The Orange County Board of Commissioners will have a vacancy on the board after July 31, 2021. Individuals interested in serving can apply through Clerk to the Board.

Applicants must be registered Democrats and live in District 1 in Orange County, North Carolina. Applications are due to the Clerk to the Board by July 19, 2021, at 5 p.m.

The application may be downloaded here. Interested individuals can also obtain a copy of the application by contacting the Clerk to the Board at 919-245-2130 or by emailing clerk@orangecountync.gov.

For further information on the process to fill the vacancy, please visit our website or contact the Clerk to the Board at 919-245-2130 or email clerk@orangecountync.gov.

The person chosen by the Board of Commissioners will serve until Dec.1, 2022. An election will be held in 2022 to fill the remaining two years of the unexpired term.

Orange County Department on Aging is pleased to welcome participants back to in-person group activities at both senior centers.

“Throughout the pandemic we have continued to serve older adults, their families and caregivers by way of phone, virtual, outdoor and one-on-one programming. Now it is time to start bringing back our indoor programs,” said Janice Tyler, Department on Aging director. “I am happy to announce we have resumed indoor group programs and activities.”

Both centers again offer indoor programming with limited capacity. In addition, Individual activities are available by reservation, including table tennis, billiards, fitness center, fit feet clinic, and more. Many programs will be offered in a hybrid model, with in-person and online options. Furthermore, outdoor spaces are available for gathering with friends. Lunch service will continue to be offered curbside.

“We are excited to begin slowly welcoming everyone back for indoor programming.” Tyler said, “As always, the safety of our participants and staff will remain foremost in our plans as we gradually phase in more and more activities.” 

Participants must pre-register for programs and activities, and sign in upon arrival. While inside, masks and social distancing will remain in place at both centers.

For assistance or more information about programs offered, please contact the Passmore Center (919-245-2015), Seymour Center (919-968-2070), or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.

Department on Aging Direct Care Worker Award nominations now open!

On June 15, 2021, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to extend the 2021 Orange County Board of Equalization and Review Formal Appeal adjournment date from June 30, 2021, to Sept. 1, 2021.

The purpose of this extension is to allow additional time for property owners to formally appeal their 2021 property values to the Board of Equalization and Review.

Instructions and the Formal Notice of Appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review are available on the Orange County website: http://www.orangecountync.gov/806/Appeals.
Property owners may file a formal appeal online at https://appeals.spatialest.com/nc-orange. 

To receive a paper copy of the form, email reval@orangecountync.gov or call 919-245-2100, option 2. All formal appeals must be submitted prior to the Board’s adjournment on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

The Orange County Department on Aging and the Project EngAGE Mental Wellness Senior Resource Team invite the public to attend a virtual presentation, Let’s Talk About Self Care, on July 22.

In celebration of National Self Care Day, let’s focus on the importance of taking a little time to care for ourselves. Amid a global pandemic that has disrupted people's health, work and family lives, self-care seems to be needed today more than ever. Join Annie Deaver, LMSW as she presents on the importance of the practice of individuals looking after their own health based on the knowledge and information available to them. This program is hosted by the Project EngAGE Mental Wellness SRT. 

The event will take place on Thursday, July 22, from 4-5:30 p.m. via a virtual platform. Please register using the link www.orangecountync.gov/LetsTalkAboutSelfCare 

If technology assistance is needed, please contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 by Monday, July 20.

Orange County Department of Social Services reminds residents to develop the habit to “Check for Baby” when exiting and locking cars. As the summer months are upon us and temperatures continue to rise, be mindful and develop a routine to always check the back seat before leaving the car. 100% of infant hot car deaths are preventable. Yet, over 50 children died in hot cars in 2018 and in 2019.

While it may seem easier to leave a child in the car for a quick trip into the store, remember that a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. Temperatures inside cars can reach 115 degrees when it’s only 70 degrees outside. Never leave a child unattended in the car and remember to leave cars locked when not in use – 26% of hot car deaths occur when children get inside unattended vehicles.

Be vigilant in parking lots. If you see an unattended child, check to make sure the child is responsive and if not, call 911 immediately. Attempt to locate the parents if the child is responsive.  

Helpful tips to prevent accidentally leaving a child in the car:

1. Place a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is in the car seat, move the stuffed animal to the passenger seat as a reminder that you have a child with you.
2. Place your cell phone, wallet, briefcase, or purse in the back seat as a reminder that you have a child in the car.
3. Develop a routine to “check for baby” before exiting the vehicle.

For more facts, tips, and safety-related information related to heatstroke deaths in children, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Child Safety site at https://www.nhtsa.gov/child-safety/you-can-help-prevent-hot-car-deaths.