Winter Safety: Understanding Wind Chill Hypothermia

Michael EckertIssue 4, Lake Anna Weather

Wind chill is a measure used to account for the rate of heat loss from living organisms. It affects people and animals only; nonliving objects such as buildings, trees and vehicles are not impacted by wind chill.Wind chill represents an apparent temperature — how cold it feels rather than the actual air temperature. The wind chill formula was updated in …

Sweet Reasons Brings National Spotlight to Local Baking

Jen BaileyIssue 4

From the very beginning, Sweet Reasons was built on a belief that dessert should feel indulgent, intentional, and made with heart. That belief was affirmed on a national stage when Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, tasted one of Sweet Reasons’ creations on Cupcake Wars. “Your cupcake was just a beautiful combination of flavor and texture. It was really indulgent …

Wine, Firelight, History:Inside a Stay at Barboursville Vineyard’s 1804 Inn

Dave RichardsIssue 4

A night at the 1804 Inn will create memories you will cherish forever. This theory of mine is corroborated by the dozens of adoring comments left in the guest book in the Octagon Suite by returning guests, and by the expressed desire of first-timers to return for their next most special occasion. What are the ingredients of such a magical …

Behind the Curtain: a Thriving Drama Program at OCHS

Doug PontonFeatured, Issue 4, Sports, The Orange County Voice

At Orange County High School, the drama program is far more than brilliant lighting, impressive set design and curtain calls. It is an energetic network in which the success of the program rests on a blend of focused leadership, inclusive community building, proactive learning, and strong administrative and civic support. Led by the passionate and innovative director of the OCHS …

Winter Prep that Pays Off

Pat LicataIssue 4, Real Estate, The Orange County Voice

Here in Orange County, we’ve already felt those first freezing temperatures, and winter has officially settled in. As we head into early 2026, a little preparation now can save a lot of stress later. Think of this as a seasonal reset for your home—practical, preventative, and well worth the effort. Keep the Heat Working for You: With colder weather, your …

Opinion: Data Centers Coming to a County Near You

Dave DaviesIssue 4, The Orange County Voice

Data centers are an international news topic, and Virginia has become the epicenter of this technology. According to Datacentermap.com, a clearinghouse that has tracked data centers since 2007, there are currently more than 4,000 data centers in the United States and more than 600 data centers are in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with many more in various stages of the …

chad davis photogrpahy

Orange County Considers New Technology Zoning District to Regulate Data Center Development

Jen BaileyFeatured, Issue 4

Orange County officials are advancing a proposed zoning change aimed at regulating how data centers could be developed in the county, as leaders work to modernize land-use policies and establish clear standards before large-scale technology projects move forward. The proposed Technology (T) Zoning District, developed by the Orange County Planning Commission, would create a zoning classification and accompanying regulations specifically …

Dennis Horton Named 2025 Joe Formica Award Recipient

Jen BaileyFeatured, Issue 4, The Orange County Voice

Shannon Horton stood before members of the Richmond Wine Society this year carrying both pride and remembrance as she accepted the 2025 Joe Formica Award, honoring the legacy of her late father, Dennis Horton, whose early vision helped shape what is now considered one of the most respected wine regions on the East Coast. Dennis Horton was a foundational figure …

Best of Orange Citizens’ Choice Gold Awards

Jen BaileyFeatured, Issue 3, The Orange County Voice

The Orange County Voice is devoted to celebrating local excellence in our community. We’ve done that through telling stories. Now, for the first time, we’ve asked you – our readeres – to nominate and vote for members of our community who are doing great things. From local businesses to local leaders and heroes, musicians and locations around the county – …