Orange County names first Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer

Dr. Shameka Fairbanks has been hired as Orange County’s first Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer, county manager Bonnie Hammersley announced. Dr. Fairbanks comes to Orange County from the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, where she serves as Health Equity Manager.

“Dr. Fairbanks is a highly accomplished professional with a passion for social justice and equity issues,” said Hammersley. “She has a proven track record of identifying prospects for community-based initiatives and building the relationships needed to bring them to fruition. This position will further the Board of Commissioners’ goal of fostering a community culture that rejects oppression and inequity.”

“I am honored to join Orange County as the new Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer,” said Dr. Fairbanks. “I hope to build relationships with community members and leaders, business partners, and government personnel to cultivate partnerships and to broaden outreach efforts and advocacy for initiatives that focus on equity and wellness in the community. I am looking forward to helping the county move towards transformative and innovative measures so we can build a stronger community.”

Fairbanks will be responsible for implementing Orange County’s One Orange goals to integrate equity in the organization through practical and impactful policies, procedures, programs and services. She will lead the county’s Government Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE) Workgroup, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Workgroup, provide support and consultation to departments/agencies and propel the countywide strategy for advancing equity and inclusion into organizational culture and service delivery in the county and its communities.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Fairbanks.

OC Arts Commission offers many camps, classes for youth

We want ALL youth to be able enjoy the benefits of self expression, regardless of financial standing. Please complete our Youth Scholarship Application if you need financial assistance. Check back often, as more classes and camps are added. All camps take place in our classroom at the Eno Arts Mill. (NOTE: Vault Theater’s Musical Theater Camp will take place in our classroom and at the Expedition School next door).

Creative Writing Workshop for Aspiring Writers with Ruben Watson
Wednesdays, July 6-27
6-7 p.m.
Ages 8-14
$80

Guitar & Vox Rocks Songwriting Camp with James Easteppe & Mary DeFir
July 5-8 | Ages 6-10 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
August 1-5 | Ages 15-18 | 1:30-5:30 p.m.
$100 per person

Musical Theatre Summer Camp with Vault Theater
July 11-July 15
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 7-15
$275 per person

World Music Drumming Camp with Greg Whitt of Drum for Change
July 25-29 | 9 a.m. - Noon
Ages 8-10
$200

Watercolor Camp with Ryann Carey
July 18-22 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
August 8-12 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ages 12+
$100

Camp Crafty Diva: Fiber Arts for Kids with Michelle Spaulding
July 18-22
1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ages 8+
$100

Click here for more information and to register.

Graphic for Time Slips Engagement Party at Seymour Center

Orange County Community Climate Action Grant –– Applications Now Open for FY22-23 Funding

The application period for Orange County’s Community Climate Action Grant is now open for FY22-23. The process for soliciting and selecting projects to receive funding is being conducted through a formal grant program. The deadline to apply is Aug. 19.

An estimated $275,075 in funding will be provided to support expansion of climate change mitigation and resilience projects that build on Orange County’s long history of sustainable actions. An additional $275,075 in funding will be set aside to fund applications submitted under this grant program from either of Orange County’s two public school districts.
Details on grant eligibility, scoring and application materials are available at the grant program website: www.orangecountync.gov/CCAGP.

Click here for more information.

Orange County to host “Welcome to Medicare” seminars

The Orange County Department on Aging and the NC Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) has partnered with the Orange County Public Library to host free “Welcome to Medicare” seminars.

The seminar topics will introduce Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, Part D Prescription Drug Coverage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, and programs to assist with Medicare costs.

The seminars are free and open to the public. However, space is limited so participants are encouraged to register in advance.
Seminar Dates and Times

Wednesday, June 29, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Orange County Public Library
137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough NC
Register at 919-245-2015 by Tuesday, June 28

Wednesday, July 13, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Online Class using Zoom
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_july
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Monday, August 15, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Orange County Public Library
137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough NC
Register at 919-245-2015 by Friday, August 12

In addition, certified counselors are available to meet with you individually, in-person or virtually via Zoom, to explain the basics of Medicare. Book an appointment online or call 919-245-4274.

SAFE senior athlete physical exam graphic

The Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) is coming to the Great Hall at the Jerry M Passmore Center!

Orange County announces closings for Juneteenth

Orange County Government will be closed Monday, June 20, in observance of Juneteenth. All county administrative offices will be closed and will reopen Tuesday, June 21.

