Orange County rejoins the Research Triangle Regional Partnership

The Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) is excited to announce that the County Commissioners of Orange County have agreed to once again become a member of the RTRP, growing the organization to 13 member counties and the Research Triangle Foundation. The RTRP will work closely with Orange County’s economic development team to grow the county’s brand and attract new investments.

As the primary organization focused on marketing the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina nationally and internationally, expanding its geographic footprint to include Orange County helps the RTRP attract more diverse and unique companies with a wide range of relocation or expansion needs.

“Orange County is excited to be rejoining the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, as we expect this collaboration to enhance our efforts to market our community to corporate investors, attract new business, add to the tax base, offer high-skilled jobs, and generally expand our economic vitality,” said Renee A. Price, Commissioner/Chair Board of County Commissioners Orange County, North Carolina

The 13-county region comprises the Research Triangle which gets its name from Research Triangle Park and three Tier 1 research universities—Duke University, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—located only minutes apart. Along with the vibrant rural and urban communities, an average commute of 24 minutes, highly skilled talent and low tax rates, make the Research Triangle Region one of the top places to live and do business.

NorthState begins work on Orange County fiber project

Photo of NorthState employees on the ground in Orange County

Engineers and staff from NorthState are on the ground in Orange County working on the broadband project approved by the Board of Commissioners earlier this year. Orange County is using $10 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide fiber service to 6,370 addresses in unserved and underserved areas. NorthState’s own investment expands the project and will result in access to best-in-class fiber technology and a competitive choice for fiber service for an additional 20,000 Orange County homes and businesses.

Erin Sapienza was named Orange County Library Director on July 17.

Orange County names Sapienza as Library Director

Erin Sapienza was named Orange County Library Director, county manager Bonnie Hammersley announced Monday. Sapienza, who started with Orange County Public Library in June 2013, had been serving as interim Director since last October.

“Erin’s familiarity with Orange County Public Library and her leadership qualities make her the ideal choice,” said Hammersley. “She knows the people the library serves and has a clear vision for the role the library can play in our community.”

Sapienza has more than nine years of library experience with Orange County and began her career here as a Branch Manager. She managed the budget, hired and supervised staff and worked with local community leaders to develop programming in both branches.

In October 2015 she was promoted to Community Services Librarian and in March 2020 was named Assistant Library Director. When former director Lucinda Munger resigned last October, Hammersley named Sapienza interim director while the county searched for a permanent replacement.

“I love this community and feel honored to serve as the Library Director,” she said. “Much of my library career has focused on community engagement, and I am eager to continue collaborative work that addresses the needs of our residents.”

NC Agriculture Cost Share Funds Available Soon

The Orange Soil and Water Conservation District receives cost-share allocation from the State each year for non-point source pollution control from agriculture activities. These funds assist farmers in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to decrease the amount of sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, animal waste, chemicals, and other pollutants entering surface and ground waters

Landowners and operators may apply for technical and cost-share assistance to install BMPs such as animal waste storage facilities, mortality management systems, wells and watering troughs in conjunction with livestock exclusion fencing from streams, heavy use areas, animal trails and stream crossings, closure of waste impoundments, cropland conversions, sod-based rotations, grassed waterways, field borders and diversions.

For a complete list of BMPs available and other cost-share programs to improve water
quality and enhance agriculture operations, go to Orange County Soil and Water Conservation’s website at www.orangecountync.gov/soilwater (see Financial Assistance).

An initial sign up will be held through Aug. 19 for landowners and operators requesting technical and cost-share assistance on practices. Technical assistance will be provided throughout the year and cost share assistance for as long as funding is available.

To apply for cost share assistance and other agricultural funding programs, please contact Kenny Ray, Todd Roberts or Jessica Perrin at (919) 245-2750.

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.

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