Tax office recognized with statewide award for third year in row

Orange County Tax Office received the distinguished assessment jurisdiction for 2018 by the North Carolina Association of Assessing Officers. Each year, the NCAAO recognizes three counties for the Joseph E. Hunt Distinguished Jurisdiction Award.

The award recognizes excellence in areas of property tax assessment/collection, the implementation of a project, or endeavors to enhance the overall effectiveness of a county tax department.

The NCAAO chooses one county in each of three categories based on population--small, medium and large. Orange County was again chosen as the medium-sized county winner.

"The tax office is committed to providing innovative, outstanding customer service to our residents and taxpayers," said Orange County Tax Administrator Dwane Brinson. "We are excited to be recognized for the team's' dedication."

Orange County Economic Development and Cooperative Extension Services will host the annual Ag Summit on Feb. 11 at the Cedar Grove Community Center. Topics to be discussed include Farm Bill, industrial hemp, NC Farmlink & Silviculture. Registration is free and lunch is included.

Recreation Division recruiting for summer camp positions

Orange County Recreation is currently taking applications for our summer camp positions. The department is seeking paid counselors and volunteers to serve as counselors in training.

Counselor In Training (C. I. T.)

13-15-years-old
Application form and process available online (includes information about interview and training schedule, fees, etc.)
Application due March 8

Camp Counselor

Application available online at the County’s HR website.
Position closes February 24

The Recreation Division sponsors a variety of camps each summer on activities like Arts and Crafts, Cooking, Lego Building, Electronics, Science, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Football, Cheerleading, Running, Drama/Theatre, Wood Working and Volleyball. These are ideal jobs for high school and college kids looking to earn extra money during summer break. Camps begin the week of June 12 and run through the week of Aug. 19.

Public invited to Pauli Murray Awards program in February

The Orange County Human Relations Commission is holding the 29th Annual Pauli Murray Awards on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 3-5 p.m. at the Whitted Building (300 W. Tryon St. in Hillsborough). The award is presented annually to an Orange County adult, business and/or youth that embody the attributes and spirit of Dr. Pauli Murray by serving the community with distinction in the pursuit of equality, justice and human rights for all citizens.

This year’s ceremony will honor Lorie Clark as the adult awardee and Joe Van Gogh as the business awardee. Ms. Clark has spent a large portion of her career as staff with the Blue Ribbon Mentor Advocate Program of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, where she provides students opportunities, resources, and enrichment to be successful in high school and beyond. Joe Van Gogh is owned by Robbie Roberts, who values diversity in his establishment and shows appreciation for employees by being certified as an Orange County Living Wage employer.

The keynote address will be given by Dr. Blair L.M. Kelley, Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary Studies and International Programs for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at North Carolina State University.

Orange County HIgh School's Senior Livestock Judging Team won a statewide competition sponsored by the Future Farmers of America in November and will compete in the nationals this fall. They were honored during Tuesday's Board of County Commissioners meeting with a proclamation. Vice Chair Renee Price (center) presents the plaque to Cole Watkins, a teacher at Orange High School.

Department on Aging accepting nominations for 2019 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 fifth annual SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards.

Nominations will be accepted from February 15 – April 15, 2019. A recognition ceremony will be held for award winners on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

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.

Click here for more information.

ConnectMore at Seymour program offers social support for seniors

The Department of Aging offers a program at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill to help seniors meet people and make new friends. If you have a friend or relative who would like to increase their social engagements, the Seymour Center is the place to be.

The center offers many daily programs for seniors, including exercise classes, crafts, games and more. It's a great place to make new friends and renew old acquaintances.

The ConnectMore at Seymour program helps seniors find support in navigating the many activities at the center. Family and paid caregivers are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Staff at the center will provide information about social services at the Department on Aging as well.

For more information, please contact Lisa Meinert at lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or call 919-245-4251.

Upcoming events at the Senior Centers graphic

www.orangecountync.gov