Orange County wins two VACO Achievement Awards for recycling and maintenance training programs

Orange County received two Achievement Awards from the Virginia Association of Counties (VACO) for local programs on plastic film recycling and facility maintenance staff training, VACO representative Jeremy Bennett announced at the board meeting.

Bennett, identified as the director of intergovernmental affairs with VACO, described the association’s awards program and noted Orange County was among 45 winners chosen from a record 145 entries. He named the two winning programs as the facility maintenance staff education program and the plastic film recycling initiative.

A county presenter described the plastic film recycling effort: the Litter Control Committee partnered with Trex to place collection boxes around the county; after collecting 500 pounds of film the county can exchange it for a Trex bench. The presenter said the county has collected more than 1,200 pounds of plastic bags so far and credited volunteers, especially Karen Gibson, for the effort.

The maintenance training was described as a partnership with Germanna Community College and Ben Sherman, providing continuing education and on-site practicum where trainees assist with actual county HVAC, carpentry, electrical and plumbing tickets. The program was presented as both workforce development and a cost-saving measure for county facilities.

Jeremy Bennett offered to share photos and recognition materials with VACO membership and the county agreed to take photos for VACO’s newsletter and conference.

Board members applauded the recognition and thanked staff and volunteers for the programs.