Orange County BEAG seeking feedback on election methods for county commission racesThe Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed the BOCC Elections Advisory Group (BEAG) in February 2021 to study how county commissioners are elected in Orange County and to recommend possible changes for consideration by the Board of Commissioners. - Click here for Spanish language version.
- Click here for a printable copy of the survey
As part of this process, the BEAG has developed a survey to gauge the public’s sentiment on how county commissioners are elected and whether or not the current method can be improved upon or should remain the same. Orange County is governed by a seven-member board of commissioners elected in partisan countywide elections. Commissioners serve four-year terms, and elections are held in even-numbered years. Two members are elected at-large, meaning the candidates can live anywhere in Orange County and are voted on by all registered voters in the county in the primary and general elections. Five commissioners are elected via a district, with three members representing District 1 (southeastern portion of the county including Chapel Hill and Carrboro) and two members representing District 2 (the rest of the county). In district elections, commissioners must reside in the district and only voters within the district vote in the primary to choose which candidates will run in the November General Election. In the General Election, all voters in the county vote in the district races. The brief, anonymous survey will take less than five minutes to complete. Responses will be taken into consideration as the BEAG develops recommendations for changes to be considered by the BOCC. The online survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XZHDPS7. Residents without Internet access can request a paper copy of the survey. Please mail your request to Orange County BEAG Survey, PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278, or call (919) 245-2302 and leave your name and address. The online survey will close at midnight June 22. Paper surveys must be returned by June 23. After the BOCC receives the BEAG report and recommendations, the board will solicit public comments and feedback before considering changes to the election process. Any changes to how commissioners are elected must be approved either by voters through a referendum or by an act of the N.C. General Assembly. |
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Animal Services reminds pet owners about heat and hot car dangersOrange County Animal Services reminds residents to be mindful of pets during the hot temperatures that arrive with summer. Temperatures in our area often climb above ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit during this time of year. Knowing the dangers for pets is a critical part of responsible pet ownership. One of the biggest areas for concern is people leaving pets inside cars during summer months. Temperatures inside parked vehicles can reach deadly levels in only a matter of minutes, even if parked in the shade and even with all the windows cracked. In Orange County, it is against the law to leave animals inside a parked car if the outside temperature exceeds seventy (70) degrees Fahrenheit. Because pets cannot sweat, their bodies cannot regulate temperature like humans, and they can go into irreversible organ failure that is often fatal in only a matter of minutes inside a car or other overly heated environment. Other dangers are also present during extreme heat, including pets who do not have access to fresh water and shade. Pets may become dehydrated quickly and it is critical that they have shade to protect them from the sun. Walking pets in extreme temperatures is not advised, as the heat can cause heatstroke and the pavement can cause quick damage to the feet of walked pets. Temperatures of these kinds are even harder on senior pets and pets with medical conditions. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also offers more information about hot weather dangers for pets at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips.
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Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO Seeks Comment on Transportation Needs AnalysisIf you’re interested in highway, bicycle, multi-use paths, and transit projects for our region, you’re invited to give your feedback now on an assessment of future transportation needs. The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) is seeking public feedback on the Deficiency and Needs Analysis for the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The 2050 MTP identifies future highway, transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation projects for this region over the next 30 years. The DCHC MPO is updating the 2050 MTP this fall, and will use the public input received on the Deficiency and Needs Analysis as part of their efforts to model future population and employment projections to identify where roadway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation investments will be needed in the coming decades. Residents and other stakeholders are asked to review the Deficiency and Needs Analysis at the DCHC MPO website and provide comments by email no later than Wednesday, June 30. For more information about the 2050 MTP, contact DCHC MPO Principal Planner Andy Henry at (919) 560-4366, ext. 36419 or by email. |
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Orange County Arts Commission announces 2021-22 Arts Grants program
The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) announced the opening of the 2020-21 Arts Grants Application Period on Tuesday, May 18. Approximately $60,000, funded by the North Carolina Arts Council and Orange County, will fund artist, school and nonprofit arts programs and projects taking place between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
Two grants are available: Artist Project Grants fund individual artist-led projects that benefit the greater community Grassroots Arts Program Grants fund arts programs, projects, and services through area nonprofits, schools, and municipal organizations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s school grant cycle will take place later this fall.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 30, 2021. All applications must be submitted through the OCAC’s online submission program. For more information, including guidelines and criteria, please visit the arts commission’s website at www.artsorange.org, call 919-245-2335 or email arts@orangecountync.gov.
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County seeking feedback on Emergency Housing Assistance program through virtual sessionsEmPOWERment Inc., in partnership with Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, is holding two virtual listening sessions June 22 at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to hear community feedback on Orange County’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHA).
The deadline to register is June 16. Interested participants can sign up for a session by calling (919) 391-5109. Attendees of the sessions will receive a $25 gift card for their feedback on how Orange County can improve the EHA program. |
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 We invite people of all backgrounds and generations to take part in this community read and discussion. The book that has been selected is, The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. Special Guest, Hillsborough Mayor, Jenn Weaver will lead the discussion. Program cosponsored by the Orange County Public Library and the Town of Hillsborough. Register by: Thursday, June 17, call 919-245-2015
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Orange County to host presentation on home funeralsThe Orange County Department on Aging and the Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team invite the public to attend a virtual presentation, Home Sweet Home Funerals, on June 22. Sara Williams, founder of Shrouding Sisters www.shroudingsisters.com, will discuss alternatives to conventional funeral ceremonies. Sara will present information regarding the care, ceremony, and honoring of a body while keeping a loved one at home. Valuable information will be provided on the legalities and other components of family-directed home funerals. The FREE virtual event will take place on Tuesday, June 22, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. The room will accept entry beginning at 3:50 p.m. to assist with any questions or platform issues prior to the start of the program. To register, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/HomeFunerals. If technology assistance is needed, please contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 by Monday, June 21. Upcoming activities at the Orange County Senior CentersJuneteenth: A virtual storytelling eventJoin us to commemorate the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Talented storyteller, Tyris Jones, will take us on a journey with this virtual performance presented by True Dreams Productions. Min: 10/ Max: 25 Register by: Saturday, June 12, call 919-968-2070 or onlineFee: FREE Location: Virtual Phone #/Link: Provided after registration Date: Saturday, June 19 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Activity Code: (357106-01) New to Medicare? Join our Welcome to Medicare ClassIf you’re turning 65 soon, you’re probably being bombarded by mailings about Medicare. This free online class will provide valuable information whether you’re retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work. You’ll learn how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. There’s no fee, but you do need to register at call 919-245-4274 and select option 2. Leave us your name, phone and email address. You’ll receive a confirmation email and a second email the morning of the class that includes a link to join our Zoom Meeting. Register by: Calling 919-245-4274, option 2. Fee: FREE Location: Virtual Link/Phone#: Provided after Registration Date: Tuesday, June 22 Time: 6-7:30 p.m. What to Do After My COVID VaccineAm I safe to travel? Should I keep wearing a mask? Can I see my loved ones? These are all common questions after you complete your series of COVID vaccine. Dr. DeLon Canterbury, Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, will share safety tips and resources to track your symptoms after the COVID vaccine and how you can prevent the spread of COVID. Dr. Cantebury is the founder and director of GeriatRx, a pharmacist based consulting service for all adult populations with a specific interest in the well-being and quality management of elderly patients. Register: Email Lbrown@orangecountync.govPhone #/Link: Provided after registration Location: Virtual
Speaker: DeLon Canterbury, PharmD, BCGP Date: Tuesday, June 22 Time: 10 a.m. Activity Code: (232263-06) |
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