violence and neglect as Child Abuse prevention month approaches in April. While I sometimes wish it wasn ’ t necessary to call attention to various populations so that we give people and their concerns the recognition they deserve, life is complicated, and the world can be a busy place. The regular pattern of calling attention to people and issues is one role that county government can play in helping our community learn and grow together. Appreciating the contributions that women play in our society and the protection of children are particularly poignant concerns as we watch the unfolding horrors of war in Ukraine. These events remind us that evil exists in the world, and totalitarianism continues to pose a threat to democracy and our way of life. Innocent civilians, including women and children, are the daily victims of Putin ’ s war machine. But even under such circumstances, women and children are meeting the moment with stories of kindness, acts of bravery, and efforts to sustain their communities. Surely, under peacetime conditions, we can do our part to recognize and support women in our own community and protect Orange County ’ s children from abuse and neglect.

- Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator

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Cover Photo Credit: Firefighter/EMT Lawrence “ Casey ” Kearnes

Page | March, 2022

Orange County Recognizes the Leadership and Service of its Dedicated Female Staff

By: Orange County Communications Department

International Women ’ s Day is observed annually on March 8 th . First recognized by the United Nations in 1977, it is “ a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political. ” The date was chosen in recognition of important milestones of women's ’ suffrage movements in the early twentieth century. The United States later recognized the entirety of March as women ’ s history month in 1987. Within the context of this greater global celebration, it is important to take a moment and recognize the amazing impact of women in our own corner of the world. Orange County ’ s staff profile alone demonstrates the important role of women in the functions of our local government. In fact, fifty - seven percent (57%) of our employees are female. They serve across the board in virtually every department, from Fire and EMS to Administration, from Planning Services to the Libraries. Beyond the simple staff ratio, women play an important part in guiding the direction of the County. A more in - depth look reveals that women make up well over half our Senior Leadership Team, at sixty - three percent (63%). The Senior Leadership Team represents our topmost collection of staff positions, comprised of department directors and upper administration. In terms of administrators, two (2) out of three (3) of our highest - level positions (Deputy County Administrator

and Assistant County Administrator for Operations) are filled by women. Women are also well - represented in Orange County elected positions, including the Clerk of Court, Commissioner of the Revenue, Commonwealth ’ s Attorney, and Treasurer. Contrary to the current situation in Orange County, women have not always had the opportunity to serve at the top levels of local government. The ICMA ’ s (International City/County Management Association) “ Task Force on Women in the Profession ” noted that in the mid 1970’ s only 1% of top government administrators were women. That number has risen to almost 20% today, but there is obviously still a divide across much of the field. We are proud of the enduring leadership and service impacts made by the hard - working female members of the Orange County team!

Sources:

• Atchison, J. (2022, February 1). Sheleadsgov: ICMA's continuing dedication to advancing women in the profession. icma.org. Retrieved March 4, 2022, from https://icma.org/articles/pm - magazine/ sheleadsgov - icmas - continuing - dedication - advancing - women - profession • United Nations. (n.d.). Background | International Women's Day. United Nations. Retrieved March 4, 2022, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens - day/background

Page 2 | March, 2022

Orange County Preparing for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April

By: Ashley Jacobs, Program Coordinator, Orange County Office on Youth

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As it approaches, Orange County ’ s Office on Youth and Department of Social Services are partnering to help raise awareness of the role we can all play in ensuring great childhoods for children. Sadly, thousands of Virginia children suffer abuse and neglect each year. In 2020, every thirteen (13) days a child in the Commonwealth died as a result of neglect or abuse. This sobering statistic illustrates why it is so important that we each take steps to prevent such tragedy. Child abuse is rarely just one physical attack or a single instance of failure to meet a child ’ s most basic

needs. Usually, child abuse is a pattern of behavior that takes place over a period of time. If allowed to continue, the severity of the abuse often increases, it becomes more difficult to stop, and results in more serious injury to the child. Child Abuse Prevention Month activities across the Commonwealth, and in Orange County, will include awareness efforts with the support of “ Pinwheels for Prevention. ” The pinwheel is the shared symbol for child abuse prevention and reflects childhood hope, health, and happiness. County organizations and businesses will plant pinwheel “ gardens ” during the month of April to demonstrate Orange County ’ s commitment to preventing child abuse. The Orange County Department of Social Services and Office on Youth have partnered to sell and assemble small garden kits of pinwheels with signs that will display the Virginia Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 552 - 7096.

It is estimated that every eighty - one (81) minutes a child is abused or neglected in the Commonwealth of Virginia – it is important to know the warning signs. Several resources are available on the Families Forward (VA) webpage, including:

Signs of Child Abuse & Neglect | familiesforwardva

Report Child Abuse & Neglect in Virginia | familiesforwardva

As always, reports can be made via the Virginia Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 552 - 7096, twenty - four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. You are not required to give your name, but doing so may aid investigators. YOU can make a difference in the life of a child.

Page 3 | March, 2022

Orange County Youth Council Visits Virginia General Assembly for Youth Legislative Day Tradition

By: Alisha Vines, Director, Orange County Office on Youth

The Orange County Youth Council is a group of 8 th – 12 th grade students appointed by the Board of Supervisors to act as liaisons between the youth of Orange County and the Office on Youth. They are active throughout the year and assist with many community projects. Examples of their involvement include adopting seniors for Christmas, helping run the Father - Daughter and Mother - Son dances, raising funds for the local Animal Shelter and Michael ’ s Gift youth activities scholarship program, and more!

