Applicants Needed For Volunteer Boards And Commissions

One way residents can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to serve on a volunteer board or commission. The Orange County Board of Commissioners is currently recruiting applicants for the following boards and commissions:

Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Advisory Board on Aging
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Agricultural Preservation Board
Animal Services Advisory Board
Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool
Board of Equalization and Review
Commission for the Environment
Historic Preservation Commission
Human Relations Commission
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Orange County Housing Authority Board
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Orange Unified Transportation Board

If interested in serving on any of these boards, view requirements and apply at www.orangecountync.gov/Apply.

Orange County strives for authentically diverse representation on volunteer boards and commissions. Residents of all demographic backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside in Orange County. Volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have the opportunity to directly influence the County’s decisions, policies, and priorities.

For additional information contact Tara May at 919-245-2125 or tmay@orangecountync.gov.

Photo of groundbreaking for Orange County EMS Substation in Efland

Orange County commissioners (beginning third from left) Jamezetta Bedford, Amy Fowler, Renee Price and Sally Greene are joined by officials with Orange County Emergency Services, including director Kirby Saunders (far left) and Orange County administration to break ground on a new standalone EMS substation on Highway 70 West in Efland. The facility is expected to be complete next summer and will include two ambulance bays and administrative space for the county medical examiner.

Registration for Preschool Academy, After School Program opens July 15

Preschool Academy
Preschool Academy is the perfect in-person classroom for your little one. Our curriculum-based learning uses age-appropriate activities to each students ages 3-5-years-old numbers, letters, colors, rhythm and science. Based on the weekly theme, students will partake in a wide variety of activities each day. The program includes academic enrichment and socialization opportunities. Snack is provided.

Visit the Orange County website to learn more.

After School
Orange County Recreation Division also offers an After School Program that provides enrichment learning, including physical activity and fitness, homework assistance, STEAM-based activities in the areas of science, engineering, art, music and much more. Transportation provided from Central, Pathways, and River Park Elementary Schools.

Priority registration is given to returning students. For August/September enrollment, open spaces will be filled first-come, first-served, beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 15.

Click here for more information.

Subscribe to Orange County Climate Connection newsletter

The Orange County Climate Connection is a new quarterly sustainability newsletter highlighting the ways we are “greening” Orange. Each issue will spotlight County and community-wide sustainability projects aimed at combating climate change and making a positive difference in our community.

Click here to subscribe.

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.

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).

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.

Orange County Library virtual author events graphic

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