Please note the following changes:

Recycling pick-up scheduled for Monday, June 20, will be collected on Saturday, June 25. Please have carts out by 7 a.m.
The Orange County Health Department’s COVID vaccine clinic at Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill will be closed on Monday. To schedule an appointment, visit takemyshot.nc.gov/.
Both COVID testing sites, in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, will be open. No appointment is required, but registration is encouraged.
Any animal control emergency issues should be reported to 9-1-1.

Orange County recreation program guide graphic for July - September

In-Person Registration: Visit the Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agricultural Center, Suite 140, 1020 US 70 West, Hillsborough during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed County holidays.

Online: Click the graphic for online registration. If you or your family has participated with us before and you do not know your account information, call 919.245.2660 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) for further assistance.

Health Department Releases 2021
State of the County Health Report

The Orange County Health Department has released the 2021 State of the County Health Report (SOTCH). This report is conducted every year in between the Community Health Assessment (CHA), which is released every four years. Results from the 2019 CHA, which includes secondary data, opinion surveys, and community input sessions, resulted in the identification of the three priority areas that will be addressed through 2024. Those priority areas are:

Access to Care
Health Behaviors
Health Equity

The SOTCH provides an update on local health concerns and the actions being taken to address them. It uses the most recent data to highlight the leading Orange County (OC) causes of death and disease, and progress towards addressing the leading health concerns that were identified in the 2019 Community Health Assessment. The 2021 SOTCH is now available on the Healthy Carolinians of Orange County website and is available for printing upon request.

Click here for more information.

Juneteenth graphic from Orange County library

Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021, recognizes the end to the practice of enslaving Black people and others in the United States. The Orange County library has created a Zine about Juneteenth.. Download your free copy to find out more about the newest Federal holiday and how you can honor this important day in US history.

Notice of Public Meeting, 30-Day Public Comment Period and Public Hearing for ADA Paratransit Plan

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Orange Public Transportation Services (OCTS) provide complementary ADA-accessible paratransit service to eligible persons within three-quarters of a mile of its fixed-route service at concurrent times and dates to the routes and hours of fixed-route operation.

Presentation of the OCTS ADA Paratransit Plan and associated policies will be provided at a public meeting held by OCTS staff Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Orange County North Campus, Bonnie B Davis EAC Building located at 1020 US-70 West, Hillsborough, NC 27278. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the current adopted 2015 ADA Paratransit Plan.

The revised plan will be available for review on the OCTS website (http://www.co.orange.nc.us/transportation/); in the administrative office located at 600 Highway 86 N, Hillsborough, NC, 27278 during the 30-day public comment period starting Thursday, July 21, 2022, and ending Friday, Aug. 19, 2022.

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on Sept. 6, 2022, at 7 p.m. at the Whitted Building located at 300 W. Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, at which time a presentation of the Updated ADA Paratransit Plan will be provided and the public will be given an opportunity to comment.

For further information on the plan or to submit comments, please contact Nishith Trivedi, Orange County Transportation Services Interim Director at (919) 245-2007 or email at ntrivedi@orangecountync.gov.

Department on Aging accepting nominations for 2022 Direct Care Worker Awards

Orange County Department on Aging and the community group, Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP), will host the eighth annual SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards.

Nominations will be accepted from June 15 – Sept. 15, 2022. A recognition ceremony will be held for award winners on Thursday, Nov. 3.

This event is in honor of Direct Care Workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who affect their clients’ lives on a daily basis and make a difference in the Orange County community.

“Direct care workers provide crucial hands-on care to our older adults. They are frontline heroes quietly meeting the daily needs of their clients,” said Janice Tyler, director of Orange County Department on Aging. “We want them to know that they are valued and essential to our community; deserving of our support and praise.”

In recognition of the outstanding service provided by direct care workers, the Department on Aging and SHARP will present awards in the following categories: Client Impact, Longevity, Leadership, Going the Extra Mile, and Rising Star. One person will be chosen as the “Direct Care Worker of the Year.”

To be eligible, direct care workers must have served clients in Orange County within the past year. Each person may be nominated in two categories. Nominees must have provided direct care to clients and have at least six consecutive months of service in the past year.

For more information about the awards and to nominate a direct care worker, please complete the online or downloadable nomination form at: www.orangecountync.gov/SHARPAwards.

www.orangecountync.gov