In addition to service, the Council advocates locally and at the state level regarding issues affecting the youth. Their advocacy has had real impacts. In fact, the Council members were called upon by Senator Bryce Reeves in 2013 to suggest steps the legislative body should consider to help prevent suicide. The Senator was inspired after hearing the Youth Council Chairman ’ s speech at the local legislative dinner that December. The group worked very hard to quickly research and craft a document for Senator Reeves ’ consideration prior to the 2014 General Assembly session in January. The Office on Youth is proud to facilitate such student involvement and help the youth utilize their voice.

To continue the tradition of involvement, the Office on Youth organizes an annual trip to the Virginia General Assembly. The trip affords the students the opportunity to meet with their state legislators and observe the General Assembly; and allows new members to learn more about state government. On February 10, 2022, members of the Orange County Youth Council traveled to Richmond with the Office on Youth Director, Program Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and a parent chaperone. The morning began with a 9:30 a.m. appointment with James Manetz,

Legislative Aide to Senator Bryce Reeves, followed by a 10:00 a.m. appointment with Delegate Nick Freitas, as both of their offices represent Orange County. Youth Council members were encouraged to prepare questions ahead of time related to topics of their concern or interest. They did not disappoint! They were very vocal and interested in how the General Assembly works, as well as hot topics in the news and issues affecting them. Mr. Manetz and Del. Freitas were generous with their time and answers. After the meetings, the Council members and chaperones walked to the Virginia State Capitol and sat in on the House of Delegates session. Delegate Freitas recognized them from the floor. Members observed the daily routine of visitor introductions as well as the start of the day ’ s business. They also learned about the Student Page Program, which allows youth to assist Delegates during session by serving as runners or helping in other ways. With the business part of the day completed, the group left for lunch and proceeded to Mission Laser RVA for team building and group activities, ending a great day on a positive note.

Page 4 | March, 2022

Drone Operations Raise Fire and EMS Response to New Heights

By: Orange County Communications Department

Great things often come in small packages. In Orange County, a device stored in a case only slightly larger than a laptop bag is already making huge impacts in emergency response. It ’ s an Enterprise Series DJI Mavic 2 drone, piloted by Orange County Firefighter/EMT Lawrence “ Casey ” Kearnes, which has already assisted in the rescue of two (2) individuals. A personal interest in aviation helped bring these new capabilities to the department. “ It began as a hobby for me. But, realizing it could be another ‘ tool - in - the - toolbox ’ for rescues, I asked [Chief Nathan Mort] and he approved, ” said Kearnes. The drone ’ s missions exclusively focus on search and rescue (SAR) and fire response. It is well - equipped for both. Armed with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology, the drone can detect “ hot spots ” (areas of increased temperature compared to the surrounding environment) and relay that information to a readout on the pilot ’ s controls. For search and rescue, this capability helps pick out a human body from the landscape, even at night. When responding to structure fires, a building section displaying as hotter is likely the “ seat ” of the fire.

The drone can provide accurate temperature readouts for a specific location from hundreds of feet in the air or help define the edges of large brush fires. Such information helps guide the efforts of first responders on the ground while keeping them safer throughout. Adaptable to mission specifics, the drone can also be equipped with a spotlight, a loudspeaker, or a beacon. Multiple batteries allow flight times over one and half (1.5) hours. To prepare for this role, Firefighter/EMT Kearnes enrolled in a self - study program with a curriculum much like that of traditional aircraft pilots, culminating in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam taken at Hanover County Municipal Airport. Due to COVID - 19, he had

to wait several weeks to find a location offering the test on a day he wasn ’ t on shift. Drawing on his background as a hobbyist and now holding a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot ’ s License, Kearnes says

experience is still key, and some only comes from the field. At a recent rescue, he learned better ways to apply the FLIR technology at different altitudes. “ Flying is one part, applying tools is another, ” noted Kearnes. This drone was purchased to facilitate “ proof - of - concept, ” but it has already demonstrated its worth and Chief Mort is considering licensing additional staff and purchasing additional drones. The decreasing price point of drone systems is easily weighed against their value in the field. When deployed from a command center - equipped vehicle, drones can transmit information to incident commanders, as well as the pilot, in real - time. The resulting connected response gives the best chance of positive outcomes during an emergency.

Page 5 | March, 2022

Certificates of Appreciation Awarded to Land Mobile Radio System Project Leaders

By: Michelle Williams, Deputy Clerk / Senior Administrative Assistant, Orange County Administration

At the Board of Supervisors ’ Meeting on February 22, 2022, Vice Chairman Crozier presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Land Mobile Radio Project Team recognizing their contributions to the development and implementation of the project. Pictured (left to right): Chief Deputy Major Mike LaCasse, Sheriff ’ s Office; Stephanie Straub, Assistant County Administrator for Operations; Assistant Chief Mike Throckmorton, Fire & EMS; Chris Cord, Emergency Communications Director; Chief Nathan Mort, Fire & EMS; and Cole Shifflett, Radio Communications Manager, Information Technology. For more information about the impact of the new radio system, read the February 2022 issue of the Orange County Insight newsletter.

Page 6 | March, 2022

What Citizens Should Expect During the Decennial Redistricting Process

By: Orange County Communications Department

Redistricting is the process of adapting voting district boundaries to better represent current populations. Across federal, state, and local levels of government, voting districts determine for which candidates a citizen is eligible to vote, as well as which district they could represent if they chose to run for office. Orange County contains five (5) voting districts, each of which is represented by one (1) member of the Board of Supervisors. The five (5) districts are nearly equal in population. The redistricting effort occurs every ten (10) years, in response to >Page i Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29

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